Scott Sample Itin 2011

July 18 .... Pick up and San Jose Hotel and Drive to Arenal Volcano Area & visit Danaus

Rossette Spoonbill Cano Negro

We will plan on picking you up after your breakfast and making the 2 1/2 hour drive to the Arenal area. Here we can check you into the hotel and then get ready to visit the Danaus. We went ahead and moved Danaus Reserve to this day just because of logistics it made more sense after a morning of travel. The Danaus will be a nice easy hike and a great first day educational stop as you will learn a little bit about everything in the area to make you experts for the coming days activities of things you might see. 


July 19 .... Hike to Cerro Chato 


The Cerro Chato hike will be an intense hike. This will be a morning departure after a nice fulling breakfast.  It is not the distance but the stairs that the kids will love you for. It is a not so touristy area and worth the hike. Your guides name will be Jheudy (who is very knowledgable and will be your personal guide for the week) and he actually took his son when he was 9 years old so kids can make it but we do ask that they enjoy hiking and are in good physical shape.


July 20 .... Caño Negro wild life refuge

Hanging Bridges

If you want to see some wildlife and enjoy some nice time on the water than this is the day for you. It is nicely placed after the Cerro Chato hike as today is a low-impact day with a lot of wildlife. Your guide will take you through some of the best spots of Cano Negro. This is just over an hour drive from La Fortuna towards the border of Nicaragua. Then it is a couple hours or more in the boat around the wetlands depending on how much wildlife you see which is usually a lot. We enjoy operating this tour in the afternoon as you avoid the crowds. It is a great time to see more wildlife and less humans. You can enjoy a few hours in the hotel in the morning.



July 21 .... Zip Line and visit to Silencio Reserve


Here is the day of adrenaline as you will enjoy what we consider the best zipline in the country. You will take a nice long bumpy road to the other side of the volcano where the views are spectacular from the cables and the Arenal lake. This zipline also includes a very nice gandola ride.  After the zipline you will visit Silencio Reserve where you get an up-close look at the lava flow from 1963.



July 22 .... Safari boat trip and Hanging Bridges

Safari Float

Today we will get an early start and take a float down another river but this time in a raft. The name of this river is Penas Blancas. Everyone will have a lifevest but not rough enough for helmets. We will also give you some paddles to help out if we are getting chased by a crocodile! Well that wont be the case but we should see plenty of wildlife. After the calm rafting it is time for the hanging bridges. This is a chance to get a whole entire new look at the canopy of the rainforest.


July 23 .... Transfer to your next hotel


Today you can sleep in and we will drive you to the next hotel which will be Los Suenos Herradura. The drive will be around 3 1/2 hours from the Arenal area to the beach.

Costa Rica Family Tour $825/person

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

Raft Pacuare River

Your private adventure guide will meet you at the airport where you will make the short drive to the first hotel which is located in the mountains of Heredia on the slopes of the Barva Volcano. Here you will have chance to enjoy the relaxing grounds of the hotel and get some rest before the big adventures of the week. (Meals: None)

Day 2 ---------- Visit Irazu Volcano and Drive to Casa Turire (Casa Turire Hotel)

We leave the hotel after breakfast today and make the drive to Costa Rica's tallest volcano. This is an amazing hike that will literally put you at the top of the country and give you a bird's eye view of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Irazu Volcano is at around 11,000ft. Here we will make a short hike to the crater. After the Irazu visit we will drive to Casa Turire Hotel which everyone really enjoys. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 ---------- Raft Pacuare River and Drive to Arenal Volcano (Casa Luna Lodge)


Without a doubt the next adventure is my favorite thing to do in the off-seasons and chances are it will be your favorite part of the trip. The Pacuare River is one of National Geographic's top rivers on the planet and it is filled with waterfall and beautiful canyons. We will be on the river for around three hours and after the river we will take you to the Arenal Volcano which is Costa Rica's perfectly cone-shaped volcano and one of the ten most active volcanos on the planet. You will have a beautiful view of the volcano from your hotel. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 4 ---------- Zipline Costa Rica (Casa Luna Lodge)


If the rafting was not enough adventure then the 700ft high cable above the primary rainforest should do the trick. Here you will get the chance to enjoy the best zipline in all of Costa Rica. Out of all the ziplines in the country this is the best. Not only is it high and fast but the views of the volcano on a clear day and of the lake are just unmatched by other ziplines and makes you feel like you are something out of Jurrassic Park (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5 ---------- Drive to Manuel Antonio (Beach Hotel)

Today I am going to drive you to Manuel Antonio and I will make some stops on the way to keep it interesting. This is a beautiful drive and the final destination is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. Actually I would have to say it is Costa Rica's most beautiful beach. The monkeys still out populate the tourist in this area. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 ---------- Visit National Park (Beach Hotel)

Manuel Antonio National Park

Today is your day to visit the National Park. This is a walk through the National Park and you will be on your own but it is very close to the hotel and simple hiking to the nearby trails that are filled with wildlife. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 ---------- Beach Day to Relax (Beach Hotel)

Today is your day to relax. There are a number of optional tours in the area to choose from or you can just enjoy the public beach that is just infront of the hotel. The waves are perfect and there is always the option of going back into the park to visit the beautiful beaches of the National Park. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 ---------- Transfer to San Jose Airport and Fly Home!

