Costa Rica 8-Day Luxury/Nature

Arenal Volcano

 Day 1 ----- Arrive and Drive to Arenal Volcano & Tabacon Resort (Tabacon Resort)

When it comes to luxury and nature the Tabacon Resort has set the standard in Costa Rica. Located in front of the amazing Arenal Volcano the Tabacon Resort will be your first stop. Not a bad place to spend a few nights after a long day of travel. We will meet you outside the airport where you will be presented to your week long private driver and naturalist guide. We will then drive through the San Lorenzo Cloud-Forest where you will get your first lesson on the difference between the various micro-climates in Costa Rica. When you arrive at Tabacon, dinner will be waiting for you. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 ---------- Hanging Bridges, Danaus Reserve, &  HotSprings (Tabacon Resort)





Tree Frog

We plan on immersing you in nature from the time you wake up. Not only is Tabacon surrounded by nature and the beauty of the Arenal Volcano but also your first tour will be the perfect taste of rainforest. The hanging bridges is a place where your naturalist guide can walk you through the rainforest at the canopy level and show you many different plants and animals in the area. This is a great first stop and a chance to see and learn so much. After the bridges you will visit Danaus Reserve which is a locally owned reserve and a chance to see a lot more nature in a very small area. After the reserve you will enjoy sitting in the hotsprings with views of the active Volcano Arenal. The Tabacon Resort has it's own hot springs and they happen to be the best and you have access to them all three days. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 3 ----------- Gondola Ride &/or Zipline & La Fortuna Waterfall (Tabacon Resort)





Today you will take a gondola ride and visit a butterfly farm. This is a chance to see some more nature at a bit higher elevation as the guide will take you from the gondola ride to a hike on the floor of the rainforest. For those that want some adventure when you get off the gondola ride you can go on the ziplines but the other option is to go on a nature hike. After the hike you will have the chance to visit a butterfly garden. We will then head into town of La Fortuna which happens to be the town directly infront of the Arenal Volcano. We will eat lunch in La Fortuna and then visit one of Costa Rica's most beautiful waterfalls which is the waterfall of La Fortuna. This is an amazing waterfall and the views are spectacular. If you are up for a swim you can also take a swim at the bottom od the fall. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 4 ----------- Fly Private Charter to Tortuguero Manatus Resort (Manatus Resort)

To make the Tortuguero visit worth while we the option flying in on a private charter. This will allow for the visit to Tabacon because of the dates that is what we have to work with. You will fly in on Nature Air which is a very reputable airline in Costa Rica. You will be staying at the Manatus Resort which is Tortugueros finest place to stay. You will get off the plane and then take a short boat ride to Manatus.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5 ------- Tour the Canals of Tortuguer & Night Hike  (Manatus Resort)

Tortuguero Canals

You will wake up to the sounds of nature and your guide will take you on a boat ride through the 

 canals of Tortuguero. It is good to take out on the boat early in the morning and then you will relax in the area and soak in the nature by the pool of Manatus. After lunch if you want do some more hiking in the area your guide will take you to see some more or the option of kayaks or visiting the beach. Dinner will be included at Manatus Resort.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 ---- Travel by Boat & drive to Turrialba (Hacienda Tayutic)

Today we will make the  boat ride and drive to Turrialba where you will be staying at Hacienda Tayutic which happens to have amazing views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano.  During the boat and driving today you will have the chance to see some of the banana plantations and even take a short stop at the packing house. After the banana visit we will make our way to Hacienda Tayutic which is located up in the mountains in a beautiful village with some of the finest views of the Turrialba Valley and volcanoes. We can hike around the local mountain village where you are gauaranteed to see a sloth. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 7 ------------- River Raft or Irazu Volcano (Hacienda Tayutic)

Hacienda Tayutic

You will have the chance to river raft today or visit the Irazu Volcano. We can go rafting on the Pacuare River, one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet or we can just go rafting on an easy river. If you are looking for less adventure then we will take you to the Irazu Volcano crater which happens to be Costa Rica's tallest volcano. You will actually drive up to the crater and look into the crater at an elevation over 10,000ft which will give your naturalist guide a chance to show a completely different type of vegetation and species at this elevation. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

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

Drive to the San Jose Airport and fly home!!!

