| The
Laguna del Lagarto Lodge is nestled harmoniously in
its surrounding landscape, at the edge of 1,200 acres of rainforest
in northern Costa Rica. Just a few years ago a trip into this
beautiful, secluded area meant an expedition of several days.
Today, by 4x4 on an adventurous gravel road, it is accessible
in only 3 to 4 hours.
  
DAY 1: SAN JOSE –
RAINFOREST RIO SAN CARLOS
In the morning pick up in San Jose and Transfer to Laguna
del Lagarto Lodge.
Optional: Visit Poás Volcano on your way to the lodge
– approx. US$ 30 per person incl. entrance fee.
Early morning offers the best chance for a clear, cloudless
view of the 14,000-acre nature reserve of Poás Volcano.
If the weather permits, today you may admire one of the most
spectacular volcanoes of Costa Rica: With a diameter of 1.5
km, Poás Volcano is considered to be the world’s
second biggest geyser. The crater in the center of the park
shows almost permanent activity, with sulfuric fumes, active
fumaroles, and temperatures between 104° F and 158°
F; and the views of the sulfuric lake with ever-changing colors
(mostly turquoise, blue or yellow), at the bottom of the 300
meters deep crater, are just breathtaking!
You may then take a short hike to the National Park’s
second crater, the dormant “Laguna Botos” - a
beautiful, tranquil lake, surrounded by untouched, lush vegetation.
The 30 minute (one-way), well marked trail which leads to
Laguna Botos, winds its way through a habitat called dwarf
cloud forest, where curiously shaped trees grow in the volcanic
soil, full of bromeliads, lichens and mosses.
Continuing the drive, you’ll see Catarata La Paz, Costa
Rica's most impressive waterfall, cascading down the east
slope of Poás Volcano, before riding further north
to Boca Tapada, and Laguna del Lagarto Lodge.
ÜN Laguna del Lagarto Lodge - dinner
DAY 2: RAINFOREST
RIO SAN CARLOS
Think pure, unspoiled jungle! Stroll
alone or with a guide through tropical primary forest (1 introductory
rainforest hike included). Multiple trails of more than 10
miles in length facilitate your exploration of this mostly
untouched paradise. The variety of animals and plants here
is staggering, almost unimaginable: red and green poison dart
frogs, an assortment of monkeys and more than 350 species
of birds, amongst them macaws, toucans and humming birds.
This region is one of the few where the great green macaw,
in danger of extinction, can still be seen. By canoe you can
reverently enter the lagoons and see beyond into hidden estuaries
filled with bromeliads, nesting bats and bright green “Jesucristo"
lizards (so-called because they can walk on water). After
sunset caimans can be observed while they feed. Warm, starry
evenings and cool breezes on a covered porch with a refreshing
drink and the background concerto of jungle inhabitants: what
great memories are made of.
ÜN Laguna del Lagarto Lodge – breakfast &
dinner
DAY 3: BACK TO SAN JOSE ( OR
CONTINUE FOR EXAMPLE TO ARENAL VOLCANO)
After breakfast the transfer service
of the lodge will take you back to San Jose (or to La Fortuna/Arenal
Volcano if you wish).
- breakfast.
  
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