Today I will pick you up from the beach hotel and drive you back to the San Jose Airport area. This is a short drive of just around 2 hours on Costa Rica's new highway. (Meals: Breakfast)

Cost: $825/person (Based on Group of 4)
Includes: All private transportation with driver/guide, all meals listed, all lodging, all tours and adventur

Costa Rica Family Adventure $875/person

Take a look at an amazing and affordable private adventure to Costa Rica. We are running tours as low as possible so entire families can have a chance to experience the best adventures in Costa Rica.

Day 1 --------- Arrive and Drive to La Condesa Hotel (La Condesa)

Waterfall Rappel

One of the nicer hotels in the mountains of Heredia is La Condesa. You will be met at the airport with your private guide and driver. Today is a long travel day and we will get you to the first hotel with time to relax in the pool. (Meals: None)

Day 2 --------- Rappel 200ft Waterfall (La Condesa)

Today the adventure will begin and all we ask you to do is walk off a 200ft waterfall. Your guide will be taking you to one of the more beautiful waterfalls in all of Costa Rica and a chance to rappel down. This is an amazing adventure and a chance to get wet and get the adventure trip started. After the day of rappeling you will have some time back at La Condesa hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 ---------- Visit Irazu Volcano Crater and Stay at Casa Turire Hotel (Casa Turire)

We will leave early in the morning and visit Costa Rica's tallest volcano. This is a chance to see both coast at the same time and get a cloud's view of the entire country of Costa Rica. After we make the short hike to look down into the crater which will have us at an elevation of around 11,000ft., we will end up at Casa Turire Hotel. Over the years Casa Tirire  has become one of my favorite hotels in all of Costa Rica. It is small and the setting is absolutely perfect. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4 ----------- Raft Pacuare River and Drive to Arenal Volcano (Casa Luna)

Pacuare River Rafting Adventure

Today you will raft the Pacuare River which is listed by a magazine named National Geographic as one of the top five rivers in the world. I have been rafting this river for almost 10 years now and it is still to this day my favorite part about Costa Rica. Don't worry I will do my best to keep the family in the raft. We will be on the river for around three hours and we will even have some pictures of you from a kayak that you can take home as a souvenir. After the river rafting we will head to the Arenal Volcano where you will see one of the ten most active volcanos on the planet. From your room at the hotel of Casa Luna you will have an amazing view of the volcano and a perfect spot to relax until the next adventure. (Meals: Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 5 ----------- Zipline & Visit La Fortuna Falls (Casa Luna)

If you have not had enough adventure on the waterfall rappel or rafting then maybe zipping across the rainforest at 700ft. will do the trick. I remember when I first moved to Costa Rica in 1998 there were just a few ziplines and now they are everywhere. The one we plan to go to on this itinerary is without a doubt my favorite. It is a beautiful view of the voclano and the lake below and primary rainforest. After the zipline we will take a hike through some more rainforest and visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of the Americas. In the evening back to the hotel to relax in the pool with the volcano watching! (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 ------------ Drive to Manuel Antonio (Beach Hotel)

Manuel Antonio National Park

This is a travel day and you will get dropped off at the beach hotel of Espadilla which is a very nice hotel close to Costa Rica's most beautiful National Park of Manuel Antonio. Here you will have the chance to see more monkeys than you can handle and even the endemic squirrel monkey passes through everyday at around 4:30pm. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 ------------- Beach Day (Beach Hotel)

Today is your day to relax and enjoy the ocean. You have the option of going to visit the National Park or Manuel Antonio or you can just enjoy the pool at the hotel. Either way you look at it it will be just another day in paradise. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 -------------- Transfer to San Jose Airport 

Today your driver and guide will pick you up at the hotel and drive you back to the San Jose airport. This is not a bad drive as they have built a new highway that makes it very smooth and quick to get back to the San Jose airport from the Central Pacific. (Meals: Breakfast)

Cost: $895/person
Includes: All private transportation with driver and guide, all meals listed, all adventures and tours listed, all lodging.