Price: $2,590/person (Based on group of 5; 2 rooms throughout the trip)
Includes: All private transportation and guide, all meals listed, all lodging, all tours listed, and private charter to Tortuguero

Sample Luxury Nature Itinerary

Day 1 --------------------- Arrive and Drive to Tabacon Resort (Tabacon Resort)

When it comes to luxury and nature the Tabacon Resort has set the standard in Costa Rica. Located in front of the amazing Arenal Volcano the Tabacon Resort will be your first stop. Not a bad place to spend a few nights after a long day of travel. We will meet you outside the airport where you will be presented to your week long private driver and naturalist guide. We will then drive through the San Lorenzo Cloud-Forest where you will get your first lesson on the difference between the various micro-climates in Costa Rica. When you arrive at Tabacon, dinner will be waiting for you. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 --------------------- Hanging Bridges, Danaus Reserve, &  HotSprings (Tabacon Resort)

We plan on immersing you in nature from the time you wake up. Not only is Tabacon surrounded by nature and the beauty of the Arenal Volcano but also your first tour will be the perfect taste of rainforest. The hanging bridges is a place where your naturalist guide can walk you through the rainforest at the canopy level and show you many different plants and animals in the area. This is a great first stop and a chance to see and learn so much. After the bridges you will visit Danaus Reserve which is a locally owned reserve and a chance to see a lot more nature in a very small area. After the reserve you will enjoy sitting in the hotsprings with views of the active Volcano Arenal. The Tabacon Resort has it's own hot springs and they happen to be the best and you have access to them all three days. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 3 --------------------- Gondola Ride &/or Zipline & La Fortuna Waterfall (Tabacon Resort)

Today you will take a gondola ride and visit a butterfly farm. This is a chance to see some more nature at a bit higher elevation as the guide will take you from the gondola ride to a hike on the floor of the rainforest. For those that want some adventure when you get off the gondola ride you can go on the ziplines but the other option is to go on a nature hike. After the hike you will have the chance to visit a butterfly garden. We will then head into town of La Fortuna which happens to be the town directly infront of the Arenal Volcano. We will eat lunch in La Fortuna and then visit one of Costa Rica's most beautiful waterfalls which is the waterfall of La Fortuna. This is an amazing waterfall and the views are spectacular. If you are up for a swim you can also take a swim at the bottom od the fall. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 4 --------------------- Drive to Silencio Lodge (Silencio Lodge)

We will be leaving the area of Arenal today and heading to another area that is surrounded by nature. When you want to talk about getting away from it all this is the place to go. El Silencio Lodge is a piece of paradise with a small lodge where you will have access to incredible sounds, smells, and feeling of complete peace with nature. Just being here will be one of the highlights of your trip, I can promise you. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5 --------------------- Nature Hikes & Toro Armaillo Waterfall (Silencio Lodge)

You will wake up to the sounds of nature and your guide will take you on a short easy hike and then you will relax in the area and soak in the nature. After lunch you will head to the nearby 300ft Waterfall of Toro Armarillo. This is another amazing viewing area surrounded by nature. We will head back to El Silencio for dinner. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)


Day 6 --------------------- Chocolate Tour & drive to Turrialba (Hacienda Tayutic)

Today we will make the drive to Turrialba where you will be staying at Hacienda Tayutic which happens to have amazing views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. On the drive to Turrialba we will be stopping at the Chocolate Tour. This is a very interesting tour that is done by the locals. It is the story of the cacao plant and where chocolate comes from. After the tour we will make our way to Hacienda Tayutic which is located up in the mountains in a beautiful village with some of the finest views of the Turrialba Valley and volcanoes. We can hike around the local mountain village where you are gauaranteed to see a sloth. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)


Day 7 --------------------- River Raft or Irazu Volcano (Hacienda Tayutic)

You will have the chance to river raft today or visit the Irazu Volcano. We can go rafting on the Pacuare River, one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet or we can just go rafting on an easy river. If you are looking for less adventure then we will take you to the Irazu Volcano crater which happens to be Costa Rica's tallest volcano. You will actually drive up to the crater and look into the crater at an elevation over 10,000ft which will give your naturalist guide a chance to show a completely different type of vegetation and species at this elevation. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

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

Drive to the San Jose Airport and fly home!!!

10 - Day Costa Rica High School Adventure

Hola Oak Hall!!!

Day 1 --- Arrive and Drive to Monteverde (Monteverde Hotel)

We will meet you outside the San Jose airport and load the bus and be on our way to Monteverde. The Monteverde area is a cloud-forest and a great way to start the trip. The Monteverde Cloud-forest is one of the reasons Costa Rica became famous. The Monteverde Reserve is known for it's bio-diversity which makes for a great educational hike. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 ----- Monteverde Reserve & Zipline (Monteverde Hotel)

Today we will make the hike through Reserve in the morning. We will look for some different species of plants and animals and also have the chance to learn about the cloud-forest. After the hike if everyone passes the quiz we have planned we will head to the ziplines!!! This is the sister company of the one in Arenal Skytrek and it is an amazing ride just like the other zips. Being in the cloud-forest there is a chance we might be zipping through the clouds. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Arenal Volcano

Day 3 -------------- Travel Arenal Volcano area (Arenal Hotel)

Today is a travel day to Arenal Volcano which happens to be one of the ten most active volcanoes on the planet.  We will add a little adventure to it as we travel by bus, boat, and back to bus. We will take the boat as transportation because it is a beautiful ride across the Lake Arenal. Here you get the chance to see the volcano from the lake which in my opinion is its best angle. We will then make our way to the Casa Luna Lodge. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 -------------- Rio Celeste Hike (Arenal Hotel)

