When planning a family vacation it should not be the time when you build up so much stress in your life that you will feel you will need a vacation from your vacation. Here you can find some simple ideas for planning your vacation and some things you might not have thought about when visiting Costa Rica in comparing it to other parts of the world you might have visited.
Educate the Kids Before Arrival
If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica you are not only visiting the beautiful beaches and fast ziplines but you are also visiting a biological playground where people from all over the world come to study and learn about the many wonders of our planet. It is a simple task to just break the ice with your kids and give them some basic info on the rainforest, biodiversity, volcanoes and many other wonders.
Tour Companies, Guides, & Hotels
First of all if you are planning a trip with young children, you know they will want to stay active. This is an easy task in Costa Rica as there is much to do for kids of all ages. If you decide to choose some of the many adventure sports don't be afraid to go with the smaller outfitters as they are often much more personalized which is important when traveling with small kids. One idea is to do some research online or ask for references from past clients. You can find out online these days pretty quickly if a company is reputable and what the guides are like.
When you are not enjoying an adventure many parents like to have their kids be able to watch TV for a few hours in the afternoon and many hotels in Costa Rica do not have TV and I have seen in many cases that parents were not aware of that. Don't worry this is not a bad thing and it might actually be a good thing. When looking at the hotel make sure that they have a guide on hand. This is very important and many hotels will often have a guide literally on-call where nature hikes and simple educational things for the kids are always an option. If you have hired a personal guide for your entire week which is highly suggested but is an extra expense, then they will always find something for the kids to do. If you're doing a privately guided tour, just confirm with the company you are booking with that you will have the same guide throughout your trip. Do not get caught with thinking you have a private guide but really it is just on certain days.
Also when looking at hotels do not go by the website. We highly suggest using Trip Advisor. Hotels sites are not always what they appear. Costa Rica is the process of subduction of two tectonic plates and not to sound scientific, but in simple terms that means there are often a lot of stairs and hotels are often built in the side of a cliff. This is important to know if you have a stroller or small kids you have to carry. You do not want to be stuck in a room 200 steps down from where you will eat dinner. Ask where the rooms are located.
Transportation and Drive Time
Costa Rica is a place that is small but very rugid to get around. Even with the new modern highways there are still a lot of mountains and you will always find a dirt road. There are often tourism vans that can be rented and many companies use them. They may provide more room but slower travel times. If you are a family of 4 or 5 you can ask your tour company to use a large SUV which cuts drive time down in half and handle very well on the dirt roads.
Also if you really want to get travel time down, then the in-country flights are very reputable and have a perfect safety record. These airlines are Sansa and Nature Air. If your group is up to 7 people then it makes sense to even charter you own flight and you can leave at the time you choose. Plus this is a great way to see this beautiful country from above.
Also when the kids are young the drives are always twice as long. This is very important if you do not want to do your own driving. Make sure you are aware of driving distances. Many companies will try and do everything in the week long trip but not fill you in on drive time. The trip looks absolutely amazing but when you add in half of it being on a curvy mountain road with no dramamine for the kids it turns into a vacation from hell. Costa Rica is small country but don't make the mistake of looking at a map or asking for distances because that information is irrelevant, it is important that you ask for "drive time". Many tours often include a stop on the way which makes great sense and really breaks up a travel day. Costa Rica has boomed with tourism and you can almost always find something on the way and if a company tells you there is nothing on the way that might be your first indication to look for a different company.
The Beach and the Mountains
When planning a family vacation, I can imagine most might want to go visit the beaches. Keep in mind that Costa Rica is known for its surfing waves. This can be a good thing but there are many beaches where the waves are too rough for kids to play around in. You want to do your research and make sure that the beach you visit is safe for the kids.
When visiting the mountains of Costa Rica there are a number of different places to stay but not always a lot to do for the kids. A good guide can make a walk in the woods really interesting & safe for children. The mountains of Costa Rica are some of the most bio-diverse places on the planet when dealing with plants and animals and they get all this bio-diversity because of the rain. Always when traveling in Costa Rica be prepared for rain and if you visit the mountains two nights is usually all you need because it can sometimes be cloudy both days.
Costa Rica is the perfect country for a family vacation being a fun and safe environment that all kids can enjoy. It is the small details to every vacation that are worth paying attention to and if you have any questions we are always ready give you free advice.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Walter Sample Adventure Itinerary
July 18th ---------- Arrive to San Jose Airport (Hotel San Jose Area)
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)
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)
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)
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?