Pat McCool Sample 9-Day

Some Local Dance to break the ice

Day 1 ------ Arrive & Drive to Turrialba Area (Casa Turire)

Today we will drive outside of the Central Valley and stay in the Turrialba area. Here you will get the chance to stay at a great place which will be important that everyone gets some rest after a long day of traveling. Lunch will be included at the hotel. The hotel has a great view of the smoking Turrialba volcano. After a siesta we will take everyone to a nearby village where we will have a dinner for everyone in our Sitio de Mata Project which is amazing food, great people, and a chance to learn about the culture of Costa Rica.
Drive time from airport to hotel: 2 hours
(Meals: Lunch & Dinner)

Day 2 ------- Raft Pacuare River (Casa Luna Lodge)

Today is a travel day but the best part is we will be doing a good portion of it on one of the planets most scenic rivers. The Pacuare river is listed by National Geographic as one of the top five in the world for scenery. This is a great day of rafting through the primary rainforest and we will see large canyons and beautiful waterfalls from start to finish. CRR outfits the rafting which allows for our river trips to be private and go at our own pace. When we get out of the river everyone will change to dry clothes and then we will make the drive to the Arenal area. The hotel where we will be staying at has great views of the Arenal Volcano and will have dinner for us when we arrive. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Pacuare River

Travel Times: The drive time from Casa Turire hotel to river Pacuare is 20 minutes and the drive from the take out of Pacuare to Arenal volcano is 3 1/2 hours which will be your longest time on the bus but it works out nice because everyone always sleeps after rowing on the river. The river run is also 3 1/2 hours.


Day 3 -------- Zipline & Visit town of La Fortuna (Casa Luna Lodge)

Today you will do what we consider the best zipline in the country. There are over 100 different companies that have a zipline now and this is by far the best. Not only does it have the best view of the Arenal volcano and lake but it is also the highest, fastest, and safest. We ride up to the top on a gandola ride which is a great tour of the top layers of the rainforest and gives everyone a chance to see up close the different epiphytes that populate the upper layers of the neo-tropics. After we do the zipline we will make our way over to the town of La Fortuna where we will visit a local place for lunch and the kids can enjoy some time walking around town visiting some shops. It is a great town for walking around and let the kids get some time to explore. After the time in town we will head to the hotel where they can enjoy the pool. In the evening we will take the kids out for dinner. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Travel time: Casa Luna Lodge to Zipline is 20 minutes and to town is only 5 minutes.


Day 4 ---------- Danaus Reserve, Visit La Fortuna Waterfall, & Organic Farm (Casa Luna Lodge)

Arenal Volcano

Today we will visit one of my most favorite spots. It does not have the adrenaline of river rafting or the beauty of a huge waterfall but it is a small private reserve of just over 6 acres that is now reforested for only the past eleven years. It is amazing to show the kids what nature can do in such a short amount of time. There is much biodiversity here from sloths, poisonous dart frogs, butterflies, and much more. It is a perfect place to spend a morning concentrating on science as is much of this itinerary. After the reserve we will make our way to La Fortuna Falls which is a nice little hike of 532 stairs. These are not your average house stairs but it worth it for the swimming hole at the bottom. In the evening we can do dinner at an organic farm which is a great experience and very educational as we walk through the farm. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Travel Time: 15 minutes to all places today everything is very close.

Day 5 ------------ Ride Boat to Monteverde Cloud-forest (Monteverde Hotel)

Today we will leave early and make the drive to the Monteverde area. We will be at a much higher elevation and give the students a chance to see the different types of flor and fauna with the change of altitude. This area is known as the cloud-forest. When we arrive there will be a number of optional things for the kids to visit that run in the area of $10's as you mentioned would be nice to offer. They range from cheese factory, amphibian area, night hike, and much more. Dinner will be at the hotel. We use a number of different hotels in the area from Heliconia, El Sapo Dorado, Belmar, Poco a Poco all nice places. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Travel time to Monteverde: 2 hours but 45 minutes is a boat ride with views of the volcano.


Day 6 ------------ Visit Monteverde Reserve & Drive to Manuel Antonio (Villa Bosque)

Game on Pat!

Today we will visit the Monteverde Reserve which is a hike through the cloud-forest and a must see for any science class visiting the area. We will spend the morning in the reserve and then back in the bus  and drive to Manuel Antonio. We will plan on leaving just after lunch and arriving to Manuel Antonio before dinner where we will eat at the hotel. They will be staying in Villa Bosque in Manuel Antonio which is a great place because of it's location. It gives everyone the chance to walk everywhere and also it right at the entrance of the National Park on one end and the public beaches on the other which makes for the perfect location. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Travel Time: 3 hours & 20 minutes from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio


Day 7 ------------ Tour the National Park of Manuel Antonio (Villa Bosque)

Manuel Antonio National Park

Today we will be up and ready to go after breakfast. It is good to get into the park early so you can beat the crowds. The park is closed on Mondays but I dont think with the Frontier flight this day is a Monday. Here the kids will get their fill of seeing monkeys. There area plenty of monkeys and actually everyday at 4pm the endemic squirrel monkey passes through the hotel grounds on it's way into the park. This is nice hike very educational and then a very nice treat of the nicest beaches in all of Costa Rica at the end of the hike which are found inside the park. When we leave the park we will head to the hotel for lunch (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Travel Time: 2 minute walk to park & 1 1/2 hour hike in park slow pace