Rio Celeste

The Rio Celeste is one of the not extremely touristy areas and it is located just over an hour north of the Arenal area. It is an amazing place though and we will be hiking along a river that is sky blue that you can see in the picture. Rio Celeste has a number of different highlights that are included in the hike. The river has its colors from the nearby volcano and we will see where it merges with another river, we will see an enormous waterfall, and we'll take a dip where the river heats up in the form of thermal waters. The hike is not too strenuous NOTHING LIKE THE CAVE. It is flat and just a few areas with small inclines. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 -- Canyoneering & Drive to Tarimbina also a night hike (Tirimbina)

Canyoneering

Canyoneering is one of the best adventures going now and this is the place to do it. Canyoneering is all the fun of rappeling a waterfall and more. We will make our way down a canyon and rappel five waterfalls as we make our way down. It is fun and people get soaked. It is an amazing adventure and everyone will love it. The canyoneering will be in the morning and after lunch we will head to Sarapiqui. This is a different type of rainforest and for anyone into science this place cannot go without a visit, if it is your second trip. We will take a NIGHT HIKE!!! Quite a few different types of critters come out at night so bring a flash light. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 -------------- Chocolate Tour Drive to Beach (Caribbean Hotel)

Did you ever wonder where chocolate came from? Well today we will find out on the chocolate tour. Very interesting lesson on the cacoa plant will leave everyone looking to grab the nearest Snickers bar. After the tour we will head to the Caribbean Coast where it is beach time. We will be staying in a hotel that is both our hotel and our beach. This means not much room to roam around for the kids. The Caribbean side is surely worth the visit since it is a completely different type of formation than the Pacific. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 -------------- Snorkel & Beach Day (Carribean Hotel)

Today we plan on snorkeling in the morning and then some beach time in the afternoon. When it comes to off-shore snorkeling the Carribean side is the spot to do it. We will plan on being in the water for the morning and then heading to the hotel for lunch. After lunch the kids will have some time to be on their own and enjoy the beach some more or just relax at the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)



Day 8 -------------- Enter Pacuare River (Camp-site)

I LOVE OAK HALL!!!  - This trip was SOOO WORTH IT!!!

Today we will leave the beach after breakfast and arrive at the Pacuare River to begin our two day rafting trip. This is one of the top five rivers in the world and the Pacuare River rafting adventure is still without a doubt our favorite adventure. We will start a little higher up the river this year and raft half way down to the camp-site. When we reach the camp-site we will stop and have lunch. After lunch we can take some hikes and just enjoy being on the river. In the evening we will have dinner prepared by first class guide/chefs. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 9 -------------- Leave Pacuare & Drive to Central Valley (Airport Hotel)

Today we will paddle down the best part of the Pacuare River. This is the area where we will raft the class IV rapids and visit the famous Pacuare Canyon. We will have just under three hours of rafting and when we finish we will get some lunch and head back to the Central Valley. This will be our final night in Costa Rica and we will stay near the airport. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 10 ------------- Fly Home!!!

9 Day Luxury Adventure Trip

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



Manuel Antonio

 We will meet you outside of the San Jose Airport and then make our way to the Arenas del Mar. The drive is not bad at all. The new highway makes for a smooth straight drive to the coast at just around two hours. Our final destination will be the Arenas del Mar Resort located in the Manuel Antonio area one of the finest beaches in all of Costa Rica.  (Meals: None)

Day 2 ----- Tour Park & Spice Tour  (Arenas del Mar)

Today you will be on the tour of the park where you will get upclose with monkeys (if you haven't already at the hotel) and then get a chance to enjoy some of the nicest beaches Costa Rica has to offer. When it comes to a family vacation I think Manuel Antonio is a great spot and walking through the park with your guide is going to make it a very interesting stop for all. After the park and some beach time you will then go on your Spice Tour. You will be amazed by this tour as I see you have read up on it. They really do an excellent job. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 ---- Relax at the beach and night hike (Arenas del Mar)

Today you will get some time to enjoy the ocean some more. There are a number of things to do in the area if you are looking for more to do but the idea might be just to relax if you want and spend some time at the pool or in the sand exploring the local beaches. You will have your guide who is full of fun things to do in the area so if relaxing is not your thing we promise to keep you busy. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4 ------------ Drive to Monteverde (El Establo)

Today we will take off in the morning and make our way to the Monteerde Cloud-forest. The cloud-forest is a special place and you will see different vegetation than you saw at the rainforest at Manuel Antonio. The drive will be up the coastal highway and then you will be on some dirt road for a little bit. This will be a travel day but we plan to make some stops along the way to keep it interesting just at local places or anytime you need to stretch the legs. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5 ------ Tour Reserve & Zipline Selvatura (Tabacon)



