Friday, January 31, 2014

Mitch & Daughter Costa Rica Vacation

Casa Turire 
March 15 -- Arrive & Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire - Suite)

Today we will meet you at the airport with your private guide and transportation and drive you to the beautiful Casa Turire Hotel. This is a small hotel that sits on a lake and offers one of the best views of the only smoking volcano in Costa Rica, the Turrialba Volcano. 

Assuming you do not show up to San Jose during rush hour this will be a two hour drive through the mountains to Turrialba. The hotel is a special spot and not in a crowded touristy area and it offers some of the best meals of any hotel in Costa Rica. (Meals: None)


March 16 --  Rafting Pacuare with River Lunch (Casa Turire- Suite)

Turrialba Volcano
Today we will try the River Rafting. If your daughter is not looking for the big rapids we will operate a section of the Pacuare River that is small class I & II rapids. We will raft for around two hours and stop and take some hikes to waterfalls along the way. This is your private river trip and we will take our time and enjoy the day on the river.

We will stop the rafting at our private lodge that sits on the waterway with some of the best views of the Pacuare River. Here we will have lunch with the views and then head back to the Casa Turire Hotel for  the night.

In the evening you will have the option to eat dinner at the hotel or after you shower up we can take you to a local village for a delicious typical Tico dinner. The village of Sitio de Mata is set high in the mountains with vast views of the Turrialba valley and volcano. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
Easy Section of the Pacuare River

March 17 --- Travel to Arenal Volcano (Tabacón Suite)

Today we will make the drive to the Arenal Volcano area after breakfast. We will arrive around lunch time to the famous Tabacon Resort. I have to say I like The Springs but because of availability we were not able to get rooms. We did find availability in the Tabacon Resort and comparing it to The Springs, it does have hotsprings that are just as good if not better. The waterslide at Tabacon has a little extra bend in it which offers more speed than the ones at The Springs (Mitch, this might be something only guys really notice and care about but thought I would mention).

The hotsprings at Tabacon are an actual natural river as compared to the pool style springs at The Springs. Tabacon is not as large as The Springs and does not boast of the view that the Springs has. They are both 5-Star level hotels and high end resorts. (Meals: Breakfast)

March 18 -- Sky Trek / La Fortuna Falls (Tabacon Resort)

Today we will get ready for my favorite zipline in all of Costa Rica. Last I heard there are over 75 different ziplines in Costa Rica and I believe it. I have not done all of them but I have done a good number and SkyTrek is still by far my favorite for the views, the 700ft cable, safety and fun. 

Tabacon Hotsprings
After the zipline we will have the chance to visit the La Fortuna Waterfall which is a hike on 500 steps and a chance to some pictures and swim in front of one of Costa Rica's most scenic waterfalls. (Meals: Breakfast)

March 19 --  Flight to Manuel Antonio Beach (Arenas del Mar - Ocean Breeze Suite)

Today you will get a flight to the Manuel Antonio area. This is one of the finest beaches you will find in the America's, filled with wildlife, and home to probably my favorite hotel in all of Costa Rica. The Arenas del Mar Resort sits on the edge of the Pacific with expansive views, luxury, excellent service, all shared with a large number of monkeys.
Manuel Antonio National Park

You will fly to the Manuel Antonio area avoiding the long four hour drive.  The hotel will pick you up on upon arrival and you will say good-bye to your private driver today until the 22nd when he picks you up from the hotel Arenas del Mar and takes you to the San Jose Airport (If you would like we can be available for your days at the beach if you request). This will allow you to sleep-in at Tabacon and still arrive early afternoon to the beach. (Meals: Breakfast)
March 20 -- Arenas del Mar - Ocean Breeze Suite

Today is your day to relax at the beach. There are some optional activities that your daughter and you might enjoy such as surf classes, horseback, mangrove kayak to see wildlife, or catamaran sunset tours. (Meals: Breakfast 

March 21 -- Arenas del Mar - Ocean Breeze Suite
That could be you Mitch!
Today is another day to enjoy the beach and relax with your feet in the sand or do some optional activities. (Meals: Breakfast)

March 22 -- Drive to San Jose Airport and Fly Home! 

