Adventure, Extreme, Nature, Learning Family, Romance, Beach, Archaeology, Culture
Day 1 Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival to San Jose International Airport (contact us for details if arriving at other airport), you will receive a VIP Airport Greeting by a Pacific Trade Winds representative. Transportation will be provided to San Jose which is the capital city. During your visit to San Jose, you will stay at Hotel Don Carlos. Hotel Don Carlos is a hotel located in the Historic District of San Jose and was home to two former Costa Rican Presidential families. Hotel amenities include restaurant, bar, mini pool, massage service, and internet. While at Hotel Don Carlos you will enjoy a Standard Room. Standard Rooms feature cable TV, telephone, wireless internet access, private bathroom with hot water, in-room safe, hair dryer, executive desk. |
Day 2 Archaeological Hike at the Guayabo National Monument. Ancient stone carvings, skillfully engineered Pre-Columbian aqueducts with flowing water, and roads going into the rainforest hints to Costa Rica s mysterious past civilizations. Guayabo National Monument is the most important archaeological site in the country. Shadowed by Turrialba Volcano, this mysterious ancient city of over 10,000 people disappeared prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. A guide will explain the history of the early inhabitants and these ancient excavations that hold a world of mysteries and unanswered questions. This tour includes a bilingual guide, gear, and round-trip transportation. |
Day 3 Transportation will be provided to San Gerardo de Dota which is a birdwatchers paradise located in the central cloud forests. During your visit to San Gerardo de Dota, you will stay at El Manantial Lodge. El Manantial Lodge is an eco-lodge and bird watchers paradise located in the cloud forest area of San Gerardo de Dota. Hotel amenities include restaurant, and nature trails. While at El Manantial Lodge you will enjoy a Standard Room. Standard Rooms feature private bathroom and hot water. |
Day 4 Birdwatching tour for half day. This tour is great for any birdwatcher and particulary those seeking Resplendent Quetzals as this is one of the few areas in the world that has the right features to harbor Quetzals year round. With a little luck and cooperation from Mother Nature, we should be able to spot many species of birds. The tour lasts a few hours and includes guide. No transportation is needed from El Manantial Lodge. Transportation is not included from other area hotels. |
Day 5 Horseback Riding. This is an horseback ride through San Gerard de Dota with a local non-English speaking guide. No transportation is needed from El Manantial Lodge. Transportation is not included from other area hotels. |
Day 6 Transportation will be provided to Dominical which is home to some of the most beautiful palm studded surf beaches in Costa Rica and an abundance of wildlife in the surrounding mountains. During your visit to Dominical, you will stay at Hacienda Baru. Hacienda Baru is an eco-lodge and wildlife refuge located just north of Dominical. This unique property is a bird watcher's and adventurer's paradise with miles of trails, secluded beaches, and adventure activities galore. Hotel amenities include swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and internet. While at Hacienda Baru you will enjoy a Superior Room. Superior Rooms feature naturally-ventilation, a bathroom with hot water shower, in-room safe, and a front porch with a view of the rainforest. |
Day 7 Tree Climbing in Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge. A professional guide will accompany you on a thrilling tree climb into the canopy of the rainforest. No experience necessary, though participants should be in fairly good physical condition. After a safety briefing, your guide will assist you the entire way up some 35 meters. This 2.5 hour tour includes guide. No transportation is needed from Hacienda Baru. Transportation is not included from other area hotels. |
Day 8 Beach day at Playa Dominical. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the tropical sun on the palm studded beaches of the Pacific coast. |
Day 9 Transportation will be provided to the Manuel Antonio area which is home to some of the most beautiful white sand, palm studded beaches in Costa Rica and an abundance of wildlife in the national park. During your visit to Manuel Antonio, you will stay at Hotel Verde Mar. Hotel Verde Mar is a budget oriented Manuel Antonio hotel located right by the main beach area. Hotel amenities include swimming pool, and internet. While at Hotel Verde Mar you will enjoy a Standard Room. Standard Rooms feature air-conditioning, ceiling fans, in-room safe, kitchenette with hot plate stove, bar refrigerator, coffee maker, and toaster. |
Day 10 Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour. Though this is the smallest national park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is one of the largest in terms on biodiversity. The park is home to 3 species of monkeys, 2 types of sloths and many other endangered species. With a little luck and cooperation from Mother Nature, your bilingual naturalist guide will point out wildlife such as these and others. Park is closed on Mondays. This half day 3.5 hour tour includes transportation, bilingual guide, and fruits. |
Day 11 Beach day at Manuel Antonio. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the tropical sun on the palm studded beaches of the Pacific coast. |
Day 12 Trimaran Sailing and Snorkeling tour along the Manuel Antonio coast. This is a beautiful coast along the Pacific Ocean with 12 islands, jungle lined peninsulas, and loads of marine life. After cruising along, we will stop at a secluded beach to eat and snorkel. Species that are frequently spotted on this trip include whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. This half day tour includes transportation and meal. |
Day 13 Transportation will be provided to the Arenal Volcano area which is not only one of the most beautiful destinations in Central America, but also the Adventure Capital. During your visit to the Arenal Volcano area, you will stay at Hotel La Fortuna. Hotel La Fortuna is an affordable hotel conveniently located in downtown La Fortuna. Hotel amenities include internet access, restaurant and bar. While at Hotel La Fortuna you will enjoy a Volcano View Room. Standard Rooms with Volcano View feature air conditioning, cable TV, hair dryer, and of course a volcano view. |
Day 14 Arenal Volcano observation hike at El Silencio Trail. In the afternoon, you will go on an easy level guided hike through the rainforest at the base of the volcano. With a little luck, your bilingual naturalist guide will point out different species of wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, parrots and others. The trail ends at one of the closest safe observation points to the volcano. |
Day 15 Free day to explore La Fortuna. This is a fun little tourist geared town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and activities. Go explore the rainforest, volcano, lake, or contact us for choices of an added activity. |
Day 16 Final Day — All good things must come to an end, though memories last a lifetime. Transportation will be provided back to San Jose International Airport scheduled to arrive three hours prior to your departure flight. ¡Pura Vida! |
Summary
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