Mike Tyler Costa Rica 2012

Sunset Diamante Falls

Day 1 ------- Arrive and Drive to Pacific (Cuna del Angel)

Today your guide and driver will meet you outside the airport. This will be the same driver and guide you will have for the entire week. We take pride in our service and our personale and being a small company allows us to keep it that way. You will make the drive to the Pacific coast where you will stay at the beautiful Cuna del Angel which is a small boutique hotel with one of the best restaurants in the country. (Meals: None)

Day 2 ------- Surf Lessons or Deep Sea Fishing (Cuna del Angel)

Today you will get a chance to enjoy the warm waters of the Pacific. You will have the option to do a half day of fishing and then some surf lessons in the afternoon or you can just surf all day and enjoy the waves.  If you are really in the mood for fishing then you can fish all day it is up to you. In the evening it is back to the hotel to relax and get ready for day 3's adventure. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 ------- Enter Cave & Rappel (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

One of the best adventures you will find in Costa Rica. Here we will make a hike to a very scenic area where you will be sleeping behind a waterfall. This is not roughing it as there are bathrooms, beds, and showers. It is like having the ultimate dream machine for the night. When we arrive we will get geared up and rappel down a 100 ft waterfall. After we rappel we will make the short hike to the top of Costa Rica's tallest waterfall where we will watch the sunset at Diamante falls. In the evening we can sit around the camp fire and listen to the sound of the rushing waterfalls. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ------- Leave Cave & Travel to Turrialba (Casa Turire)

Today we hike out of the waterfall and make the drive over Costa Rica's tallest mountain range. We will get to an elevation of 11,000ft and a chance to see the Pacific and Caribbean from the same spot. Our final destination will be the beautiful Casa Turire Hotel which will be quite the luxury after a night of sleeping behind the watefall (although many people miss the waterfall experience after leaving). We will arrive to Casa Turire Hotel and you can relax in the pool and hot-tub and enjoy a great meal. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 5 ------- Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare River Lodge)

National Geographic has this listed as one of the top rivers on the planet and the Pacuare River lives up to all the hype. We like it so much we tell our clients it is worth spending two days on the river. We will start our rafting adventure in the morning and your Costa Rican Resource river guides are some of the best in the country (which is why our members placed 9th in the world championship and was the selected team to represent Costa Rica: not bragging Mike we are just proud!). We will prepare lunch for you on the river and then make our way to the Pacuare River Logde. Here we can hike to a waterfall and you will have the chance to just relax in hammocks with breath-taking views of the Pacuare River. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Pacuare River Lodge

Day 6 ------- Leave River and Drive to Arenal (Casa Luna Lodge)

Waking up to the sound of the river is the best and coming out early in the morning and watching the rainforest come to life is an experience everyone should have. We will be in the lush virgin rainforest and we will enjoy breakfast at the lodge and then make our way down the famous Pacuare Canyon where you will have the chance to run some of the best rapids and enjoy the most scenic part of the river. After we get out of the river we will drive to the famous Arenal Volcano where you will have dinner waiting for you at the Casa Luna Lodge and rooms with excellent views of the Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 ------- Zipline & Hotsprings (Casa Luna Lodge)

Today you will be doing the zipline adventure and with over 77 different ziplines in the country this is by far our favorite. If your not up for the zipline you can enjoy the tram through the canopy. After the zipline it is time to just relax and soak in this amazing adventure. The evening activity will be the hotsprings where they say it takes 30 years off your appearance. I am actually 92 and I look like I am 30 and I give all the credit to the Hotsprings! You will also enjoy a 5-Star meal to end this trip at the hotpsrings. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

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

Costa Rica Sample Itin 2012

I will see you when you leave San Jose!

Day 1 ------- Arrive (Grano de Oro)

Today because you get in at 7pm we will make the short drive to the Grano de Oro Hotel. You will be met outside the airport by your driver and guide who will be with you the entire trip. This will get you a good night's rest and the hotel is on the right side of San Jose to make the morning trip to the Caribbean. The Grano de Oro Hotel is a small boutique hotel and one of our favorites for arrivals and departures and no question our favorite in San Jose. (Meals: None)

Day 2 ------- Drive to Caribbean Coast (Almonds & Corals)

Today your driver and guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and get you on your way to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. You will be staying at Costa Rica's top ecolodge which is surrounded by rainforest and plenty of opportunity to take pictures of wildlife. The rooms are luxurious with a low impact on the environment. Some might call this extremely luxurious camping but most don't seem to mind the trade-offs of staying in an ecolodge and knowing you will see much more wildlife. We will arrive after lunch time and have the chance to enjoy the beach and take some walks around the lodge. In the evening dinner will be at the lodge and the food is excellent as you eat in a dining area surrounded by jungle with an occasional monkey making a visit. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 3 ------- Snorkel & Nature Hike (Almonds & Corals)

