COSTA RICA & NICARAGUA REQUEST

13th - 28th Feb & 28th Feb - 14th March 2016

COSTA RICA & NICARAGUA

Day 1: London – San José, Costa Rica We arrive late in the evening and transfer to a comfortable hotel for a good night’s sleep. Day 2: Los Angeles Cloud ForestAfter a hearty breakfast we travel towards Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve, where we check into our luxurious lodge and start exploring the exciting surroundings. This cloud forest is one of Costa Rica’s best kept secrets and rarely visited by tourists. Underneath the misty tree tops we look for howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, iguanas, sloths and colourful frogs, lizards and butterflies. Big cats such as jaguar and ocelots also live here, but it takes some luck to spot them.

Day 3: Cloud Forest & rehabilitation sanctuaryIn the clear morning air we set off to explore the cloud forest while it comes to life. The birdlife is of absolute world class, with around 250 species, which of several are endemic. Among all of these we hope to see the orange-bellied trogon and the coppery-headed emerald. After lunch we continue towards the rehabili-tation sanctuary Zoo Ave, a non-profit foundation that protects and releases wildlife. We learn more about their work with big cats, primates, anteaters, sloths, toucans, hummingbirds and much more. They are also successfully breeding and reintroducing endangered species. We spend

the night at the delightful hotel Bougainvillea in San José.Day 4: Tortuguero National Park Today we head towards the Caribbean Sea! On a landstrip along the coast we find Tortuguero National Park and the cosy Mawamba Lodge. You can only get here via the waterway and during our transfer by boat we begin to look for the animals living in this enchanted nature. While in Tortuguero we hope to see spider monkey, howler

These two vivid Central American countries, offer their visitors first class nature and wildlife experiences. Cloud forest, rainforest, volcanoes, hot springs, islands, lagoons and the Caribbean Sea. Charming monkeys, tapirs, otters and sloths. Colourful macaws, iguanas, toucans, hummingbirds, butterflies and frogs. The biological diversity of Costa Rica and Nicaragua is difficult to compete with.

San José

NICARAGUA

COSTA RICA

Los Angeles Cloud Forest

Tortuguero NP

Ometepe IslandMombacho

Volcano

GranadaLeón

Car/bus

Boat

COSTA RICA & NICARAGUA

Managua

Arenal volcano NP

Lake Nicaragua

monkey, spectacled caiman, southern river otter and several species of river turtle just to mention a few animals. Once in a while the endangered West Indian Manatee can be seen. The birdlife is extraordinary and we can spot great green macaws, Amazon kingfishers, sunbitterns and toucans.Day 5: Tortuguero Rise and shine to a cup of strong Costa Rican coffee (or tea)! During an early boat ride along natural channels and lagoons we experience the awakening of the mysterious jungle. We then gather for a more sturdy breakfast. Filled with energy we put on our jungle boots and get ready for a proper jungle walk, where we marvel at the rainforest’s mystique and diverse wildlife. Our lodge is located right by the water’s edge and the afternoon invites to relaxation, a swim in the ocean or perhaps a short walk along the beach to the welcoming village of Tortuguero. After the sun has set on the Caribbean coast we head out on a guided night walk to watch the many nocturnal creatures of the rainforest. Day 6: Sarapiqui - ArenalIn the morning we transfer to the mainland and continue towards Sarapiqui. En route we make a stop to learn about chocolate. After crossing

the hanging bridge of La Tirimbina, we reach a cacao plantation, where we learn about the cacao tree’s history. We also get to know the secrets of transforming the cacao fruit into magical, organic Costa Rican chocolate. We overnight at the luxurious Lost Iguana Resort. Day 7: Arenal Volcano National ParkWe start the day with a visit to Arenal hanging bridges. Our naturalist guide opens the door to the fascinating and colourful canopy of the tropical forest and during a tour on the characteristic hanging bridges the rain forest truly displays its biodiversity. A hike takes us closer to the Arenal volcano. We walk across lava flows and the area destroyed during the 1968 eruption, where nature still is in the process of regeneration. The afternoon is spent at leisure exploring the stunning surroundings of the Lost Iguana Resort, located on the mountain slopes in the heart of the jungle.Day 8: Ometepe Island, NicaraguaEarly morning we set off for the Nicaraguan border. After clearing customs we continue to Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua, which is the world’s largest volcanic island situated in a lake. We explore the Charco Verde Nature Reserve,

located between the island’s two volcanoes. Here birds, butterflies, monkeys and lizards live among diverse vegetation of orchids, ferns and citrus trees. We take a walk to the Green Puddles Lagoon for some bird watching and monkey spotting. Our lodge is beautifully located with a view of the volcano and close enough for a swim in the comfortably tempered water. Day 9: Ometepe IslandThis morning we get acquainted with Ometepe and visit one of the oldest farms on the island, previously owned by Somoza, Nicaragua’s former dictator. We take a coffee break at a cooperative where 25 families grow organic coffee. The archaeological and numismatic museum El Ceibo is also well worth a visit. After a nice lunch with sea view, we go to relax in the crystal clear volcano waters of the natural pool Ojo de Agua. Day 10: Mombacho Volcano Nature ReserveA ferry takes us to the mainland and we continue towards Mombacho. This 1300 meters high volcano has not erupted in hundreds of years and is totally covered in thriving, green vegetation. This has created a rich eco system, with around 50 mammal species, 170 species of birds and

