Monday 15th March Departure from London Heathrow airport this morning. On arrival in Managua, Nicaragua, meet the local guide and transfer to the hotel. Receive a welcome pack including information on Nicaragua, a map, brochures of properties and attractions, and general information. During the transfer to the hotel, there will be a short orientation tour with a basic introduction to the country pointing out some essential facts for the first-time visitor. Tonight there will be a get-together dinner and tour briefing. Overnight: Managua (D)
Tuesday 16th March After breakfast at the hotel we will depart to the Matagalpa region. This afternoon we will enjoy a guided walk in the Selva Negra Reserve. Our guide will lead you up to the higher trails within the reserve, where a cloud forest ecosystem is found. During this hike we will see different species of trees like some very big Matapalo (type of Ficus) tree, an abundance of epiphyte plants like bromeliads and orchids and you might see mammals like howler monkeys, wild pigs, agoutis and birds like hummingbirds and maybe even the tree wattled bellbird and the resplendant quetzal. After this tour, there will be time to relax in the lodge facilities.Overnight: Selva Negra (B,L)
Wednesday 17th March This morning we will do a coffee tour. First we go through the wet mill, where we will see the receiving, de-pulping, fermentation and washing process of the coffee. We will also visit the canal of the sorting of the coffee, the pre-drying patio as well as the transporter for the coffee pulp. Then we will continue to see the installation where the coffee water is cleaned; also see the concrete bins, the biogas system, oxygenation lake and also part of the flower greenhouses. From here continue to the next farm, through part of Selva Negra coffee plantation where you can observe the ground cover material used to avoid the use of herbicides. Some of the materials used are: coffee husk, or rice husk, mulch or algae from the lake. We continue the tour visiting other coffee plantation areas on different roads, going through beautiful landscapes. There are also a few more lakes to see. Following the coffee plantation, we depart to the pastureland where we will receive an explanation on how intensive pasture ranching works, the use of electric fencing with solar engery, the constant rotation to updgrade the smal lots of pastureland, the shade planted in the area and why it is useful. After learning about the coffee process, we will have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the lodge or to explore the natural reserve with your guide.Overnight: Selva Negra (B)
Thursday 18th March After breakfast at the hotel we will depart to León, visiting on the way the San Jacinto Mud Pods. On this tour we will be able to get really close to the heat coming up from the interior of the earth. We also get to see the boiling mud at very high temperatures inside these craters.
Following the San Jacinto Mud Ponds we will continue to the Flor de Caña Rum Distillery. Since its beginning, Flor de Caña Rum has stood for an unwavering commitment to creating the highest quality rums, utilising expert craftsmanship, the finest natural ingredients and the unique Slow Aged method. During this guided visit we will learn about the history and process that makes this rum unique. Transfer to León and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Leon (B,L)
Friday 19th March Depart this morning for a León City Tour. León was the capital of Nicaragua during the colonial period until 1857. It has always been Nicaragua’s academic centre by tradition. In contrast to Granada, this city had to move to its current location in 1610 due to continuous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Leon’s Cathedral is the largest religious colonial building in Central America, containing valuable artwork such as frescoes and oil paintings. In León it is possible to view a large variety of architectural styles. After this tour we will continue to Granada, visiting en route the Masaya Volcano National Park. This is an active double volcano (Masaya – Nindiri), which has five volcanic cones. A paved road, leading to the mouth of Santiago crater, takes us over cliffs of solid lava and patches of tropical forest until we reach an altitude of 635 mts. Once here, we will be able to observe the magnitude of this crater, which is 570 mts. long, and view the constant gases emerging from this crater. A short climb to other points of interest near the Santiago crater provides visitors with a view of the agricultural lowlands of Tisma, Masaya and Tipitapa. Following this tour we will visit the Masaya Handicraft Market. Enjoy the city of Masaya and its market, where we will have the chance to experience the traditions and folklore of its people and admire the colourful and innovative arts and crafts made of wood, leather, ceramics and stones. Overnight: Granada (B)
Saturday 20th March Today we will explore the islets of Granada and Lake Nicaragua by boat. This archipelago is made up of approximately 360 small islets that were formed by a violent explosion of the nearby Mombacho Volcano. We will take a guided tour that will introduce us to Granada City, visiting its main landmarks and attractions. Despite being the city that was most frequently besieged by pirates, sacked during the civil wars and destroyed by the filibuster William Walker in 1856, Granada is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Central America. The numerous houses with mud tile roofs, its unique baroque and renaissance- style churches, and horse-drawn carriages, combined with its great location next to Lake Nicaragua, make Granada a very attractive destination for any traveller.
