Wild Nature - Costa Rica

SPARKLING RIVER

 
Destination 1, Bijagua

From Caño Negro, you will continue to Bijagua, a small village close to the Rio Celeste and Tenorio National Park. Rio Celeste got its name from the intense blue river water, caused by sulphate and calcium carbonate minerals. The locals however prefer to believe the river is that blue that when God painted the sky and he washed the brushes in the river afterwards. The Tenorio is a dormant volcano which erupted for the last time in 1902. The surroundings are beautiful and on clear days you can see Lake Nicaragua from the the hills.

Hotel

You will spend the night in a beautiful bungalow with a nice view at the volcano. In the evening you can relax in the jacuzzi. The hotel has an excellent chef and do try the tilapia filet, a local specialty.

Activities

Visit the Tenorio National Park and hike along the Rio Celeste. Upstream, the blue color is getting more intense and you can relax in the natural hot pools. You can explore the area on horseback or mountain bike. It’s also possible to make a so-called floating trip on the river where you can encounter Corobici monkeys, crocodiles and iguanas. If you’re more adventurous, a rafting trip on the Tenorio River is a must! (Up to category 5). 
 

Destination 2, Santa Elena

The evergreen nature reserve of Monteverde is known worldwide for its unique ecosystem. It’s a cloud forest on 1400 meters above sea level and part of the mountain range that forms Costa Rica’s natural boundary between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Monteverde is one of the few breeding grounds of the resplendent quetzal, the most special bird in Central America and since Mayan times has been an important sacred symbol.

Monteverde was founded in 1951 by Quakers, a Protestant religious group from Alabama (USA). They’re breeding cows and are making Costa Ricas best cheese, known as Monteverde cheese (you can see this process when taking a tour of the factory). The Quakers have always been in strong favor of nature conservation and Monteverde is an excellent example. 

Hotel

You will spend the night just outside the little village of Santa Elena, a few miles away from the Monteverde reserve. Santa Elena used to be a small farming village with ‘tough’ guys riding horses, now the village is more developed and has some small restaurants and shops. The hotel is owned by a Costa Rican family and exudes a warm atmosphere and charm.

Activities

Exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest by foot is an mystical and impressive experience. Take a tour with a guide who knows the most beautiful spots and will tell you unique stories about the local flora and fauna. It’s also possible to explore the jungle via a treetop walk over suspension bridges high up in the trees. 
Furthermore, a twilight walk is a must. In small groups armed with flashlights and a guide you go out into the rainforest to discover its nightlife. If you’re lucky you’ll see snakes, moths, golden hares, tarantula’s, sloths and maybe a porcupine!

You can explore the area around Santa Elena by horse or quad. But it’s also possible to go on a canopy tour, you will be secured to a cable pulley and fly from one platform to another between the tree tops. Fly like a bird above the jungle, an incredible experience!

Package Pricing

This tour lasts 4 nights.