Kathleen Sample Costa Rica Adventure!

Day 1 -- Casa Turire (standard room). Meals: none

Today you will be met by your private bilingual guide/driver and he will escort you through the capital city of San Jose. Here you will have your introduction and learn about the history of the city. You'll then make your way southeast to the area ofTurrialba where you will be staying in the beautiful Casa Turire Hotel with spectacular views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. 

Day 2 -- Duckie Adventure (Casa Turire) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Today you will wake up to the sound of the many different birds of the area and enjoy the view of the lake the hotel is situated on. After breakfast your guide will take you to your first adventure which is a ride in two person rafts. Each duckie has their own guide as you make your way down the challenging Pejibaye River completely surrounded by the lush tropical rainforest. After your morning on the river, you'll head to a nearby mountain village, Sitio de Mata,  for a delicious lunch, more great views, and to meet some of our local friends.

In the evening you will have time to explore the Casa Turire grounds, relax in the hot-tub, or just take in the

Ready for the duckies Kathleen!

hotel's elegant ambiance. 

Day 3 -- Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare River Lodging)  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast it's off to put-in for the Pacuare River adventure. This is a chance to see why National Geographic has listed the Pacuare as one of their top five scenic rivers on the planet. The Pacuare River is made up of deep canyons, crystal clear water, and the virgin rainforest pouring in from all sides.  Today will be made up of waterfall hikes and rafting a variety of class III rapids. Your rafting trip is totally private with your own guides, not mixed with a larger group.

You'll spend the night on the river in your own cabin with views of the Pacuare River and the sound of nature. This is truly a special spot be completely immersed in the heart of the tropics.

Day 4 -- Raft Pacuare Canyon & Drive to Caribbean (Shawandha) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Pacuare Canyon

Today you will wake up to the sound of the jungle as the sun rises over the trees and you begin to wake up with nature and get ready for another full day of adventure and fun. Today we will be taking on the Pacuare Canyon which is home to the most scenic part of the river along with the most adventurous rapids.

After rafting the canyon, we will make our way driving to the Caribbean coast to one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Costa Rica called Cocles. Here you will enjoy your own bungalow at Shawandha which is the perfect blend of luxury and nature. 

Day 5 -- Nature Hike (Shawandha) Meals: Breakfast

Happy 30th!

Today we will make it another day of introducing you to some of our local friends. This time you will take a walk with Omar who is a native of the southern Caribbean zone and puts his passion and love into showing you the lowland tropical rainforest. We promise you will leave a different person. During this hike not only will you come upon some of the most isolated and deserted beaches in Costa Rica but you will also see plenty of wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, poisonous dart frogs, and much more!

In the afternoon you will have time to relax at Shawandha or chill at the many different beaches in the area. 

Day 6 -- Snorkeling Tour (Shawandha) Meals: Breakfast

Today you will enjoy more of the laid back Caribbean vibe as we take you out on a boat to a snorkeling tour with another on of our favorite guides in the area, Fernando. This is a snorkeling trip that will have you in the water enjoying the 35 different species of coral and some 500 different species of fish in the area.

The afternoon will be time to relax after a day of sun and snorkelling.

Day 7 -- Travel to La Condesa Hotel (La Condesa) Meals: Breakfast

Cahuita Beach Caribbean Costa Rica

Today you can spend your morning in the water and then we head back to the San Jose area to be close to the airport for your day of departure. We don't plan on taking you to the city though we will be staying in a beautiful mountain hotel just 25 minutes from the San Jose Airport allowing you to enjoy another beautiful area of Costa Rica. 

Day 8 -- Drive to the airport, and  Fly Home. Meals: Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to the San Jose Juan Santa Maria Airport (SJO)

Ridgefield 2014 Costa Rica Adventure

Day 1 ---- Arrive and Travel to La Condesa (La Condesa)

Welcome Ridgefield

Today you will be met by your drivers and guides outside the San Jose Airport where we will be ready for yet another Ridgefield Costa Rica Adventure. We hope to make this year the best yet with not only new dances at thehomestay but also a stay in the CRR Pacuare River lodge on what National Geographic has listed as one of their top three most scenic rivers on the planet.