In Granada we will also visit an organic tobacco plantation where you will be able to take a closer look at the process of the farm, continuing afterwards to Granada for a visit to Doña Elba Cigars Factory. Meet some of her family members who have kept alive the family traditions over the years and named the factory in honour of a brave mother of 19 children. Witness the making of handmade cigars and visit the show room. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
Overnight : Granada (B)
Sunday 21st March This morning depart for Rivas, close to the Costa Rican border. In Rivas we will visit the Señora Reyna Hacienda. In this hacienda the first Latin American cattle breed to be recognized worldwide was bred. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant near the cattle ranch. After this meal transfer to Peñas Blancas Border (Costa Rica – Nicaragua). After customs formalities, meet the Costa Rican local guide and driver. From Peñas Blancas proceed to Monteverde. Upon arrival in Monteverde check in at the lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below will accompany you as you ascend the hill to Monteverde and Santa Elena. A road leads up to this forest-covered site whose name, which means "Green Mountain", is most appropriate to introduce visitors to the wildlife sanctuary it preserves. The community, secluded on a 1400 metre-high (4594 ft) plateau, was founded in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers. Although some of the original virgin forest was cleared for dairy farming, the founders’ environmental awareness, together with help from private organisations, led to the creation of a biological reserve that maintains one of the richest ecological systems in the country. Due to its location at a relatively high altitude, Monteverde's climate is quite fresh. Temperatures range from 13-24ºC (55-75ºF). Clouds, mist, rain and occasional rays of sunshine bring life and enchantment to the cloud forest.
Overnight: Monteverde (BL)
Monday 22nd March After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The reserve is home to over 100 species of mammals, more than 400 species of birds, including the Quetzal and 30 local hummingbird species, and 120 species of amphibians and reptiles. This reserve also hosts one of the most important virgin cloud forests in the country. A well-developed trail system will provide us a good selection of hiking possibilities for this day. This afternoon we will visit the Monteverde Cheese Factory. During the tour we will learn about the history of Monteverde and the making of dairy products.
Overnight: Monteverde (B)
Tuesday 23rd March After breakfast we will depart to La Fortuna, Arenal, by bus and boat crossing; the bus will take us to Arenal Lake, the largest in the country, where we will board a boat travelling to the east side of the lake, to the Tapon Pier. The boat ride takes 30 minutes approximately and if weather permits you will be able to enjoy great views of the active volcano. Upon our arrival our bus will meet us and take us to the hotel for check in.
This afternoon, depart to visit a dairy farm or cattle ranch in the area of San Carlos. Without a doubt, the majestic Arenal Volcano - one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere- constitutes the main attraction in this northern region. Its perfectly- formed cone and constant eruptions of lava impress visitors from all over the world. Arenal also owes its reputation to the wide variety of activities and interesting natural spots within a short distance of one another. Located in the northern part of the Alajuela province, close to the Nicaraguan border, the Arenal region possesses beautiful and varied scenery. Refreshed by gentle tropical rains, this land stays green and humid almost all year round. The lowlands host gushing rivers, hot springs, lagoons, remote national parks, and plentiful wildlife. Their climate and terrain also provide perfect conditions for agriculture - some of the most advanced in the country. The variety of the region means it offers visitors a wide array of activities to choose from, such as bird-watching at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, white water rafting, bathing in the hot springs, windsurfing, horseback riding and visiting the impressive Arenal volcano.
