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| Family Adventure: Costa Rica - Rainforests and Reefs
An 8-Day tour starting from $3,198
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| About This Tour | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costa Rica offers an incredible diversity of ecological zones and wildlife all packed into one small country. Tropical rainforests, waterfalls, volcanic mountains, lowland coastal plains, hot springs, and pristine beaches all contribute to its dizzying array of biodiversity. Trees towering 150 feet into a misty sky, 850 recorded species of birds, dazzling butterflies, and a variety of fauna that range from the curious howler monkey to the slow-moving sloth all combine to create a nature lover’s paradise. On this eight-day family adventure we explore a generous sampling of these regions from the Arenal Volcano National Park to Monteverde’s misty cloudforest to the west coast’s pristine beaches.
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• Experienced, knowledgeable and friendly guides
• All transportation while on tour • All accommodations while on tour, including a charming city hotel and rainforest lodges, all private baths • All meals included except one dinner; alcoholic beverages not included • Internal flight included • All activities outlined in the itinerary including rafting, the canopy walkway and outrigger kayaking. The optional zipline canopy tour is not included in the tour price.
DAY 1
San Jose – Arrival
Bienveñidos ~ Welcome! Our guide will greet you at the San Jose International Airport and transfer you directly to our hotel, approximately 25 minutes away. Here you can relax and enjoy the pool and spacious grounds. Over 10 acres of gardens offer trails through fruit trees and native Costa Rican flora. This evening we gather for an orientation meeting and dinner at our hotel. Hotel Bougainvillea, Santo Domingo DAY 2 Poas Volcano; 1.5 hours; easy to moderate. Peñas Blancas or Arenal River Safari After an early breakfast we leave San Jose, and the landscape gradually changes to one of rugged mountains, rushing rivers, and deep canyons carpeted with evergreen rainforests (approximate drive of 1.5 hours). Our drive culminates at the top of Poás Volcano, whose colorful crater is one of the widest and deepest in the world. One can stand on the edge and look down into its cauldron. The second crater, Botos, is a crystal clear rain- fed lake surrounded by highland jungle and is reached by a walk of about half mile through a unique dwarf cloud forest. Afterwards, we enjoy an early lunch and then embark on a rafting safari adventure on the Peñas Blancas or Arenal River. Spacious rafts carry us on a 2-hour float trip down a tranquil river past tree-lined banks and beneath thick canopies. A local guide will introduce us to the flora and fauna of the region which may include sloths, monkeys, butterflies, iguanas, crocodiles, turtles, and many colorful species of birds including toucans and the comical looking boat-billed heron. There is little white water on these rivers and paddling is optional. Late afternoon we continue our drive to our lodge (approximate 2-hour drive) nestled in the Arenal National Volcano Park. After our full day, we relax over dinner at our lodge; those with the energy may enjoy a dip in the swimming pool while listening to the night sounds of the rainforest. Arenal Observatory Lodge, Arenal DAY 3 Arenal Area - Lava Flow Walk; 2-3 hours of walking, easy with short, moderate sections. Visit to local Hot Springs Our day begins with an optional early morning bird watch over delicious Costa Rican coffee. Several species, including the blue-gray and scarlet-rumped tanagers, clay-colored robins (the national bird of Costa Rica), and the flashy Montezuma oropendula are among the birds that may visit our lodge this morning. After breakfast we begin our walk through a lush secondary rainforest to the site of an old lava flow. From the lodge we descend into the forest, where if we listen carefully, we may hear the raucous howler monkeys. Later, after crossing a pristine mountain stream, we traverse a gigantic lava flow at the base of Arenal Volcano. From our vantage point at the crest of the flow, we take in sweeping views of Lake Arenal (which we will cross by boat tomorrow) while our guides describe the geology of this ruggedly beautiful area. This afternoon we visit local hot springs boasting naturally heated pools and waterfalls. Here, we relax and frolic in the mineral and hot springs fed by the Arenal Volcano. The sulfurous water run at a soothing temperature of approximately 102 degrees f. Dinner this evening is at our hotel or a local restaurant. Arenal Observatory Lodge, Arenal DAY 4 La Peninsula; 3-6 hours of walking, easy. Transfer to Monteverde Our morning walk follows the La Peninsula trail, which begins at the base of the Arenal Volcano and continues to the Arenal Dam, offering us glimpses of Lake Arenal along the way. En route we may spot sloths, coatimundis, monkeys, and a wide diversity of birds, including keel-billed and chestnut-mandibled toucans and crested guan. This afternoon we transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve; part of our journey includes a scenic boat ride across Lake Arenal. The Monteverde Cloud Forest straddles the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range, with the rain forests of the Caribbean to the east and the savannas and dry forests of the Pacific plain to the west. Often shrouded in clouds and mist, this lush forest is a haven for more than 500 kinds of trees, 300 varieties of orchids, 400 species of birds, plus a diverse population of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, coati, and tapir. Although seldom seen, Monteverde is also home to five species of cats including jaguars, pumas, margays, ocelots, and jaguarundis. Our home for the next two nights is a comfortable lodge adjacent to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. This area was originally settled by Quakers in the 1950s. Settlers migrated from Alabama to Monteverde for philosophical