The best snorkeling in the country is located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. With over 35 different species of coral and March being the best time it makes for the perfect visit to this area. The day will be a short boat ride out to a remote island where you will snorkel and then have lunch on a point that jets out into the sea. After lunch you'll take a nature hike through the famous Cahuita National Park. This park is similar to the Manuel Antonio National Park but much less touristy. In the evening it is back to the Almonds & Corals to shower up and get ready for another great dinner. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ------- Travel to Tortuguero (Tortuguero Lodge)

Hola Alec!

Today we'll drive north and then take a boat ride through the canals. This area has been called the Venice of the rainforest and is a great chance to feel like your off the beaten path, headed deep into the jungle. When you arrive there are some nice lodges that will allow you a bit of luxury amist the wild jungle surroundings. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ------- Wildlife Boat Float & Kayak in Canals (Tortuguero Lodge)

Tortuguero Canals

This is a full day of nature and mild adventure.  First, you'll take an early morning boat ride through the canals with your naturalist guide as you search for wildlife. In the afternoon after lunch you can do the kayaks through some of the more narrow canals which is a nice little float and a chance to see some more animals close up and navigate you way through the canals with your guide. In the evening you'll take a night-hike on the beach where the Leatherback sea-turtles are nesting their eggs. This is a hit or miss type of excursion and sighting is not 100% guaranteed but well worth the chance as you venture out onto 22 miles of protected beachfront in one of the most important nesting sites in all of the Americas.

Day 6 ------- Fly to San Jose and Drive to MonteVerde (El Establo Monteverde Hotel)

Quetzal
  

The and most efficient way to get to our next stop, Monteverde, is to take a 30 minute flight to San Jose and then drive to Monteverde. This really will not be that bad a day of traveling. You can look at the flight as your first tour of the day as you will get a great view of the layout of the country which is only on average around 55 miles wide. Flying over the top offers amazing views. After you land in San Jose your guide will be met by your driver and take you to the Monteverde area where you will be staying in El Establo which has excellent views of the Pacific slopes and the cloudforest. (Meals: Breakfast)


Day 7 ------- Visit Monteverde Reserve (El Establo Monteverde Hotel)

One of the places that made Costa Rica famous was the Monteverde cloudforest which was settled by the Quakers and later discovered by scientists and is now one of the most renown protected areas on the planet. This is a great place to see the famous Resplentant Quetzal bird along with many different species of humming birds. If you wanted to include a zipline tour today we could fit it in, no problem. Another option and interesting activity in the area are the night hikes where you get to learn that just as much is going on in the rainforest at night as there is going on during the day. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 ------- Travel to San Jose (Airport Hotel)

Today is a travel day to San Jose where you will be staying in an airport hotel or the same Grano de Oro would be a nice option and way to end the trip. (Meals: Breakfast)

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

Laura Wolf Costa Rica Adventure 2012

Rafiki Sunset

Day 1 --------- Arrive & Drive to Rafiki Lodge (Rafiki Lodge)

Today we will meet you outside of the airport. Your guide and driver will take you to the first lodge which is the Rafiki Lodge. This family is known for helping with the corridor of the Baird's Tapir and is a beautiful place surrounded by nature. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 --------- Raft Savegre & Drive to La Cusinga (La Cusinga Ecolodge)

Today you will enjoy the beautiful Savegre River. This is a river that is filled with views of the virgin rainforest and even an amazing waterfall we can stop at during the ride. You will get to run some class III rapids and everyone usually stays in the boat on this river as it is not too wild but surely superb scenery from start to finish. After a nice lunch on the river we will make the 1 hour drive to La Cusinga Ecolodge. This is one of the pioneers in sustainable tourism and ecolodges. The views of the Pacific are incredible and you can relax after a day of rafting. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 --------- Zipline & Horseback Ride (La Cusinga Ecolodge)

We will leave after breakfast and make the 30 minute drive into the mountains where you will get a chance to do a zipline tour that is through the canopy of the rainforest. You will see much rainforest during your trip but this will be the one chance to see the canopy. The zipline adventure has great views of the Pacific and is through complete virgin jungle. After the zipline we will have time to visit the beach, go back to La Cusinga and take a hike or relax. In the evening we will make our way to the beach where we will do some horseback riding on La Merced wildlife refugee. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 --------- Enter Cave & Waterfall Rappel (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