Day 8 ------------ Beach Day or Optional Tours (Villa Bosque)

Today is there day to relax. They can enjoy the pool at the hotel or they can do what most do and enjoy the public beach which happens to be one of the nicest in the country. There are a number of optional tours from a rainforest spice tour, sea-kayaks, or snorkeling (these tours are going to be high priced around $50's or more. They can rent surf boards for $10's or rent the sea-kayaks for $15/hour and not do the guided tour it is a calm beach and safe waters so I often let them rent by the hour and row around in the bay with a kayak & lifevest)  We will plan on having a farewell dinner and this meal will be included.  If you decide to go with the early morning flight on day 9 we will just drive back to the airport area on this day in the afternoon. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 9 ------------- Drive to the airport and fly home!

Today we will drive to the San Jose airport. Dont forget the exit tax of $26's. (Meals: Breakfast)

Travel Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes from hotel to San Jose airport.

Scott: 2 Week Sample Itin

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

Quetzal

Today we will meet you at the airport and take you to your first hotel. This is a beautiful place only around 20 minutes from the airport which will give you a chance to rest up after your day of traveling. (Meals: None)

Day 2 -------------------------------- Cerro de La Muerte (Dantica Lodge)


We will leave San Jose after breakfast at your hotel and drive to Cerro de La Muerte. This is an area where we will be spending one night and going for one reason only. The reason is to give you the chance to see one of the most beautiful species of birds in all the America's. In the past Monteverde has been the usual spotting area for the Quetzal but now it is overcrowded with tourists.is a Here at Cerro de La Muerte there are a few small lodges that will give us a 99% chance of seeing this bird and it is well worth it. We even take non-birders to these lodges when it fits in the itin and they never regret seeing the Quetzal. (Meals: Breakfast)


Day 3 --------- Bird in Morning & Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire)

Today we will drive to the Turrialba area with pictures of the beautiful Quetzal in our cameras and memories of course.  We will arrive at the Casa Turire Hotel which will give you great views of the smoking cone of Turrialba. This is a very nice hotel, small, and pretty good for birding if you want to get up early in the morning. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4 --------- Raft Pejibaye River (Casa Turire)

Pejibaye River

Today you can sleep in and then we will take the short ride to the Pejibaye river. The Casa Turire Hotel is located on a lake and the Pejibaye runs into this lake so we finish the trip at the hotel. It is a small rapid but very scenic and has some little rapids but it is the kind of river we use for all families with young kids. We will plan on taking our time in the river. All of this is run privately. You will be in your own raft with your own guide throughout all the trip. In the evening you can have time to relax at the hotel or we can take you to a local village and introduce you to some of the local customs or we can have the kids learn how to make tortillas with some other kids if they are up for it. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 5 --------------------------------------------------- Drive to Sarapiqui & Chocolate Tour (La Selva)

Today we will drive to Sarapiqui and get your bird book out because we will be staying here for one night and plan on checking off big list of birds. Today is around a two hour drive and you can sleep a little bit but we will get somewhat of an early start. Today we'll do the Chocolate Tour when we arrive. This is an amazing tour and the best part about it is that it is hands on. You get to eat and eat chocolate but "real" high quality chocolate. (Meals: Breakfast)

Hola Scott

Day 6 --------- Birding in the Morning & Drive to Arenal Volcano (Nayara Resort)


We will get up before breakfast today and get some birding in. This is a great spot and we can bird as long as your heart desires. When we are done we will drive to the famous Arenal Volcano where you stay in the beautiful Nayara Resort which will give you a perfect view of the perfectly cone-shaped volcano. (Meals: Breakfast)


Day 7 --------- Zipline & Visit Danaus Reserve (Nayara Resort)

Arenal Volcano

Let a little of the adventure begin as we take you on a zipline. This is in our opinion one of the best in the country because it has the best views of the Arenal Lake and of course the volcano. Also you see nothing but primary forest under you as you fly over the canopy. After we do the zipline we will go over to the Danaus Reserve. This is a small reserve but one of the best to take a short hike around with your guide. The birding is great here and you'll see many different species of poisonous frogs, three-toed sloths, boat-billed heron, and butterflies. Also the reserve is a great educational stop, proving the importance of reforestation. Just eleven years ago balsa trees were planted here that now look hundreds of years old. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 ----------------------------- Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall & HotSprings (Nayara Resort)

Manuel Antonio

Today we will take a hike to one of Costa Rica's most picturesque waterfalls. La Fortuna Falls is absolutely beautiful and a great place for the kids to swim down in the pools at the bottom. After the nice hike we will then make our way to the HotSprings where you have the chance to relax and enjoy a great meal and views of the volcano. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 9 ----------- San Lorenzo Cloud-Forest & Night Hike (Villa Blanca)

