Hewitt School Option w/Punta Mona

Day 1 -- Drive to San Gerardo de Dota - Cloud Forest (Trogon Lodge)

Today we will drive throughout the Talamanca Mountain Range, the highest  range in Costa Rica. Our next destination is in a valley between the mountains, at 7000ft of elevation. San Gerardo de Dota is world famous for the incredible view of its Cloud Forest full of ancient Oak trees and for being the best place in Costa Rica to observe the Resplendant Quetzal. This bird, considered sacred by ancient cultures, is recognized as the most beautiful of the American Continent. Once we're settled in our lodge we will take a hike inside the Cloud Forest, and learn about its uniqueness. Depending on your arrival time we might just arrive to the lodge do a short opening presentation and then get a good nights rest.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 2 -- Quest for the Quetzal and Highland Ecosystems & Canopy Tour (Trogon Lodge)

Cloud Forest

Early in the morning we will start our search for the Resplendant Quetzal. They are more active during the early morning before the sun starts to heat things up.  We will look for them as they feed on the wild avocado trees. To see the Quetzal is one of the most magical experiences one could dream of.  Later today we will drive back up to the Pan-American Highway to visit two very different and interesting ecosystems, first the Highland Bogs, which is a wetland that accumulates peat, a deposit of dead plant material—often mosses. After this, we will drive farther up, pass the 11,000 ft. and experience the Paramo--a variety of alpine tundra ecosystems. Some ecologists describe the Páramo broadly as “all high, tropical, montane vegetation above the continuous timberline”.  The vegetal structure and biodiversity present in both ecosystems will allow us to learn about the different species that live there and the adaptations that they have developed to survive the extreme conditions. 

During this day we will also be passing by local villages where we will stop and enjoy some time at a very small rural school and enjoy more immersion time with the locals. We can also set up some community help for today if you are looking to involve more service hours.

We will come back to the lodge, later in the afternoon, rest and have dinner.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 --  Drive to Rural Mountains in Sitio de Mata, Turrialba (Homestay)

Today our private guide and driver will meet us outside the San Jose Airport. We recommend to arrive on a mid-afternoon or earlier flight, and then we'll make the drive to the beautiful area of Turrialba. Our final destination will be the rural village of Sitio de Mata which is one of the most scenic areas in Costa Rica surrounded by mountains and breath-taking views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. Here is where we have our homestay project called "Proyecto Sitio de Mata" benefiting the community. The best part about Sitio de Mata is not the smoking volcano or the scenery but the people that will be welcoming you into their homes. When we arrive you will be introduced to your homestay family. All houses are very close to each other. One house might be 20 ft from the next and walking to any of the homes is very easy and accessible. (Meals:  Dinner)

Day 4 -- Culture & Community Service Activities and Fiesta (Homestay)

Rafting at Pacuare River

Today we will spend the day giving back to the community along with enjoying different culture projects. Depending on what the community is in need of will depend on our community service project which might range from painting a classroom or some other small scale projects.

In the evening it is time for the local fiesta! The homestay families will be putting on some entertaining traditional song and dance. After the performances it is time for everyone to practice their salsa skills! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Caribbean Zipline

Day 5 --- Enter Pacuare River and stay at the CRR - Student Ecolodge (CRR Student Ecolodge)

Today we will say good-bye to our homestays and make our way to the rafting Adventure! We will get started today leaving our homes around 9:00am. This is full day of rafting. The best part of this day is the river we will be rafting. The Pacuare River is listed by National Geographic as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet. It is filled with fabulous scenery from start to finish with canyon walls hundreds of feet high, waterfalls cascading right into the river, virgin tropical rainforest from start to finish and of course some thrilling rapids. Our CRR river guides will prepare lunch right on the banks that you'll consider one of the best meals of the trip.

In the afternoon we will arrive to the CRR River lodge where you will be surrounded by the jungle and a chance to sleep with one of the best views on the entire river as you look down the Pacuare canyon. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 --- Raft Pacuare Canyon and Drive to Caribbean Hotel (Caribbean Hotel)

Today you will enjoy the most scenic part of the river as we raft down the famous Pacuare canyon. Here you will see 200 ft waterfalls with rock walls that rise 300ft in the canyon. This is one of the most scenic spots in Costa Rica along with some adventurous rafting!

In the afternoon we will drive to the Caribbean side where we will be staying on the caribbean beach with a chance to learn about this very diverse area.