The first day will be a day of orientation and getting to know the staff and a chance for us to get to know the kids and fill them in on this amazing adventure. We will have dinner at the beautiful La Condesa where the kids can relax after a long day of travel. (Meals: Lunch & Dinner)

Day 2 ---- Visit Orphanage & Enter Cave (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

Today we will be visiting the same orphanage that Ridgefield visits every year with a chance to rekindle friendships made by past groups and have one of the most powerful experiences of the week. During the stay we will have a gift exchange with a project the Roth family has done for years allowing the kids to present themselves

Sleeping Behind Waterfall

and leave a symbol of their life back home be it a t-shirt, soccer ball, or piece of jewerly it makes for a great way to get the kids communicating and enjoy their time together.

After the visit to the orphanage we will be on our way to the southern Pacific zone. We'll drive along the deep blue Pacific and then make our way inland to the area where the treacherous hike will begin to the land of the waterfalls. We will hike for two hours on a trail through primary rainforest giving the kids an introduction to the different ecosystems and biodiversity found in the tropical regions. We'll then reach an organic garden where the kids will be taught the importance of organically grown food and have a better understanding of our present day food system and steps that can be taken to improve it.

Then we'll reach the Land of Waterfalls where we will be spending the night sleeping behind these majestic falls. This is not roughing it by any means as there are bathrooms, showers, and even a kitchen where locally grown foods are transformed into delicious meals.

The kids will have the chance to rappel the waterfall which measures over 120ft. This is a great learning experience where the kids are challenged to overcome their fears and take on a thrilling adventure. After the rappel we will reflect as a group and hear comments from the kids and have them all write in their journals. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ---- Travel to Homestays (Homestays)

Rappeling Waterfalls

Today we will get up have a hearty breakfast behind the waterfalls and then get ready for another hike. We will head to the area where there are pools and a small waterfall that the kids can jump off of. This is often one of the highlights of the trip -- being able to jump off a waterfall into a pristine pool.

After the hiking to the pools we will make our way down the mountain to meet the bus which will transfer us to thehomestays. We will make the drive over a very unique ecosystem called the Paramo. Here we will educate the kids on the formation of Costa Rica and how the tectonic plates (Caribbean & Coco Plates) connected the two great continents of the Americas. One of the cool parts is we will be up around 12,000 ft during the drive and actually be able to show the kids sea-shells to prove to them that the land we are on was once under water. Nothing better than getting out and seeing it as compared to just telling them about it!

  

Once we get to Sitio de Mata everyone will meet their new families away from home. This is an experience that we promise you they will cherish for years to come. Our homestay experience is without a doubt the top experience of our itineraries. Even though we visit so many natural beauties we still consider the people of Costa Rica the top attraction. The homestays are humble but theservice is 5-star. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ---- Community Activities (Homestays)

Today the Ridgefield kids will give back to the community that is treating them so well. We will spend part of the day doing a community service project that might be painting a school or helping out in some way to give back to the community.

In the afternoon we will take some fun Costa Rican culture classes learning the local dance and how to cook the local cuisine. When the kids return to CT they can prepare a traditional Costa Rican meal for you. After the culture classes it will be time for the famous soccer game which seems to be another highlight of the trip for a lot of kids. With kids coming from all over to join in the Ridgefield Soccer match it is somewhat on par with the World Cup.

Homestay Friends

The evening activities is an all out "Fiesta" of local dance and food where all the homestay families come together and put on performances to say farewell to their new friends and wish them the best in the rest of their travels. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ---- Enter Pacuare River (CRR Pacuare Lodge)

Pacuare River Adventure

Today we'll have breakfast in our homestays and then say our final good-byes to our families. We will make the short drive to where we put in to the Pacuare River. Here we will be surrounded by lush tropical rainforest from start to finish. We'll spend the first half of the day rafting, hiking to waterfalls, and eating a delicious river lunch. We all take a little swim after lunch in a natural pool formed by the river.

We will continue rafting till early afternoon, then we'll stop along the river at the CRR river lodge. Here the kids will be in their own private cabins with breathtaking  views of the river canyon and mountain ranges as far as the eye can see.