Today we will leave the area of the Arenal Volcano and make our way into the cloud-forest. One option would be to go to the Monte-Verde Cloudforest which is a very nice area but if you wanted just a little bit less crowded there is nothing like the Villa Blanca Hotel in the San Lorenzo cloud-forest. This was the property of the former President of Costa Rica and now it is a beautiful hotel where the clouds might literally be joining you for breakfast or dinner. It opens up for a whole new level of flora & fauna. When you arrive we will check you in and it will be time for your night hike. Hiking through the cloud-forest at night is a great experience. With the knowledge of your guide you will be amazed at how much wildlife is out in the cloud-forest at night and just how interesting some insects can be. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 10 --------- Birding at Villa Blanca in the morning and Drive to the Pacific (Arenas del Mar)

Passerini Tanager

Today we will do some birding in the morning and then when you are ready we will make our way to the Pacific Ocean. Our destination will be the Arenas del Mar which is a perfect hotel looking over the waves of the Pacific. It has private beach, unusual in this Manuel Antonio.
(Meals: Breakfast)

Day 11 --------------------  Rainforest Spice Tour (Arenas del Mar)


If you want to learn some interesting stuff and eat some great tasting samples of spices from the rainforest then this is the place. This is a new, very well run educational tour and demonstration of where, how, and what needs to be done to get the spices from the jungles to your spoon. After the tour you can relax at the hotel or on the beach. (Meals: Breakfast)



Day 12 ---------------------------------- Visit Manuel Antonio National Park (Arenas del Mar)

Our Naturalist Guide Eric in Manuel Antoino Park

Today we will make the hike to the Manuel Antonio National Park. If you have not seen all the monkeys you need to see then this is the spot. I still think there are more monkeys than tourists in this park. It is a great spot for the kids to see some mammals upclose such as coatis, white-face capuchin monkeys, and even the endemic squirrel monky. I was in the park last week and saw the Three-Wattled Bellbird which made that trip all worth it for me. (Meals: Breakfast)



Day 13 ------- Visit Poas Volcano Crater Drive back to Airport Hotel Grano de Oro (Grano de Oro)

"Poor Man's Umbrella"

Today we will leave the beach and drive back to the airport hotel which will be the same Grano de Oro you stayed at when you arrived. We will make a day out of the drive back as we visit the Poas Volcano Crater where you will see some of the largest leaves ever and an amazing crater. This is a beautiful crater and a chance to drive through some very scenic countryside towns of Costa Rica. After we visit the crater we will have lunch at the best place in the country which is Freddy Fressas. He makes a strawberry drink that is well worth making a toast to the end of an amazing adventure. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 14 -------- Fly Home!

We will get you the airport a good few hours before you flight and send you on your way. (Meals: Breakfast)

Klein Nature-Adventure 2011

Day 1 ----------- Arrive and Drive to Manuel Antonio Area (Arenas del Mar Resort)

Manuel Antonio

It helps you will be flying in from Central Florida so you should not arrive on a very late flight. If you can the earlier the better but whatever works. Today your guide will meet you outside the airport and you will be driven to your first hotel. The hotel is located in the Manuel Antonio area which is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the country but even better the National Park. The drive is just over 2 hours and the hotel is amazing. You will be where the mountain meets the sea with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. (Meals: None)

Day 2 ----------- Tour National Park Manuel Antonio (Arenas del Mar Resort)

Today you will get the chance to tour the National Park Manuel Antonio. Here your guide will show you monkeys, sloths, and many more exciting plants and animals. This is an easy hike that is flat and if you are up for a little more hiking you can walk to the look out points. After the morning hike of the park you will have the afternoon to just enjoy the beach or relax at the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 ------------ Morning at the Beach &Travel to Central Valley (Grano de Oro Hotel)

Today you will spend the morning in the beach and then in the afternoon make the drive to the Central Valley. This drive will take you to the hotel of Grano de Oro which is one of our favorites and also has the best restaraunt in all of Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast)


Day 4 ----------- Visit Irazu Volcano Crater & Drive to Hacienda Tayutic (Hacienda Tayutic)

Today you will visit and make a short hike to the tallest volcano in all of Costa Rica. The Irazu volcano is just over 11,000ft and it is a chance to see both coast from the top. You actually get to look down into the center of the crater. After the volcnao you will make your way to the Hacienda Tayutic which (I know Ive said this before) is the best place you will stay. This hotel is authentic and luxurious making for an amazing mix of off the touristy path and complete rest and relaxation. You will arrive in early afternoon and have a chance to relax in paradise with a view of the valley, rivers, and smoking Turrialba volcano. (Meals: Breakfast)

Raft Pacuare River

Day 5 ----------- Raft Pacuare River (Hacienda Tayutic)