This is fun day of adventure but it also is a day where we will have time in the evening to talk about the 3 very distinct cultures of the Caribbean. We will have a short talk about the Afro-Caribbean influence, Spanish Influence, and the Bribri indigenous tribe. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 --- Visit Bribri Indigenous Tribes & Community Service (Caribbean Hotel)

Bri-Bri Tribe

Just a short drive, then a short canoe ride into the Talamanca mountains you will be in the land of the Bribri. This is an ancient tribe in which some live on the brink of modernization while the deeper we go into their land we begin to see the real influence of living off the land and holding strong to their traditions. We will visit the village of Soki which is an area of the Bribri that not only is holding on to its traditions but happens to be surrounded by natural beauties of canyons, mountains, and rivers. We will spend the day helping out in the much needed community offer the services we decide on as we plan for your community help in the village depending upon what is needed at the time. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Guanabana

Day 8 --- Visit Permaculture Farm Punta Mona (Caribbean Hotel)

Today we will hike through the lowland tropical rainforest to the beach where a boat will be waiting to take us around to Punta Mona. Punta Mona is an area completely isolated and off the grid. It is a property that has been designed as a permaculture farm and is completely self-sustaining. It is a great day of education on living sustainably and seeing a different form of agriculture compared to the larger monoculture plantations. One important part about this day is that all the kids will be eating 100% organically farmed fruit off trees. We can make our entire lunch from food we find on the farm and we hand pick!This is a day filled with fun learning and countless scenic beaches from start to finish.

Cahuita National Park

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)


Day 9 --- Explore Cahuita National Park & Travel to Guapiles (Rio Blanco)

Today we will make the drive home to the the area of Guapiles where you will spend your last night surrounded by more nature and just 1 1/2 hours away from the San Jose airport. We will also spend the morning enjoying some time at one of Costa Rica's most beautiful National Parks.

Where the rainforest meets the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean does it no better than the National Park of Cahuita. Here we will experience numerous animals from sloths, monkeys, birds, agoutis, and many more. We will take a short hike through the lowland tropical rainforest using a local guide of Afro-Caribbean decent to add to the flavor of the adventure we will eat lunch of the famous Caribbean Rice & Beans cooked with Coconut milk. This is full Caribbean day of fun in the sun and plenty of time to relax in the water and enjoy the warm water of the tropics.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 10 --- Fly Home!

Today we will transport you to the San Jose Airport. (Meals: Breakfast)

Hewitt School Option #3

Day 1 -- Arrive and Drive to Rural Mountains in Sitio de Mata, Turrialba (Homestay)

Today our private guide and driver will meet us outside the San Jose Airport. We recommend to arrive on a mid-afternoon or earlier flight, and then we'll make the drive to the beautiful area of Turrialba. Our final destination will be the rural village of Sitio de Mata which is one of the most scenic areas in Costa Rica surrounded by mountains and breath-taking views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. Here is where we have our homestay project called "Proyecto Sitio de Mata" benefiting the community. The best part about Sitio de Mata is not the smoking volcano or the scenery but the people that will be welcoming you into their homes. When we arrive you will be introduced to your homestay family. All houses are very close to each other. One house might be 20 ft from the next and walking to any of the homes is very easy and accessible. (Meals:  Dinner)

Day 2 -- Raft Pacuare River and Fiesta (Homestay)

Rafting at Pacuare River

We will get an early start today leaving our homes around 7:30am. This is full day of rafting. The best part of this day is the river we will be rafting. The Pacuare River is listed by National Geographic as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet. It is filled with fabulous scenery from start to finish with canyon walls hundreds of feet high, waterfalls cascading right into the river, virgin tropical rainforest from start to finish and of course some thrilling rapids. Our CRR river guides will prepare lunch right on the banks that you'll consider one of the best meals of the trip.

In the evening it is time for the local fiesta! The homestay families will be putting on some entertaining traditional song and dance. After the performances it is time for everyone to practice their salsa skills! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 -- Drive to San Gerardo de Dota - Cloud Forest (Trogon Lodge)

Cloud Forest

Today we will drive throughout the Talamanca Mountain Range, the highest  range in Costa Rica. Our next destination is in a valley between the mountains, at 7000ft of elevation. San Gerardo de Dota is world famous for the incredible view of its Cloud Forest full of ancient Oak trees and for being the best place in Costa Rica to observe the Resplendant Quetzal. This bird, considered sacred by ancient cultures, is recognized as the most beautiful of the American Continent. Once we're settled in our lodge we will take a hike inside the Cloud Forest, and learn about its uniqueness . (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 -- Quest for the Quetzal and Highland Ecosystems (Trogon Lodge)