Today we will pick you up at the Arenas del Mar Resort and make the two hour drive back to the San Jose Airport. (Meals: Breakfast)

Harril Brother's Costa Rica Adventure

Hola Harril Brothers!
Day 1 -------- Arrive & Drive to Arenal Volcano  (Lomás del Volcán)

Today you will be met outside of the airport with your private English speaking driver. You will be transported to the Lomas del Volcan hotel which I happen to think has one of the best views in all of the Arenal area. Another reason I really like this hotel is that it is away from the business of all the other hotels offering a jungle feel with great views of the volcano. (Meals: None)

Day 2 -------- Sky Trek Zipline Adventure  (Lomas del Volcán)

Today we will be doing one of the best ziplines in the country. With over 80 different companies now that offer zipline this is still by far our favorite. It offers incredible vast views of the lake and volcano along with having cables that hang 700ft high. 

Arenal Volcano
In the afternoon we will take you into the city of La Fortuna where you can walk around and enjoy the small town vibe and have an optional activity in the evening of visiting the hotsprings. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 -------- Canyoneering/Waterfall Rappel Adventure (Lomás del Volcán)

This is another fun adventure where you will make your way down a tropical canyon. This reminds me of when my brother first came down 15 years ago and we were two of the first to descend down this canyon. It is still as beautiful and adventurous as it was then and well worth the morning of getting wet and enjoying the rainforest.

In the afternoon you can relax at the pool in the hotel or we can take you out to dinner in the town of La Fortuna. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
Beach Time

Day 4 -------- Drive to Tamarindo - (Tamarindo Diria Clasica)

Today we will drive you to the surf town of Tamarindo where you will spend four nights at the famous beach and be in easy walking distance to all your water adventures. This first day will be a travel day and we will arrive in the early afternoon. We will take our time making some interesting spots along the way offering you a tour in itself as as we make our way to the northern Pacific coast. (Meals: Breakfast)


Day 5 --------- Surf Classes Tamariando - (Tamarindo Diria Clasica)

Hope to see you in Costa Rica David!
Today you will get your boards and get ready for some waves. Depending on your experience will depend on the size of waves we start with. Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's best beaches for learning how to surf and spending your first morning getting lessons will have you set for a second day of practicing on your own. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 --------- Beach Day Tamariando - (Tamarindo Diria Clasica)

Today is your free day to relax on the beach. There are some optional tours such as ATV and catamaran rides that you will have the option to book or relaxing on the beach always works also. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 --------- Beach Day Tamariando - (Tamarindo Diria Clasica)

Today is your last day to finish the book your reading, work on the tan, or squeeze in some last adventures. (Meals: Breakafast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 --------- Transfer to airport and flight home.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Nelly Costa Rica Sample Itinerary 2015

Day 1 --- Arrive & Travel to Sanchiri (Sanchiri)

Today we will meet you outside of the San Jose Airport. Our first stop will be San Jose which is the capital city. Here we will give you a glimpse into the modern history of Costa Rica on social, economical, and cultural levels. Then we'll travel south through the former capital of Cartago where you will have a chance to see some of the colonial structures of Costa Rica. We'll also visit the Basilica of the Virgin of Los Angeles which is considered the most important church in Costa Rica, named after the patron saint of the country. 

Our final destination will be the Sanchiri Hotel. This is a small family-owned hotel with magnificent views of the Orosi Valley below. The view from the rooms is one of the finest in the country and the idea is to get a good meal and a good night's rest after a long day of traveling. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 2 --- Travel to Sitio de Mata (Homestay)
The Best of Costa Rica

Today we will drive through more of the country roads of Costa Rica as we make our way to the village of Sitio de Mata. On the way we'll visit some of Costa Rica's most historical churches, each with their own story. The village is located in a picturesque setting surrounded by mountains and a spectacular view of the Turrialba Volcano which has been smoking for the last two years.

At the village we will get a warm welcome from our host families. This is a simple village filled with warm-hearted people. The type of folks you expect to find in a country that has been noted as having some of the happiest people on the planet.