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| Sleeping Behind a Waterfall |
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)
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| Pacuare Camp |
July 21st ------------ Enter Pacuare River Rafting Adventure (Pacuare Camp)
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| Pacuare River |
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)
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| Quetzal in Monteverde |
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?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Costa Rica Family Tour $825/person
Day 1 ---------- Arrive and Drive to La Condesa (La Condesa)
Your private adventure guide will meet you at the airport where you will make the short drive to the first hotel which is located in the mountains of Heredia on the slopes of the Barva Volcano. Here you will have chance to enjoy the relaxing grounds of the hotel and get some rest before the big adventures of the week. (Meals: None)
Day 2 ---------- Visit Irazu Volcano and Drive to Casa Turire (Casa Turire Hotel)
We leave the hotel after breakfast today and make the drive to Costa Rica's tallest volcano. This is an amazing hike that will literally put you at the top of the country and give you a bird's eye view of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Irazu Volcano is at around 11,000ft. Here we will make a short hike to the crater. After the Irazu visit we will drive to Casa Turire Hotel which everyone really enjoys. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 3 ---------- Raft Pacuare River and Drive to Arenal Volcano (Casa Luna Lodge)
Without a doubt the next adventure is my favorite thing to do in the off-seasons and chances are it will be your favorite part of the trip. The Pacuare River is one of National Geographic's top rivers on the planet and it is filled with waterfall and beautiful canyons. We will be on the river for around three hours and after the river we will take you to the Arenal Volcano which is Costa Rica's perfectly cone-shaped volcano and one of the ten most active volcanos on the planet. You will have a beautiful view of the volcano from your hotel. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 4 ---------- Zipline Costa Rica (Casa Luna Lodge)
If the rafting was not enough adventure then the 700ft high cable above the primary rainforest should do the trick. Here you will get the chance to enjoy the best zipline in all of Costa Rica. Out of all the ziplines in the country this is the best. Not only is it high and fast but the views of the volcano on a clear day and of the lake are just unmatched by other ziplines and makes you feel like you are something out of Jurrassic Park (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 5 ---------- Drive to Manuel Antonio (Beach Hotel)
Today I am going to drive you to Manuel Antonio and I will make some stops on the way to keep it interesting. This is a beautiful drive and the final destination is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. Actually I would have to say it is Costa Rica's most beautiful beach. The monkeys still out populate the tourist in this area. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 6 ---------- Visit National Park (Beach Hotel)
Today is your day to visit the National Park. This is a walk through the National Park and you will be on your own but it is very close to the hotel and simple hiking to the nearby trails that are filled with wildlife. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 7 ---------- Beach Day to Relax (Beach Hotel)
Today is your day to relax. There are a number of optional tours in the area to choose from or you can just enjoy the public beach that is just infront of the hotel. The waves are perfect and there is always the option of going back into the park to visit the beautiful beaches of the National Park. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 8 ---------- Transfer to San Jose Airport and Fly Home!
Today I will pick you up from the beach hotel and drive you back to the San Jose Airport area. This is a short drive of just around 2 hours on Costa Rica's new highway. (Meals: Breakfast)
Cost: $825/person (Based on Group of 4)
Includes: All private transportation with driver/guide, all meals listed, all lodging, all tours and adventur
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| Raft Pacuare River |
Day 2 ---------- Visit Irazu Volcano and Drive to Casa Turire (Casa Turire Hotel)
We leave the hotel after breakfast today and make the drive to Costa Rica's tallest volcano. This is an amazing hike that will literally put you at the top of the country and give you a bird's eye view of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Irazu Volcano is at around 11,000ft. Here we will make a short hike to the crater. After the Irazu visit we will drive to Casa Turire Hotel which everyone really enjoys. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 3 ---------- Raft Pacuare River and Drive to Arenal Volcano (Casa Luna Lodge)
Without a doubt the next adventure is my favorite thing to do in the off-seasons and chances are it will be your favorite part of the trip. The Pacuare River is one of National Geographic's top rivers on the planet and it is filled with waterfall and beautiful canyons. We will be on the river for around three hours and after the river we will take you to the Arenal Volcano which is Costa Rica's perfectly cone-shaped volcano and one of the ten most active volcanos on the planet. You will have a beautiful view of the volcano from your hotel. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 4 ---------- Zipline Costa Rica (Casa Luna Lodge)
If the rafting was not enough adventure then the 700ft high cable above the primary rainforest should do the trick. Here you will get the chance to enjoy the best zipline in all of Costa Rica. Out of all the ziplines in the country this is the best. Not only is it high and fast but the views of the volcano on a clear day and of the lake are just unmatched by other ziplines and makes you feel like you are something out of Jurrassic Park (Meals: Breakfast)Day 5 ---------- Drive to Manuel Antonio (Beach Hotel)
Today I am going to drive you to Manuel Antonio and I will make some stops on the way to keep it interesting. This is a beautiful drive and the final destination is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. Actually I would have to say it is Costa Rica's most beautiful beach. The monkeys still out populate the tourist in this area. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 6 ---------- Visit National Park (Beach Hotel)
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| Manuel Antonio National Park |
Day 7 ---------- Beach Day to Relax (Beach Hotel)
Today is your day to relax. There are a number of optional tours in the area to choose from or you can just enjoy the public beach that is just infront of the hotel. The waves are perfect and there is always the option of going back into the park to visit the beautiful beaches of the National Park. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 8 ---------- Transfer to San Jose Airport and Fly Home!
