Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 - Upon arrival in San Jose your group will be greeted by your
E4 bilingual guide. Private transport to Tortuguero by shuttle/boat
or domestic flight. After checking into your hotel you have some time to
explore the town of Tortuguero before dinner.
Overnight: Cabinas Miss Miriam or Hotel Miss Junie

Day 2 - After breakfast we begin the day with a boat tour of
Tortuguero's famous system of rivers, waterways, and canals.
Tortuguero is home to more than 300 species of birds have been
recorded in this area. The tour will also provide opportunities to see
howler, spider, and white-faced capuchin monkeys, sloths, river otters
and the occasional manatee. Our electric motorboat for this tour is
not only eco-friendly,but also super quiet as not to disturb or scare
away the wildlife in the canals.
We return in time for lunch at Miss Miriam's restaurant more... for some of
Tortuguero's best cuisine. The afternoon is yours to explore the
small village and rest before a night excursion in search of nesting
green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles
(March-Oct; peak July-Aug; leatherbacks in April)
Overnight: Cabinas Miss Miriam or Hotel Miss Junie

Day 3 - After an early breakfast we depart for another tour of
the canals, this time by canoe. This guided tour takes us through parts
of the canal system we were unable to reach on our boat tour
the previous day, providing additional opportunities to see some of the
best in Costa Rican wildlife. Keep an eye out for the great green
macaw as we navigate this unique system of canals, at times feeling
like a page taken out of Jungle Book. After lunch we depart for the
town of Puerto Viejo. Arrival for dinner and check in to your hotel for
the night.
Overnight: Hotel Casa Camarona or La Costa de Papito

Day 4 - Today we set out for the nearby town of Cahuita. This is the
\"new Cahuita\" also known as the Bluff before it replaced the original
Cahuita settlement still marked today by the lime trees planted by
William Smith in 1828. After a brief introduction to the town we come
to Cahuita National Park. The park features a scenic path through
coastal rainforest and beaches with opportunities to see howler and
white-faced capuchin monkeys along the way. After a Caribbean style
lunch in Cahuita you will have an opportunity to explore the town
before visiting the Cahuita Butterfly Garden; home to numerous species
of beautiful butterflies and scenic fountain filled gardens.
Overnight: Hotel Casa Camarona or La Costa de Papito

Day 5 - After breakfast we visit the indigenous community of Yorkin.
Here we will spend the day learning about indigenous lore and
handicrafts, enjoy a meal of native foods, and a guided hike around the
community. Alternatively you may visit the indigenous community of Bribri
or Kekoldi in the morning and enjoy a glass bottom boat tour of
Cahuita’s magnificent reefs in the afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel Casa Camarona or La Costa de Papito

Day 6 - A short ride down the road from Puerto Viejo is Manzanillo.
We start the day off with a guided hike through the Vida Silvestre
Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. The trail leads us
through rain forest along the beach providing numerous opportunities
to witness some of Costa Rica's best coastal scenery in addition to
wildlife. After a rewarding 4-6 hour hike we reach our destination of
Punta Mona. At Punta Mona there is a sustainable community/farm
home to residents and interim volunteers. Here we will stop for a visit
or stay for the night *.
Overnight: Punta Mona Camping/Casa Camarona or La Costa de Papito

* During giant leatherback nesting season (March-July, peak April/May)
your group may have the opportunity to spend the night at Punta
Mona and participate in night walk along the beach in search of these
amazing creatures. Available lodging may be restricted to camping
arrangements.

Day 7 - In the morning we return to Manzanillo for a visit to the
Talamanca Dolphin Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to the study
and preservation of dolphins in the area through outreach programs.
Here we hope to catch a glimpse of the tucuxi dolphin, a little-known
species that until recently had not been observed in Costa Rica. An
information session combined with a boat tour will hopefully provide
opportunities for us to observe the tucuxi, bottlenose, and Atlantic
spotted dolphin species in their natural habitat.
We spend the afternoon on the beaches of Manzanillo, relaxing,
sun-bathing, swimming, snorkeling, and sea-kayaking until dark.
Overnight: Casa Camarona or La Costa de Papito

Day 8 - After breakfast we head back to San Jose. After checking into
your hotel near the airport you will have the afternoon to rest,
relax, and unwind from your travels.
Overnight: Hotel Sabana or Garden Court Hotel

Day 9 - Breakfast and transportation to the airport for your return
flight home.

This trip is ideal for student groups who want to expand their
education and experience of History and Biology beyond the walls of
the classroom. This itinerary is based on the book “What Happen?” A
folk-history of Costa Rica’s Talamanca Coast. Destinations and
activities have been carefully chosen to bring this vibrant portrait of
culture and history, painted by author Paula Palmer and contributors,
to life. We encourage all participants to read this book before the
trip to enhance your overall travel experience.

Please Note: In an effort to further facilitate sustainable travel,
E4 standard meal plans are non-beef, due to the fact that cattle
raising often comes at the expense of the rainforest. We provide beef
meal plans at your request only, although the chicken and fish is to
die for! We also do our best to honor requests for veggie and organic
(when and where possible...we like organic as well so you may find
yourself eating without asking for it!)

Extend your trip with a 3 Day/2 night excursion!

Hot n Cool: Experience the heat of Arenal with volcano views and
natural hot springs. Then explore the unique ecosystem of
Monteverde’s cloud forest with a canopy zip line tour, hummingbird,
and butterfly gardens.
Overnight: Arenal Observatory Lodge (best lava views!)

Golfo Dulce: Visit Puerto Jimenez situated on the shores of the ‘Sweet
Gulf, home to dolphins, whales, and whale sharks! Explore the rich
mangroves along the gulf’s coast by kayak, enjoy spectacular sunsets,
from the beach and a visit to the kobo chocolate farm.
Overnight: Iguana Lodge

San Gerardo de Dota: One of the best birding experiences in Costa Rica.
Visit Quetzales National Park during your stay at Savegre Mountain
Hotel (birder’s paradise). The emerald green and ruby red quetzal is
frequently spotted in the area by bird enthusiasts. This 5000 hectare
protected region holds 20% of all registered species in Costa Rica!
Overnight: Savegre Mountain Hotel

Montezuma: The perfect chill out destination. Visit the Montezuma
waterfalls perfect for jumping, swimming, reading, and relaxing, explore
empty beaches with spectacular scenery, or hang out by the pool with
views of the pacific ocean, during your stay in this funky town, moving to
the beat of its own drum.
Overnight: Los Mangos Hotel

Pacuare River: An unforgettable experience filled with heart racing
rapids, scenic mountain rainforest, and pristine canyon waterfalls as
you travel by raft down the Pacuare River. The Pacuare Jungle Lodge
is your destination for an amazing overnight stay. Dine under the stars
and fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest before another day
of excitement on the river.
Overnight: Pacuare Jungle Lodge

E4 Initiatives promotes visits to indigenous communities of Bribri and Yorkin, volunteer vacations in the rural community of El Sur de Turrubares, and facilitates volunteer activities with a local school in Jaco. All activities are featured in our guided itineraries.

www.e4costarica.com

1.877.589.0561