The day will be spent totally immersed in speaking Spanish, doing different activities that relate to the lifestyle and culture of living in rural Costa Rica. In the evening there will be time for some dance classes to get us ready for the next evening's fiesta! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ---  Culture Activities & Community Service (Homestay)

After breakfast we will give back to the community. We will take part in a project that is needed in the area. This can be from a range of different things from painting or other needed projects.

When the community service is finished we'll do more cultural activities such as cooking classes, recycled craft classes, and a soccer game with the local little kids many of who will be in your homestays.

In the evening is when the real fun happens. We will have a Fiesta planned where you get to experience the local music and dance putting your skills to the test of salsa & merengue. This is a great show that the locals love to share with us and makes for an amazing last night in the village. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 --- Enter Pacuare (Camp)
Our Private Ecolodge for your Group!

Listed as one of the top five rivers in the world for its scenery of lush tropical canyons and waterfalls todays adventure is nothing less than the Pacuare River. This is about the only attraction that is motivating enough to get the students to leave their friends at the homestays because it is a tough morning saying "adios" to their new amigos.

We will spend the first day rafting just class I & II rapids stopping along the way to hike and visit some waterfalls and swim in some pools. This is a great day spent on the river as we will make lunch for you on the river bank while the kids can skip rocks and enjoy some unstructured time in paradise.

We arrive at the camp-site around 3pm.  We'll show everyone around and to their cabins and our famous lounge area filled with hammocks and views of the canyon below. All of your meals are prepared for you by your CRR guides. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Rafting Pacuare
Day 5 --- Leave Pacuare & Travel to Arenal (Arenal Hotel)

Today we will raft the most adventurous and scenic part of the Pacuare River. This will be three hours of rafting filled with fun, canyons, and more waterfalls. After we finish rafting we will drive to one of Costa Rica's most popular volcanoes. We will be traveling on the northern plains as we make our way to the Arenal Volcano.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 --- Danaus Reserve & Zipline (Arenal Hotel)

Today we'll do an easy hike through one of the most biodiverse parts of the area which is the Danaus Nature Reserve. Here the kids will have a chance to observe the many different species of butterflies, poisonous dart frogs, sloths, hummingbirds, and so much more as we spend the morning hiking and learning about the different flor & fauna of Costa Rica.

Zipline Adventure
In the afternoon we will head to the zipline adventure which is something you will not be forgetting. This is one of the best ziplines in the country and a chance to take a tram ride and then zip through the primary rainforest 700ft above the forest floor. The cables measure almost one kilometer long with breath-taking views of the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DInner)

Day 7 --- Travel to La Condesa  (La Condesa Hotel)

Arenal Volcano
Today is a special day. We will be traveling through the many mountain roads with more great scenery. Our main stop today will not be souvenir shopping but a visit to a teenage girls home. These are girls that have been removed from their homes at an early age and are being trained to go out into the real world when they turn 18. Many of them are orphans, rape victims, or other forms of abuse where no family members were left to take care of them. Our time spent here will give the students a chance to practice more of their Spanish and be a blessing of a visit to the girls at Hogar Siembra Costa Rica. 

In the evening it will be up to the La Condesa hotel which everyone should enjoy for your last night in Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 --- Fly Home!

Today we will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight home! (Meals: Breakfast)

Ellspermann Costa Rica Adventure

Casa Turire
March 23 --- Arrive & Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire) Standard Room

Today you will be met outside the airport by your private guide and driver (hopefully me! Assuming the dates fit). We will make the two hour drive to the Casa Turire Hotel which is in the Turrialba Valley. This hotel is a luxurious small boutique hotel that offers excellent views of the Turrialba Volcano. It sits on a lake and happens to be one of my favorite hotels in the country. (Meals: None) 

March 24 --- Pacuare River Rafting Adventure (Casa Turire)

Today we will make our way to the world famous Pacuare River. Listed as one of the top five most scenic rivers on the planet by National Geographic, the Pacuare River is filled with breath-taking views, primary rainforest, and 300ft waterfalls and canyons. We will make our way down the river and stop for lunch on the way.
Arenal Volcano
After the rafting adventure we will make the 40 minute drive back to the Casa Turire hotel where you can relax at the hotel. As an option we can also go out to dinner at one of my favorite spots in Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

