MS Caledonian Sky - Noble Caledonia

Costa Rica – Monteverde Cloud Forest
Costa Rica - Monteverde Cloud Forest
Post cruise extension in conjunction with Cuba to Costa Rica – 8th to 12th November 2012
Pre cruise extension in conjunction with Secret World of Two Oceans – 3rd to 7th November 2012
In the mid 60s, a Quaker
community moved to the
Monteverde area where they
found a cloud forest paradise and
decided to protect it. The area was
covered with tall trees festooned with
orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines and
mosses as well as numerous crystal
clear streams and waterfalls. Variable
climate and large altitudinal gradient
has helped to produce an extremely
high biodiversity. The four life zones
found in Monteverde are home to
more than 100 species of mammals,
400 species of birds, 500 species of
butterflies, 120 reptile and amphibian
species, 2,500 plant species (among
them 420 different types of orchids
and 200 fern species), 500 species of
trees and thousands of insects. Among
the 400 species of birds, some of the
best known species are: The Quetzal,
the Bird Bell, the Black Turkey Bird, the
Mot-Mot, the Orange-bellied Trogon,
and the Bare-neck Umbrella Bird.
Post Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 - San Jose to Monteverde.
After breakfast at the hotel we transfer
to Monteverde. On arrival we will
experience the magic of the Cloud
Forest onboard a small replica vintage
train. Alongside the railway the view
changes as we enter the forest.
Reaching a viewing point in the middle
of the forest, if it is clear we hope to
observe Costa Rica´s most active
volcano, the Arenal Volcano. Afrer a
local Costa Rican lunch we transfer to
El Establo Hotel for a two night stay.
Day 2 - Monteverde. This morning
enjoy a walking tour of the
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
After lunch at the Selvatura Park there
will be the chance to experience the
hanging bridges of Selvatura. There
are many bridge systems in the world,
few of them are hanging bridges, and
fewer still are those that are located
inside the real cloud forest. Selvatura
Park´s treetop walkways provide the
best way to safely admire the cloud
forest canopy. View the wide variety
of flora and fauna and experience the
biodiversity of the cloud forest canopy
which is not found anywhere else in
the world.
Day 3 - Monteverde to San Jose.
This morning we return to San
Jose via the scenic town of Sarchi,
considered the home of Costa Rica’s
best craftsmanship. It was here in
Sarchi that, more than a century ago,
primitive local artists began painting
and decorating their traditional oxcarts
in intricate and colourful designs.
There was spirited but good-nature
competition among families to see
who could create the most spectacular
designs. We will be able to see artisans
painting a variety of woodcrafts. After
lunch in Sarchi we arrive at the little
town of Grecia, famous for its historical
metal church. This evening we transfer
to the Real Intercontinental Hotel for
an overnight stay.
Day 4 - San Jose. After breakfast
transfer to the airport for your scheduled
flight to London Heathrow via Miami.
Day 5 - London. Arrive this morning.
Please note that when taken in
conjunction with Secret World of
Two Oceans, this is a pre-cruise
extension. Guests fly from London on
3rd November, enjoy an overnight in
San Jose before following the above
itinerary until day 4 when guests
transfer to the MS Caledonian Sky in
Puerto Limon and embark.
Prices per person
Twin: £545 Single: £745
Price includes: Two night
accommodation at El Establo Hotel
in Monteverde on bed and breakfast
basis, overnight accommodation at
Real Intercontinental Hotel in San
Jose on bed and breakfast basis,
Trainforest Tour with typical Costa
Rican lunch, Monteverde Cloud
Forest Reserve, Hanging bridges of
Selvatura tour with lunch, private airconditioned
transportation, bilingual
guides, entrance fees, Sarchi tour and
lunch, dinner on days 1 and 2, airport
transfer
Not Included: meals not shown in
itinerary, Costa Rica departure tax
Squirrel Monkey
70 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk
Macaw
Treetop Walkway