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Leave Sun. Jan. 15
Return Tue. Jan. 31

$5,295 - Total Package
$289 - Travel Insurance

$170 - Globus Journeys Club Discount 

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2017 Costa Rica & Nicaragua 17 days

A mix of Natural Beautiful and Colonial Discovery!

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Honolulu Departure.

Our exploration of Costa Rica amazing nature and the discovery of Nicaragua begins tonight with an overnight departure for the Houston, Texas. The preliminary flight schedule is displayed online at doldworldjourneys.com under the journey's page.

Day 2 Via Houston to San Jose, Costa Rica.

After a quick connection in Houston, take a comfortable four hour flight to arrive at San Jose's Juan Santamaría International Airport a little after noon (the same day). We clear immigration and customs then are met by our Globus Tour director for a transfer to the Wyndham Herradura Hotel for the night. After we settled in and freshen up, we enjoy an orientation tour of San Jose before a savoring our Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 3 To Tortuguero.

This morning we journey east to the Caribbean shore and Tortuguero National Park. On the way, stop at a working Banana Plantation. In the afternoon, board a motor launch for our cruise along the Tortuguero Canals, waterways crisscrossing a national park dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles. The trained eyes of our guide and boatman help us spot freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys.

The park is a water thoroughfare which is a 100 mile stretch of natural rivers, lagoons and estuaries, and connection man-made waterways that run almost to the Nicaraguan boarder. The canal is the main "highway" of the northern coastal region, complete with directional signs and branches for the main trunk route.

Some leisure time lets us explore Laguna Lodge until it's time for an informative slideshow presentation on the area. This will be our home for the next two nights. (B), (L), (D)

Day 4 Exploring Tortuguero National Park.

A local Naturalist accompanies us on a leisurely boat ride along remote, unspoiled sections of the park’s waterways, explaining the bountiful flora and fauna along the way. Enjoy a fascinating stroll through an accessible portion of the nearby Rainforest. Later we visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum to learn about the nesting cycle of the Green Sea Turtles that come to this area to nest along the beach each year. (B), (L), (D)

Day 5 Via San Carlos to Arenal.

A morning boat transfer begins our journey to the San Carlos area. Arrive at a Local School where we will be welcomed by the school students who will perform a traditional dance and folklore show. Next, continue to a local Farm to learn about organic farming and the traditions of the Costa Rican family. We will learn about the cultivating and harvesting of two of Costa Rica’s main exports, sugar cane and coffee. Continue to the Volcano Lodge in the lush town of Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. After settling in, experience the magic of the resort’s pool and hot spring-fed Jacuzzi or consider a walk in the nearby nature trail in search of 300- to 400-year-old trees, poisonous frogs, monkeys, birds, and possibly small animals native to the area. (B), (L), (D)

Day 6 Discovering Arenal.

This morning, enjoy the sights and the sounds of the rainforest and experience its peacefulness while paddling the Penas Blancas River. Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles and numerous tropical birds are waiting for us. A professional guide explain and point out the local flora and fauna as we peacefully float down the river without a motor.

This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. Next a Naturalist guides us through Natura Park. On our stroll keep an eye out for toucans, iguanas, frogs, birds, butterflies, and caimans commonly seen here. Then drive to nearby Ecotermales Hot Springs for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools. This evening, view Arenal Volcano, hoping to see lava glowing on its sides. (B), (D)

Day 7 To Monteverde.

After breakfast, our coach takes us through the rustic rural countryside to Monteverde, where we will savor two days in the cloud forest. The forest is created by the winds, particular temperature and moisture conditions, and mountainous topography which combine during the dry season to hold a steady cloud cover along the Continental Divide.

This afternoon, take a guided tour on the Skywalk hanging bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest, to search for flora and fauna. There is more to the forest than the trees and lesser plants. Of over 320 bird species, the most notable is the quetzal with its long arc of tail feathers. About 500 kinds of butterfly are found at Monteverde. Among the more than 100 mammalian species are howler, white-faced and spider monkeys, coatis and their cousins, raccoons.