Today you will raft the famous Pacuare River which National Geographic has listed as one of the top 5 scenic rivers on the planet. You will be on your private raft and not a larger commercially rafting trip. You can stop and go as you wish and we have some amazing waterfall hikes planned for you. The river is filled with beautiful waterfalls and canyons and will be running low this time of year but makes for quite the scenic run as the river is crystal clear. After the river we will head back to the Hacienda Tayutic for some rest and relaxation. If you are in the mood we can plan a dinner at a local nearby village where you can see some of the local customs of food and dance or dinner at the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

View from Nayara 

Day 6 ------------ Drive to Arenal Volcano & Chocolate Tour (Nayara Resort)

Here you will have the chance to enjoy some traveling but we will break the ride up with a Chocolate Tour. The Chocolate Tour is actually a tour of a Cacao plantation and where the good tasty stuff actually comes from. After the tour of your choice we will head to the Nayara Resort which is voted by TripAdvisor as one of their favorites in all of the Americas. We are doing the itinerary the way it is because these were the only two days Nayara was available. You will have great views of the Arenal Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 7 -------------- Zipline, Nature Hike, & HotSprings (Nayara Resort)

This is by far the best zipline in Costa Rica. Not only is it the highest, fastest, and yes the safest but it has the most perfect view of the volcano. You will be on 8 different cables and the highest being 750ft above the ground as you go from mountain top to mountain top through the rainforest. After the zipline you will take a nature hike but I promise it is one that you will never forget. A small little private reserve called Danaus is actually one of the best spots we have. Your guide Jheudy will take you on the many wonders of the rainforest which include different species of poisonous dart frogs, butterflies, many different species of colorful birds and much more. In the evening you will get the chance to relax in the hotsprings and enjoy the thermal waters. The best part about this for the kids is not the excellent meal that is included but the slide that does not look like much but is super fast. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 8 --------------- Drive to Airport and Fly Home

Today depending on your flight time we will head back to the San Jose airport. This is around a 2 1/2 hour drive. It is actually a beautiful drive through the cloud-forest of San Lorenzo. An afternoon flight would work best for this day. (Meals: Breakfast)

Gregory & Marisol Sample Itin

Feb 5th ----------- Arrive (Grano de Oro Hotel)

Today you will arrive and we will take you to the Grano de Oro Hotel. This happens to be one of the best hotels in all of the Central Valley. It is a great place to rest after a day of travel. It is located 15 minutes from the airport. (Meals: None)

Feb 6th ----------- Visit Irazu Volcano Crater (Casa Turire Hotel)

Today we will make our way to the Irazu Volcano. This is the highest volcano in all of Costa Rica and opens itself to some of the best views. We will be over 10,000ft. This is a short hike when we get to the top and a chance to look into the crater. After the visit to the volcano we will then make our way to the valley of Turrialba where you will be staying at the Casa Turire Hotel. This also is one of my favorite hotels in the country. The hotel is located on a lake and you will have a view of the active volcano of Turrialba. We stay here for the night to put us in position for rafting the Pacaure River. (Meals: Breakfast)

Feb 7th --------- Raft Pacuare River & Drive to Arenal Volcano (Casa Luna Lodge)

Don't Fall Out Gregory!!!

National Geographic has this river listed as one of the top 5 rivers to raft on the planet. You will have your own private raft and go at our pace allowing us to make stops along the way as we make our way down the rainforest on the three hour river run. After the river we will then make the drive to one of the ten most active volcanoes on Earth and that is the Arenal Volcano. We will be staying at Casa Luna Lodge which is located just infront of the Arenal Volcano and you will have amazing views of the volcano day and night. On this evening you will have a very nice dinner at the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Feb 8th ---------- Zipline & La Fortuna Falls (Casa Luna Lodge)

Arenal Volcano

If rafting was not enough for you then hanging from a cable that is strung 700ft above the rainforest floor with perfect views of the boulders rolling down the side of the volcano. This is one of those activities that you cant believe you did after you did it. Heck your boss Joe Brecko did it and we plan on making him the poster guy of this tour for 2011. After the zipline we will head to town where you can souvenir shop or I will take you to some of the interesting local spots if you are in the mood and also visit one of them most beautiful waterfalls in all the tropics, La Fortuna Falls. (Meals: Breakfast)

Feb 9th ----------- Canyoneering & HotSprings (Casa Luna Lodge)

Canyoneering
(Marisol is gonna get wet!)