Arenal Volcano



Touring the Monteverde Reserve is one of my favorite places to hike. The weather is absolutley perfect for hiking and the vegetation is out of control. If you stand still for around 30 seconds chances are a plant will grow on your shoulder. With you guide it is very educational and interesting. Along with education today we plan on adding a little adrenaline as we take on the adventures at Selvatura. It will be hard for a plant to grow on your shoulder when you are zipping through the cloud-forest on the cables. After this adventure we will make the drive to the Arenal Volcano and your final destination will be Tabacon. If you are the least bit sore from ziplining then your treatment will be the hotsprings. But don't think that the hotsprings is better than the slide. The slide at Tabacon is simply what makes Costa Rica, Costa Rica (I might have exagerated a bit but you get the picture). (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 ----- Rafting & Eco-center Danaus (Tabacon)

Now it is time to take on the rapids and get soaked. Today's adventure will have everyone paddling with a chance to be on what the kids will think is a wild river but its just enough to get everyone wet. The kids will love it and even when you are not in the rapids you will still see how much fun there is to have. After the rapids we will make our way to a local little reserve called Danaus. This is a great spot to hopefully see some more wildlife upclose. This is a small locally owned spot that we enjoy supporting and the kids really enjoy it and get a chance to get some great pictures with colorful butterflies and maybe even more. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 7 ----   La Fortuna Waterfall & Organic Farm (Tabacon)



La Fortuna Falls



Today you will visit La Fortuna Falls. Looking at the itinerary there was no waterfall so we decided that why not put in one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of the country. The La Fortuna Falls is a nice little hike but nothing too extreme where you will hike down stairs and then visit one of the most refreshing waterfalls with an amazing swimhole. The hike is beautiful surrounded by jungle--a definite photo op. After the waterfall we have included an organic farm. The farmer's name is Don Juan and it is a really neat tour for kids as he is great with little ones and makes it a little hands-on experience. At the same farm you will enjoy lunch which happens to be one of the best Costa Rican style lunches you can imagine (using all foods from the farm). (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 8 ---- Drive to San Jose and visit Britt Coffee Tour (Grano de Oro)

Today we will make our way back to the Central Valley and our final destination will be the Grano de Oro Hotel. We plan on stopping at the Britt Coffee Tour. This is a tour is great for kids because it is in a local coffee plantation but done sort of like a skit (like a Disney skit and play with actors). The kids enjoy it, it is educational, and a nice gift shop. After the tour we will head to the Grano de Oro where you can enjoy one of the best meals of the trip. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 9 ----------- Fly Home!

Today we will transfer you to the airport and have you there around 2 hours before your flight leaves, which is plenty of time.

Price: $8,874/total  for four people(Based on 1 room)

Plenty of Samples at Britt

Includes: All private transportation with bilingual guide, all meals listed, all loding listed, all tours and adventures listed.

Costa Rica 10 Adventure

Day 1--- Arrive and Drive to Boriquen Resort (Boriquen Resort)

A Mud Bath & a Massage sounds nice... (Those are volcanoes)

Today we will pick you up from the Liberia airport. We will meet you outside and drive to Boriquen Resort. This is a great place a bit off the touristy path and from what we gather a place you will really enjoy. We will be in the northern part of the country. The Boriquen hotel is around 1:15 minutes from the airport. There are a number of volcanoes in the area and you will have views of all of them. The idea on this itinerary is to start north and head down to the Osa Peninsula visitng different areas. (Meals: None)

Day 2 ------ Visit Mud Baths & Horseback Ride (Boriquen Resort)

Saddle up it is time for a little horseback riding. A beautiful ride in a beautiful area we will take off on the horses. But dont worry if you get sore from the horses we have the mud bath set up for you and you will have the chance to take a natural mud-bath which will make you look 15 years younger and help with the pain from riding the horse. In the evenig you can enjoy a great meal at the Boriquen Resort. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)


Day 3 ------ Drive to Hideaway Resort (Hideaway Resort)






Great Place for Flat Stanley

 

Today we will drive to Hideaway. This place is great and is actually the sister hotel of Nayara Resort in

 the Arenal area. Here you will not find the big erupting Arenal Volcano but you will find one of Costa Rica's most best kept secrets and that is Rio Celeste. Ok, it is not a huge secret people know it is there but you just dont see many people there because there is not much going on in the area. What you will be doing on day 4 makes it all worth it though. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 4 --------- Hike to Rio Celeste (Hideaway Resort)



Today we will make the hike to Rio Celeste. This is one of our favorite hikes. It is flat at most parts. We will take our time spending the morning hiking and visiting the different highlights of Rio Celeste. The waterfall is probably the top, and then where the two rivers combined is my second favorite, and then completely natural thermal waters. The amazing part about all this is that the river is sky-blue. It is caused by the nearby volcano and gives this river the most amazing colors even the waterfall is just like nothing you've ever seen. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 5 -------------------- Drive to Villa Blanca (Villa Blanca)

This could be you Peyton!!!

