Day 1
This day one of our full bilingual guides will be waiting at the Juan
Santamaría International Airport to meet and transfer the clients
directly San José Area, specifically to the Barceló Parque Del Lago
Hotel where they will stay the next two (2) nights. Lunch and Dinner On
Own. Barceló Parque Del Lago Hotel.
Day 2 - Breakfast and
Lunch
included
This day after a great breakfast, the clients will be picked up at
Barceló Parque Del Lago Hotel and will be transferred in a comfortable
bus to the rafting operations center for a delicious, typical coffee
break. Once at the river at their private put-in, they’ll raft 16 miles
deep in the heart of densely vegetated gorges, past gushing waterfalls,
serene pools and pounding rapids, in one of Costa Rica’s most impressive
primary rainforests. After an adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids
like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montanas and many more, after
they finish, a short drive to the operations center for a hearty and
delicious lunch, showers and optional drinks. On the return drive to San
José, they’ll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park
and Irazú Volcano. Dinner On Own. Overnight at Barceló Parque Del Lago
Hotel.
About
the whitewater rafting… Whitewater rafting is the
ultimate combination of beauty and thrill- an ideal way to savor Costa
Rica’s natural splendor, diverse ecosystems, and exotic wildlife, which
have made river running here only slightly less popular than in the
United States. A rafting trip is simply pure joy: a sort of
bucking-bronco ride with soft pillows instead of a saddle. Comfort is
met with quality meals, and roomy tents and thick pads for sleeping on
overnights trips. And unlike most of the other places you can visit,
Costa Rica regulates its tourism industry making it very trustful
because of it is held to strict standards. On the different places you
can visit is always the same, there the sense of isolation is complete.
Everything is as silent as a graveyard, except for the chattering
monkeys and birds. With luck you may see small caiman in pools and
shallows at lower elevations. Generally, May-June and September-October
are the best times for high water. Trips on the Reventazón, Pacuare, and
Corobicí are offered year-round, although in dry season the latter two
rivers can be barely runable. Rivers are rated from class I through VI
in degree of difficulty, with the class V considered for pure experts
only.
About Pacuare River… This is the
best choice for an in-depth immersion in nature; here you can find real
beauties through the virgin rainforest, plunging through mountain gorges
to spill onto the Caribbean plains near Siquirres. Its difficulty is
moderate, rapids with high irregular waves, narrow passages that often
require complex maneuvering. Rafting distance: 16 miles.
Day 3 - Breakfast and
Dinner
included
Early this morning the clients will be transferred from San José Area to
Arenal Area (approximately four (4) hours driving time), specifically to
Luigi’s Lodge, where they stay this night. Lunch On Own. Later they will
visit Tabacón Hot Spring Waters, where they can enjoy a healthy and
relaxing soak, it is also possible to see the Arenal Volcano erupting
from this comfortable spa. Dinner included at this paradisiacal place.
Overnight at Luigi’s Lodge.
About
this Area… These small towns are
dedicated to agriculture and cattle ranches become what many people have
called the heart of the country. As a country, in this area we find a
cultural identity. The plains, rivers and most important, the people of
the North Central mean a must-stop while a program in Costa Rica. The
main attraction of this area is by far the Arenal Volcano, active since
1969 with its curative hot mineral springs and its manicured gardens.
The North Central is proud to be the home for the Cano Negro National
Park, caves, waterfalls, forest reserves and a whole country within
Costa Rica. The climate in the region goes a long way in making the
northern plains so special. Misty cloud forest environments, verdant
rolling hills and a fantastically fast lake make the region a must on
any visit to Costa Rica. A striking characteristic of this area is the
dramatic contrast in topography. The Cordilleras, or ranges, of Tilarán
and Guanacaste set off the beauty of the Guatusos, San Carlos and
Tortuguero Plains. Several small and medium-sized rivers that range
throughout the plains make the region very fertile. Fruit trees, rice
paddies and cattle ranching are practiced by the residents. Yet there
are many expanses of protected areas dotting the region. Of the 850 bird
species identified in Costa Rica, 600 are permanent residents in this
region. Don't forget the binoculars!
About
Arenal Volcano… It rises 1,633 meters above sea level
and casts an almost flawless silhouette on the land below it. Arenal's
last explosion was in 1969 but this volcano is far from dormant. Its
constant rumblings are Arenal's most popular characteristics. Often
spewing ash and smoke, the volcano provides a striking backdrop for
photographs and video. Here are several excellent look out points along
the highway and several resorts and spas that have developed in the
area. After nightfall the spectacle of Arenal's bright red lava coursing
its way down from the cone is an awesome sight indeed. Many visitors to
the area enjoy the show from the luxurious surroundings of a local hot
springs resort.
