Safari Party Adventures, Ltd. - Costa Rica January 2011
                        Photo-Eco Tours for the Photographer and Nature Enthusiast

Day 1 - January 3, 2011 -   Travel to San Jose
We will meet at San Jose's Airport and bus to Hotel Bougainvillea <http://www.hb.co.cr/>   This hotel has it all, including gardens on the grounds that by themselves are worth the trip!  Dinner at the hotel will be a fine introduction to Costa Rican hospitality.

Day 2 - January 3     Travel to Monteverde
Our own private bus will take us to the world famous cloud forests and Monteverde Lodge <http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/monteverde-lodge/> .   Views from your room overlook inviting vista and grounds that command you to walk them.  Always have your camera or binoculars ready.  (Aerial Tram, Zip Lines, Canopy Tour options at additional cost.) 
Dinner will be very Costa Rican, in family style to delight your palate.  The "Frog Pond" will be a chance to see indigenous amphibians and reptiles.

Day 3 - January 5      Exploration of Monteverde and St. Elena
This is the day we will explore all that the cloud forests have to offer - unique environments, flora and fauna.  A treat for all the senses.  Opportunities for Air Tram, Zip Lines, Canopy Tours <http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/canopy/tour.htm> will be available as options at additional cost in the morning.   In addition to the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest there are also cloud forests operated by the St. Elena Community and a Children's Cloud Forest.  Both of these cloud forest parks directly support the local communities and will be part of our agenda, if entry is open.
A lovely Hummingbird Garden in Monteverde offers superior photo opportunities and enjoyment of Mother Nature's tiny flying gems.  If time allows, we will visit a Butterfly Garden for even more color and beauty.

Day 4 - January 6     Travel to Tortuguero
Tortuguero, on the Caribbean coast, is accessible only by boat or air.  We will take charter aircraft from a nearby airport for a short flight to Tortuguero.  Arenal volcano is in the area and may be available for a tour.  By using charter aircraft we will be in Tortuguero by mid afternoon, with plenty of time to enjoy all that Tortuguero has to offer.  A night tour of the jungle will provide the opportunity to view and photograph nocturnal species including "poison dart frogs."
We will be staying at the Tortuga Lodge <http://www.centralamerica.com/cr/hotel/tortugalodge.htm> across the canal from Tortuguero.

Day 5 - January 7     Exploration of Tortuguero
A canal boat tour will take us through the park's <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortuguero_National_Park>  lush forests via water, for views of flora and fauna to amaze and delight.  After dinner we will return for a night tour to view and photograph the nocturnal species.

Day 6 - January 8
Exploration of Tortuguero - Day II
A second canal boat tour to different areas of the park will provide opportunities for view even more flora and fauna.  After lunch we will visit Tortuguero <http://photo2.si.edu/turtles/tortuger.html>  and an opportunity to see how many Costa Ricans live.  Numerous shops offer crafts and works of artisans - a great place to pick up those souvenirs you need for friends and relatives (as well as yourself.)
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