The Cave

Early in the morning we will start our search for the Resplendant Quetzal. They are more active during the early morning before the sun starts to heat things up.  We will look for them as they feed on the wild avocado trees. To see the Quetzal is one of the most magical experiences one could dream of.  Later today we will drive back up to the Pan-American Highway to visit two very different and interesting ecosystems, first the Highland Bogs, which is a wetland that accumulates peat, a deposit of dead plant material—often mosses. After this, we will drive farther up, pass the 11,000 ft. and experience the Paramo--a variety of alpine tundra ecosystems. Some ecologists describe the Páramo broadly as “all high, tropical, montane vegetation above the continuous timberline”.  The vegetal structure and biodiversity present in both ecosystems will allow us to learn about the different species that live there and the adaptations that they have developed to survive the extreme conditions. 

During this day we will also be passing by local villages where we will stop and enjoy some time at a very small rural school and enjoy more immersion time with the locals.

We will come back to the lodge, later in the afternoon, rest and have dinner.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Paramo at Cerro de la Muerte

Day 5 ----  Hike to Cave, Organic Garden Tour (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

After breakfast we will make our way down to the Pacific slopes, towards  the community of Las Tumbas (the Tombs) from there we will be hiking to one of the most beautiful and pristine spots in Costa Rica. This an 1 1/2 hour hike but worth every second since we'll be sleeping behind a cascading waterfall and watch the sunset over the Pacific from the top of a 600ft waterfall. On the way up, we will stop by an organic garden, filled with many different types of medicinal plants and tropical fruits making it a very interesting, educational experience. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 ---- Rappel Waterfall,  & Hike to Pools (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

Rappeling at the Cave

Today is a full day surrounded by nature and filled with spectacular scenery. We will be sleeping behind a waterfall but we are not roughing it by any means. We can take showers and there are regular bathrooms. All meals are cooked for us which gives us time to make the most of the day. We'll start by rappelling a 120ft waterfall and then hiking to pools that are located nearby. Here at the pools the kids will jump off a 20ft waterfall into a welcoming waterhole and have views of the valley below.
In the evening it is back to the area behind the waterfall where we get a campfire going and make the best of spending the night outdoors. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 ---- Hike down and head to the Beach. (La Cusinga Lodge)

We will make our hike out of the cave and we will be on our way to La Cusinga Ecolodge which is one of the pioneer lodges of conservation. The Institute of Biomimicry uses La Cisinga for their training courses, so you will be seeing some spectacular examples of boimimicry along with great views of the Pacific. Here, surrounded by protected rainforest, and among the genius of the natural world, we'll take a deep look into just how much we can learn from nature to get us to a more sustainable future. (Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 8 ---- Zipline! Hike in the lodge's reserve &  beach time. (La Cusinga Lodge)

Sunset at the Pacific Coast

This is our last full day, it's been an amazing time and today we will take a nice hike around the grounds of the lodge to learn a little bit more about the biodiversity that surrounds it. After lunch there will be time to relax and enjoy the beach. 

Before we relax we will take you on an exciting zipline adventure. We will be ziplining on the ridge just in from the Pacific allowing for breath-taking views of the Osa Peninsula and the entire Pacific coast line. (Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 9 ---- Drive to San José and fly home.

Today we'll make the 3 hr. drive to San José for your flight back to the US.

Helen Esaluova: Sample Itinerary Feb 201

Marriott San Jose

Day 1 ----- Arrive & Drive to the Marriott Hotel (Marriot San Jose)

Today the CRR staff will meet you outside of the San Jose (SJO) Airport and you will be transferred to the nearby Marriott Hotel. This is a beautiful spot in a perfect location with views of the surrounding volcanoes and mountains. Depending on your flight arrival time we can give an opening presentation introducing you to the guides, drivers, staff, and a quick briefing on what to expect during your week-long adventure in Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 2 ----- Coffee Tour (Marriott San Jose)

Pacuare River (Much warmer than Russia in Feb!)