Today I will pick you up from the beach hotel and drive you back to the San Jose Airport area. This is a short drive of just around 2 hours on Costa Rica's new highway. (Meals: Breakfast)
Cost: $825/person (Based on Group of 4)
Includes: All private transportation with driver/guide, all meals listed, all lodging, all tours and adventur
Costa Rica Ultimate Family Adventure $950/person
Day 1 ------------- Arrive and Drive to La Condesa (La Condesa)
Today your adventure guide will meet you at the airport. I will transfer you to the first hotel which is located in the mountains of Heredia just 30 minutes from the airport. Here you will get a chance to rest up and your guide will go over some instructions for the week to get you ready for the adventures. This is one of the best trips that every guide wants to be a part of as you will be visiting some of the most beautiful and nature filled areas of Costa Rica. (Meals: None)
Day 2 ------------- Drive to Dominical (Villas Gaia)
Today is a travel day to Dominical. It will only take a couple of hours and there will be some stops along the way to make it interesting. It is a beautiful drive and when you arrive you will have time to visit the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. You will be staying in a very nice hotel on a river and in walking distance to the beach. There is an absolutely amazing view from the pool of the endless blue Pacific Ocean. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 3 ------------ Zipline, Tarzan Swing, & Visit the Beach (Villas Rio Mar)
Today you will be doing one of the better ziplines in Costa Rica. I have to put this one up there with my favorites. The cables for the zipline are high and fast but the best part about this adventure is the tarzan swing. Yes that is right you will be doing a tarzan swing that is on a ridge 1,000ft above sea-level looking out over the southern part of Costa Rica. One of the more scenic places you can possibly imagine in Costa Rica. After the tarzan swing we will take you to a beautiful beach called Ventanas which means windows and happens to be one of a kind when it comes to beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 4 ------------ Enter Cavern & Rappel Waterfall (Sleep Behind a Waterfall)
Well, let the adventure begin. We will take the car off-roading and arrive to the point where the car can go no farther. It is here where we begin to hike our way up the ridge and finally reach a place that you will never forget. This is truly one of the most beautiful places in the America's and you will be staying here for the night. When we arrive we will be setting up ropes and rappeling down a waterfall and then sleeping behind the same waterfall in a large cavern. Take a look at the video: Costa Rica Sleeping behind a waterfall in the Diamante Canyon (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 ------------ Hike to Pools and then drive to Turrialba (Turrialba Hotel)
Today we will hike to the pools where you will get the chance to jump off a waterfall that is 20ft high into a beautiful pristine pool. This is a nice little hike and well worth the visit to even more and more beautiful jungle and waterfalls. After the hike we will head out of the cavern after a nice hearty lunch and then on to the next stop which is Turrialba. Here you will be staying in the town which is over looked by one of Costa Rica's tallest and smoking volcano--the Turrialba Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 6 ------------ Enter Pacuare River 2-Day Rafting Trip (Camp Pacuare River)
Today we will start the day by doing some more off-roading and arriving to the top part of Costa Rica's most favous river the Pacuare River. I have been running this river for 10 years and it is still one of the things I enjoy doing in my spare time along with hanging out with my black Lab. When it comes to running the river there is nothing better than just spending the night on it. After our morning rafting trip down the river we'll enjoy a picnic lunch on the side of the river then wind up staying at a camp-site that is by no means roughing it. There are very nice bathrooms set up and all tents are above ground. Myself and some other guides will be preparing dinner for you and get everything set for another amazing night in the jungle surrounded by nature.