This will be a great experience and a chance to relax in the comfort of their cabins and enjoy another

Hola Ridgefield!

excellent meal prepared for you by your river guides in our lounge area that offers an open deck patio for chilling in hammocks while writing in your journals.

We will have an evening activity getting the kids to reflect on the trip up until this point. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 ---- Raft out & Travel to Arenal (Montaña de Fuego)

Today we will get an early start and continue rafting through the most scenic part of the Pacuare River. After a morning of rafting we will meet the bus at the end of the river where you will be transported to the Arenal Volcano area. Here you will be treated to the Montaña del Fuego Resort which we feel everyone will deserve after sleeping behind waterfalls, home stays, and river

Arenal Volcano

lodges a little luxury will feel nice.

The education will not stop with the fine amenities in life. Here the kids will be getting their lesson on this beautifulstratovolcano that has attracted visitors from around the world.

When we arrive the kids will have the chance to relax and have fun in the hotsprings. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 ---- Zipline & Don Juan Farm & Drive to San Jose (Real Intercontinental)

We have one more adventure and some say we save the best for last! The zipline at Arenal Volcano is a ride that will take the kids zipping 700ft high over the top of the rainforest with marvelous views of the Arenal Volcano andArenal Lake.

After the zipline we will head to the Don Juan Farm where the kids will get another lesson on organic growth from one of the best educators in Costa Rica. Don Juan has a two acre farm and can feed 25 people daily!

In the evening it will be time for a farewell party for the Ridgefield gang as we reflect on the amazing week! Our final night will be at the Real Intercontinental Hotel located in San Jose and a chance to make our farewell dinner a night to remember staying at the Real Intercontinental one of Costa Rica's best hotels! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 ---- Fly Home!

Today we will transport everyone to the San Jose Airport where you will say your good-byes to your drivers and guides and take with you life-long memories. (Meals: Breakfast)

Pollard Sample Itin Costa Rica

Zipline

June 15th --- Arrive (Estudio Hotel)

Today you will be met by your private guid
e who will transport you to the first hotel just 20 minutes from the airport. (Meals: None)

June 16th --- Rappel Los Chorros & Drive to Arenal (Manoa Hotel)

Today you will get an early start and travel to a waterfall called Los Chorros. Here we will set up the rappeling gear and you will rappel down a 140ft waterfall. This is a great adventure and one of the best rappels we offer as we hike through the jungle and set up the equipment when we arrive.

Hola Dr Pollard!

After the rappel we will continue traveling for 2 hours by car to the area of Arenal Volcano. Here you will be staying in the Manoa Hotel where you will enjoy great views of the volcnao. (Meals: Breakfast)

June 17th --- Zipline & Cano Negro (Manoa Hotel)

Today is a day of adventure and wildlife. You will start by ziplining on one of the best ziplines in the country. The
 cables hang over 700ft high and offer a breath-taking view of the Arenal Lake and Volcano as you go zipping from mountain top to mountain top.

After the zipline we are going to take you on a more mild wildlife float where we experience some of the biodiversity of Costa Rica at Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve. (Meals: Breakfast)

June 18th --- Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire)

Pacuare Canyon

Today is a travel day to the area of Turrialba. When you arrive you will be staying at the Casa Turire Hotel which happens to be our favorite hotel in all of Costa Rica. It is a small hotel that sits on a lake in the valley of Turrialba with views of the smoking Turrialba volcano.

This is a travel day and we can make some interesting stops along the way to break up the 4 hour drive. (Meals:
Breakfast)

June 19th --- Duckies Top Section & Dinner in Village (Casa Turire)

Today we head high into the mountains of the Pacuare River. With only 4x4 access we will be brining some duckies and a raft (just incase mom is not up for the duckies she can ride along in the raft). We will be running class IV and IV+ rapids and you will be allowed to guide your own duckie. This is not a

Cabecar Indigenous Tribe

commercial section and we will be the only ones on the river. Actually there are a few indigenous families but other than that is just us!