Today is canyoneering which is another amazing adventure. You will make your way down a canyon that is located in the middle of the rainforest and is home to 3 different waterfalls 2 of which are over 160ft. When you make it to these waterfalls you will have to rappel to make your way down. In the afternoon we will take you to one of the most relaxing places you can imagine which is the thermal waters from the volcano. You will also enjoy another very nice dinner here. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Feb 10th ---------- Drive to Manuel Antonio (Espadilla)

Today is a travel day but we will leave after breakfast so you have time to enjoy the beach after lunch. We will be taking you to the Pacific Coast of the Manuel Antonio area which I consider the nicest beach in the country because it is where the jungle meets the ocean. (Meals: Breakfast)

Feb 11th ----------- Tour National Park (Espadilla)

La Fortuna Falls
(Great for a Pic of Gregory & Marisol)

One of the most amazing parks in the country and guaranteed all the monkeys you can handle. The hotel we have you at is located near the park and walking distance to the beach and the best part is at 4pm the squirrel monkeys make there way to the park through the hotel grounds. This species is absolutely adorable and people come to Costa Rica just to see it because this is the only area on the planet where you can find it. What many people dont know is that they pass through Espadilla everyday. The will be a great experience with one of our naturalist guides giving you a private walk through the park. The afternoon you can enjoy on the beach. (Meals: Breakfast)

Feb 12th ----------- Fly Home!

Homestay & Arenal Volcano Adventure

Day 1 ------------- Arrive and Drive to Sitio de Mata (Homestays)

Sitio de Mata Homestays

We will meet you at the airport and then make the two hour drive out to the village. When we arrive to the village it should only take a few seconds for you to feel welcome. We will be in the mountains with a view of the smoking Turrialba Volcano but the people of Sitio de Mata is what brings this village to life. (Meals: Dinner)

CLICK HERE TO MEET THE HOMESTAYS FAMILIES!!!

Day 2 ------------ Community Service Project & Soccer Game with Locals in Sitio de Mata Village (Homestays)

After a good night's rest we will start off the week by showing the village that we are worth the visit. We plan on taking part in a community service project which will involve doing some work needed in the area. This could involve a number of different things. We have a recycle program organized and many groups help with that. If you are interested in painting or making small repairs to schools or many other needed things in the area we can arrange that. When those types of projects come into play it is funding that depends on how much we can do. If a school group can fundraise back in the states or get donations of a couple hundred dollars for paint and/or things of such then we can plan projects that involve using the funds. After the community service project we will spend time with the families and keep working on our Spanish. Each evenings we will organize the group in one of the main homes that has an open area. Here we usually do a salsa class to get us ready for the last night. All of the homes are within walking distance of each other. We will also plan a soccer game with the kids from the village and we usually lose but it is good fun. Take a Look CLICK HERE.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ------------  Day Trip to the Beach Cahuita National Park (Homestays)

Today we will make the day trip to the beach. This will be an early morning and we will have all day to just relax. It is a long drive but nice and worth it. We will plan on doing an early dinner at the beach after a long day of playing in the sand and snorkeling if anyone is up for renting some gear. We will then drive back to the homestay where we can enjoy the night with our homestay families.

Breakfast at Aranza's House

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ------------ Craft Class, Cooking Class, visit local school, & farewell party (Homestays)

This is a great day. We will get another full day in the community with our families. Today we will learn everything we will need to know if anyone from the group ever decides to retire in a mountain village in Costa Rica. These things are making tortillas, making some crafts, and we will even squeeze in some more dance classes because that is about as necessary as eating here in Costa Rica. Today we will also visit a school and just socialize with some of the younger kids.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ------------ Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare River Camp Site)

Today we get to do one of the more fun adventures in all of Costa Rica. This is the overnight Pacuare River trip. You will get to see the beautiful Pacaure River at night and early in the morning which is just amazing to be near the river during these hours hearing nature take a nap and then get back up with the light of day. We will have all of your meals prepared for you as it is camping but not roughing it. All will have their shower, towels, and sleeping gear. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 ------------- River Rafting and Drive to Arenal Volcano (Arenal Hotel)

River Rafting Adventure

Arenal Volcano

Today we will make our way out of the River Rafting Adventure. This is the best way to get surrounded by the rainforest. This will be a half day adventure and everyone will get soaked. The day two of rafting is where the big rapids happen and it is fun for all to go through the famous Pacuare canyon. We will be on the river for around 2 1/2 hours today and everyone will have to row. The surrounding area is beautiful giving everyone a chance to see more mountains and plenty of jungle from start to finish. We have two rivers we raft in the area. One is class II & III and the other is the famous Pacuare River which is class IV. The Pacuare River, National Geographic has listed as one of the top five on the planet for scenery. After the rafting we will make our way to the Arenal Volcano. This is one of the 10 most active volcanoes on the planet. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Canyoneering

Day 7 ------------ Zipline y Canyoneering Adventure (Arenal Hotel)

We are going to celebrate the end to this trip with some amazing adventures. We will visit the zipline at Arenal which happens to be on the best zipline in the country. This will give you views of the boulders rolling down the side of the volcano. We will be zipping through the rainforest and make our way up on a gandola ride where we will make it very educational giving the kids an idea about the rainforest. After the zipline we will make our way to the canyoneering adventure. This is quite the way to end the trip. The canyon you will be going down will is beautiful and you will be rappeling 5 different waterfalls in the canyon. Take a look at this video to get a better idea of the adventure of Canyoneering CLICK HERE.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 ------------- Drive to Airport and Fly Home!