As night falls this evening, experience a Night Walk in the Valle Escondida Preserve. This is the best time to explore with our expert Naturalist as the jungle and its animals come alive. El Establo Mountain Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 8 Experiencing Monteverde.

We start with a visit to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Located on the Continental Divide of Costa Rica, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve comprises an area of 765 acres, and is home to forest fauna such as the resplendent quetzal, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, and numerous species of birds. With almost 100% humidity throughout the year, the cloud forest experiences almost 12 feet of rain per year. Later, visit the family-owned Trapiche Farm, where we savor a homemade lunch. While here, learn about the production of sugar cane, coffee, and the traditional ways of cultivating bananas, arracacha (a local legume), avocado, macadamia nuts, as well as other products. The remainder of our day is at leisure. (B), (L), (D)

Day 9 To Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Today adventure was highly recommend by Todd Ney as the only a few Costa Rica programs include this visit. We transfer to Rincon De La Vieja National Park. Rincon de la Vieja is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Towering with nine extraordinary eruption points, at over 6,200 feet high, it is part of the Guanacaste Mountain Range. The park contains small geysers, bubbling mud pots and mineral hot springs that have earned it the name, "Costa Rica's Yellowstone."

On our stroll search for insects, butterflies, extraordinary vegetation and numerous waterways like the Colorado River and the Rio Blanco. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded to live within the park, like emerald tucanets, and long-tailed manakins. Three different species of monkeys and other extraordinary animals also know this place as their home. And we'll have the chance to glimpse the wild purple orchids protected by this area. Tonight, our Costa Rican Tour Director hosts a Farewell Dinner, toasting an unforgettable visit to his country. Borinquen Resort. (B), (D)

Day 10 To Ometepe Island, Nicaragua.

This morning we head north for Nicaragua and then say "Aloha" to Costa Rica and our new found friends. After clearing our border formalities we take a ferry across Lake Nicaragua to Ometepe Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to 30,000 people and rich pre-Columbian vestiges. It is considered one of the most impressive sights in Central America.

Ometepe is somewhat isolated from the rest of Nicaragua and therefore still maintains its special mystery and charm. Its beautiful scenery, archeological ruins and rural life amazes visitors from all over the world. Our next to nights are at the rustic Charco Verde Hotel. (B), (L), (D)

Day 11 Exploring Ometepe Island.

This morning drive to the slopes of Maderas Volcano, where we visit a farm to see the ancient carved rocks of different shapes, circles, spirals and zoomorphic forms of animals and humans. After thousands of years these petroglyphs still remain in their natural state and are the oldest pre-Columbian art in Central America. Next continue to Ometepe Museum in Altagracia where we view some of the largest stone idols found on Ometepe and also learn about the geology and culture of the island.

Our final visit today takes us to Charco Verde Natural Reserve located between the Maderas and Concepcion Volcanoes. This natural reserve encompasses a lagoon once used by the native Indians to make sacrifices and offerings to their gods but today provides shelter for the island's wildlife including monkeys, armadillos and anteaters. (B), (D)

Day 12 Via Catarina Viewpoint to Granada.

Today we depart Ometepe Island and head for Catarina Viewpoint overlooking Apoyo Lagoon. Take some time to marvel at the breathtaking views of Granada and Lake Nicaragua. Then continue to Granada, founded in 1524 by Captain Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, and considered to be the most beautiful Latin American cities for its colonial heritage. This ancient town on the shore of Lake Nicaragua is full of history and Spanish Colonial charm and is one of the oldest European Settlements in the western hemisphere.

Enjoy a guided tour by foot and on Horse-Drawn Carriage. Granada is historically one of Nicaragua's most important cities both economically and politically. As with all colonial cities in Central America, Granada is built around its main square (Parque Central) that represents the city's social, cultural, and economic hub. Here we find the Cathedral, City Hall, important banks, cultural centers, as well as a myriad of small shops and stalls selling traditional food and handicrafts. Enjoy the next two nights at The Hotel Granada. (B), (D)

Day 13 Discover Los Pueblos Blancos.

