The Highlights Tour

On day two of the vacation package, you will be treated to a fantastic tour that will acquaint you with Costa Rica's diversity. This tour, actually four tours in one, has been carefully designed to include some of the most refreshing, breathtaking scenery in Costa Rica.

8:00 a.m. Breakfast and Coffee

On your way to Poás Volcano National Park travel past country towns and highland forests, stopping for breakfast at the beautiful Siempre Verde coffee plantation surrounded by tropical gardens and breathtaking views.

At the coffee farm sample Costa Rica's award winning Tres Genera- ciones Coffee and take a relaxing tour through some of the most fertile farmlands in Central America as your guide explains "hands on" the coffee growing process.

9:30 a.m. Poás Volcano and Cloud Forest

On the cool summit of the Poás Volcano at 2500 mts. (8200 ft.) walk through an exuberant, primeval cloud forest, laden with epiphytes, moss, giant leaves, tree ferns, elfin forests, hummingbirds and colorful blossoms.

After a short walk through the forest, witness one of the largest most spectacular active craters in the world, with its awesome variety of colors, surrounded by lush vegetation and treasuring a steaming, sulfur lagoon at its center.

12:00 p.m. Waterfalls and Hummingbirds

Continue on a lovely route past high volcanic edifices, through deep canyons, jungles and streams, stopping for photos at the beautiful La Paz Waterfall followed by a coffee break at a Hummingbird Gallery overlooking the impressive 250 ft. high San Fernando Waterfall.

On the Caribbean Plain experience an entirely different world of warm tropical weather and vegetation, driving past colorful little towns, cacao and banana plantations, pineapple fields and Brahma bull ranches, taking plenty of time to enjoy the scenery along the way.

1:00 p.m. Lunch at Selva Verde Jungle Lodge

Enter an entirely different world of warm tropical weather and vegetation when you stop for lunch at Selva Verde Lodge, one of the most beautiful rainforest lodges in Costa Rica where you'll be treated to a delicious "buffet in the jungle" in their restaurant on the banks of the Sarapiquí River.

After lunch, join our naturalist guide for a short but enlightening walk through the rainforest trails or relax and spend some time on your own surrounded by exuberant vegetation and the timeless sounds of the tropical rainforest.

2:30 p.m. Sarapiquí Jungle River

Later board a comfortable covered boat and gently float down the beautiful Sarapiquí River on the lookout for iguanas, monkeys, crocodiles, sloth and colorful birds while intimately experiencing the biological diversity of the rainforest that thrives along the banks of the river.

During the jungle cruise, also get a glimpse at the way of life of the Costa Ricans in this remote area near Nicaragua as you drift past picturesque jungle homes, dugout canoes, banana plantations or children playing along the banks of the river.

5:30 p.m. Drive Through Braulio Carrillo National Park

Return to San José through the heart of Braulio Carrillo National Park, a protected area of more than 500 square kms. of towering mountains and virgin tropical rainforests, traveling along one of the most spectacular jungle roads of Costa Rica.

The volcano is sometimes cold so bring a sweater or jacket - It can rain in the rainforest so take an umbrella or a poncho - Wear comfortable walking shoes - The river can be warm and humid so wear light clothing - Bottled water is available throughout the tour route - Binoculars and camera are recommended.