Caño Negro Rainforests and Reserves Pre-Voyage Extension

On arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, check into the Hotel Marriott Hacienda Belén (or similar). Enjoy a welcome orientation dinner this evening. (D)

Arrival Time: Arrive by 4:00 p.m. local time 
Arrival City: San José, Costa Rica 

After breakfast, depart San José and journey north to Caño Negro for a stop at La Paz waterfall. Nestled amidst lush rainforest, this magnificent waterfall offers an immersive experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Continue to Cinchona, a biodiverse area situated in the Central Highlands that’s home to abundant plant and animal species, as well as the renowned Cinchona Forest Reserve.

Your next stop is Trapiche BaZú for lunch and a tour to witness the traditional process of extracting sugarcane juice using a "trapiche" or sugar mill. Arrive in the late afternoon at Tocú Tent Camp in Caño Negro, your home for the next three nights. Each tent features one king-size bed and one queen trundle bed, both with luxurious bedding, air conditioning, and private patios with outdoor showers and soaking tubs where you can enjoy a relaxing moment under a starry sky. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, explore Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge by boat, one of Costa Rica’s most important wetlands and one of the best sites on the continent for birdwatching. More than 160 species of terrestrial mammals and bats, and over 300 species of resident and migratory birds live in its lakes and tropical forests. You can also spot sloths, an array of monkey species, caimans, crocodiles, lizards, tapirs, turtles, green iguanas and a variety of flora native to the wetlands. Transfer to the neighboring Hacienda Caño Negro by road for lunch. Enjoy some free time at Tocú Tent Camp in the afternoon and then a walk around the property searching for birds and monkeys.  (B,L,D)

Start the day with a morning birding walk before traveling to Tenorio Volcano National Park, one of the country’s youngest parks. Hike to turquoise-colored waters produced by the majestic stratovolcano which reaches over 6,000 feet. You’ll witness a panoply of picture-perfect spots, including the park’s iconic waterfall, three different volcanic craters, the “Blue Lagoon,” and “Teñideros”, where two rivers join and appear to magically transform from clear to deep blue waters.

This afternoon, a member of the Nature Reserve shares the traditions and culture of the Maleku, Costa Rica’s smallest remaining Indigenous tribe, through a demonstration that includes the art of using a bow and arrow.  You will also learn about the traditional diet of the Maleku which consists of various plants and animals from tropical forests. A class on local cuisine will round out your stay as you learn to prepare local dishes, such as gallo pinto, casados, and ceviche, using Maleku crops.  (B,L,D)

After checking out of your lodging, head to the foothills of the Tenorio Volcano. Visit a private reserve for a scenic hike with spectacular views of Bijagua and Lake Nicaragua. You’ll find a peaceful atmosphere that provides incredible biodiversity on over 185 acres of primary rainforest. A guided tour over the three suspension bridges trail will allow you to safely experience the great complexity of the forest from a different perspective as your naturalist guides help you spot an array of wildlife that may include monkeys, sloths, white nosed coati, snakes, insects, and birds like the toucan, woodpecker, motmot, and tanager. Following lunch, transfer to Puerto Caldera to board the National Geographic Quest and meet your fellow travelers for the upcoming voyage.  (B,L)