Volcano Connection - Overland Trip

2 weeks: San Jose to San Jose (IMT-LAVC)

Intro

On this superb trip we explore the volcanic area in the north of Costa Rica and the south of Nicaragua. Impressive sights include National Parks full of diverse wildlife, the colonial wealth of Granada on the shore of the massive Lake Nicaragua, a stay overlooking an active volcano and the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, making this an amazing journey.

Group Size

Max 18

Activities

Hiking in National Parks, optional horse-riding and canopy walks

Accommodation

11 nights hotels, 2 nights hacienda

Transport

Private and public bus

Fully Escorted

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader

Itineraries

Day 1,SAN JOSE

Arrival day.

Day 2,SAN JOSE - MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST

Head north to the Cloud Forest Reserve of Monteverde, a beautiful park that teems with flora and fauna of every description. Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. The reserve spreads out over 10,500 hectares of land that hold six different life zones.

Day 3,MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST

We have a full free day to explore the reserve, following trails that wind through the most spectacular sections or trying the spectacular canopy walks. There is abundant wildlife and we might see the magnificent quetzal as well as a variety of monkeys, wild cats and reptiles.

Day 4,MONTEVERDE – GRANADA

Today we cross the border into Nicaragua on our way to the colonial city of Granada, the oldest colonial city in Latin America. The city was founded in 1524 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, and is located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, next to Volcano Mombacho. Lake Nicaragua is the second largest lake in Latin America and is the only lake in the world that has sharks.

Day 5,GRANADA

A morning to visit the colonial buildings such as the convent and church of San Francisco, which date from 1529, where you can admire the 28 pre-Columbian statues, over 1000 years old. In the afternoon an optional tour to the Islets of Granada in Lake Nicaragua. There are 365 islands in Lake Nicaragua, formed from eruptions of the Mombacho Volcano.

Day 6,MASAYA - CATARINA – GRANADA

After breakfast we visit the Masaya Volcano, as well as a handicrafts market. We’ll stop for lunch at the village of Catarina with a breathtaking view of the volcanic lagoon.

Day 7,GRANADA - RINCON DE LA VIEJA

Today we cross the border back to Costa Rica through a province known for its cattle ranches. We spend the night at a Costa Rican hacienda adjacent to the National Park surrounded by mountains and tropical forest. There is time for an optional horse-riding tour or a canopy walk.

Day 8,RINCON DE LA VIEJA

Early in the morning we take a ride to the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, named after the active Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. There are fumaroles and geysers, bubbling mud pools and sulphurous springs to explore. 257 species of birds have been identified in the park, including the magnificent quetzal.

Day 9,RINCON DE LA VIEJA - FORTUNA

We head through mountains and typical villages to Fortuna, a small town nestled at the base of Arenal Volcano.

Day 10,ARENAL VOLCANO

We have a full day to explore the lower slopes of the volcano or soak in one of the hot springs nearby. In the evening you will enjoy a perfect view of the volcano from the porch of your own room.

Day 11,FORTUNA - MANUEL ANTONIO NP

Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park for two nights, which features some of Costa Rica’s finest beaches, with long stretches of beautiful white sand backed by lush jungle.

Day 12,MANUEL ANTONIO

A full day to relax on the beach.

Day 13,MANUEL ANTONIO - SAN JOSE

After a relaxing morning we travel back to San Jose.

Day 14,SAN JOSE

Tour ends.

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