March 25 --- Travel to Arenal Volcano (Lost Iguana) Luxury Suite

Today is a day of travel if we leave from the Casa Turire. If you decided to stay at the Pacuare Ecolodge we will have the morning of rafting and then drive to the Arenal Volcano in the early afternoon. You will be staying at the beautiful Lost Iguana. I'm a fan of the Lost Iguana because it is a nice mix of luxury, nature, and great views of the Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano is one of the most scenic spots in all of Costa Rica as you get to see the perfect cone-shaped volcano and surrounding Arenal Lake. (Meals: Breakfast)

March 26 --- Zipline & La Fortuna Falls (Lost Iguana)

Zipline Adventure
Today you will enjoy some more adventure along with majestic views. We will be ziplining through the rainforest from mountain top to mountain top passing by the Arenal Volcano. This is an unforgettable experience and with now over 80 ziplines in the country this is by far my favorite!

In the afternoon we will take a hike to one of the most scenic waterfalls in Costa Rica. This is a chance to swim at the bottom of the waterfall and get some pictures of the area. (Meals: Breakfast)


March 27 ---- Rio Celeste or Cano Negro Wildlife Boat Float (Lost Iguana)

Today we will hike to the Rio Celeste which is the sky blue river and along with hotsprings. This is a day of hiking and the jungle and filled with some great scenery.

"Hola to Jacob from Costa Rica!"
If you wanted to see more wildlife we could make this day a trip to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and combine
it with a walk on the hanging bridges. This would be a more educational day and a chance to see a lot of wildlife as compared to the little more intense hiking to the waterfall and hotsprings. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)


March 28 --- Fly Home!

Today we will make the drive back to the San Jose Airport (SJO). (Meals: Breakfast)



Sunday, January 19, 2014

Pam Costa Rica 2014 Adventure

Feb 12 – Arrive and Drive to Arenal Volcano (Los Lagos)
Zipline Adventure

Today you will be met at the airport by your private guide and driver. We will make the two and a half hr. drive to the world famous Arenal Volcano. This is a perfectly cone-shaped volcano. Los Lagos Hotel offers excellent views of the volcano. When we arrive w'll enjoy dinner and have an orientation to get you ready for the week's itinerary. (Meals: Dinner)

Feb 13 - Zipline and National Park & Don Juan (Los Lagos)

W'll start today with some adventure. This is your day to zipline through the rainforest canopy at 700ft high with astonishing views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Along with ziplining we will also take a tram ride through the canopy of the rainforest. On this rise you'll see and learn about the incredible biodiversity in and around the upper layers of the rainforest.

Organic Farm
After the zipline we will head to the Arenal Volcnao National Park. This is a beautiful park and a chance to get an up-close look at the lava flow. This is a relatively easy hike, most of it is flat and you'll get the best possible look at the volcano.

We'll then make our way to one of our favorite spots in Costa Rica and that is the Don Juan Organic Farm. Here you will not only learn how cow poop cooks your dinner but you'll walk through Don Juan's two acre organic farm and learn the importance and possibilities of farming organically. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)


Feb 14 - Travel to Sitio de Mata (Los Lagos)

After breakfast we will load up into the bus and travel to the homestays. This is a stop that we promise will be on the top of your favorite list. We will arrive to the village of Sitio de Mata just in time for lunch. Our homestay families will be waiting for us. We will introduce you to your families and have an afternoon of activities and fun planned such as learning how to make tortillas and different cultural activities.

In the evening the homestay families will put on an event for you filled with traditional song and dance. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)


Feb 15 - Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare Ecolodge)

Today you will spend the morning in the homestays and we will head out after lunch to the Pacuare Ecolodge. This is a brand new ecolodge that sits on the bank of the Pacuare River and offers breath-taking views of the surrounding primary rainforest.

Rafting Adventure
We will have a night in the jungle with a bonfire. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Feb 16 – Raft Pacuare River and Travel to Caribe (Villas Caribe)

Today is another unforgettable day. We will make our way down the Pacaure River whitewater rafting. You will enjoy some of the finest scenery on the planet. We will pass by canyon walls that rise 300ft straight up and waterfalls that fall 200ft into the river. This is an unforgettable day and filled with rapids to keep us soaked and having fun all day!

