Walter Sample Adventure Itinerary

July 18th ---------- Arrive to San Jose Airport (Hotel San Jose Area)

Sleeping Behind a Waterfall

Today your private guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your first hotel. I will start the tour on July 19th as I will be finishing a tour on this day the 18th so I will plan on meeting up with you on the morning of the 19th. (Meals: None)

July 19th ---------- Drive and hike into Cavern (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

Today I will pick you and the family up from your hotel early and we will plan on leaving the hotel around 6am. The reason for leaving early is because we will be driving south into the mountains between Dominical and San Isisdro. This is about a 3 1/2 hour drive but with the new highways on the coast it really isnt that bad. Everyone will get a good chance to stretch their legs on the intense hike to the top of the ridge. I have taken kids as small as 6 years old on this hike so it is nothing too strenuous. When we arrive we will have lunch prepared for you and then gear up for the waterfall rappel. This is a rappel of around 140ft. After the rappel we will take a short hike to the top of Diamante Falls which is a 600ft waterfall and an amazing place to be standing. Then in the evening we will light a camp fire and enjoy a nice dinner behind the falls. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

July 20th ---------- Hike to pools and then drive to Trogon Lodge (Trogon Lodge)

Pacuare Camp

Today we will wake up and have breakfast and then hike to another waterfall that has a great little jumping rock for everyone if they want to swim in the pools and jump from a rock. We will then make our way back to the cavern for lunch and hike out after lunch. We will get back into the car and make our way to the Cerro de la Muerte and stay at the Trogon Lodge. This is a great little rustic lodge up in the mountains at an elevation of 9,000ft so you will get a feel for a big change in tempature and elevation. I like this place for families because they have a little pond and the kids often like to fish for dinner. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

July 21st ------------ Enter Pacuare River Rafting Adventure (Pacuare Camp)

Pacuare River

Today we will take you to what National Geographic has listed as one of their top 5 rivers on the planet. I have been running this river for the last 12 years and it is still the most scenic place I have found in this country. We will spend the morning rafting and then stop for lunch and we will prepare a river lunch for you and just enjoy life on the river. After lunch we will raft for another hour and then arrive to our camp site. This is tent camping but it is not roughing it by anymeans. There are very nice bathrooms and dining area and it is surrounded by lush rainforest and makes for one of the most pristine settings.

July 22nd ------------ Raft Pacuare Canyon and Drive to Arenal (Arenal Hotel)

Today we will raft the remainder of the Pacuare River. It will be a private trip and depending on the water level we have no problem making this run. I will say though if the level is high then we will take out before the end of the river making it just the one day of rafting but chances are this will not happen but I do not like people to be suprised if it does. It is actually a fun drive out if we have to take out early which is a nice little adventure. After the river we will make the drive to the Arenal Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast and Lunch)

July 23rd ------------- Zipline & Danaus Reserve (Arenal Hotel)

Quetzal in Monteverde

Today it will be time for the best zipline in all of Costa Rica and also a private nature reserve that is one of my favorites. It is a great spot to show the kids reforestation and lots of wildlife in a small area. (Meals: Breakfast)

July 24th -------------- Visit La Fortuna Falls & Travel to Monteverde in the Afteroon (Montverde Hotel)

We will wake up this morning and make the hike to the La Fortuna Falls. This is a beautiful waterfall and a chance to enjoy nature and take a swim down below if you are up for it. In the evening it will be time to drive to the Monteverde area. (Meals: Breakfast)

July 25th --------------- Visit Montverde Reserve & Night Hike Monteverde (Monteverde Hotel)

Here you will visit the Monteverde Reserve. This is where nature lovers can get a real feel for life in the cloud-forest. After a hike in morning to the reserve we can also plan a night hike which kids absolutely love seeing all the different critters that come out at night. (Meals: Breakfast)

July 26th - July 30th ---------- Your Guanacaste Stay (Guanacaste Hotel)


From what I have seen it is best we we just drop you off at the hotels in Guanacaste. Economically it does not make much sense for you to have to hire a guide/driver for them to be on call. Let me know what you think?

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)

Costa Rica Caribbean Adventure Itin

Day 1 ------------- Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire)

Pacuare River Camping Adventure

Today we will meet you at the airport and take you to the Casa Turire Hotel. This happens to be one of our favorite spots and you will have great views of the smoking volcano of Turrialba. (Meals: None)

Day 2 ------------- Enter Pacuare River Rafting Adventure (Camp Pacuare River)


Here we will be entering what National Geographic has listed as one of the top 5 rivers on the planet for it's scenery. The famous Pacuare river is in our opinion the best tour Costa Rica has. It has some great rapids and when it is this good why not spend 2 days on it. We will be camping on the river and this is not roughing it by anymeans. You will be surrounded by jungle with the sound of the river but we do the cooking and everything is set up for you and even a bathroom and shower made from bambu. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ------------- Raft Canyon & Drive to Caribbean (Beach Hotel)

