The
Highlights Tour
On
day two of the "Dancing with Volcanoes" vacation package,
you will be treated to a fantastic tour that will acquaint you with
Costa Rica's diversity. This tour has been carefully designed to include
some of the most refreshing, breathtaking scenery in Costa Rica.
6:15
a.m.
You
will be picked up at the hotel in San José.
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.
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