11-Day Costa Rica Adventure

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

Today we will meet you at the airport and take you to the Grano de Oro Hotel. This happens to be one of the finest hotels in the San Jose area. All of our clients absolutely fall in love with this place. The food is excellent and it is just a small city hotel that is a must stay. (Meals: None)

Day 2 --------- Visit Poas Volcano and La  Paz Waterfall Gardens (Grano de Oro)

Cheryl, I will see you at La Paz

Today we will take you to the Poas Volcano which is a very easy hike for your parents age. The hike is around 6 blocks on paved flat road. The drive to the volcano will be through the coffee plantations of the Central Valley. After Poas we'll take you to La Paz Waterfall Garden which is a great way to start the trip. It will give you a taste of what to expect the rest of the trip which is beautiful lush forest and some wildlife. Lunch will be at a place where if I remember correctly we took your sister's group. It is Freddy Fressa's and it is the best place around to eat, in my opinion. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 3 -------- Drive to Turrialba & Relax in Hotel (Casa Turire)

We will make the drive out of the Central Valley today and stay in another one of our clients' favorite hotels, Casa Turire. You will have excellent views of the smoking and active Turrialba Volcano. This volcano is not spewing lava but it has a much more visible and constant smoke cloud than the Arenal Volcano. You will love the Casa Turire Hotel which is situated on a lake as it rests in a valley with moutains and volcanoes giving it a 360 degree view. We will arrive before lunch so you can just relax in the hotel during the afternoon. (Meals: Breakfast)

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

Raft Pejibaye River

Today we will take off and raft the Pejibaye River. This is a small but beautiful river. The best part about this river is that it ends at the hotel. The lake the hotel sits on is the end of the river making it very convenient. We will raft the class II & III river in the morning which will allow for everyone to stay in the boat but everyone will get plenty wet and feel the adventure. In the afternoon we will be back in the hotel to relax and enjoy the hotel grounds. If you are up for an optional tour we work with a village in the mountains where we can take you and you can enjoy a local meal from some of the nicest families around. It is called our Sitio de Mata Project and you are welcome to take part in it for the evening. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 5 -------- Drive to Arenal & Relax in Hotel with view of Volcano Arenal  (Nayara Resort)

Volcano Arenal

Today will be a morning of traveling and then arriving to what many consider the nicest hotel in the Arenal area, Nayara Resort. The Springs Resort in Arenal is nice but in my personal opinion has that high rise feeling too it. Too much going on there and it just does not feel very Costa Rican. Also the hotel that your sister stayed at was years ago and they have not kept the grounds up the way they should be unfortunately.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 -------- Zipline & HotSprings (Nayara Resort)

We will take you to the zipline and hotsprings today. The zipline we take you to is the best in the country without a doubt. Not only do you see the boulders rolling down the side of the volcano as you zip 700ft high but you also see the lake and get to ride on a gondola through the rainforest. After the zipline you will have some time to rest at the resort and then you we'll take you to the hotsprings. This is your chance to relax and enjoy the thermal waters and an excellent meal. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 7 -------- Drive to Villa Blanca Cloud-Forest (Villa Blanca)

When it comes to relaxing nobody knows it better than the Villa Blanca. One of my personal favorite places to stay. This is actually the ex-Camp David of Costa Rica. Former President Rodriguez made this his weekend home to come and think and then it was bought by a foreigner who turned it into a small hotel. It is located on the Continental Divide in the center of a cloud-forest and is truly the most relaxing place you could ever imagine. The food and service is top notch and the weather is cool and perfect.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 -------- Nature Hike & Relax in Cloud-Forest (Villa Blanca)

Today is a short nature hike on flat ground in the morning and then just relax on the many benches in the forest or viewing areas from the Continental Divide. There are many hiking trails in the area and a chance to enjoy the grounds during the day. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 9 -------- Drive to Manuel Antonio (Espadilla Hotel)

Manuel Antonio

Drive to Manuel Antonio area. The morning will be a travel day and we will leave the cloud-forest after breakfast. We'll reach Manuel Antonio before lunch and you will have the chance to enjoy the beaches in the area. This is considered one of the nicest beaches in the country. The Espadilla Hotel is located in a perfect spot that allows you to walk to the beach or into the National Park. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 10 ------ Visit National Park and Relax at Beach (Espadilla Hotel)

Start the day by enjoying the park. This is a nature hike on flat ground and a chance to see a bunch of wildlife. After the National Park you will have the chance to relax at the beach and enjoy the many different places to eat or just wiggle your toes in the sand. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 11 ------ Fly Home!