To protect and conserve the planet by offering conscientious, comfortable and customizable eco-journeys. Complete travel planning to the most natural destinations at minimal costs to the environment.
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Turtle Research and Rainforest Adventure...
Experience pristine, primary rainforest in all its glory. Raft the Pacuare River, hike the Talamanca Mountains, ride on horseback through an organic banana plantation, and climb 120 feet high into the rainforest canopy. You will also help researchers track and protect giant leatherback turtles, either while they?re laying their eggs or when the babies are hatching. (The season runs from March to August.)
This is the true ecotour that delivers fun while helping preserve the area! By patronizing Selva Bananito Lodge, you support the conservation efforts of Fundacion Cuencas de Limon, a watershed conservation foundation dedicated to forest preservation and community education and development.
Please note: because trip highlights can be
subject to change, please contact one of our trip specialists to discuss
the specifics as they will pertain to your trip.
DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN COSTA RICA
After arriving in San Jose, you’ll overnight at Hotel Ave del Paraiso (or similar), a lovely small B&B close to the beautiful Campus of the University of Costa Rica.
DAY 2 | RAFT THE PACUARE
Start out this exciting tour on one of the world’s most exotic rivers, the Pacuare. Experience the thrill of class III & IV whitewater rafting and the exuberant beauty of the Pacuare Canyon. After rafting and lunch on the river, transfer to Pacuare Reserve to join a research team. Spend your first night here observing leatherback turtles nesting and/or hatching. Spend the night at Pacuare Reserve. [B,L,D]
DAY 3 | TURTLE TIME AT PACUARE RESERVE
Pacuare Reserve is the most important nesting beach for the leatherback turtle in the Caribbean. Enjoy a leisure day hiking along the Caribbean coast or along inland trails. As always, bring your binoculars! There is much wildlife to see. In the evening you will join park rangers and biologists on their evening patrols. Watch a giant sea turtle emerge from the ocean and lay her eggs, or watch thousands of hatchlings scurry to sea (depending on time of year). Overnight at Pacuare Reserve. [B,L,D]
DAY 4 | ONWARDS TO SELVA BANANITO LODGE
Today you will transfer to Selva Bananito Lodge & Preserve; here you’ll discover the hidden treasures of the Talamanca Mountain Range. Relax for the rest of the day, and prepare yourself for a full itinerary of exciting adventure activities (the scenery is the bonus). You might take a nature walk and listen for exotic birds, or go for a swim in the river. Tonight you’ll enjoy a fabulous feast of local foods, prepared at Selva Bananito. Overnight at Selva Bananito Lodge & Preserve. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | IN THE HEART OF THE JUNGLE
A local breakfast starts your day at the lodge, with a host of activities to follow. The scenery is enough to engage you, but a horseback ride through the farm will teach you firsthand about the low-impact agriculture in the region. You’ll ride through open fields and an organic banana plantation. Stop for a swim in the river before heading back for dinner. Bring your appetite, because Anita or Carmen, your Costa Rican cooks, will prepare and serve you another mouth-watering meal. Don’t forget to give them a round of applause! Overnight at Selva Bananito Lodge & Preserve. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL IN THE RAINFOREST
Enjoy the day with a guided hike following the Bananito River upstream, deep into the Selva Bananito Preserve. Along the way you will see ancient kapok and mahogany trees, endless lianas, amazing birds, and many species of wildlife. Stop for lunch and fruit juices by a charming waterfall, one of many along the way. The adrenaline seekers among you will not be able to resist a waterfall rappel; it’s highly recommended! Overnight at Selva Bananito Lodge & Preserve. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | JUNGLE HORSEBACK RIDE AND TREE CLIMB
Today’s the day to become one with the rainforest. Ride in on horseback, then get to know the canopy at its most spectacular: Climb 120 feet up a giant kapok tree into this natural cathedral. If you can drag yourself away, you’ll transfer to San Jose in the afternoon. You’re on your own for the evening to get to know this capital city and its wonderful restaurants. Overnight at Hotel Ave del Paraiso or similar. [B,L]
DAY 8 | HASTA LUEGO!
One more chance to explore San Jose (if there’s time before your flight), after breakfast at the hotel. Return home. [B]
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7 Nights / 8 Days Min. group size: 1 Max. group size: 8 Price: From $0.00 PP/DBL. No single supplement. Please call us for the price. Comfort level: 3 Physical difficulty: 3 This trip is best suited for: Most everyone Departure Dates: Please call us with your travel dates to arrange your departure. Rates include Accommodations Meals as indicated Local taxes Ground transportation as indicated Airport transfers Some activities Rates do not include International airfare Departure taxes Gratuities Personal items Key attractions Pacuare River & Canyon Giant Leatherback Turtles at Pacuare Reserve Selva Bananito Preserve Talamanca Mountain Range Key activities Hiking Horseback Riding Nature Exploration Birding |
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Call 866.362.6222 or contact us by email about a specific tour or ecolodge.
© 2005, Manaca, Inc. All rights reserved.
© 2005, Manaca, Inc. All rights reserved.