Today we will leave the north part of the country and make our way to the Central area but stop in the cloud-forest. We will be staying two nights in the Cloud-Forest.   Also you will get to see plenty of Bromeliads! Well maybe not quite but one of the most peaceful places I've seen in this country is the Villa Blanca hotel. We will travel from the north and arrive to Villa Blanca just after lunch and enjoy the gardens and take some hikes to stretch the legs. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 ----- Zipline & Nature Hike (Villa Blanca)

Before we get started with the hikes we will go on the zipline.  We will take a nature hike in the morning and maybe even one in the afternoon. This is a day that we plan on educating you on the cloud-forest. We also wanted to mention that in the evening there is only one place to eat and that is the hotel. It has some of the best food I have ever had in this country. (Meals: Breakfast)


Day 7 ------------ Fly to Lapa Rios Corcovado (Lapa Rios)

Today we will drive to the San Jose airport which is just 1 hour away and then fly South to Corcovado. This is where the adventure begins. You will be arriving to Puerto Jimenez where you will then be transfered to Lapa Rios. The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado happen to be the most bio-diverse place on the planet and from the moment you arrive it is Scarlett Macaws, monkeys, and complete jungle all around. In my personal opinion when you first say Costa Rica and tropical jungle I think Corcovado is what people really imagine. It is such a special place. (Meals: Breakfast)


Day 8 -------------------- Day at Lapa Rios (Lapa Rios)



Time to Relax



Full day at Lapa Rios. You will see more Scarlett Macaws today because they are everywhere.  We will be doing some more site seeing of nature. Along with visiting nature we will take the kayaks out into the ocean and do some ocean kayaks. In the evening you will just have time to relax and soak it all in. You want to stay active here to see many different things but you must have some just sit still time also. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 9 -------------------- Relax (Lapa Rios)

Well if you have not had time to finish the book you are reading this is now your chance. This will be a full day of relax and plenty of optional nature tours in the area. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 10 ------------------ Fly Home!

We will be taking a flight to the San Jose International airport.

 

Free Costa Rica Teacher Trip 2011



Arenal Volcano

 Day 1,  July 14th  ------- Arrive (La Condesa Hotel)

Today we will have flights arriving at different times and we will be making airport transfers so everyone can get to the hotel and get some rest for the week of fun and learning we have planned for you. For those attending this year's Teacher Trip you will want to arrive to Costa Rica's San Jose Airport (SJO) on July 14th. From the moment you arrive leave the rest up to us. We will be having a group dinner where everyone will get the chance to meet and get to know the other members of the group. The hotel you will be staying in is the beautiful La Condesa which is located in the mountains of the Central Valley on the slopes of the Barva Volcano one of Costa Rica's many Stratovolcanoes. This hotel backs up to one of Costa Rica's most beautiful national parks which is the Braulio Carrilio National Park and the whole area is one of the most peaceful spots of all of Costa Rica.



(Meals: Dinner)

Day 2, July 15th   --------- Drive to Sitio de Mata Village (Homestay in Sitio de Mata)

CLICK HERE: MEET YOUR HOMESTAY FAMILY

We are going to begin the week with a full cutlrue expereince.  Today we will make the drive to one of the most beautiful parts of Costa Rica stopping by the capital city and giving you a little introduction to the history of Costa Rica. In our opinion of all the species we plan on showing you this week of Costa Rica's different plants and animals, the nicest one is the Costa Rican people.  Our final destination is called Sitio de Mata and although this does not fit all our student groups' itineraries it is a project that we like to consider to be our effort at allowing tourism to have a positive economic benefit on a local community. This community gives so much back to it's visitors through the hospitality and shows that they will put on for you during your short stay. We will pair teachers up two or three to a homestay and you will only have less than 24 hours so don't worry about the language barrier they have some basic English and all will do fine. From the village you will have amazing views of the active volcano of Turrialba.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3, July 16th ----- Raft Pacuare River or Visit Botanical Gardens & Drive to Arenal (Casa Luna Lodge)



Pacuare River

Today we will take you on what National Geographic has listed as one of the top five senic rivers on the planet. The Pacuare River is an amazing rafting experience. You will have a private trip with our excellent river guides through Costa Rica's untouched rainforest. Take a look at the videos as you can see this river is filled with canyons and waterfalls from start to finsh. This is a three hour run on class III & IV rapids.  We will take our time in the morning having a healthy breakfast and saying bye to our homestays which hopefully you will see again.

If you are not up for the rafting we have another optional tour that we can take you on which is the CATIE Botanical Gardens. This is a great option for biology/botany/zoology teachers and those not looking for the adventure of the rapids. We can also spend some time looking for the poisonous dart frogs as the Turrialba area happens to be one of the more popular area for these frogs. There is so much to learn be it on the river or in the botanical gardens, this will be an educational experience for all.





