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From Turtles to Toucans Eco Tour

Central America : Costa Rica

Tour name: From Turtles to Toucans

This fascinating eco tour highlights the unique wildlife, history and culture of Costa Rica.

Duration: 15 Days      Grading: MODERATE      Type: TAILOR-MADE      Prices from: £2869

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Tour Summary:

Tour name: From Turtles to Toucans

Prices from: £2869

Duration: 15 Days

Kind points from: 215

N&K Reference: NKT0000783
(Type this into the "Jump to" form at www.NatureAndKind.com to find this tour again)


Type: TAILOR-MADE

Grading: MODERATE

Suitable for: ROMANTIC ESCAPE, COUPLES

Experiences: ACTIVE, WILDLIFE

Environments: BEACH, CITY, WILDERNESS

Activities: CULTURE - Multi-Activity, Eco Tours

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Tour Overview

On this unique tour you will experience city life in San Jose before heading to the Braulio Carrillo National Park and searching for crocs, caiman, green sea turtles, jaguar and green macaws. Visit the 'lost city' of Guayabo in the shadow of the Turrialba Volcano, explore a 100-year old hacienda and visit the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically intense places on earth. Complete your trip with two days on Punta Islita, a pristine beach on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Location

Continent or Region: Central America

Country or State/County: Costa Rica


The whole tour is based in Costa Rica, visting San Jose; Tortuguero; Turrialba; Osa Peninsula and Nicoya Peninsula.
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Tour Highlights

Unique wildlife - History and culture - Beautiful beaches

Itinerary

Day 1 | London/San José

Depart London Heathrow with British Airways to Miami. Connect with American Airlines to San José. Two nights at the Xandari Resort & Spa, located amongst the coffee and fruit plantations of the Central Valley.

Day 1 | London/San José on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day 2 | San José

Day to relax at the hotel. Visit the spa, swim in the pool or stroll through the botanic gardens.

Day 2 | San José on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day 3 | San José/Tortuguero

Begin with an early drive to Tortuguero’s dock through banana plantations and the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Board a comfortable launch for the two-hour canal cruise to Tortuguero with a chance of seeing crocodiles, caiman and numerous bird species on the way. Overnight at Manatus Lodge.

Day 3 | San José/Tortuguero on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day 4 | Tortuguero

Enjoy an early morning boat tour through the canals and visit the local town. The National Park is a major nesting area for green sea turtles and protects over 300 additional species including endangered green macaws and jaguars. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4 | Tortuguero on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day 5 | Tortuguero/Turrialba

After breakfast, fly back to San José followed by a drive to Turrialba, gateway to the Caribbean, passing sugarcane and coffee plantations and spectacular volcano views. Overnight at Casa Turire Hotel.

Day 5 | Tortuguero/Turrialba on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day 6 | Turrialba

Visit the Guayabo Archaeological Monument, a mysterious “lost city” veiled in the shadow of the Turrialba Volcano. Ancient stone carvings, Pre-Columbian aqueducts and paved roads recede into the lush rainforest, all hinting at Costa Rica’s past civilisations.

Day 6 | Turrialba on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day 7 | Turrialba

Enjoy a guided walk to the Hacienda Experience, a unique 100 year-old family-owned farm nestled in the mountains. Learn about conventional and organic agriculture while touring sugar, coffee and macadamia plantations.

Day 7 | Turrialba on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day 8 | Turrialba/Osa Peninsula

After an early breakfast, drive to San José for your flight to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically intense places on earth. Transfer to the beautiful Lapa Rios Lodge hiding in the heart of pristine rainforest.

Day 8 | Turrialba/Osa Peninsula on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Days 9 and 10 | Osa Penisula

Two full days to enjoy the beach, hike through the jungle or just relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities.

Days 9 and 10 | Osa Penisula on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day 11 | Osa Peninsula/Nicoya Peninsula

Take an early flight to Punta Islita, a pristine beach on the Nicoya Peninsula. Overnight at Punta Islita.

