Costa Rica has many fine examples of wildlife & environmental conservation and on this trip you will experience first hand, some of the better schemes. This trip to the Caribbean coastal area, takes in a privately owned reserve, Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park.

Costa Rica - Caribbean Diamonds - 7 days / 6 nights - Ref: OCCD6

Reserva Selva Bananito shares borders with Area de Conservacion La Amistad (La Amistad Biosphere Reserve), Central America's largest protected wilderness expanse, which consists of national and international parks and preserves. This area remains one of the least explored territory in the region, its biological wealth only partially known. One third of the land (about 416 hectares or 1,000 acres) is devoted to low-impact, sustainable agriculture and cattle management.

Tortuguero National Park was established in 1970 to protect the turtles that nest on Tortuguero beach. This is the most important nesting site of the endangered green turtle in the Western Hemisphere. Giant leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles also nest here. The green turtle population came perilously close to extinction in the 1960s when nearly every female turtle arriving to nest on Tortuguero was taken for the export market for turtle soup.

If conservation and tourism can effectively compete with the local economies such as the sale of wood, land, exotic animals, and sea turtles and their eggs, these natural areas can be preserved. The inhabitants of the village of Tortuguero have shown that sustainable development can be beneficial to both the local economy and the local conservation efforts.

Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge protects two swamps, a 740-acre forest, 10 km. (6 miles) of beach where four species of sea turtles lay their eggs, and a coral reef. There is an estuary which is a nesting spot for tarpon and a wallowing ground for manatee, crocodile and caiman. The turtle's main nesting season is March - May. Dolphin watching and swimming are popular activities here with our guests.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Costa Rica and we will meet you at the airport and take you to Hotel Fleur de Lys 9 or similar in San Jose.

Day 2 San José to Selva We transfer you to Selva Bananito Lodge, where upon arrival there is a complimentary drink. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a bird-watching expedition. Knowledgeable ornithologists and our host family have identified more than 300 bird species on the reserve and in the immediate vicinity. There are many opportunities for you to do independent bird watching. Overnight at Selva Bananito Lodge. B, L, D.

Day 3 Waterfall Walk This beautiful hike follows the Bananito River upstream to a series of charming waterfalls within Reserva Selva Bananito. Enjoy refreshing dips in the river and a delicious lunch by the last waterfall. The return leads through primary rain forest. This is a fairly strenuous program for anyone who is reasonably fit and does not have physical limitations. Overnight: Selva Bananito Lodge. B, L, D.

Day 4 Relaxation Time We transfer you to Hotel Casa Camarona, where you can enjoy diving, surfing and ecological adventures at a unique, but simple hotel on a secluded Caribbean beach. B, L, D.

Day 5 Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge We walk on the beach, around the lake, the estuary, and by the cliffs. During the walk you may see squirrel monkey, chestnut mandibled toucan, tree frogs, red lored parrot, as well as flora such as canna, red mangrove, devil tongue and marine grass. Overnight: Hotel Casa Camarona. B, L, D.

Day 6 Boat trip to Tortuguero National Park We travel by boat to Tortuguero National Park. After we have settled in we walk in and around the small village of Tortuguero (translated as "Region of Turtles") which lies on the north-eastern Caribbean coast of CR, approximately 50 miles north of the principal Port of Limon. The village is comprised of a variety of cultures: Hispanic, Miskito Indian (Nicaragua), and Afro-Caribbean. Both Spanish and Creole English are spoken. The region surrounding Tortuguero is called the Tortuguero Plain, which is a vast low lying area of little topographic relief still covered by a large expanse of tropical rainforest.

Each year, tens of thousands of tourists come to Tortuguero to see the nesting sea turtles and other treasures of the national park and the local people now see there is good cause for protecting the turtles. There is a guide training program for the villagers, who receive a guiding permit on completion. They take great pride in earning the guide permit, and those that are successful are staunch defenders of Tortuguero's turtles.

Our base for the day is Manati lodge which is located on the grand canal across from Tortuguero. It is clean and comfortable with hot showers, fans in the insect-screened rooms and beautifully landscaped grounds with hammocks in the shade. El Manatí is rustic and brimming with charm. The lodge is equipped with kayaks and canoes for use in the river. Overnight at Manatí Lodge. B, D.

Day 7 Tortuguero - Moin - San Jose After breakfast we take a boat trip into the river estuary, where we are treated to more encounters with wildlife. Transfer to Moín then to your hotel in San José. Overnight at Hotel Fleur de Lys. B.

Price Indication per person 2007:

2 - 4 people - GBP590 / USD1100.00 - shared accommodation.

Email for current price

What is included
Transportation to / from the airport and your hotel. Shared accommodation throughout in mid priced hotels and jungle lodges. Meals as indicated by the code (B = Breakfast etc). An experienced, bilingual guide. All the activities and excursions as described, including all entrance fees .

What is not included
The price allows for joining in San Jose and does not include international airfare and departure taxes. Personal insurance, visa fees (if any), vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks. Tips.

Visas
A visa is not currently required for UK / US passport-holders.

Additional Accommodation
If you need accommodation in the cities you travel through book online or advise your Muir's Tours consultant (always use this option for extra accommodation in remote locations).

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk  As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.