North of Granada, we follow the route of Los Pueblos Blancos or the “White Villages,” so named for their Spanish-style churches and white casitas with colorful windows and doors. The rural villages, known for their market stalls, restaurants and scenic lookouts, are also distinguished by a particular craft the local people of each village produce. For instance, San Juan de Oriente is a major center for wonderful pottery, and we can visit many of the prize-winning potters in their workshops. Masatape is the country’s rocking-chair capital, and also tables and dressers. The specialty of the pueblo of Diriomo is sorcery and witchcraft. Pueblos Blancos is also known for its calendar full of traditional festivals.

After dinner, enjoy a unique excursion which takes us to Masaya Volcano at night. See the resident parrots and parakeets who have adapted to the sulfur smoke and return to their home inside an active crater. Take a walk inside lava tubes and see three different species of bats who call this home while learning about the geology and ecology of the area. (B), (D)

Day 14 Via Leon Viejo & the San Jacinto Mud Pots to Leon.

For a special treat this morning we will learn how to roast, winnow, and grind cacao beans; mix, conch, and refine chocolate liquor; and mold our own handmade Nicaraguan chocolate bar that we take with us. During the workshop see real cacao trees and learn about the history and botany of cacao and chocolate. Even sample Maya, Aztec, and Spanish cacao drinks well and get the recipes if you want.

Next, explore Leon Viejo (UNESCO), one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas. The ruins are a remarkable testimony to the economic and social structures of the Spanish Empire in the 16th century as the site preserves the original layout of the first cities founded by the Spaniards in the New World. It also testifies to experiments carried out on materials to find those that would be used in future colonial buildings erected in the Americas. Later visit the San Jacinto Mud Pots to see how boiling mud holes are formed from the underground magmatic chambers produced from nearby volcanoes. The field is not big but it is interesting to walk around and see the fiercely bubbling holes, which differ in size and color. Spend two nights at the Las Mercedes Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 15 Leon City & Rum Tour.

We start the day getting to know the colonial city of Leon, that was founded by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in the year 1524 next to Lake Xolotlan and the active Momotombo Volcano. The city was actually built next to the town known as Imabite but in the year 1610 it was moved to its current location after being destroyed by a series of eruptions from the Momotombo Volcano and the city was basically buried. That is why the city is dubbed the Central American Pompeii. See the main churches including the monumental Cathedral (UNESCO), the largest in Central America, the birth house of Nicaragua's most beloved poet, Ruben Dario, the “Ortiz Gurdian” art gallery and the “El Convento” Hotel with its colonial architecture.

In the afternoon savor a guided tour of Flor De Cana Rum Factory. Learn the history of how sugar cane came to the America’s and the origin and development of rum worldwide. Witness the fascinating process used to process the rum, learn about the maintenance of the oak barrels, and see firsthand the impressive warehouses with hundreds of oak barrels with 25 year old rum. End our visit with a tasting session of 18 year old rum. (B), (D)

Day 16 To Managua.

Warm and sunny Managua has been the capital of Nicaragua since 1852 and today we get to know this divided city. To the north, we discover the old city center; destroyed by an earthquake in 1972, and to the south you explore the downtown of Managua where most of the investments are being made. Visit the National Historic Park Loma de Tiscapa and get to know the story behind national hero Augusto Cesar Sandino and the Somoza dictatorship. View the ruins of the old presidential palace, also destroyed by the earthquake that leveled the city, the monument to Simon Bolivar, the National Theater Ruben Dario, and the New Presidential House. In the new city, see the modern and metropolitan Cathedral as well as the many new investments like hotels, bars, restaurants, and shopping areas. This evening enjoy a special Farewell Dinner hosted by our Tour Director. Hyatt Place Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 17 To Honolulu.

In the early morning we say "Aloha" to our newly found Nicaraguan friends as we transfer to the airport for our flight via Houston and Los Angeles to Honolulu. (B)

Please note: while this journey may seem like an adventures trek, we don't do any strenuous hiking. This program is designed for our casual strolling Travel Ohana. Someone who has walking challenges could easily visit these places and rest along the way. Please keep in mind; I am always in the back of the group to help. Of course, it is possible to do little more challenging hikes if you want.