Day 4
- Breakfast included
After their breakfast, the clients will go directly to Manuel
Antonio Area, specifically to Villa Teca Hotel (approximately four (4)
hours driving time), where they will stay the next two (2) nights. Lunch
and Dinner On own. Overnight at Villa Teca Hotel.
About
Manuel Antonio Area… The Costa
Rican salutation of 'pura vida', pure life, describes the area
perfectly. The seafood found in area restaurants is varied and as fresh
as it gets. Locals make their living from the big blue and fish for
tuna, wahoo, shrimp and lobster. Seafood is available at most
restaurants and is offered in several tasty dishes typical to Costa
Rican fare. Activities abound and even the most discriminating traveler
will find an adventure to participate in. Surfing, kayaking, rafting and
hiking are just a few of the activities visitors will find. Manuel
Antonio is the right place to go if you want to see a beautiful national
park in the beach and if you also want to be close to popular nightlife
activities, such as fine dining or partying. Visitors of all budgets and
tastes can indulge in both natural and social activities, and go home
with tales of great adventures in the tropical trails or on the local
dance floors. The town of Manuel Antonio offers restaurants, lodging and
souvenir shops. Aside from the park, there are several activities that
you can enjoy in the area. Horseback riding, volleyball, and sea
kayaking are just a few. Beachcombing is not only a good way to explore
the beaches, but it's also inexpensive!
Day
5
- Breakfast and Lunch included
Today they will visit the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. It sits
along the Pacific Coast and boasts an estuary, mangroves, a lagoon,
beaches and winding paths. All this on 638 hectares of land and 55.000
hectares of protected marine environment. Take a walk through the
tropical forest and find mosses, ferns, flowers and epiphytes growing
thickly on every tree. One trail leads them to an observation tower with
a breathtaking 360° view. By following logical eco-sensitive advice,
they can enjoy the park to the fullest. Ensure don't scare away the
furry residents by keeping voices low and stepping quietly. Although the
capuchin monkeys are quite comfortable in coming close and gazing at you
quite inquisitively, retrain from feeding them. They can hike for a
while and stop for a refreshing swim at Third Beach or Gemelas Beach.
This park is only seven kilometers Southeast from Quepos, and it’s one
of the most visited protected areas. The park is constituted by
beautiful beaches and by the surrounding vegetation of the forest that
grows right next to the coastline. The four beaches are: Espadilla Sur,
Manuel Antonio, Escondido and Playita. They can walk on the beach or in
the cooler trails in the forest, where they can spot animals including
monkeys (capuchin and howler for the most part) sloths, raccoons and
quatamundis or "pizotes." One can only see caimans, river otters, pacas,
and even ocelots. The best time for spotting most animals is early in
the morning. The park also offers tidal pools and a marine life, which
is seen clearly mostly during the dry season, since during the rainy
season sediment in the water will ruin a snorkeler’s expedition. Manuel
Antonio has one of the most beautiful beaches of the country, which has,
as a backdrop, emerald-green forests and lush hillsides. After their
Lunch (included) they will enjoy this beautiful beach. Dinner On own.
Overnight at Villa Teca Hotel.
Day
6
- Breakfast and Lunch included
This day our guide will lead them to see the most beautiful waterfalls
in the country! Cascading 25 & 40 meters into a 8 meters deep pool,
which is excellent for swimming. The horseback tour offers them more
contact with nature and a better chance of seeing wild life. We will
take them through the beautiful countryside between Quepos and
Dominical, and then through a majestic forest and wonderful vistas of
the mountains of San Isidro. During the tour will make two stops, first
for coffee break in a real typical ranch, and then later in the
afternoon will return to the ranch for lunch with a real costarrican
family. At the waterfalls they will have a chance to take pictures of
the guide jumping from the waterfalls into the pool. Lots of
opportunities to watch many other kinds of wildlife. Dinner On Own.
Overnight at Villa Teca Hotel.
Day 7 - Breakfast
included
Today after lunch (on their own), the clients will depart from Manuel
Antonio Area to San José Area, specifically to Barceló Parque Del Lago
Hotel, where they will stay this night. Dinner on Own. Overnight at
Barceló Parque Del Lago Hotel.
Day 8- Breakfast
included
Our guide will be at Barceló Parque Del Lago Hotel’s lobby ready to
transfer the clients directly to the Juan Santamaría International
Airport, in order to aboard their international flight. Departure Taxes
Are NOT Included.
Please
remember that the clients must be three (3) hours before their departure
time at the International Airport in order to check in. |