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)

Nick Itin 2012 Feb. 11 - 19

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

Hola Nick

Today we will meet you at the airport and travel to the Arenas del Mar Resort on the Central Pacific. This will be around a 2 hour drive and will work fine with your 3:05pm arrival. (Meals: None)

Day 2 --------- Visit Park (Arenas del Mar)

Today we will make the easy hike into the National Park of Manuel Antonio. We will get to see some monkeys along with Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. This will be an activity all of the family can do. In the afternoon there will be time to relax at the beach or the hotel. We will take you out to dinner to one of the nearby places we recommend for eating. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 --------- Rafting in Savegre (Arenas del Mar)

Manuel Antonio

Today is the rafting adventure. We will make our way to the Savegre River where you will get the chance to raft some rapids, get wet, and see a beautiful waterfall. This is a half day on the river and a chance to enjoy the water, sun, & jungle. In the afternoon it is back to the beach or hotel where you can relax. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

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

Today is an off day to relax. We can take the kids to the nearby kids rainforest club and we can look into doing some other tours if you are interested such as a mangrove kayak tour, rainforest spice tour, and many others. (Meals: Breakfast)

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

Another day of relax with optional tours if you would like. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Nayara Resort

Day 6 --------- Travel to Arenal Volcano (Nayara Resort)

Today is a travel day. We will leave after breakfast and arrive to the Arenal Volcano just after lunch. When we arrive we will be staying at the beautiful Nayara Resort which happens to be our favorite place in all of Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 --------- Zipline, Finca Don Juan, & La Fortuna Falls (Nayara Resort)

Today is a full day that all can take part in. The little one will not be doing the zipline but will not have a problem on the tram ride through the canopy. We will start the day with the zipline and then make our way to the best tasting lunch in all of Costa Rica at Don Juan's farm. Don Juan will make us a completely organic lunch and give us a quick tour of his farm. After lunch we can go look at the nearby La Fortuna Waterfall. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Tram Ride

Day 8 --------- Canyoneering & HotSprings (Nayara Resort)

Today is a day of adventure. You will get the chance to make your way down a beautiful canyon doing different rappels at waterfalls. After the rappels we will make our way to the Hotsprings. This is a chance for the ultimate relaxation along with a great meal. The perfect way to end the trip. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

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

Alison Sample Itin March 17th - March 24th

March 17th --------- Arrive and Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire Hotel)

Today your private guide and driver will meet you outside the San Jose Airport (SJO). If you arrive on an early afternoon flight, that would work best for this itinerary. We will make the drive through the capital city of San Jose where from the window you will get a quick city tour. After we get through the city we will begin to get into the the beautiful mountains and rural areas of Costa Rica. Our final stop will be at the base of the smoking Turrialba Volcano in a beautiful hotel called Casa Turire. This happens to be one of my favorite hotels in the country. (Meals: None)

18th --------- Hiking and Visit Local Village (Casa Turire Hotel)

After a long day of travel, today is a day of local culture, hiking, and some time to relax at the pool. We will allow you to sleep in and then embark on our first hike. We'll walk to a local village that is one of the most beautiful places with amazing views. Here we will be welcomed by a local family where they will have lunch prepared for us. We will also get the chance to experience a little show put on by the local kids. After the time in the village it is back down to the hotel to relax in the pool and get ready for the next five days of adventure. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

19th --------- Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare Tent Lodge)

Today we will make the short drive to the area where we put in for the Pacuare River. National Geographic has this listed as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet and in our opinion no doubt the most scenic area in Costa Rica. We will spend around two hours rafting today stopping for a river lunch which will give you time just to enjoy the water and swim around the river bank. After lunch we will raft for a bit more and then arrive to the tent-lodge. This is a beautiful area and yes it is camping but not roughing it by any means. There are showers, bathrooms, and above ground tents that make for some of the best sleeping since you're surrounded by the rainforest and the sound of the river nearby. All your meals are prepared fresh for you at the campground and it is just a night of fun, food, drink, jungle, stars, and the sound of the river. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

20th --------- Raft Pacuare Canyon & Drive to Arenal Volcano (Casa Luna Lodge)

River Lunch for 8

Today will be two hours of the trip you will not forget. The second half of the Pacuare River which we will be running today has two hours of the most scenic and largest rapids of the river. It is a great run and fun from start to finish. We will wake up and have a hearty breakfast and the make our way down the river. When we take out of the river we will clean up, dry off, and then head to the Arenal Volcano. This is long day of travel but it really is not that bad with the scenery and after coming out of the jungle for a night, the ride just seems to be irrelevant to a nice comfy seat in the van. We will have dinner waiting for you at Casa Luna. The hotel has a beautiful pool, great food, and excellent views of the volcano. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

21st ---------- Zipline & Hike National Park (Casa Luna Lodge)

If the rafting was not enough adventure for you then maybe hanging 700ft above the rainforest floor will do the trick. This is an amazing adventure and with over 100 different ziplines in the country we think the one we take you on is still the best. After flying through the clouds with great views of the volcano we will take you to the National Park of Arenal which has an interesting hike around the lava rock and gives you an up-close view of the volcano. In the evening you can go back to your hotel and enjoy the pool and just relax with views of the volcano. (Meals: Breakfast)

22nd --------- Rio Celeste (Casa Luna Lodge)