In the afternoon we will make our way to the Caribbean Coast where we will arrive to our next hotel which sits on the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Feb 17 -  Beach Day (Villas Caribe)

Today is your day to relax at the beach. We will be visiting the beach of Punta Uva where we will have some snorkeling gear and you can walk off shore and visit some of the nearby corals. We will also have some time to visit the town of Puerto Viejo where you may want to do some souvenir shopping. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Feb 18 -  Fly home!

It's an early start this morning to head back to the airport to catch your flights home! (Meals: Breakfast)

Muncy Costa Rica Family Adventure 2014

Day 1 -- Arrive & Drive to Casa Turire (2 Suites)
Casa Turire Hotel

Today your private naturalist guide will meet you outside of the airport and you will make your way to the area of Turrialba in one of our luxurious 4x4 vehicles. This is a 2 1/2 hour drive from the San Jose Airport (SJO) taking you through the capital city and then through rural coffee plantations. Your final destination will be the Casa Turire Hotel which happens to  be one of our favorites. This is a small 16 bedroom boutique hotel located on a lake with excellent views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. (Meals: None)

Day 2 -- Raft Pacuare  (Casa Turire)

Today the adventure begins after we enjoy breakfast at the Casa Turire hotel we'll head to the world famous Pacuare River. The Pacuare River is listed by National Geographic as one of their top five most scenic rivers on the planet. We put in up river and spend half the day rafting on your private rafting adventure. Your guides will prepare a lunch on the river for you surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. After lunch we will raft a little more and drive back to the comfy and luxurious Casa Turire where you can relax at the pool or hot tub.

Raft Pacuare
In the evening we have the option of taking you to a local village to enjoy one of the best home-cooked meals of the week and get a look at Costa Rican rural life at one of the most scenic mountain villages in the country, Sitio de Mata.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 -- Drive to Arenal (Observatory-Rooms) (2 Smithsonian Rooms)

Today we will spend the morning traveling to the Observatory Lodge. We will make some interesting stops along the way and arrive to the Observatory after lunch.

 This is a perfectly cone-shaped volcano and another must see area of Costa Rica. Your rooms are located away from the touristy area in the Observatory Lodge offering you miraculous views and immersed in nature as the hotel property connects to the Arenal National Park. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)


Day 4 -- Zipline & Hike Park (Observatory)

Today we will take you on an incredible zipline adventure. With over 77 ziplines in the country this is still by far our favorite. The views are unmatched and it makes for a great way to get expansive views of the Arenal Lake and Volcano.

In the afternoon we will take a hike to the Arenal National Park where you'll trek on some of the old lava flow of the volcano. Afterwards, we can take you into the town of La Fortuna to enjoy a meal or you can relax at the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)
Arenal Volcano

Day 5 -- Hike to La Fortuna Falls & drive to (Si Como No) (2 Superior Rooms)

Today you are going to take a 25 minute hike to see one of Costa Rica's most scenic waterfalls. This is actually a more scenic waterfall than the one you were going to rappel.

After the hike to La Fortuna Falls we will make our way to the Central Pacific Coast and the area of Manuel Atnonio. Here you will find the most scenic beach in all of Costa Rica. You will be staying at the Si Como No Resort which has fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio Park. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)


Hiking to (Not Rappeling)
Day 6 -- Mangrove Kayak (Si Como No)

The next two days are a little less on adventure and more focused on seeing wildlife with your naturalist guide. Today we will venture into the mangroves nearby and each of you will have your individual kayak. We will float slowly down the river seeing a number of different species of monkeys, sloths, and birds.

In the afternoon we will head to the beach and enjoy the afternoon with our feet in the sand or maybe even trying some surfing. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 -- Tour Park (Si Como No)

Today you'll get an early start with your naturalist and tour Manuel Antonio National Park. Here you will hike the most scenic coastal area of Costa Rica. This is a small park but filled with lots of wildlife.
Manuel Antonio

In the afternoon it is back to the hotel or relax at the beach. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 -- Fly Home!