reasons, choosing Costa Rica for its tradition of peace. Since the 1950s, approximately 120 people have settled in this peaceful village and, although not all are Quakers, most share their pacifist values. This evening we enjoy dinner at a local favorite restaurant specializing in pasta dishes, wood fired pizza, and salads. El Establo Hotel, Monteverde DAY 5 Monteverde Cloud Forest; Selvatura Tree Top Walkway; 3-4 hours of walking, easy to moderate; optional Zipline Canopy Tour This morning offers us a unique perspective of the Monteverde Cloud Forest - from the top down! Crossing a series of eight suspension bridges, we walk above the canopy and get a bird’s-eye view of the enormous ferns and majestic trees that comprise the dense vegetation of this primary rainforest. A network of suspended bridges, platforms and paths, allows us to observe the flora, fauna, and wildlife from ground level all the way to the tops of the trees. Our lunch today is a special treat with a visit to a sugar cane plantation. Locally owned and family run, this operational plantation offers the opportunity to experience modern day rural life in Costa Rica while learning about the ways of the past. After lunch, we choose between relaxing at our hotel’s swimming pool or the optional Sky Trek Zipline Tour. Not for the faint of heart—but definitely for those looking for a thrill—the Sky Trek is a secure set of trails, suspension bridges, and ziplines in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Once safely harnessed in, riders “zip” from platform to platform, high off the ground, via a combination of pulleys, cables, and suspension bridges. (The approximate cost of $45 USD per person is not included in the tour price). Time permitting, we may also visit the Women’s Craft Cooperative, the Monteverde Cheese Factory, or the Monteverde Coffee Roasters—three local initiatives that contribute to the success of this thriving community. This evening we dine at our hotel. El Establo Hotel, Monteverde DAY 6 Transfer to Pacific Coast. Outrigger canoe excursion This morning we journey toward yet another ecological zone—the Pacific Coast. Enroute we embark on an outrigger canoe and snorkel excursion. These stable canoes have changed little over the last 700 years and measure over 40 ft long. Each canoe holds eight paddlers plus a guide so no experience is necessary. After a brief introduction to the proper technique, we set out, paddling beneath spectacular cliffs inhabited by pelicans and frigate birds. Our destination is a secluded beach where we enjoy a swim and a picnic lunch. Late afternoon we arrive at our hotel nestled in 180 acres of virgin rainforest near the Manuel Antonio National Park. Tonight you are free to dine at our hotel or select a restaurant in town. Afterwards some may enjoy an evening swim in the hotel’s pool. Rancho Casa Grande, Manuel Antonio DAY 7 Manuel Antonio National Park; 2-3 hours, easy to moderate. Free beach time Today we have a full day to enjoy the beautiful rainforest and white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. Developed in 1972, this is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, yet the stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife is unequaled. The park provides shelter for a large diversity of wildlife including porcupine, guatusa, sloth of two fingers, sloth of three fingers, whiteface monkey, congo monkey, and the nearly extinct mono tito monkey. After breakfast we head into the park where we can choose from a wide variety of trails. The afternoon is free to enjoy the beach where the warm waters (average temperature of 75 degrees F) are perfect for swimming. For those wishing for more snorkeling, equipment can be rented in town and depending on the visibility, tropical fish including yellowtail damsels, parrot fish, angel fish, and puffer fish can often be spotted. Tonight we enjoy a final celebratory dinner at our hotel. Rancho Casa Grande, Manuel Antonio DAY 8 Flight to San Jose - Departure This morning we may have time for one last dip in our hotel’s pool before an early or mid-morning transfer to the local airport for our (30 minute) flight to San Jose. Upon arrival into San Jose, we reunite with our driver and bus and immediately transfer to the international airport terminal for late afternoon departures. (Please note that flight times may vary slightly but we do guarantee an arrival into San Jose no later than 11:30 am). In San Jose we say our farewells. Itinerary Changes Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience. Important Driving Note Due to the relatively undeveloped road infrastructure in Costa Rica, our drives on the second, fourth, and sixth days are long. The approximate driving time from San Jose to Arenal is 4 hours, from Arenal to Monteverde is 2 hours (with a boat transfer), and from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio is 4 hours. We also have a short, 1- hour internal flight on our final day from Manuel Antonio back to San Jose. Please understand that our itinerary has been designed to separate the driving days, and provide ample time in between to relax and enjoy the exciting walks unique to each of the three regions we visit. Also be assured that our destinations are well worth the drives! All of our buses are air-conditioned and spacious.
Tour Highlights:
• Skywalk through the rainforest on treetop bridges • Diverse walks below volcanoes and in cloudforests and rainforests • Outrigger kayaking with optional snorkeling • Boat journey across Lake Arenal • Rainforest lodges and Pacific coast hotel Walk Ratings • Easy to moderate terrain • Average of 3 to 6 miles per day with occasional options All tour prices are per person, in US dollars, based on double occupancy.
2008 Price: • Adult $3,198 • Teen $2,898 • Child $2,798 • Share $1,998 *Please note that all pricing is based on double occupancy. A child in her or his own room must pay the tour price plus the single supplement. The Share price is based on a child sharing a room with two adults. 2008 Single Supplement: $525 |
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