Day 7 ------------ Raft Pacuare Canyon and drive to airport hotel (Airport Hotel)
Today is the serious day of rafting. We will be visiting the part of this river that makes it famous and it is called the Pacuare Canyon. It is filled with beautiful waterfalls and walls that run straight up where the river has carved its way through the jungle over million of years. After we make our way through the canyon we will then go through another beautiful national park called Braulio Carrillo which connects to the San Jose area. Here you will be staying at an airport hotel for flight home on Day 8. (Meals: Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 8 ------------ Fly Home!
Today I will pick you up and drive you to the airport where you will catch your flight back and we can start planning your next Costa Rica Family Adventure as there is plenty more to see! (Meals: Breakfast)
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| Sleeping Behind a Waterfall |
Day 2 ------------- Drive to Dominical (Villas Gaia)
Today is a travel day to Dominical. It will only take a couple of hours and there will be some stops along the way to make it interesting. It is a beautiful drive and when you arrive you will have time to visit the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. You will be staying in a very nice hotel on a river and in walking distance to the beach. There is an absolutely amazing view from the pool of the endless blue Pacific Ocean. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 3 ------------ Zipline, Tarzan Swing, & Visit the Beach (Villas Rio Mar)
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| Waterfall Rappel |
Day 4 ------------ Enter Cavern & Rappel Waterfall (Sleep Behind a Waterfall)
Well, let the adventure begin. We will take the car off-roading and arrive to the point where the car can go no farther. It is here where we begin to hike our way up the ridge and finally reach a place that you will never forget. This is truly one of the most beautiful places in the America's and you will be staying here for the night. When we arrive we will be setting up ropes and rappeling down a waterfall and then sleeping behind the same waterfall in a large cavern. Take a look at the video: Costa Rica Sleeping behind a waterfall in the Diamante Canyon (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 ------------ Hike to Pools and then drive to Turrialba (Turrialba Hotel)
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| Pacaure River Canyon |
Day 6 ------------ Enter Pacuare River 2-Day Rafting Trip (Camp Pacuare River)
Today we will start the day by doing some more off-roading and arriving to the top part of Costa Rica's most favous river the Pacuare River. I have been running this river for 10 years and it is still one of the things I enjoy doing in my spare time along with hanging out with my black Lab. When it comes to running the river there is nothing better than just spending the night on it. After our morning rafting trip down the river we'll enjoy a picnic lunch on the side of the river then wind up staying at a camp-site that is by no means roughing it. There are very nice bathrooms set up and all tents are above ground. Myself and some other guides will be preparing dinner for you and get everything set for another amazing night in the jungle surrounded by nature.
Day 7 ------------ Raft Pacuare Canyon and drive to airport hotel (Airport Hotel)
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| Pacuare Camping in the Jungle |
Day 8 ------------ Fly Home!
Today I will pick you up and drive you to the airport where you will catch your flight back and we can start planning your next Costa Rica Family Adventure as there is plenty more to see! (Meals: Breakfast)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Day 1 --------- Arrive and Drive to La Condesa Hotel (La Condesa)
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| Waterfall Rappel |
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)
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| 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)
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| 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.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Pacuare 2-Day Rafting Trip
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| Pacuare Canyon |
Day 1 ---------------- Leave San Jose 6am and stop for breakfast in Cervantes at 8am. After we finish breakfast we will make our way to the Pacuare River where we will gear up and start our rafting adventure. We will raft for two hours and then stop for lunch along the side of the river where your guides will prepare a river lunch for you. After lunch we will raft to the camp-site where everyone will have their above ground tent all prepared. Once we arrive to the camp site you can take some showers put some dry clothes on and then relax in the hammocks surrounded by jungle. We will have dinner for you around 7pm. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
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| Hammock Area to Relax |
Day 2 ---------------- We will wake up this morning with the sound of the river and jungle. After a few cups of coffee or tea and a nice hearty breakfast we will take off on the famous Pacuare canyon. This is the most scenic part of the river and one of the most scenic parts of Costa Rica as you will visit large canyons and beautiful waterfalls. We will finish rafting around 12noon and then have lunch and head back to the San Jose area arriving around 3pm. (Meals: Breakfast)
Cost: $210/person (Based on 4 or more)
Includes: Transportation to and from San Jose, all meals listed, guides and cooks, all rafting equipment and camping gear
Monday, April 4, 2011
Pat McCool Sample 9-Day
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| Some Local Dance to break the ice |
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)
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| Pacuare River |
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)
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| Arenal Volcano |
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)
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| Game on Pat! |
Travel Time: 3 hours & 20 minutes from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Day 7 ------------ Tour the National Park of Manuel Antonio (Villa Bosque)
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| Manuel Antonio National Park |
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.
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