Today we will make the 2 1/2 hour drive back to the San Jose Airport (SJO) for your flight home. (Meals: Breakfast)

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Lynn Costa Rica Sample Adventure

Day 1 -- Arrive and Drive to Arenal Volcano (Lost Iguana/Nayara)

Hanging Bridges
Today you will be met outside the airport by your private naturalist guide. Because of the size of the family we opt to use our luxury 4x4 SUV's allowing you to get to and from places easier and less of a bumpy ride on the dirt roads as compared to the traditional "Tourismo" buses with the driver and guide. Having your naturalist guide as the driver offers a more personalized trip also.

Your final destination today will be the Arenal Volcano. (Meals: None)


Day 2 -- Hanging Bridges, Danaus Reserve, & HotSprings (Lost Iguana/Nayara)

Today you will have a full day in and around the Arenal Volcano. We will start the day by hiking through the canopy on the hanging bridges. Then we'll make our to one of the smallest reserves in the country but one of the most biodiverse spots you will visit, at Danaus Reserve.

In the afternoon you'll enjoy relaxing at The Springs Hotsprings and enjoy dinner at the Springs. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)





Day 3 --  National Park & Caño Negro (Nayara)
What?! All you can eat ants?! ON MY WAY!!!

Like my Levi's? Got'em at Target
You said you like to hike and today will be very memorable treks. Your guide will be taking you to the Arenal National Park. The particular guide I am thinking of for your trip is one of our finest, young, energetic, and full of knowledge on wildlife and was actually head of the Park Rangers for a number of years. He will walk you to where you can enjoy some great views and learn about the history and geology of the Arenal Volcano.

In the afternoon we promise you wildlife as we take you to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. You will be on your private boat with your naturalist guide as you cruise through the canal. This area fills up in the mornings with tourists. We opt to go right around 5pm. We board the boat and cruise the canals as the sun is setting making it a river of your own and plenty of wildlife with no crowds! We'll stop for dinner after the float. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)



Day 4 -- Rio Celeste (Nayara)

When it comes to hikes in Costa Rica this is probably one of my favorite. The Rio Celeste is an unforgettable hike as you make your way through the rainforest and arrive upon sky blue waters, 100ft waterfalls, and authentic truly natural hotsprings.

In the afternoon it will be back to the hotel to enjoy your last night at the Arenal Volcano and if you want to go out to dinner at a local spot we will be more than happy to take you.  (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)


Rio Celeste
Day 5 --  La Fortuna Falls (Sí Como No) 1 Deluxe Suite

Today before we leave the Arenal area we will visit one more spot where you can snap plenty of pictures in front of the picturesque La Fortuna Falls. This is another hike Lynn, and it's 500 stairs to get a good morning exercise in before the drive to the beach.
We could also include an optional hike at Finca Luna Nueva which is a very hidden spot just outside of Arenal but a fascinating place that is ahead of its time when it comes to agriculture and seed conservation. Here you can learn from some of the top herbalists in the world about natural medicines and living sustainably. This would put us getting to the beach around dinner time.

We promise this won't happen with CRR guides!
In the afternoon we will get to the Manuel Antonio area and the Si Como No Resort. I'm sure you have done your research and know its a great spot for families and NO TV's which we love! (Meals: Breakfast)


Day 6 -- Manuel Antonio National Park (Sí Como No)

Today is another hike with your naturalist as he takes you into the Manuel Antonio Park where you will have view different wildlife as you will now be in the Central Pacific region. You'll notice that with the many different ecosystems in Costa Rica the wildlife is very diverse from region to region. 

This will also be your beach day in the afternoon or a chance to relax at the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)


Day 7 -- Visit Los Campesinos (Sí como No)

Manuel Antonio
Visit Los Campesinos and learn about real Costa Rican life. This is a great stop with a chance to get away from the touristy area and take another hike. The area is beautiful hiking through the Savegre watershed where you will be up against some of the countries steepest terrain.

In the afternoon we can take you to the beach and enjoy your last night in the land of Pura Vida! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)


Day 8 ------ Hike to Land of Waterfalls (Si Como No)

Today you'll drive an hour with 20 minutes on mountain roads. You will then make a 1 1/2 hour gradient intense hike to the top of Costa Rica's tallest waterfall of Diamante. You will have a delicious lunch behind three 100ft waterfalls and make a day of it at one of the most scenic and remote spots in all of Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 9 ---- Fly Home!