Day 11 | Osa Peninsula/Nicoya Peninsula on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Days 12 and 13 | Nicoya Peninsula

Two full days to enjoy the hotel spa, hike spectacular trails or discover blissful beaches.

Days 12 and 13 | Nicoya Peninsula on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day 14 | Nicoya Peninsula/San José

Fly back to San José and overnight at Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn.

Day 14 | Nicoya Peninsula/San José on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day 15 | San José/London

Transfer to the airport for your American Airlines flight to Miami. Connect with the British Airways overnight flight to London Heathrow. Arrive day 16.

Day 15 | San José/London on From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
From To Description Num Days Price Booking
01-Oct-2008 31-Dec-2012 From Turtles to Toucans inclusive of flights, bed and breakfast and certain meals. 15 £2869.00
what's included?

Kind Points:645
Prices and Enquiries
Included in the price:
  • Accommodation
  • Activities
  • Activity equipment hire
  • Airport tax
  • Airport transfers
  • All meals and activities
  • Breakfast
  • Cots
  • Dinner
  • Entrance/ Admission fees
  • Ferry
  • Guide/ Tour leader
  • Insurance
NOT included in the price:
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • All meals
  • Arrival starter pack
  • Bed Linen
  • Country visas
  • Electricity
  • High chairs

Accepted Payment Types

• American Express • Cheque • Mastercard • Visa
• Maestro

Nature & Kind Factor

Braulio National Park, a major nesting area for green turtles and protects over 300 species including endangered green macaws and jaguars and the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically intense paces on earth will be visited, highlighting the fragile nature of this stunningly lush country.

Our Trusted Partner's Responsible and Sustainable Travel Policy

Since 1982, we have actively supported global conservation initiatives. We believe that it is our responsibility to protect the enviroment and local culture of the places we visit. Through the programmes established and managed by Friends of Conservation (FOC), we support sustainable conservation worldwide through projects which help give local people a personal economic interest in preserving the unique qualities of their habitat and environment. We have contributed to the important work of the organization, and our continued support includes the valued assistance provided by colleagues. Guests are welcome to visit projects and meet the people involved, whenever and wherever possible. From tree planting to restoring fragile ecosystems, to energy conservation through the use of alternative fuels and renewable energy, the emphasis is on finding practical applications and responsible management solutions for land, wildlife, water, forests and other natural resources that are under pressure from expanding populations and the ever increasing ripple effects of global warming.

We have launched our new philanthropic initiative to facilitate commitment to corporate social responsibility in its locations worldwide. The company has announced six new philanthropic initiatives, designed to offer guests privileged access and insight into local customs whilst also demonstrating the groups' commitment to conservation and community projects around the world.

We have been deeply involved with supporting local people, environments and ecosystems since it was founded over 40 years ago. In 1982, Jorie Butler Kent and Geoffrey Kent established Friends of Conservation (FOC), a non-governmental organisation which aims to ensure that future generations benefit from the continued protection of the planet. We still support some FOC initiatives and are working with them to fulfil the new philanthropy project.

In 2007, the company launched our Climate Change Challenge – funds raised so far have helped to plant over 30,000 trees; restored habitats in the Balkan Green Belt; bought equipment to study the marine environment in Antarctica and contributed to research programmes in the Great Barrier Reef and education programmes in Peru. Most recently, we mobilised their office team in Myanmar to deliver a package of essential supplies following Cyclone Nargis. The aid shipment, worth $5,000, was one of the first to arrive in Pathein, where thousands of refugees gathered after the storm. To date, our philanthropic initiative's effort has raised over a quarter of a million dollars for the Myanmar Relief Fund and is now co-ordinating fundraising efforts worldwide with FOC. This enables travellers and industry partners to contribute to the relief efforts in the knowledge that 100% of all funds collected will go directly to those most in need.