COSTA RICA & NICARAGUA

During this unique adventure we experience some of Costa Rica’s characteristic hanging bridges and look for colourful animals such as green macaw and red-eyed tree frog.

750 different types of plants, where for example sloths and toucans often are spotted. A car takes us to the top of the volcano where we hike round one of the three craters and enjoy the spectacular views of coffee plantations, the city of Granada and the many islands of Lake Nicaragua. In the evening we check into Hotel Colonia in Granada. Day 11: Granada & White VillagesAfter breakfast we explore Granada in traditional horse drawn carriages. The town is elegant and picturesque and is characterised by architecture from the colonial time. We visit the fort La Polvora, the famous art gallery La Casa de los Tres Mundos and the churches San Fransisco and Iglesia la Merced, built in the 1500s. After our city tour we continue towards the White Villages, starting with the village of Catarina, placed on a hill with stunning views over Mombacho volcano and Apoyo lagoon. It is a characteristic Nicaraguan village where people make their living by raising horses, making handicrafts and cultivate nurseries. Another of the white villages is San Juan de Oriente, famous for its beautiful ceramics crafts, from which the skills are passed on from generation to generation.

Day 12: Lake NicaraguaToday we explore some of the stunning and species-rich islands of Lake Nicaragua, created thousands of years ago after the eruption of nearby Mombacho. The islands are covered with lush tropical vegetation and are mostly inhabited by tropical birds and charming primates. Some islands are inhabited by natives, living a peaceful life dedicated to fishing and agriculture. We make a stop at a private ecological paradise island for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon we return to Granada for dinner at an elegant restaurant.Day 13: Masaya - LeonOn our way to Leon we visit Nicaragua’s first National Park, Masaya. It comprises an area of 54 square kilometres and loads of scenic roads and trails, leading to and round the impressive volcano and its five massive craters. We continue on the Pan-American road to the charming city of Leon, where we check in at our hotel and enjoy lunch. Half an hour drive outside of Leon lies Chichigalpa. Here we learn about the history, the production, the aging and also the tastes of the famous rum, Flor de Caña.

Day 14: Juan Venado & San JacintoWe drive towards the coast and catch a boat taking us to the wildlife refuge of Juan Venado, characterised by mangrove forest and unique birdlife. Birders have counted more than 100 species here, including roseate spoonbill, boat-billed heron and black-necked stilt. The island also harbours caimans and crocodiles, and large iguanas are often spotted on the mangrove branches. On our way back we stop at San Jacinto, a small village located between two volcanoes, where hot, steaming water and gas from deep inside the earth bubbles up through the mud. In the evening we go to the capital Managua, where we spend the very last night of our trip. Day 15: Managua - LondonEarly morning we leave Nicaragua full of new impressions and wonderful memories. Day 16: LondonWe arrive in London.

Please note: The itinerary is subject to change. Our route will depend on weather conditions and wildlife sightings. Please keep in mind that flexibility is the key to a successful adventure!

DATES & PRICES

We stay at cosy and comfortable lodges, surrounded by breathtaking nature and extraordinary wildlife. In the cities we stay at accommodating and well-situated hotels.

Duration: 16 days.Dates: 13th - 28th Feb and 28th Feb - 14th Mar 2016.Group size: Min 12 and max 18 participants.Accommodation: Lodges and hotels. Transports: Bus/car and boat.Price: USD 8 490 per person.Single supplement: USD 2 100.

PRICE INCLUDES: Economy flights London - San

José, Managua - London . All transfers . All meals . All

accommodation . All activities . All transports . All gratuities . A PolarQuest tour leader . Experienced local guides . Taxes

Nicaraguan border . Comprehensive pre-departure information

before the trip and a post expedition log book

NOT INCLUDED: Travel and cancellation insurance .

Beverages . Airport Taxes

COSTA RICA & NICARAGUA REQUEST

Min 12 mm hög

THIS BROCHURE IS PRINTED ON FSC CERTIFIED PAPER

AT A FSC CERTIFIED PRINTING COMPANY.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION: WWW.ALINDERDESIGN.SE

TEXT: POLARQUEST.

P.O. Box 180SE- 401 23 Göteborg, SwedenPhone: +46 31 333 17 30e-mail: info@polar-quest.comwww.polar-quest.com