Sunset Diamante Falls

With all the adventure up until now it will be tough to top this next adventure. We will be sleeping behind a waterfall. The hike to the waterfall is quite the hike and it takes almost 1 1/2 hours. It is not very long but it is on large stairs that are somewhat uneven. We ask that our guest be in half decent shape and are ready to make the trek. We have taken kids of 7 years old just to give you an idea. I like to think everyone can make it if they just take it slow but we do feel we need to inform everyone that it is not a walk in the park to get to amazing place. When you get there though you seem to forget about the walk and are just awed for the moment. We will then make a rappel that is around 100 ft down one of the waterfalls. After the rappel we will hike just 10 minutes to the top of the Diamante falls which is the tallest falls in all of Costa Rica. In the evening it will be like sleeping with the ultimate dream machine. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Finca Maresia

Day 5 --------- Leave Cave & Travel to Corcovado (Finca Maresia)

Today we will hike out of paradise and make our way to the next paradise. We will drive for 2 hours and take a boat trip to Drake Bay. The location of this place is perfect it is filled with wildlife. This is not infront of the beach. There are places such as the Corcovado Adventure Tent Camp which is a bit more rustic and more of the roughing it camping vibe if you would like that infront of the ocean. The tents are all set up above ground and life is good although some don't want to deal with the norms of tent camps which would make Finca Maresia a great option especially if you want to end the trip with a little luxury and a lot of wildlife. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 --------- Corcovado Nature Hikes (Finca Maresia)

Finca Maresia

Today is your day to spend at the beach. You do have to hike from Finca Maresia to get to the beach as you are located more inland but only a 20 minute walk through one of the most biodiverse places on the planet (not too bad of a walk). You can spend the time doing nature hikes or maybe sea-kayak. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 --------- Corcovado Activities (Finca Maresia)

Another day at the beach or Nature Hike. Maybe a visit to Cano Island which is a great day trip with some snorkeling. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

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

Today you will catch a charter flight to fly home.

Jennifer/Rob & Kids Costa Rica 2012

Day 1 ---------- Arrive and Drive to Pacific Coast (Necochea Inn)

Today you will be met outside the airport by your private bilingual guide and driver. We will drive three hours to your first lodging which will be the small, beautiful Necochea Inn. This is a place we have used for years and is off the tourist path and all our guests absolutely love the remoteness and hidden feeling of being in the jungle with views of the Pacific. You will have two very luxurious rooms.  The sounds of a rippling creek,  ocean, and jungle are all part of the ambiance at the Necochea. (Meals: Dinner)


Day 2 ---------- Rappel Nauyaca Falls (Necochea Inn)

Today we will get this adventure started off correctly. We will take you to Nauyaca Falls which is in our opinion, is the most beautiful waterfall in all of Costa Rica. Our mode of transportation will be driving off road in the SUV and then use ropes to make our way down this waterfall. After rappeling down we will be at one of the most picturesque and pristine swimming wholes you will ever see. We'll then hike up to the top where lunch will be waiting for us. The view from the top of the waterfall is incredible. In the afternoon we will have time to visit the beach and then back to the Inn to relax and enjoy the sunset. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 3 ---------- Surf Classes (Necochea Inn)

Today you will get some lessons on how to surf. This is a great day and the kids will love it. We promise you will get up on the board before the end of the day and the beach is perfect with waves just right for learning how to surf. After the lessons you can fine tune your newly acquired surfing skills or just hang out at the beach.  On the way back to the Inn we'll stop at a neat swim hole with a Tarzan swing, I'm sure Rob will love. In the evening we'll take you to a restaurant for dinner.(Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4 ---------- Travel to Arenal Volcano (Tabacon Resort)

Today we will head north to the Arenal Volcano. We can make the nice scenic drive which is around five hours or you can take an in-country flight which will be much shorter.  You will be staying at the Tabacon Resort, a beautiful place that happens to have the best hotsprings in the area. The Arenal Volcano is a perfectly cone-shaped volcano and a must-see for your first visit to Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5 ---------- Zipline (Tabacon Resort)

Today it is zipline time. I think there are almost 100 different companies of ziplines now, some of which seem to be just dental floss strung in a banana plantation while others are the real deal. The one we use in the Arenal area to this day is still our favorite and I can assure you that you will think the same. With cables that measure 1km long and go as high as 700ft it makes for quite the amazing adventure. After the zipping we will have time to visit the local town of La Fortuna. There are shops and other interesting places in the area and/or some time to relax and enjoy the Spa at Tabacon. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 ---------- Nature Reserve & Waterfall Hike (Tabacon Resort)