Today we will make the 2 1/2 hour drive to the San Jose Airport for your flight home! (Meals: Breakfast)

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Haven Costa Rica Family Adventure 2014

June 30th ---- Arrive and Travel to Arenal Volcano (Tabacon Resort)
Arenal Volcano


Today we will make the drive to the Arenal Volcano. This is the perfectly cone-shaped volcano that you think of when somebody mentions a volcano. You will be staying at the Five-Star Resort, Tabacon. This hotel is best known for having some of the finest hotsprings anywhere on the planet. The hotel offers very easy access when dealing with a group allowing us to come and go for our activities. This will allow us to spend the mornings active and relaxing in the hotsprings in the afternoons!

We will get traveling after breakfast and arrive to the Tabacon resort just after lunch. This is a travel day of mostly straight roads with few mountain climbs or decents making it easy for those that don't do rides well. We will also make some stops along at different fruit stands and other interesting stops.  The afternoon will be spent enjoying the hotsprings. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Tabacon River

July 01st ---- Zipline & Hanging Bridges (Tabacon Resort)

Today is a day of fun and adventure! We will make our way to the zipline that now has a new feature. We will have Reese and Jake ready for this adventure. We will be ziplining on three new cables that hang 700ft above the forest floor. Then we will float on tubes down an creek with class I & II rapids and make our way back to the top. Those that are not in the mood for such adventure can opt to do the zipline and tram ride or just tram ride. The tubing adventure is a blast and really a lot easier than you would think, JUST HOLD ON!

After the morning of adventure at the zipline area we will head to the Hanging Bridges. Here
your naturalist guide will give you a tour of the wonders of the rainforest. If some want to get back to the hotel with the young ones after the tram ride we can arrange for that no problem.

Zipline Adventure
The afternoon is spent relaxing in the hotsprings. We will then take you out to dinner at one of our favorite places to eat in all of Costa Rica. Your table for 19 will be reserved and your menu will include different options all of which are included. This is an all-inclusive trip. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

July 02nd --- Danaus Reserve & Organic Farm (Tabacon Resort)

Today we want the kids to see some Costa Rican Superstars up-close. We will be visiting a small educational reserve where the kids get a very personal look at frogs, birds, butterflies, and sloths. This is a great day for pictures and learning more about the rainforest.

The Fruit of the gods!
It's about time for lunch, so we're going to our good friend's farm. Don juan's is a fully organic farm and the kids will have a chance to squeeze their own sugar-cane. Parents can try some refined sugar-cane, taste the cacao fruit, and have one of the healthiest, best-tasting meals ever.

In the afternoon it is back to Tabacon where you can enjoy the springs one last time. We also can stop in the town of La Fortuna and give everyone some time for some souvenir shopping. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)


Arenas del Mar
July 03rd --- Travel to Manuel Antonio (Arenas del Mar)

Today is a travel day to Manuel Antonio. We will get started after breakfast and arrive to the lovely Arenas del Mar Resort just after lunch. Here you will have startling views of the Pacific Ocean and the Manuel Antonio National Park.

The afternoon will be time to relax and enjoy the life at the beach. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Manuel Antonio

July 04th --- Tour Manuel Antonio National Park (Arenas del Mar)

Today your naturalist guide will take you to the Manuel Antonio National Park where you will get your monkey fix as you will be seeing them everywhere. This is a great day of easy walking and strolling past marvelous beaches.

After we have lunch prepared for you in town we will make our way back to the hotel to give you the afternoon to enjoy at the hotel. In the evening we will take out to one of our favorite local spots for a delicious dinner with a vew. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Haven Airport Transportation

July 05th --- Beach Day! (Arenas del Mar)

Today is your day to relax. You will have the option of doing different tours and lunch will be on your own today (this is the only meal not included in case some decide to do optional tours). We will have dinner planned for you at another one of our restaurants of choice and a farewell party to all our new friends! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

July 06th --- Fly Home!

Today we will make the drive to the San Jose Airport! PURA VIDA! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)