In the afternoon it is back to the Casa Turire Hotel with a stop at a local village for one of the best homecooked meals you will ever have. You can relax in the evening at the Casa Turire to get ready for rafting the Pacuare! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

June 20th --- Raft Commercial Section (Coast to Coast or Pacuare Lodge)

Today we will put in at La Cruz and begin rafting down the commercial section. We operate all our trips privately and we usually bring a duckie, kayak, and even a river inner-tube for those of you that just want to practice different forms of getting down the river.

Our Movie Stars

One option would be to stay at Pacuare Lodge but another option is an above ground tent camp. Its actually really nice and not roughing it by anymeans but it is tents and a one tenth the price of Pacuare Lodge. We actually have a lodge going up on Pacuare but unfortunately it is not finished. It is going to be a one bedroom Lodge family suite expected to be done in September so I hope to see you guys down here again. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

June 21st --- Raft Canyon & Travel back to San Jose (La Condesa Hotel)

Arenal Volcano

Today we will raft the Pacuare Canyon which is home to some large rapids and  the best scenery of the entire river. This is a great day on the river and we will take our time as we have all day. Hiking to waterfalls and enjoying the different sites along the way.

In the afternoon you will make your way back to the San Jose area where you will stay in La Condesa Hotel located in the mountains of Heredia about 20 minutes from the San Jose Airport.  (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

June 22nd -- Fly Home or Head to Nicaragua!

We can set up a transportation to the border of Nicaragua and then an easy taxi ride to San Juan del Sur and then another taxi ride to Playa Maderas which happens to be one of my favorite beaches on the planet! (Meals: Breakfast)

Budget Itins

Costa Rica's Golden Triangle

Day 1 -- Arrive & Travel to Arenal Volcano (San Bosco Hotel)

Day 2 --  Visit the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge  (San Bosco Hotel) 

Day 3 -- Travel to Monteverde Cloudforest (Fonda Vela)

Day 4 --  Zipline & Monteverde Reserve Hike (Fonda Vela) 

Day 5 --  Travel to Manuel Antonio Beach (Cabinas Espadilla or Villas Río Mar) * Guide says Goodbye*

Day 6 -- Enjoy the Beach at Manuel Antonio (Cabinas Espadilla or Villas Rio Mar)

Day 7 -- Enjoy the Beach at Manuel Antonio (Cabinas Espadilla or Villas Río Mar)

Day 8 -- Transfer out and fly home!

Breakfast includes, based in 1 Quadruple room US$1,370

Pacuare River, Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio 

Day 1 -- Arrive and stay in mountains outside of San Jose (La Condesa Hotel)

Day 2 --  Travel to Turrialba area and visit the Volcano Crater of Irazu (Turrialtico Lodge) 

Day 3 -- Raft Pacuare River (Turrialtico Lodge)

Day 4 -- Travel to Arenal Volcano (San Bosco Hotel)

Day 5 --  Zipline (San Bosco Hotel)

Day 6 -- Travel to Manuel Antonio  (Cabinas Espadilla or Villas Río Mar) * Guide says Goodbye*

Day 7 -- Enjoy the beach at Manuel Antonio  (Cabinas Espadilla or Villas Río Mar)

Day 8 -- Transfer out and fly home!

Breakfast includes, based in 1 Quadruple room US$1,390

San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio

Day 1 -- Arrive and lodge in mountains outside of San Jose (La Condesa Hotel)

Day 2 -- Visit the Poas Volcano Crater & Coffee Tour (La Condesa Hotel)

Day 3 -- Don Juan Organic Farm and Hike to La Fortuna Falls (San Bosco Hotel) 

Day 4 -- Visit Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve (San Bosco Hotel)

Day 5 -- Travel to Monteverde Cloudforest (Fonda Vela) 

Day 6 -- Zipline and Visit to Monteverde Reserve (Fonda Vela) 

Day 7 -- Travel to Manuel Antonio (Cabinas Espadilla or Villas Río Mar) * Guide says goodbye*

Day 8 -- Enjoy a day at the beach (Cabinas Espadilla or Villas Río Mar)

Day 9 -- Transfer out and fly home!

Breakfast includes, based in 1 Quadruple room US$1,595/person