Although much of your trip will be surrounded by nature we will be visiting one very interesting nature reserve today. This is a reforested area and will give you and the kids some upclose looks at much of the wildlife including, birds, sloths, poisonous dart frogs, butterflies and much more in their natural habitat. After the reserve we thought we would visit another beautiful waterfall since it will be almost 3 days without seeing a jaw-dropping waterfall. In the evening it is back to the Tabacon to enjoy your last night of the hotsprings and see if the kids can break their record on the fastest down the slide! (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 ---------- Travel to Turrialba (Casa Turire Hotel)

Today is a travel day to Turrialba. The drive is only a little over three hours and it is a very scenic drive. We will be making an interesting stop along the way where the kids can meet some Tico kids and do a local crafts class. This will be our lunch stop and then we will continue on to the Casa Turire Hotel, another supurb place with perfect views of the nearby smoking Turrialba Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 8 ---------- Raft Pacuare River & Travel to Your next Destination

You know how much we love this river and along with everyone else that has been on it, it just seems to be a chance to see the heart of Costa Rica and see it at it's finest. The Pacuare River will be a day rafting trip and a chance to get soaked. We will stop for a river lunch along the way as it is prepared privately just for you and the kids while you relax on the river bank surrounded by primary rainforest. In the evening it is off to where you will be spending you next night. If you plan on going to Los Suenos it might make sense to spend one more night in Casa Turire Hotel or spend a night in Grano de Oro Hotel in the San Jose area and then drive to Los Suenos on day nine. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

The Dudes Weekend

Day 1 --------- Arrive & Drive to Dominical (Casa Belmar)


Today you will be met at the airport and I expect to be greeted with a bag of $500's worth of B-B-Q. We will then make our way down the coast to the area of Dominical which happens to be one of the best spots in the country and the only true spot to spend 7 days and stay active as you will see below.


Day 2 --------- Zipline & Explore Beaches (Casa Belmar)


Today we will head down to the zipline. Here you will find dental floss strung between tree branches and gullable tourist like ourselves paying money for a thrill ride. The cables are a couple hundred feet high and fabulous views of the pacific ocean. In the afternoon we will check out some beaches and then go hang at the house.


Day 3 --------- Rappel Canyon (Casa Belmar)

Today will be the day of full adventure. We will be rappeling down a canyon that no tourist has ever rappeled in Costa Rica. This will officially put you on the who's who of Costa Rica magazine and we can get a group to be posted in next months edition. This is simply one of the most beautiful places I have seen and it is an easy couple rappels but involves other activities like swimming when you get to the bottom and avoiding the crocodiles and piranha's.


Day 4 --------- Raft Savegre (Casa Belmar)


The all around best activity in Costa Rica is rafting. This is a great little river with some excellent jungle around with views of more waterfalls. We will run this class three section in the morning and make a day out of being on the river.

Day 5 --------- Visit Corcovado (Casa Belmar)


Today we will make a visit down to Corcovado. We have the option of doing the tour in by boat or just driving down until we get the car stuck.


Day 6 --------- Beach Day maybe a day tour to Manuel Antonio (Casa Belmar)


This is Rus's day to work with the Bolivian's (thats code you guys might not understand but after initiation in the jungle we can fill you in). Although Rus I have to say now looking at this you might want to make your Bolivian day on the day you arrive or day 2 that way if you need something like a paper or something needs to be done and you sign it there is a work week to get things done. That would be my idea considering nothing ever happens with one meeting around here.


Day 7 --------- Fly Home!


Today we will make the drive back to the airport or we will continue shooting flares into the sky because we are still lost somewhere in Corcovado from day 5.

Alison March 16th - 23rd

Arenal Volcano

March 16th: Arrival and drive to Arenal area (Manoa Resort)


Today you will be met outside the airport by your private driver and guide. Your mode of transportation will be a beautiful modern, spacious, 20 passenger motorcoach with A/C & refrigerator. From the Airport we will drive 2/12 hour drive to the Arenal Volcano. The Los Lagos hotel is full and much of the places we have been looking are full but we were able to get rooms in Manoa. This is an upgrade from Los Lagos but it does not have the water-slide. It has a big beautiful pool and I promise you we will keep the kids busy on this adventure. (Meals: None)

March 17th: Zip Line and visit to the Arenal National Park (Manoa Resort)