After the tours we will all meet up for lunch and the make the drive to one of the planets 10 most active volcanoes. This is a real treat and you will be staying in the beautiful Casa Luna Lodge which has amazing views  of the Arenal Volcano and a chance to see many of it's eruptions during your stay.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4, July 17th ---------- Hanging Bridges & Danaus Nature Reserve (Casa Luna Lodge)





Red-Eyed Tree Frog



Today we show off our stuff. Our idea is to hopefully teach as much as we can about the rainforest of Costa Rica as we hike through the canopy on some of the hanging bridges in the area of the Arenal Volcano. This is an amazing tour and if you don't mind me saying our guides make it one of the most educational experiences you can imagine.  We could spend days on the bridges but we will plan on squeezing in another spot where the learning continues. At the Danaus Nature Reserve we will educate you on the importance of environmental conservation. Along with this we will plan on taking another nature hike and have the chance to see many different animals from the area. This is a privately and locally owned reserve that has been reforsted and a perfect set up for those that want to learn this important idea of reforestation. After a full day of learning we will head back to the hotel where you can relax by the pool with your view of the volcano. We will have a group dinner at the hotel and hear from you guys as you give us your comments on how you think the trip is going. After dinner you are welcome back to the pool to relax or just sit on your balcony and watch the fireworks from the Arenal Volcano.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5, July 18th -------- Zipline & Organic Farm (Casa Luna Lodge)



Student Ecology Projects



Today we will do a little more adventure after a full day of learning. Today's adventure/physics lesson is the zipline. We will be zipping across the rainforest at an elevation of 700ft with the most upclose view of the boulders rolling down the side of the Arenal Volcano as possible. Do not worry if you are not up for the zipping we have an amazing nature hike to go with the gandola ride. The kids will love this and we will send you home with a short Youtube video to show all your students and family (they will think your Tarzan!). After the zipping around, we're going to eat & learn at to the Organic Farm. There are a number of organic farms but when it comes to hands-on fun and learning, you cant beat Don Juan. This farmer is the real thing and he does an amazing job along with our guides in keeping the kids interested and learning about growing organically. In the evening we will be having your farewell dinner and hopefully hearing about the group of students you will be bringing the following year.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)


Day 6, July 19th ----------------- Drive to San Jose Airport & Fly Home!!!

We will have a few different transfers during the day to get everyone to the airport on time for their flight.
(Meals: Breakfast)

Price: $FREE$
Includes: All private transportation with bilingual guide and driver, all meals listed, all lodging listed, all tours and adventures


Does Not Include: Departure Tax from Costa Rica $26's &  International Airfare

Costa Rican Resource
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8 Day Costa Rica Family Adventure

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

Sunset in Tayutic

Today we will meet you outside the airport. This is one of my favorite places to stay. It is up in a village in the mountains of Turrialba. It is off the touristy path and has amazing views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. When we bring our guest here they alway say it was the highlight of their trip. We will be staying here for two night. Depending on flight time will depend on the time we arrive but it is a beautiful drive through the country side as we make our way to Hacienda Tayutic. (Meals: None)

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

Today we will take off on what National Geographic has as one of their top 5 rivers on the planet. I have to say this is in our opinion the best part of any trip to Costa Rica. You will be on your private raft and we will take our time going down the river stopping along the way and hiking to some waterfalls. We will get some great family shots of everyone at the waterfalls and get the perfect Christmas card for next year. The river trip will take us almost 4 hours and then we will head back to Tayutic where you can relax and watch the sunset over the smoking Turrialba Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 3 -------- Drive to Arenal Volcano (Casa Luna Lodge)

Arenal Volcano

 Today we will make our way to the Arenal Volcano where we will take our time as we drive making some interesting stops along the way. It is a travel day but by the end of the trip you feel like it was a tour because of all the neat stops we make. When we arrive we will be staying in the Casa Luna Lodge which is one the most perfect locations for views of the volcano.  This is a very nice place, great pool area, and  nice rooms and super comfortable beds. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4 --------- Zipline & Canyoneering Adventure (Casa Luna Lodge)

Canyoneering

We are going to do a full day of adventure. First we will be zipping across the rainforest on cables no more than 700ft above ground. This happens to be the best zipline in the Costa Rica. I like the one in your last itinerary but this is actually faster and higher which Im sure the guys wont mind. If this wasnt enough for you we will need you to walk off the side of a waterfall as we take you on a canyoneering adventure. The canyoneering adventure is similar to the rappel but actually you get a little more actino than just one rappel. You will need to make your way down a canyon and rappel 5 different waterfalls as you make your way down. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 5 ---- Drive to Pacific Coast Dominical (Cuna del Angel)