Platt Family Costa Rica Adventure



                  Platt Family Costa Rican Adventure

                         February 18^th – 26^th, 2011

ITINERARY

Day 1, Feb 18th ------- Arrive and Stay at Grano de Oro Hotel (Grano de Oro)

Today we will meet you outside the airport and take you to your hotel Grano de Oro. This was a great option to get into town get some rest and exprience one of the finest hotels in the area. (Meals: None)

Day 2, Feb 19^th   Drive to Arenal(Nayara Hotel)



We will take our time driving to the Arenal area today making some stops along the way. We like to make driving and travel days a tour in itself. There is so much culture and experience that can be taken in just from making some little stops at local places if your up for it.  When it comes to places to stay this is one of the nicest hotels around. It has been open for two years and I absolutely love sending people here. It is small and has amazing views. When sending people to this place I just tell them to look at tripadvisor it has like 900 million reviews and they are all excellent so there is probably a pretty good chance you will like it. It has the best views of the Arenal Volcano.

(Meals included: None)

Day 3, Feb 20^th  ----- Balsa River Rafting & Ecocenter Danaus (Nayara Hotel)

Let’s take the kids rafting. The kids are young and it’s about that time we splashed some white water on them. This is a perfect river nearby for their level of rafting and I know they will love it. We will have time in the afternoon to stop by a locally run private reserve which we can make very educational for the kids giving them a close look at some animals. We won’t bore them but a lot of kids to get excited and it’s a great way to get involved a little with the local community and off the tourist path.

(Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 4, Feb 21^st ---- Travel to Monteverde  (El Establo)

 Today we will make our way to MonteVerde where we will take you on an adventure. Today we will do the hanging bridges at Selvatura along with the canopy tour. We will plan on leaving early in the morning to get you to the

(Meals included: Breakfast)

Day 5, Feb 22nd ----------- Monteverde Reserve  (El Establo Hotel)

 Today we will visit one of the most majestic areas on the planet. This is the Monteverde Cloudforest and your naturalist guide will make it an fun hike and very interesting. This is one of the places that has made Costa Rica famous and they have done an amazing job protecting it. Just being in the area of Monteverde is an incredible experience and you truly are surrounded by nature and a feeling of tranquility from the moment you arrive. The area has many little things for the kids, like frog and spider exihibits if the kids wanted to spend the afternoon after the Reserve visiting these places. We are also including the coffee tour as requested. If you wanted to stay fully active this day we can also do a night hike. It would depend on how the little ones feel but a great hike and lots of critters! From our experience you see a bit more here than at the hotel.

(Meals included: Breakfast)

Day 6, Feb 23rd  --------  Drive to Manuel Antonio (Arenas del Mar)



Today you will head south and make your way to Manuel Antonio which in my opinion is Costa Rica’s finest beach. I will say it was suggested by you, Lisa, which I have to give you credit for. We can also do the night hike here if your up for it just thought I would mention the Monteverde.  The hotel I have you staying in is one of my favorites because it has the best view and you don’t feel like you are in the touristy area of Manuel Antonio. It also has lots of monkeys which is a huge plus for the kids. Take a look at a hike with the CRR Guides. 

(Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7, Feb 24th - --------- Tour Manual Antonio National Park (Arenas del Mar)



Today you will visit the National Park of Manuel Antonio. This is a beautiful park and home to the rainforest meeting the beach. Your naturalist guide will be able to describe to you the difference between the reserve you saw in the Arenal area, the Monteverde Cloudforest, and the rainforest at Manuel Antonio keeping it interesting and most importantly fun for the kids with all the animals in and around the park.  

(Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8, Feb 25th -------------- Beach Day & hike to Biesanz  (Arenas del Mar)

Well this is the official R&R day but first we will get you on the spice tour as requested. You will love this tour as the Spices are incredible and a great place to buy souvenirs. They do an excellent job of operating this tour.  After the tour if the kids want to rent some surf boards or boogie boards the waves in the area are often pretty soft. This is your day to relax and enjoy the sun.



 (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 9, Feb 26th ------------ Drive to Central Valley  and Fly Home!!!



Make the drive to the airport, say your good-byes, and start planning the trip for the class IV rapids of the Pacuare River for when the kids are a little bigger and our rappeling down the waterfall and sleeping behind a cave adventure (Well your kids sound pretty adventurous for their age they might be ready if you just want to delay the flight a few days?).

(Meals: Breakfast)



Total Price: $7,825

Package Includes:  Private transportation with bilingual guide, all lodging, tours, adventures and meals listed.

Private Transportation: if and when you want to go out to eat you just let us know and we pick you up at the hotel and drop you off, wait for you, and return you to the hotel when you finish your meal.