Caño Negro Rainforests and Reserves Post-Voyage Extension

Day 1 - Disembark Ship / Hanging Bridges / Caño Negro

This morning, we disembark the National Geographic Quest in Puerto Caldera and head to the foothills of the Tenorio Volcano in Caño Negro. Here we 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 our 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. After lunch, we will drive to Tocú Tent Camp, our 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. (L,D)

Day 2 - Caño Negro

After breakfast, we 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. Over 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)

Day 3 - Caño Negro / Tenorio Volcano National Park

We 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. We 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 our stay as we learn to prepare local dishes, such as gallo pinto, casados, and ceviche, using Maleku crops. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Caño Negro / San José

After checking out of our lodging, we will head south for a stop at Trapiche BaZú (sugar mill) for a tour to witness the traditional process of extracting sugarcane juice using a "trapiche" or sugar mill. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue on to Cinchona, a biodiverse area situated in the Central Highlands. The region is home to abundant plant and animal species, as well as the renowned Cinchona Forest Reserve and the La Paz waterfall. Nestled amidst lush rainforest, this magnificent waterfall offers an immersive experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. After exploring our surroundings, we transfer to San José and check into the Hotel Marriott Hacienda Belén (or similar) for our final night. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - San José

This morning, you’re welcome to depart after breakfast. If your flight leaves later in the morning, enjoy the lovely hotel grounds prior to your airport transfer. (B)

Departure Time: Depart after 6:00 a.m. local time
Departure City: San José, Costa Rica

Cost Includes:

Four nights hotel accommodations, meals indicated, transfers, sightseeing, gratuities, and entrance fees.

Not included:

All airfare, personal items, and immigration fees.