DAY
1 - SAN JOSE
"...all of us were so impressed with
the service we received from you personally and everyone we met during
our trip..."
- Robin Martin |
Arrive in San Jose, where our driver will meet you to transfer you to HOTEL RINCÓN DEL VALLE, a "bed & breakfast" type hotel, especially designed to satisfy the demands of present day guests, located in an elegant residential zone 19 kms. from the airport and five minutes away from San Jose’s downtown center.
DAY
2 - SAN JOSÉ/ARENAL
Personal driver will pick you up shortly after breakfast to begin 4 hour journey to the ARENAL VOLCANO, Costa Rica's and one of the world's most active. Tour begins with a drive on the Interamerican Highway north to Zarcero, a picturesque small town dedicated to agriculture and dairy farms. This town features a very unique city park crowded with cypress trees trimmed in different shapes of animals and objects related to the daily life in this area. Upon arriving at the Arenal area there is a scheduled visit for a relaxing soak and dinner at the thermal pools of Tabacon Hot Springs, whose warm, mineral-rich waters are heated within the volcano. Overnight at Hotel Arenal Springs where you will have a spectacular view of the volcano's nighttime eruptions. (B) (L) (D)
"...We had an awesome time! We would
have to say that our favorite spot was Arenal. The Tabacon Resort
was unsurpassed by any hot springs we have here in Colorado (and we
have some good ones!)..."
- Wilson Roger P. |
DAY 3 - ARENAL
After an early morning breakfast, tour to the Rio Fortuna waterfall and hike down a steep trail to the base of the waterfall, where you can enjoy a cool swim in the river's crystal clear waters or just enjoy the exuberant vegetation surrounding the canyon. After a hearty lunch, begin 2 1/2 hour hike wading a beautiful stream and then a nice trail to a lava flow which was still moving only two years ago. Walking over the lava rocks, one has a fantastic view of the mighty Arenal Volcano on one side and Lake Arenal on the other. You might even be able to witness some eruptions, and observe some of the wildlife of the area. Retire to the hotel to view the spectacular nighttime eruptions and lava flows. Overnite at Hotel Arenal Springs.
(B) (L)
DAY
4 - ARENAL/MONTEVERDE
After breakfast and an optional morning hike or ride, leave to begin scenic 4 1/2 hour drive around Lake Arenal to MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE and Fonda Vela Lodge. Monteverde is one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. There are at least 400 bird species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, and an estimated 2,500 species of plants making Monteverde a true "nature lover's paradise". The reserve has a definite wet and dry season, though the upper levels have fog and rain much of the year. Fonda Vela is the closest hotel within walking distance to the famous Reserve. Situated on a 35 acre farm, surrounded by virgin rain forests, lush green fields and exotic birds, Fonda Vela provides a nurturing experience to all those who visit. The lodge offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms and hot water, and a restaurant specializing in home style and international cuisine with ingredients from the organic garden. (B) (D)
DAY 5 - MONTEVERDE
Morning "CANOPY TOUR" or "SKY WALK" -
 The CANOPY TOUR offers the adventurous tourist the opportunity to ascend into the forest canopy and see jungle life from a different perspective. This is accomplished by modifying techniques used by spelunkers (cavers) and canyon rappelers to provide a safe and enjoyable passage above the forest floor.
SKYWALK is a complex of suspended bridges, platforms and paths, built within the Cloud Forest of Monteverde. These allow the observation of flora and fauna from ground level all the way to the top of the trees. 3,280' of paths have been designed and built, five suspended bridges, with a total of more than 1,640' in length and with heights of over 130'. This system offers the best opportunity, in a safe, comfortable and relaxed manner, to get to know and learn about the complexity and beauty of the tropical forest.
Afternoon visit to the BUTTERFLY GARDEN, featuring many species of butterflies endemic to Costa Rica. Overnight at Hotel Fonda Vela (B)
(D)
 DAY 6 - MONTEVERDE/PLAYA CARRILLO
After breakfast leave to begin 4 hour drive to PLAYA CARRILLO, one of Latin America’s most beautiful beaches, and overnight at HOTEL LEYENDA, known for its outstanding style, comfort and service, where guests can relax and enjoy the marvels of the Pacific Ocean with summer weather all year round. Only two miles away is Playa Samara a small fishing and tourist village where you can find supermarkets, bank, pharmacy, restaurants, stores, bars and nightlife. (B)
"...Dorlee and I had one of the finest
trips we can remember, in large part due to your arrangements. I can't
remember a trip where things went so flawlessly..."
- Thomas Henderson |
DAY 7 - PLAYA CARRILLO
Free day to spend relaxing on the beach at Carrillo. Overnight at Hotel Leyenda (B)
DAY 8 - PLAYA CARILLO/SAN JOSE
After a morning dip in the ocean or pool, personal driver will pick you up for your transfer back to San José. Overnight at Hotel Buena Vista that is conveniently close to the San José international airport. The Hotel has 25 rooms equipped with TV. 2 queen size beds, telephone, private bath with hot water, and room service. (B)
DAY 9 - RETURN HOME
Transfer to airport for return flight home and the end to an unforgettable vacation/adventure (B)
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