Costa Rica: Gardens, Beaches and Birds

Join Garden and Nature Tours with C. Colston Burrell and local guide, Vernon Campos, in Costa Rica to explore a tropical paradise. Though scarcely larger
than West Virginia, this friendly country is a magnet for gardeners, birders, natural history enthusiasts and adventurers. The pristine beaches are legendary!

Costa Rica boasts over 9,000 species of flowering plants. The 876 species of birds, including flamboyant toucans and tanagers, are sure to seduce
even the casual birder. Parrots, hummingbirds, tanagers and honeycreepers flock to the blazing orange coral trees that set the countryside awash with spring color. This diversity of plants and animals is due to incredible variation in topography, vegetation and rainfall patterns. For its size, Costa Rica has more preserved land than any other country in the world, nearly 1/4 of its landmass.

In addition to gardens, we have ample opportunities to explore the unique topography and geology of Costa Rica. We plan to tour the private gardens and orchid collection of Myriam Sagot, and enjoy a delicious lunch in her garden. We visit Los Cusingos Bird Sanctuary, the former home and garden of noted naturalist Alexander Skutch. We also stroll through Pura Vida Gardens to view the distant waterfall, and hike the trails in Corcovado National Park. We explore tropical forest restoration at Finca Cantaros, and walk the gardens and trails of the Wilson Botanical Garden, an Organization for Tropical Studies Field Station. There is a wealth of colorful birds at feeding stations in beautiful settings. We visit private nature reserves, intimate gardens and national parks to learn about native plants and local wildlife. We also have plenty of beach time to relax and play in the surf.

Download the complete brochure: https://gardenandnaturetours.com/costarica/

TOUR DURATION 12 Nights / 13 Days

TOUR INCLUSIONS

† Airport transfers on arrival day
† Twelve nights hotel/lodge accommodations
† All meals from dinner on February 17 to breakfast on March 1
† Sightseeing and transportation by Toyota Coaster as outlined in the program itinerary
† Local guide and nature expert—Vernon Campos
† Escort throughout tour—C. Colston Burrell
† Visits to two public gardens
† Tour private gardens and nature reserves
† Private tour of Los Cusingos Bird Sanctuary
† Guided natural history and birding excursions
in two National Parks, Carara and Corcovado
† Admissions to all gardens and parks
† Water and snacks in the Coaster
† Hotel taxes and service charges
† Gratuities to your local driver, guide and host

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

† Round-trip airfare from home cities
† Travel insurance
† Airport fees, taxes and baggage charges
† Optional sightseeing or recreational activities
† Gratuities to servers, luggage handlers or housekeeping
† Alcoholic beverages during the trip
† Any other items not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary

AIR TRAVEL: Each tour has a minimum number of travelers that must be registered before the tour is a go. Once this number is reached, Friendship Tours will let you know so that you can book your airfare.

To Make a Reservation, https://www.friendshiptours.net/group-travel
Select "Group Sign In." Enter the TOUR CODE: 26FEB17COSTA in the box labeled "Make a New Reservation."

Or call Barb at Friendship Tours for more information - 860-243-1630