Arenal Volcano

If you are in for some more  hiking today, one of the more beautiful hikes in the country is at the Rio Celeste. Here you will hike flat ground, hills, and then use all fours to climb on some rocks. It is a great day of hiking that most all can do. The reward is the river that is the color of the sky. It is due to the nearby volcano and the mixture of gases that give it this almost fake looking color. The Rio Celeste has thermal waters also that are completely natural. It has an enormous waterfalls which is actually the sky blue color. A day at Rio Celeste is a little off the beaten path but worth the visit if you enjoy hiking and jaw-dropping scenery. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

23rd ---------- Canyoneering & Hotsprings (Casa Luna Lodge)

The canyoneering is a must-do adventure for those looking for fun and excitement. The canyon you will be rappeling, climbing, hiking, whatever it takes to get you down is near the hotel. This is a half day adventure where you will rappel three different waterfalls the highest being 140ft. After the canyoneering you can have some time in town to do souvenir shopping or just relax at the pool as we get ready for the hotsprings. The hotsprings you will be going to in the evening are basically very luxurious pools. It is a great last night to celebrate all of the adventures accomplished and start planning the next Costa Rica adventure! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

24th ---------- Fly Home!

Today we will make the transfer to the airport which is around two hours. Having a flight around mid afternoon would be best from the San Jose Airport.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Sample Itin Feb. 12th - 19th

Feb. 12th --------- Arrive (Grano de Oro)

Arenal Volcano

Today you will arrive and being a long day of travel I have you staying near the airport at a very nice hotel called Grano de Oro. This is a small hotel but one of the finest places to eat and a beautiful setting. It is sort of the pearl of San Jose because there is not much for kids to really enjoy in the city. If you arrived on mid-day or early afternoon flight I would say we make the 2 1/2 hour drive to Arenal to get the trip started which would give an extra day at the beach on the later end of the trip.  With this extra day at the beach we could do some rafting in a nearby river which is through the jungle and chance to see some beautiful waterfalls and enjoy a river lunch. (Meals: None)

Nayara Resort

Drive Time: 20 minutes from airport to Grano de Oro Hotel


Feb. 13th --------- Drive to Arenal Volcano (Nayara Resort)


Today we will make the trip to the famous Arenal Volcano. This is a perfectly cone-shaped volcano which is exactly what you picture a volcano to be compared to the many others volcanos in the country that just look like your average mountain. The drive is around 2 1/2 hours and we will check in to the hotel and enjoy the grounds and the view of the volcano. (Meals: Breakfast)

Drive Time: 2 1/2 hours from Grano de Oro Hotel to Arenal Volcano (Nayara Resort)


Feb. 14th --------- Zipline & Waterfall Hike (Nayara Resort)


Today we will zipline. There are many ziplines in the country but I feel this one will work the best. The little ones will not be able to take part but they can enjoy the ride in the gandola tram through the canopy with your naturalist guide while you guys ride the ziplines that have excellent views of the volcano and hang 700ft above the rainforest floor. In the afternoon we will take a hike to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Costa Rica. This is chance to swim at the bottom but you do have to hike 500 steps down and up. The little one can stay at the top with the nanny from the view point where they can see the waterfall from above. (Meals: Breakfast)

Drive Time: All tours are local today


Feb. 15th --------- Organic Farm/Canyoneering & HotSprings (Nayara Resort)


Visiting the Organic farm is fun because it is a farm that is run organically and has animals and the owner of the farm is a high energy guy with a machete that kids usually enjoy. Not to mention the meal is one of the best in the country. This would just be for a lunch visit. Another option would be to go canyoneering which even the 7 year old can take part in. This is a great adventure that I know the little guy will love but the 3 year old will have to stay with the Nanny at the hotel. In the evening we will make our way to the Hotsprings where you can enjoy the thermal waters. We will visit the hotsprings that have a slide which the kids love and even our guides enjoy. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Drive Time: All tours are local


Feb. 16th --------- Drive to Manuel Antonio (Arenas del Mar)


Today we will drive to Manuel Antonio. Although it is a long travel day it is not that bad. We will make some stops on the way and be to the Pacific Ocean by lunch time. The Manuel Antonio area is one of the finest beaches you will find in Costa Rica. It is home to where the mountains and rainforest meet the white sandy beaches. They say there are still more monkeys than people in the area. The place you will be staying at is Arenas del Mar which has one of the best views of the Pacific and you hear the waves crashing below and also have a private beach that is a nice option if you want to get away from the crowds. (Meals: Breakfast)


Drive Time: 4 1/2 hours

Hola Nick!

Feb. 17th --------- Visit National Park (Arenas del Mar)


Today we will all make our way into the National Park. It is located near the hotel and we will make the flat walk between two of Costa Rica's most beautiful and protected beaches. The park is filled with wildlife and a chance for everyone to see it up close. Your naturalist guide will keep you informed on the tropical rainforest and the different animals in the area. In the afternoon you can enjoy the beaches more or make your way to the beaches and just relax. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Manuel Antonio

Feb. 18th --------- Enjoy Beach (Arenas del Mar)


Today is a day to enjoy the beach. You can finish the book you were reading or we can take you down to do some snorkeling in the area as we discussed on the phone. It is not the best but some days you do get lucky and see quite a bit of fish so you never know and it is a great day of swimming in beautiful water  that is around 80 degrees and sunny during Feb. (Meals: Breakfast)


Feb. 19th -------- Fly Home!