Today will be a day of getting use to the area and we decided to make it an easy day. If you will be making the long flight we can offer a morning of sleeping-in and then an afternoon coffee tour just to get out into the area and start learning a bit about Costa Rica. Coffee is the main crop grown in Costa Rica and we can enjoy a nice tour up in the mountains, giving everyone a chance to have an easy day after the long day of travel from Russia. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ----- Raft Pacuare & Travel to Arenal Volcano (Tabacon Resort & Spa)

Today will be our long day. We will be leaving the hotel by 7am and make our way to the Pacuare River, which National Geographic has listed as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet. This is an adventure where you will experience some of the most scenic parts of all of the America's. Rafting the Pacuare River is a day of fun and excitement. The CRR river guides will not only take you safely down the Pacuare, they will also prepare a lunch for your group on the river's bank with beautiful views of tropical waterfalls and jungle all around. 

Tabacon Hotsprings

After the day of white water-rafting we will make the drive to the Arenal Volcano. When we arrive you'll marvel at  the perfect cone-shape massive structure of the volcano. The best part will be that we are staying in the luxurious Tabacon Resort & Spa. Know all over the world as one of the most unique resorts, the Tabacon is home to hotsprings at the base of the volcano that will make you want to stay forever. After a long day of rafting the hotsprings will feel very good. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ----- Zipline & Canyoneering Adventure (Tabacon Resort & Spa)

The country of Costa Rica has over 80 different zipline companies and the one we will be visiting at the Arenal Volcano is in our estimation--the best. It not only has cables that are high, safe and fast but the upclose views of the volcano and the Arenal Lake along with the primary rainforest, makes you think you are in the movie Avatar! 

After ziplining we will make our way to the canyoneering adventure where we'll rappell down five different waterfalls. This is a fabulous adventure that everyone loves and something you will never forget. 

In the evening your CRR representative will have your reservations made at Don Rufinos, one of the to ten restaurants in all of Costa Rica.  At night you can enjoy some more time in the hot springs of the Tabacon Resort. (Another option would be to have dinner at the Hotsprings to allow for more time in the hotsprings; if you are interested in this option just let us know and we can modify the itinerary) (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DInner)

Day 5 ----- Travel to Guanacaste (Paradisus Playa Conchal)

Today we will begin to focus on the white sandy beaches of the northern Pacific coast of Guanacaste. We will leave the Arenal area and drive through one of the most scenic areas in all of Costa Rica as we make our way to the northern coast. Our drive will take us around the lake of Arenal and then drop us into the northern plains.

Playa Conchal

We will be staying at the Paradisus Playa Conchal which is a luxurious beach resort located in Conchal which happens to be one of Costa Rica's most spectacular beaches. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 ----- Relax at the Beach (Paradisus Playa Conchal)

Today is your day to relax on the beach. There are some optional tours and activities that members of your group can sign up for if they desire. Your CRR representative will have a list of optional activities such as horseback riding, fishing, snorkeling, nature hikes, and more to offer members of your group during their stay at the Paradisus Playa Conchal. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Paradisus Playa Conchal

Day 7 ----- Beach Day or Option Tours (Paradisus Playa Conchal)

You will enjoy your second full day on the beach with a chance to just relax or take part in different optional activities. This again can be scheduled through your CRR representatives. We could book these optional tours at a discounted rate from the sticker price of the hotel as CRR would decline interest in making a commission off these tours.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 ----- Fly Home!

Today you will be transferred to the Liberia International Airport (LIR) just 50 minutes from the hotel. 

16 Day Adventure

Day 1 -- Arenal

Day 2 -- Arenal (Don Juan y National Park)

Day 3 -- Tirimbina (Bat Tour at night)

Day 4 -- Enter Pacuare (Camp Pacuare)

Day 5 -- Raft & Camp Again (Camp Pacuare)

Day 6 -- Drive to Trogon (Trogon)

Day 7 -- Birding (Trogon)

Day 8 -- Enter Cave (Cueva)

Day 9 -- Rappel (Cueva)

Day 10 -- Travel to La Cusinga (La Cusinga)

Day 11 -- Zipline & La Cusinga (La Cusinga)

Day 12 -- Enter Osa

Day 13 -- Osa (Cano Island Scuba Dive)

Day 14 -- Whale Watching

Day 15 -- Travel to San Jose

Day 16 -- Fly Home! 

sgl: $ 2,688

dbl:$ 2,409

tpl:$ 2,334

qdpl:$2,313

Stacey/Adventure People Costa Rica 2013 - Sample Itin

Day 1 ---- Arrive (Grano de Oro)

Pacuare River

Today everyone will arrive and we will stay in the area of San Jose. It will be a long travel day and depending upon arrival times will depend upon how much we do today. We will meet in the evening for a briefing of the trip where you will meet your guides and staff for the week. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 2 ----  Drive to Pacific Coast (La Cusinga or Cuna del Angel)