With many of the places on the beach still full for these dates I was happy to get the Cuna del Angel. This is a small hotel, surrounded by jungle, and a nice view of the ocean. We will not be right on the beach but close enough to where you can go anytime you feel the urge. There are many beaches in the area and we plan on using these days to explore the different beaches on the Pacific Coast. Today is a travel day but again we will make some stops along the way to keep it interesting. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 --------------  Day at the Beach (Cuna del Angel)

Today is your day to relax at the beach and enjoy the many different nearby beaches. There are a number of places to get to know and we will give you the full tour of the area. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 ------------------- Beach Day &/or Surf Classes (Cuna del Angel)

After a long week of adventure today is your day to relax on the beach. We can explore the many different beaches in the area or if you want some more activities we can organize some surf lessons for you or even sea-kayaking is an option. Whatever it is you decide to do we will make it a fun day full of adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both. The surf classes or sea kayak is not included in the price. They run around $30 person. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 ------- Drive to San Jose &  Fly Home!!!

Today we make the 3 hour drive back to the San Jose airport where you will catch your flight back home.   (Meals: Breakfast)

Price: $1850/person (Based on Family of 5 two rooms)
Includes: All private transportation with driver & guide, all meals listed, all lodging, and tours and adventures

Arenal, Rafting, & Dominical Adventure

Facing History Costa Rica 2011

April 16th - April 23rd

Day 1 --------------- Arrive and Drive to Sanchiri (Sanchiri Hotel)

Today we will meet you at the airport and drive to Sanchiri Hotel. This hotel is half way to the river and is a beautiful area where you will get an excellent dinner with one of the best views the country has. We enjoy getting to this hotel on the first day as it will be less traveling on the day of rafting and then to the Arenal Volcano. The hotel is in a nice nature setting; the kids can walk around and enjoy the trails. We will have a group dinner where we will go over the activities for the week and give everyone an understanding of what to expect. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 ---------------- Raft Pacuare River and Drive to Arenal Volcano (Arenal Hotel)

Today we will make our way to what National Geographic has listed as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet. This often turns into being one of the favorite adventures for the kids during the week. We will not need to get up super early and will leave the hotel around 8am and make our way to the Pacuare River. This is a class III & IV river and the kids will stay plenty wet as we make our way down through the rainforest during our three hour river rafting adventure. After rafting we will drive to the Arenal Volcano and check-in to the next hotel. It has beautiful views of the Arenal Volcano and a chance to see it erupt at night. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ---------------- Visit School, Organic Farm, & HotSprings (Arenal Hotel)

Today we will give the kids a taste of the culture and a chance to give back to the community. We will be spending our morning doing community service activities working for the local school community. This is a great chance to start giving back and also what we have seen is the best gift, is having the chance to spend time with the local school kids and socialize and just make friends. After the community service project we will make our way to the Organic Farm where the learning begins. We will pick and pull all the ingredients we need for lunch and then watch as it is all prepared. This is an amazing learning experience and the kids always enjoy the visit to Don Juan's. After the Organic Farm we will visit The Springs which as you can see is the students treat for working so hard in the community service project earlier in the day. We will treat the kids to a very nice dinner and an evening relaxing in the thermal waters of the Arenal Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ----------------- Zipline & Canyoneering Adventures (Arenal Hotel)

Today if the kids did not get enough adventure on the river we promise to get their adrenaline pumping today. We will be taking part in two different activities that if you are afraid of heights we might suggest--DON'T LOOK DOWN! Having all the students work as a team, which Facing History Students have done very well in the past, makes it possible to get through these adventures together. These are two amaizng events and we have literally seen kids after completing today, wake up with better posture! The zipline is only 700ft high above the rainforest canopy with views of the erupting Arenal Volcano. The cayoneering is making your way down a canyon where you will need to rappel five different waterfalls. Basically all you have to do is walk over the edge of a 200ft waterfall in the middle of the jungle!!!! Not exactly something you can find in NYC. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 5 ----------------- Drive to Pacific Coast Dominical (Beach Hotel)

Today drive down the coastal highway and the kids will get to see the Pacific Ocean. We will get a start on traveling after breakfast and arrive to the town of Dominical just after lunch. These beaches, where the mountains meet tne sea,  are some of Costa Rica's finest.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 ------------------ Community Serivice Project in Banana Plantation (Beach Hotel)

Today we will wake up and have breakfast and then head south. We will get to see the peninsula of Osa from a distance which happens to be the most bio-diverse place on the planet. We will spend our day with the locals, at a banana plantation that was formerly owned by the United Fruit Company. This is an area of Costa Rica that unfortunately has not benefited from the tourist boom or the real estate boom and is an area that is still in poverty. The idea behind our visit will be to offer another community service project as we visit with the locals. I can assure you we will be the only visitors they get throughout the year. This is a great village and they are very excited that we will be visiting. (Meals: Breakfast)