Today we will start the week with some adventure as we head to the best zipline in all of Costa Rica. Not only does it have amazing views of the volcano and lake but it also has a wonderful gondola ride along with cables that zip 700ft above the rainforest floor. After the zipline we will make go to the nearby Arenal Volcano National Park where you will have the chance to walk on the old lava flow and get a much closer look at the Arenal Volcano. The evening can be spent relaxing in the pool at the hotel or we can take you to the town of La Fortuna and take you to some of our favorite local spots. (Meals: Breakfast)

March 18th: Canyoneering and Hot Springs (Manoa Resort)

One of the favorite adventures of all is the canyoneering. As you make your way down the lush tropical rainforest you will be rappelling down waterfalls. This is an adventure you will not forget and a chance to be completely surrounded by nature from start to finish. In the afternoon it will be time to enjoy an amazing meal and relax in the hotsprings. Here is where the kids can enjoy a great waterslide. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinnner)

March19th: Rafting on Toro river (Manoa Resort)

Today you have the option of rafting the Rio Toro or we can make a longer trip and raft the Pacuare River. The Pacuare river is listed as one of the top five scenic rivers in the world by National Geographic and just might be the most picturesque place in all of Costa Rica. If you are interested in rafting the Pacuare it will be running easy and low this time of year and we take groups with kids. It is a trip that runs from 6am when we leave the hotel and returns at 5pm. So it is a full day, but how many times do you get to raft one of the top five rivers on the planet. If you just want a half day river trip no worries we can raft the nearby Toro River. Note: If you did the long rafting day I might raft on the 18th and make the 19th canyoneering and Hotsprings which gives you an easier day before traveling to Manuel Antonio. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

March 20th: Drive to Manuel Antonio (Costa Verde Hotel)

See you at the Park Alison!

Today we will wake up and have breakfast and then make the drive to Manuel Antonio. This is around a four hour drive but really is not that bad. It is filled with unforgettable scenery and also a chance to make some interesting stops along the way. We will arrive to one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Costa Rica just after lunch. You will be staying at Costa Verde Hotel which is a great location because it is up on a cliff giving you great views but also in walking distance to the beaches below. (Meals: Breakfast)

March 21st: Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park (Costa Verde Hotel)


Get ready to see some monkeys as we make the hike through the phenomenal National Park of Manuel Antonio. Here your naturalist guide will teach you different facts about the rainforest and leave you plenty of time to enjoy the fabulous beaches. In the afternoon you can relax at the beach or the hotel and we can take you out to some of our favorite places to eat. (Meals: Breakfast)

Manuel Antonio National Park (View from Costa Verde)

March 22nd: Relax at the Beach (Costa Verde Hotel)


Today is your day to relax at the beach. There are some other option tours we can do and you can also take advantage of having the motorcoach and explore some of the other nearby beaches with your guide--it is up to you. (Meals: Breakfast)



March 23rd: Drive to the Airport and fly home!

Today you will make the two hour drive to the airport with your driver and guide. (Meals: Breakfast)

The price per person is:
Single room: $1,957
Quadruple room: $1,198


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

Jeff Couch May 1st - May 5th

Nayara Resort

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

Today we will meet you outside of the airport and drive you 2 1/2 hours to the beautiful resort of Nayara. This is one of the finest yet small hotels in Costa Rica voted year after year as TripAdvisors top choice. It was also voted top five romatic hotels on the planet. If you don't like it, I don't know what to tell you! (Meals: None)

Day 2 --- Zipline & Waterfall Rappel (Nayara Resort)

Today we will start with some adventure and do the zipline. There are over 77 different ziplines in the country now and this is by far one of the best. Not only are the cables high and fast (highest cable is 700ft high) but the scenery is unmatched. You have incredible views of the Arenal Lake along with the world famous Arenal Volcnao. After the zipline we will go to the canyoneering spot where you will have the chance to enjoy another great adventure as you rappel down a canyon hidden in the tropical jungle and amid beautiful waterfalls. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 3 --- Fly to Quepos (Arenas del Mar)

Today we will catch a flight to Quepos which will save you the five hour drive. The flight is just about 30 minutes and also very beautiful, viewing Costa Rica from the air. The beach at Manuel Antonio is one of the best and scenic beaches in all of Costa Rica surounded by wildlife. The hotel Arenas del Mar is perfectly situated on the edge of the Pacific looking out over Costa Rica's remarkable Manuel Antonio. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4 --- Beach Day (Arenas del Mar)

Today is your day to relax on the beach and enjoy the Pacific. You can also do an optional hike to the National Park. If you wanted we could squeeze in a rafting trip in the morning but it is up to you. (Meals: Breakfast)

Could be you Jeff!

Day 5 --- Fly Home!

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