Nicole Modified Itin 2014

Welcome to Costa Rica

Day 1 - Arrival to San Jose and transfer to San Jose Hotel (Grano de Oro Hotel)

Today you will be met outside the the San Jose Airport by your private guide and driver. You will be transported to the Grano de Oro Hotel where you will get a good night's rest for your adventure ahead. If your flight arrives early enough, you'll get to enjoy the restaurant at Grano de Oro which is considered one of the best in the capital city. (Meals: None)

Day 2 -  Drive to Turrialba and visit Ujarras Ruins and City of Cartago; Dinner in Local Vilage (Casa Turire Hotel) 

Today is a full day but an easy day. You'll make the short drive to the Turrialba area out into the countryside of Costa Rica. The drive will take you past two active volcanos, Irazu & Turrialba and a visit to Costa Rica's oldest city, Cartago and Ruins of Ujarras. There is a great little remote town nearby Ujarras called Orosi that will be worth making a stop along the way.

After we pass through the rural areas we'll reach Turrialba where we will be staying in a beautiful hotel called Casa Turire located on a lake with views of the Turrialba Volcano.

The afternoon will be spent visiting the local village of Sitio de Mata where we plan to introduce you to many of our friends and enjoy Doña Fressy's meal. We will have time to walk around the village and make ourselves at home for a few hours maybe even get a soccer (or Rugby?) game going on the futbol field with the local kids.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Waterfall Hikes Pacuare

Day 3 - Enter Pacuare, rafting the class II and III rapids, lunching riverside, hiking to waterfalls (Pacuare Camp) 

Today we will begin an adventure that we consider one of the top adventures not just in Costa Rica but anywhere. Our beloved Pacuare River is surrounded by virgin rainforest and filled with canyons and waterfalls from start to finish. The first day is a day of small rapids, hiking to waterfalls, and a great night at our camp. This is camping for one night but by no means roughing it. Everyone has private bathrooms and showers. The entire camp is private for our group.(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 - Leave Pacuare and drive to Arenal Volcano. Lodging at (Tabacón Resort) 

Rafting Pacuare Canyon

Today you will wake up to the sounds of the jungle and get ready for a very memorable day of rafting as we do the most scenic part of the Pacuare River. This is a three hour run of excellent rapids and jaw-dropping scenery from start to finish.

After we take out of the river we will head to the Arenal Volcano where we will be staying in the Tabacon Resort. Here you can enjoy the country's soothing hotsprings and one of the world's most phenomenal hotels. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 5 - ,Sky Tram&Trek tour (zipline) by the morning & Hiking Danaus Reserve by the afternoon (Tabacón Resort)

If the rafting was not enough adventure then maybe ziplining on the side of an active volcano on cables that hang 700ft high wlil be! This is one of our favorite adventures and everyone always seems to agree. For those that are not up for the zip there is still a neat Tram/Gandola Ride that everyone can do.

Tabacon Resort

In the afternoon your naturalist guide will be able to show off his skills as he takes you into the Danaus Reserve where you get an upclose look at some of our best friends from the tropical rainforest. Here you will learn the many wonders of the rainforest. After these 10 days, with your expert naturalist guide, you'll look at the natural world with new eyes and appreciation. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 - Hiking La Fortuna waterfall in the morning & Horseback Ride in the afternoon Lodging at (Tabacón Resort) 

Today you will visit one of Costa Rica's most scenic waterfalls. This is La Fortuna Falls and it is 500 (easy) steps down to the bottom and 500 (bit more strenuous) steps back to the top. Believe us when we say it is well worth the visit. There is an area where you can take a refreshing dip in a swimming hole down at the bottom and just enjoy the falls.

Arenal Volcano

In the afternoon we will take you to on an unforgettable wildlife trip. We will plan on traveling north and have your private boat waiting for your group at the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge around 4pm. The sun sets at 6pm, so it will be a float of wildlife flourishing during it's last hours of daylight. Truly a memorable experience and worth the visit and a chance for your guide to show off his skills again! (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 7 - Transfer to Manuel Antonio, Beach Lodging & Sunset Horseback Ride(Arenas del Mar)

Today we will drive west to the Manuel Antonio area located on the Central Pacific. We will get an early start allowing us to arrive to Manuel Antonio around lunch time and enjoy the afternoon at the beach. During your time on the beach for the sunset we will load up on horses and trot along the beach and enjoy the simple life of Pura Vida!   (Meals: Breakfast)

Arenas del Mar

Day 8 - Surf Lessons, Beach/Resort time. Lodging at (Arenas del Mar) 

Today it is time to catch some waves. This area is one of the best for learning how to surf not to mention arguably the most beautiful beach in all of Costa Rica. We will spend the day having lessons with your surf instructors and play time in the sand and water after the classes.

In the afternoon we can take you out to eat to watch the sunset or you can just enjoy the luxury of Arenas del Mar.

(Meals: Breakfast)

Surfing like a pro!

Day 9 - Manuel Antonio National Park Hike  and Travel to San Jose in the afternoon. Lodging at (Grano de Oro) 

Today we will have a chance to bid farewell to the wildlife in Costa Rica. We will do an easy hike through the Manuel Antonio National Park. Here you will get a chance to get a close look at monkeys, sloths, coatis, and many more species while being just steps away from the park's marvelous beaches.

Hola Nicole!!!

In the afternoon we will drive you back to the San Jose where you started, at the Grano de Oro Hotel. We can take you out in San Jose for a farewell dinner to Costa Rica at one of our favorite local spots if you are up for it. (Meals: Breakfast)

(Meals: Breakfast)

Day 10 - Transfer to the airport and flight home or to Vancouver depending on timing.

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