On this superb trip we explore the volcanic area in the north of Costa Rica and the south of Nicaragua. Impressive sights include National Parks full of diverse wildlife, the colonial wealth of Granada on the shore of the massive Lake Nicaragua, a stay overlooking an active volcano and the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, making this an amazing journey.

Itinerary:

Day 1, SAN JOSE Arrival day.Day 2, SAN JOSE - MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST Head north to the Cloud Forest Reserve of Monteverde, a beautiful park that teems with flora and fauna of every description. Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics.Day 3, MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST We have a full free day to explore the reserve, following trails that wind through the most spectacular sections or trying the spectacular canopy walks. There is abundant wildlife and we might see the magnificent quetzal as well as a variety of monkeys, wild cats and reptiles.Day 4, MONTEVERDE - GRANADA Today we cross the border into Nicaragua on our way to the colonial city of Granada, located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. Lake Nicaragua is the second largest lake in Latin America and is the only lake in the world that contains sharks.Day 5, GRANADA Free morning. In the afternoon an optional tour to the Islets of Granada in Lake Nicaragua. There are 365 islands in Lake Nicaragua, formed from eruptions of the Mombacho Volcano. Day 6, MASAYA - CATARINA - GRANADA After breakfast we visit the Masaya Volcano, as well as a handicrafts market. We'll stop for lunch at the village of Catarina with a breathtaking view of the volcanic lagoon.Day 7, GRANADA - RINCON DE LA VIEJA Today we cross the border back to Costa Rica and spend the night at a hacienda adjacent to the National Park amidst mountains and tropical forest. You can take a horse-riding tour or go on a canopy walk.Day 8, RINCON DE LA VIEJA Early in the morning we'll take a ride to the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, with geysers, bubbling mud pools and sulphurous springs to explore.Day 9, RINCON DE LA VIEJA - FORTUNA We head through mountains and typical villages to Fortuna, a small town nestled at the base of Arenal Volcano.Day 10, ARENAL VOLCANO We have a full day to explore the lower slopes of the volcano or soak in one of the hot springs nearby. In the evening you will enjoy a perfect view of the volcano from the porch of your own room.Day 11, FORTUNA - MANUEL ANTONIO NP Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park for two nights, which features some of Costa Rica's finest beaches, with long stretches of beautiful white sand backed by lush jungle.Days 12, MANUEL ANTONIO A full day to relax on the beach.Day 13, MANUEL ANTONIO - SAN JOSE After a relaxing morning we travel back to San Jose.Day 14, SAN JOSE Tour ends.

Group Size: Max 18
Activities: Hiking in National Parks, optional horse-riding and canopy walks
Accommodation: 11 nights hotels, 2 nights hacienda
Transport: Private and public bus
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader
Trip Reference: LAVC08