Each year, our offices select projects that they believe will make a difference in their local communities. “We place great importance on enabling guests to become personally involved in the lives of the people that they meet,” explains Jorie Butler Kent, Vice Chairman. Our philanthropic initiative, n addition to current FOC programmes in Kenya and Tanzania, is supporting these six new initiatives for 2008:

- Jordan: 'Madrasati' (“My School”) Rehabilitation. Recently launched by HM Queen Rania Al Abdullah, this grassroots effort to rehabilitate schools in urgent need of repair is being supported by our Jordan office through the adoption of Balquees School in Amman.
- Kenya: Nyumbani Children’s Home, Nairobi. Our Kenya office is supporting Nyumbani, the first facility to be established in Kenya as a home for AIDS orphans. Nyumbani provides the best available nutritional, medical, psychosocial, academic and spiritual care whilst FOC involves the children in tree planting projects, nature-based field trips, and Conservation Club activities. Guests will have the opportunity to visit the home and interact with the children at play, while donating books, school supplies or sports equipment.
- New Zealand: Kiwi Encounter, Rotorua. Our New Zealand office is supporting the National Kiwi Trust in its effort to increase the numbers of this beloved national bird. Without human intervention, the kiwi has a survival rate of only 5% in the wild. Guests will enjoy exclusive tours of the conservation centre, its breeding units and nursery.
- Tanzania: Bee-keeping in Mwika Village. In collaboration with TAWIRI (Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute), our Tanzania office is providing beehives to families in Mwika Village, near Swala Camp, to enable them to earn income from the sale of honey and provide their families with a traditional foodstuff. Guests will be able to visit the village, interact with the families to learn about the beekeeping process and purchase honey to support the programme.
- Australia: Daintree Rainforest Rescue, Cairns, North Queensland. A remote region of spectacular beauty, this is the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Support from our Australia office is helping to re-establish native rainforest species in a buffer zone adjacent to the rainforest. Guests have the opportunity to participate in much-needed tree planting.
- Europe: Croatia: Botanical Gardens of Ostrog School, Kastela. Established by teachers and students on previously-neglected land, this garden, maintained by local school children, is now considered one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Croatia. Through our Europe division, guests can lend their support by donating and bringing books and other school supplies to this school.

These six initiatives will offer our clients the opportunity to be involved first-hand and will also educate local individuals on the impact that their actions have on their surrounding habitats.

“We believe passionately in adventures that both respect the natural environment and benefit indigenous peoples” explains Jorie Butler Kent. “A&K's philosophy is governed in equal parts by this unswerving commitment to conservation and a mission to provide 'memories of a lifetime'.”


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Prices and Enquiries

About our Trusted Partner

With our own people on the ground in over 50 offices around the world, Abercrombie & Kent can provide you with exclusive and individual experiences
that make your time away truly unique. So whether you want a private tour of the pyramids with your own Egyptologist, would like to try your hand at elephant polo in Jaipur or browse the Medicis’ private art collection in Florence, our experts will know just how to make it happen... and as we are the partner of choice for many hotels and resorts, our clients are guaranteed to receive the best service available. This combination of expertise and luxury creates truly inspirational travel experiences – something we like to call the Abercrombie & Kent difference.

Red-eyed tree frog : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Red-eyed tree frog
Red-eyed tree frog : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Toucan : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Toucan
Toucan : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Monkey : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Monkey
Monkey : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Butterfly : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Butterfly
Butterfly : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Hummingbird : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Hummingbird
Hummingbird : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Stunning flora : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Stunning flora
Stunning flora : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Macaw : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Macaw
Macaw : From Turtles to Toucans at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

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Tour Summary:

Tour name: From Turtles to Toucans

Prices from: £2869

Duration: 15 Days

Kind points from: 215

N&K Reference: NKT0000783
(Type this into the "Jump to" form at www.NatureAndKind.com to find this tour again)


Type: TAILOR-MADE

Grading: MODERATE

Suitable for: ROMANTIC ESCAPE, COUPLES

Experiences: ACTIVE, WILDLIFE

Environments: BEACH, CITY, WILDERNESS

Activities: CULTURE - Multi-Activity, Eco Tours

Add to favourites   Email this page
In order to use the Send to a Friend facility you must be logged in. Please either log in above, or register if you are not already a friend of Nature & Kind.
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