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.

Honeymoon Costa Rica

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

Arenal Volcano

Today we will meet you at the airport and drive you to the Arenal volcano where you will be staying in the Nayara Resort. This is one of our favorite hotels and a must for those on their honeymoon. It is a beautiful drive to the volcano and you will have great views of the active cone-shaped Arenal. (Meals: None)

Day 2 ----------- Zipline & Visit La Fortuna Falls (Nayara Resort)

Today we will take you on the best zipline in all of Costa Rica. With over 100 different ziplines now this is the highest, fastes, best views, and also the safest. It is only about 20 minutes from the hotel and you will enjoy great views as you make your way through the rainforest. After the zipline we will take you to visit the La Fortuna Falls which is a beautiful waterfall with an amazing area to swim. In the evening you can relax at the hotel or we can take you to some suggested places to eat in the area. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 ----------- Canyoneering & HotSprings (Nayara Resort)

Canyoneering

Today you will do the adventure of Canyoneering which is an amazing adventure and easy for everyone. You will make your way down the canyon filled with waterfalls. When you get to a large waterfall it is time to hook up and then make you way down using a harnass doing a rappel. After making our way through the canyon we will visit the hotsprings which includes a great meal and just time to relax. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ----------- Drive to Manuel Antonio & Relax at Beach (Arenas del Mar)

Today we will drive you to the Manuel Antonio area and you will be staying at Arenas del Mar. This is another perfect place for honeymoons and absolutely spectacular views of the waves below. You will have your own private beach which is a huge plus to this area. Our guide and driver drop you off here as it makes more sense financially for you guys if you just walk to the beach or the hotel can arrange for you to leave the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5 ----------- Fishing (Arenas del Mar)

Today we will have the fishing arranged for you and they will arrive to the hotel and drop you off at the hotel. This is a beautiful day just to look back on the coast line of the Pacific. Depending upon what you decide on the fishing runs between half and full days about $800 - $1200 depending on boat and length of day. (Meals: Breakfast)

Manuel Antonio

Day 6 ----------- Relax at Beach (Arenas del Mar)

Today is your day to relax at the beach and just enjoy the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 ----------- Relax at Beach (Arenas del Mar)

Today is another day to relax at the beach and enjoy the shops in the area. If you would like you can visit the National Park which will give you a chance to see a number of different species of monkeys. (Meals: Breakfast)

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


With the new highway it is only 2 hours back to the hotel. Depending on your flight time will depend on when we pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport. It is good to be at the airport 2 or 3 hours before international departures. (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)