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

Today is your day to relax on the beach. If you want there are different areas in Dominical where you can sign up for surf classes or rent boogie boards. Also we can get a touch football game going on the beach which the guys enjoyed last year. (Meals: Breakfast)

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

Student Travel Adventure

Day 1 ----------- Arrive and Drive to Sanchiri (Sanchiri Hotel)

Located outside the Central Valley on your way to the town of Turrialba we will make our first stop at a small family-wned hotel. This hotel has been around for years and has just recently been re-furbished. It is not a 5-Star resort but very clean, amazingly friendly service, and has a 10-Star view. The view of the Orosi Valley down below is one that few tourist when visiting Costa Rica get the chance to see. I really feel this is a great treat to stay here and a perfect way to start off the trip. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 ------- Drive to Turrialba Volcano Homestays (Click Here to See Sitio de Mata Village)

MEET THE SITIO DE MATA FAMILIES

Today we will get an early start and put our hiking shoes on. Our first stop will be the Turrialba Voclano. This volcano happens to be one of the most interesting in the last couple of years. We'll take a nice hike to the crater where we will be able to see the active volcano smoking. This will be an excellent opporutunity for the students to learn about the different types of volcanoes in Costa Rica and Central America. It will also be time for their guide to explain the formation of Costa Rica and how it relates to the subduction of the tectonic plates. After visiting the volcano we will make our way to the village of Sitio de Mata. This village, in our opinion, is the true gem of Costa Rica. We will recieve a warm welcome from the family members and the students will meet their new families and go to their homes where they will enjoy their first real Costa Rican meal. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ------------- Visit Tapanti National Park (Sitio de Mata Village)

Today we will enjoy breakfast in the village as we say good morning to the Turrialba Volcano. After breakfast we will make our way to the Tapanti National Park. This happens to be one of the most scenic parks in all of the country and is an amazing area for our naturalist guide to give the students an introduction to the different ecosystems of Costa Rica. We will need to get an early start as Tapanti gets quite a bit of rain but no worries it is all part of being in the rainforest. After we visit the park we will head back to the village to enjoy some activities in the afternoon which will consist of dance classes or some local cooking classes. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ----  Community Day: Soccer Game, Visit School, & Fiesta w/Families (Sitio de Mata Village)

This happens to be my favorite day. We spend our day around the village. We will plan on visiting a school where we will have the chance to interact and play some games with the local kids. Many of these kids we might recognize from being in our family homestays. After school is out we will head home for some lunch and then get ready for the "Village Cup"! This always turns out to be one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. We will play play and play. Its amazing how almost the whole village ends up playing in the game from the mom's, dad's, & even little ones. After the soccer game in the village we'll go back to the homestays, put on our dancing shoes and get ready for the community party. This is the community's chance to show off their stalents as they put on their local dance, music, and feed us till we almost burst. An amazing party for an amazing three day stay! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ------ Two Day Raft Pacuare River Trip  (Arenal Hotel)

Today we will raft what National Geographic as listed as one of the top five senic rivers on the planet. The Pacuare River is filled with waterfalls and canyons from start to finish. We will be rafting for around three hours in class III & IV rapids which will keep everyone plenty wet. To our right will be the Cabecar Indian Tribe. These are one of the eight different Indian tribes that live in Costa Rica. The Pacuare River is also surrounded by virgin rainforest from the time we put in to the time we take out. We will make our way just under 1/2 way down the river where we will stop and camp. All the camping and gear will be set up for us and dinner will be prepared. This is a chance to be surrounded by jungle and nature for the night and sleep to the sound of the river.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

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

We will wake up in the rainforest and enjoy breakfast as we sit on the river bank and talk about what strange noises we heard in the night. After we fill up and pack up things we will head to the rafts and get ready for the big day of rafting. It is actually today that we hit the big class IV's and we get the full rafting adventure. After we get out of the river we will make our way to the Arenal Volcano. This happens to be a perfectly cone-shaped volcnao and one of the 10 most active volcanoes on Earth. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 ------- National Park & Don Juan Organic Farm (Arenal Hotel)

Today we will hike the Arenal National Park. If you have ever thought of what it is like to hike on the moon then this might be what you were thinking. We will get an upclose look at the volcano and it's activity. We will actually be able to see boulders rollling down its side as we hike through the park and hear the thunder of the Arenal Volcano. Don't worry we will stay behind the study station of the Smithsonian as they keep a close eye on how the volcano is acting. In the afternoon we will enjoy what we consider the best lunch in the country. We will first get a tour of Don Juan's organic farm and a hands-on experience for the kids as hey actually pick and pull the same food they will be eating for lunch. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

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

Today we will make the drive to the airport and catch the fight back home and start planning your next Costa Rica Vacation.

Cost: $1,270/person (Based on 4 students to a room)

Triple Room: $1320 
Double Room: $1350 
Single: $1450

Includes: All private transportation with driver & guide, all meals listed (20 meals included), all tours and adventures listed, and all lodging.