Pacuare River Canyon

Today we will raft the Pacuare Canyon and hit the big class IV rapids. This is a great day of around 3 hours of rafting. After we take out we will get some lunch and then make the drive to the Caribbean coast. We have a great little spot on the coast that we use and the caribbean has some of the best snorkeling spots in the country. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 4 ------------- Snorkel Uvita (Beach Hotel)

Today we will be visiting one of the best snorkel spots as we take a boat out to the island of Uvita and we get the chance to snorkel around the reef. It is a great day in the and then time to relax in the afternoon at the beach. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5 ------------- Drive to Arenal Volcano & Chocolate Tour (Arenal Hotel)

Canyoneering Adventure

Today is a travel day and we will split it up by visiting a chocolate plantation and going on a short little tour with plenty of samples of chocolate. Here we will learn where chocolate came from and the different facts about it along with how it is harvested and then turned into the chocolate bar. After the tour we will then arrive to the famous Arenal Volcano. This is perfectly cone-shaped volcano and happens to be one of the ten most active on the planet. You stay in a great place with views from each room of the volcano.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 ------------- Zipline & La Fortuna Falls (Arenal Hotel)

This is the best zipline in Costa Rica. Although this does not have the tarzan swing it does have some of the best views around. You get to see the perfectly coneshaped volcano and the lake as you zip from mountain top to mountain top above primary rainforest. After the best zipline in Costa Rica we will then make our way to the La Fortuna Falls where you will get the chance to visit one of the most beautiful falls in all of Costa Rica.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 ------------- Canyoneering & HotSprings (Arenal Hotel)

Arenal Voclano

Today you will take part in another great adventure. This is called the canyoneering and it is becoming more and more popular. There is only one day down this narrow canyon and that is using all fours and then when we get to the waterfalls you gear up and rappel down. After the canyoneering adventure we will take you to the hotsprings where you can relax and enjoy a very nice meal. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 ------------- Fly Home!


Today we will make the drive to the airport. If you leave in an afternoon flight it is better today. (Meals: Breakfast)

Klein Nature-Adventure 2011

Hacienda Tayutic

Day 1 ------------- Arrive and Drive to Hacienda Tayutic (Hacienda Tayutic)

We will meet you at the airport and drive you out to Hacienda Tayutic. You already know what we think of this place and our thoughts have not changed since the last itinerary we wrote. Since you have the JetBlue flight you will have plenty of time and make some stops along the way to get to the Hacienda Tayutic. (Meals: None)

Day 2 ------------ Raft Pacuare River (Hacienda Tayutic)

Today will be your rafting day. It is the same river we had you on before and you will have all day to enjoy the famous river Pacuare. In the evening you will head back to the Hacienda Tayutic where you will relax for the evening. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Pacuare River

Day 3 ------------ Drive to Arenal Volcano & Chocolate Tour (Kioro)

Today you will leave in the morning and make your way out to the Arenal Volcano where you will break the drive up and stop for the Chocolate Tour as planned in the last itinerary. When you arrive you will be staying at the Tabacon Resort. With rooms available this is really the only place we have found. We have been playing with dates and trying to work things in but the four star places seem full.  Tabacon is one of the nicest places in the area and has the nicest hotsprings to relax in. I know you asked for 4 star and this is rated at 5 and we can keep working on this itinerary if you feel this does not fit. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 4 ------------  Zipline & Danaus Reserve (Kioro)

Arenal Volcano

Today you will zipline through the canopy and then take the hike through the Danaus Reserve. This is a  small private reserve but absolutely filled with different species from the rainforest. I know you mentioned birds in the original list and you will get plenty of different species of birds. In the evening enjoy the hotsprings at Tabacon.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5 ------------ Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Falls (Kioro)

Today we will walk through the canopy on hanging bridges. This is a great way to see all the different species that live in the canopy of the rainforest.  We can also do the La Fortuna Falls today which is one of the most beautiful falls in all of the country and a nice little hike.  (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 6 ------------ Drive to Villa Blanca & Night Hike (Villa Blanca Hotel)

La Fortuna Falls

This place was not on the last itinerary and in my opinion I have to say I like your thinking Susie. I would trade the beach any day for cloud-forest. I know you mentioned Monteverde (which we could do but this is more convenient for travel and much less going on and our clients really enjoy it when it comes to cloud-forest) and it is a nice spot but if you want relaxation there is non other like Villa Blanca. The restaurant is excellent and it better be it is all that is out there. This is the perfect place to end the trip and relax. Your guide will keep the kids interested with the different nature activities in the area. We will have a night hik planned for today or day 7 you can decide. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 ------------ Day to relax at Villa Blanca Hotel (Villa Blanca Hotel)

This is your day to relax and enjoy the cloud-forest around. You will have your guide with you and can take some hikes into the cloud-forest and enjoy the areas of the hotel.
 (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 ------------ Fly Home!