Today we will meet you at the airport and we will travel to the Pacific Coast. Our first stop will be La Cusinga Ecolodge which is one of the pioneer areas of conservation. There is no better spot to start the trip than relaxing at La Cusinga with breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by protected rainforest, and among the genius of the natural world as we take a deep look into just how much we can learn from nature to get us to a more sustainable future. (Meals: Lunch & Dinner)

Day 3 ---- Zipline & Ventanas Beach (La Cusinga)

Today we will enjoy some of the best locally grown food from the La Cusinga Ecolodge. After breakfast we will make the short trip to the area of Cortez where you can view the large southern mountain range against the virgin Pacific coastline. Here you'll experience the zipline adventure through a primary rainforest from an elevation of 1000ft above sea-level and fabulous views of one of the most biodiverse places on the planet the Corcovado National Park.

Sleeping in the Cave

After our zipline adventure we will make our way to one of the most beautiful and pristine spots Costa Rica has to offer.

In the afternoon we will take you to one of what we think is the most unique and picturesque beaches in all of Costa Rica. The beach is called Ventanas which means windows. We will try and visit during low tide allowing you to walk 2 hundred yards into caves that go out into the ocean giving it the name windows because there are openings on both sides.   (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ----  Hike to Cavern & Rappel (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

Sunset Diamante Falls

Today we will take you to the area where we begin the hike to sleep behind the waterfall. This is a strenuous 1 1/2 hour hike but worth every ounce of energy spent. When we arrive we will enjoy lunch and then get ready for the rappeling adventure of over 100ft on a beautiful waterfall.

In the evening we save the best for last where we make the short hike to the top of Diamante Falls. This is a 600ft waterfall where we will sit at the top and watch the sunset over the Pacific. This is truly a unique spot in all of the America's and fit for those looking for adventure and jaw-dropping scenery. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ----   Hike to Top Pools & Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire)

Today is a full day of hiking and one of the most scenic drives in the country. After breakfast we will be making our way to the top pools where you will enjoy more waterfalls and pristine pools to relax in. After lunch we then hike out from the cavern area and begin driving to the area of Turrialba.

We will be arriving to Turrialba in the evening and dinner will be ready for us when we arrive.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Rafting Pacuare River

Day 6 ---- Raft Pacuare River to Pacuare Camp (Pacuare Lodge)

Listed by National Geographic as one of their most scenic rivers on the planet, the Pacuare River is a must-do when visiting Costa Rica. Surrounded by virgin rainforest from start to finish, the Pacuare River offers a four hour river rafting adventure. We stop for a river lunch prepared for you by your CRR river guides.

After lunch we will raft a little bit more with time to hike to some nearby waterfalls. We will arrive to the Pacuare Lodge around 3pm and enjoy the rest of the day at Camp. This is a luxurious lodge located on the banks of the Pacuare River surrounded by virgin tropical rainforest.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Pacuare Lodge

Day 7 ---- Raft Canyon & Drive to Caribbean (Shawandha Lodge)

Today is the most scenic part of the river and the most adventurous. We will get a hearty breakfast at camp and then make our way down the river for a unforgettable 3 hour run. One of the best parts about today is waking up with the sound of nature and watching the clouds rise as the sun comes out.

CRR/Adventure People - Lets get Ready for some Adventure!

After a full day of rafting we'll drive the the beautiful Caribbean area of Cocles where you will find white sandy beaches and great snorkelling. We will have dinner waiting for us when we arrive and then a good nights rest in your private bungalow surrounded by low land tropical rainforest.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 ------- Sea-Kayak & Snorkel (Shawandha Lodge)

Cahuita National Park

Today is a full day of fun in the sun. After breakfast we will make our way to an area where we will all have our snorkel gear and kayaks ready to go. Here we will make our way out into the ocean and enjoy some of the beautiful reefs of the Caribbean. Costa Rica's Caribbean is home to 35 different species of coral and over 500 different species of fish. This is a full day of enjoying the water and the world below. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 9 ------ Morning at the Beach & Travel to San Jose (Grano de Oro Hotel)

Today is a morning where you can relax by the pool or make a last visit to the beach. We will be leaving after lunch and making our way back to the San Jose area where we will be spending our last night.  We will arrive to the San Jose area around 3pm allowing everyone to shower up and get ready for our last night of going out and celebrating the amazing adventure of the last 9 days! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 10 ---- Fly Home!

Today you will be transfered 20 minutes to the San Jose Airport to catch your flight home!