Expedition Details
Go deep into the rain forests of Costa Rica where sloths laze and monkeys frolic amid rare tropical plants. Soar through the cloud forest canopy on a zip line, swim in crystal pools below waterfalls, explore the Arenal Volcano, and go white-water rafting down pristine jungle waterways. Discover Manuel Antonio National Park on foot or by sailboat, and snorkel amid coral reefs.Trip Highlights
- Navigate Class III-IV rapids on the Pacuare River or enjoy a gentle bird-watching cruise on the Sarapiquí River.
- Explore La Selva Biological Station, one of the most important rainforest research areas in the world.
- Traverse through the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy of Monteverde by zip-line or on foot.
- Marvel at monkeys, sloths and reptiles on a nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park, or set sail on a catamaran to watch for dolphins and other marine life.
Itinerary - 8 Days
Day 1 — Miami/San José, Costa Rica
Arrive in San José and drive to the Sueño Azul Resort, located near the Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Day 2 — White-water Rafting or River Float Trip
Today, choose between a white-water rafting adventure on the beautiful Pacuare River (Class III-IV) or a scenic float trip on the Sarapiquí River. On both excursions, encounter a diversity of wildlife in a lush tropical setting.
(B,L,D)
Day 3 — La Selva Biological Station/Arenal
Discover tiny frogs, colorful birds, and monkeys on a nature walk with local researchers through La Selva Biological Station—one of the most important tropical rain forest research sites in the world. Later, travel to the Arenal Volcano. Step out onto the observation deck at your lodge for a chance to see its fiery eruptions.
Arenal Observatory Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Arenal Volcano/Hot Springs
Venture into the jungle at the base of Arenal Volcano to see wildlife and lush tropical vegetation. Then take a dip in soothing thermal pools and waterfalls of natural hot springs.
El Establo Mountain Resort or Hotel El Sapo Dorado (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of Costa Rica's most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries and home to a fantastic diversity of flora and fauna. Experience a unique ecosystem on a canopy walk high above the forest floor or sail through the trees on a thrilling zip-line canopy adventure.
El Establo Mountain Resort or Hotel El Sapo Dorado (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Monteverde/Jaco Beach
Examine more than 40 species of local butterflies at the Monteverde Butterfly Garden. In the afternoon, travel to Jaco Beach and settle into our hilltop hotel.
Hotel Villa Caletas (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Manuel Antonio National Park
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park today in search of sloths, monkeys, butterflies, and wild birds. Take a guided walk in the coastal forests, stopping for a swim along the way. Or navigate the park's islets by sailboat, on the lookout for dolphins, whales, birds, and turtles; and snorkel amid its vibrant coral reefs.
Hotel Villa Caletas (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Jaco Beach/San José/Miami
Drive to San José for your return flight home.
Note: If you wish, we will help arrange for you to extend your stay for additional nights at the Hotel Villa Caletas in Jaco Beach.
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Taylor Edwards
Wildlife ecologist Taylor Edwards is a Senior Research Specialist at the University of Arizona's Genomic Analysis and Technology Core, where he oversees public testing for National Geographic's Genographic Project. He has worked in the Department of Mammalogy and Ornithology at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and applies molecular methods to many of his conservation research efforts. An aficionado on reptiles and amphibians, Taylor participated in an international workshop on turtle genetics sponsored by the National Science Foundation. His research has taken him to China, Brazil, and Cameroon, and he has led other trips to Costa Rica with National Geographic Expeditions.
Taylor will join the following departure:
Dec 28, 2009 - Jan 04, 2010Expedition Dates 
Expedition Costs
Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare between Miami and San José is $500 (subject to change).
What To Expect
This is an active expedition with easy to moderate hikes, sometimes on uneven terrain, and opportunities for white-water rafting, canopy tours, swimming, and snorkeling. Travelers must be in good health and have no limitations on physical mobility.