Overnight: Arenal (B)
Wednesday 24th March Today we will have a guided walk in the Arenal Volcano National Park. A visit to the Arenal volcano is a must! From time to time loud explosions can be heard and, if the sky is clear, clouds of gases and rolling rocks can easily be spotted. At night the spectacle becomes even more impressive, as the red-orange lava cascades down the volcano’s perfectly-shaped cone. The tour begins on the active west side with a hike along the Las Coladas trail where it is possible to observe a variety of wildlife. From there you will reach the recently-formed lava flows from where there is an exceptional view of the volcano, Lake Arenal, and the surrounding forest. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the surroundings.
Overnight : Arenal (B,L)
Thursday 25th March
After breakfast at the hotel we will depart from Arenal to San José, via Sarapiquí. In Sarapiquí we will visit a Banana Plantation where we will have the opportunity to see the process of banana-growing and also see a banana- packing plant exporting to Europe and North America. This is a large grower and it will give us a good idea of the process of banana production. After this tour continue to San José. Upon arrival in San José check in at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: San José (B)
Friday 26th March
Today we depart from San José to the Irazú Volcano National Park. At an altitude of 3,432 mts this is the highest volcano in Costa Rica. During the ascent we will observe the cultivation of products like onions and potatoes, while looking out at the panoramic views of San Jose and Cartago below. Once we get to the Volcano you will be impressed by the size of the crater and the greenish- brown pool inside. The high altitude means that on a clear day you might be able to see the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
After the guided walk in the Irazú Volcano we will continue to the Turrialba Valley. The valley is considered the centre of a rich agricultural region and is a great location for travellers interested in archaeology, agriculture, and nature. In Turrialba we will visit CATIE, a research centre specializing in tropical agriculture. In the surrounding 1000 hectares, more than 2400 types of coffee bean and 450 kinds of cacao plants are grown. Part of CATIE's mandate is to develop technological innovations to modernize tropical agriculture, and preserve sustainable agricultural practices for the small landholders who make up a significant percentage of Costa Rica's farming population. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in Turrialba. In the afternoon return to San Jose, with the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight: San José (B,L)
Saturday 27th March After breakfast at the hotel we will depart from San José to the Piedras Blancas National Park area, located on the South Pacific Coast. On the way we will visit a Pineapple Plantation. During this tour you will learn about planting and growing pineapples, as we travel through the fields. We will arrive at the lodge during the afternoon. Check in with the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Parque Nacional Esquinas (B)
Sunday 28th March This morning we will depart from the hotel to Paso Canoas on the border between Panama and Costa Rica. After customs and immigration procedures, we will meet the guide and driver that will escort you in Panama. From Paso Canoas we will continue to Panama’s Pacific Coast where we will overnight. Check in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Pacific Coast (B)
Monday 29th March After breakfast at the hotel we will visit a farm located in ‘Cocle’ Province. This region is well known for agricultural products such as livestock, sugar, rice and cereals. We will have lunch in a local restaurant. Following this tour we will continue to Panama City. This evening we will have a farewell dinner in a local restaurant, where we will enjoy the flavour and folklore characteristic of the countryside, and taste delicious Panamanian dishes.
Overnight: Panama City (B,L,D)
Tuesday 30th March This morning transfer to Panama International Airport in time for the return flight to London. (B)
Wednesday 31st March Arrival back at London Heathrow Airport. End of tour
Subject to availability, it may be possible to extend your holiday in Panama or take a post-tour cruise option, for example to the Panama Canal or the Carribean.
| Main Tour cost | Price per person | | Twin/ Double | £2,350.00 | | Single supplement | £530.00 |
- Return international flights and taxes
- 15 nights' hotel (3+ star) & lodge accommodation
- Breakfast daily, and meals as indicated by B,L,D . B = Breakfast, L = dinner, D = dinner
- Private coach transportation provided throughout
- All farm and technical visits
- All sightseeing and admissions as indicated on the itinerary
- Services of English-speaking tour guide throughout
- Services of STITA tour manager
- Porterage of 1 piece of luggageper person, where available.
Not Included: - Airport departure taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Items of personal expenditure
- Tips to drivers and guides, bell-boys and room attendants.
How to Book To make a booking, please call us on 01242 515 712 or click on our Booking Details. |
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