Monteverde Guanacastes Coral Reefs And Volcanic Peaks Costa Rica Adventure Cruise | Explore Guanacaste | Lindblad Expeditions

Spend three days inland in Monteverde’s cloud forest, a rarified, mountain rain forest strung with suspension bridges, and then explore the unique landscapes, climate and wildlife of one of Costa Rica’s richest regions, Guanacaste.

Bathed in cool, year-round moisture, Monteverde’s private reserve is covered with mosses and 300 species of orchids. Walk trails rich with butterflies and bird life. Ascend the Skywalk, a series of suspension bridges, for a birds-eye view of the rain forest canopy and the chance to see resplendent quetzals. Learn about life in the early Monteverde community from an original Quaker homesteader. Spend each night at a charming, family-owned lodge.

Then board your ship for a remarkable exploration of Guanacaste’s towering active volcanos, intricate mangrove and coral systems, and pristine beaches. On this expedition you’ll…

• Glide through a mangrove forest to see reddish egrets, spoonbills, white ibis and crocodiles.
• Snorkel the rich underwater world near Islas Murcielagos.
• Venture through the Guanacaste Conservation Area by kayak or Zodiac, or on foot
• Explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park alive with active volcanos and gurgling mud pots, replete with howler monkeys, waterfalls, and an optional zipline.
• Search for elusive northern tamandua (anteater) at Curu National Wildlife Range.

Add an inland exploration to your coastal expedition

There is a soothing aura about Monteverde’s cloud forest. Mist drifting past silhouettes of majestic trees, the cool quiet, and the haunting music of a bird called “solitaire”. Trees draped in a profusion of bromeliads and orchids display an abundance of life. The lacy-fronded tree fern, unchanged since early ecological times, stands out as a signature cloud forest specimen. Those lucky enough to glimpse the elusive resplendent quetzal, one of the world’s most beautiful birds, will see clearly how color and grace could inspire the reverence of Maya civilizations.

Escape into wildness in Costa Rica & Panama

The perfect winter escape. Dense, lush rain forests. Pristine, deserted beaches. Monkeys galore. Coatimundis and dozing sloths, plus toucans, macaws, and hummingbirds. Walk deep into the rain forest; the only sounds you’ll hear are the birds and monkeys in the trees and your own footfalls. And slowly, everyday life dissipates as revitalization takes over. Each day reveals distinct facets of the region: forest trails for hiking, a cool swim in a waterfall pool, and a coral reef to snorkel. Opportunities abound to see creatures in their natural environs—both on land and in the sea.

Exhilarating adventures daily

In Monteverde you’ll walk bridges suspended in the rain forest canopy that offer a rare bird’s eye view of the jungle, plus hike the extensive network of jungle trails with your naturalist. In Guanacaste you'll navigate the pristine coastline, snorkeling crystalline waters, and exploring wildlife-rich parks and preserves. Discover diverse tropical ecosystems while exploring via kayak and paddleboard, on foot, on horseback, and soaring by zipline.

Naturalists help you see and learn more

The cloud forest is a secretive place, revealing its magic to the trained eye of our naturalists, who help you observe all facets of this marvelous habitat. On our Costa Rica expedition, you experience the forest trail at ground level. In Monteverde, you explore the upper forest canopy on an exhilarating Sky Walk—a series of suspension bridges—for a bird’s-eye view. Spend two nights at a charming, family-owned lodge.