Rainforest Adventure Package - 9 days / 8 nights
Costa Rica - Adventure Tours
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1 - SAN JOSE -
Arrive in San Jose, pick up at airport and transfer to HOTEL GRANO DE ORO. A true oasis in the
center of San Jose, this hotel exudes the charm and character of a stately mansion with the
comfort and amenities of a fine hotel. Warmly decorated rooms and suites (all non-smoking), a
secluded garden terrace with large Jacuzzi, and courtyards with fountains and abundance of
tropical plants and flowers in a quiet area west of the town center. Delicious meals and
desserts served in the intimate dining room, adjacent sunroom and tropical courtyard.
DAY 2 - ARENAL/TABACON -
Personal driver will pick you up shortly after breakfast to begin 4 hour journey to the ARENAL
VOLCANO, Costa Rica's and one of the world's most active. Tour begins with a drive on the
Interamerican Highway north to Zarcero, a picturesque small town dedicated to agriculture and
dairy farms. This town features a very unique city park crowded with cypress trees trimmed in
different shapes of animals and objects related to the daily life in this area. En route stop
for a relaxing soak at the thermal pools of TABACON RESORT AND SPA, whose warm, mineral-rich
waters are heated within the volcano. Dinner and overnight at LINDA VISTA DEL NORTE LODGE where
you will have a spectacular view of the volcano's nighttime eruptions. The lodge is located
just 25 kilometers southwest of La Fortuna de San Carlos, adjacent to the Arenal Volcano
National Park, and about 4 hours from San Jose. Besides being able to enjoy the volcano and the
surrounding areas, you can find very comfortable lodging in any of the ten rooms, each with
private bathroom and hot water. The whole area of the Linda Vista del Norte Lodge encompasses
210 hectares of pristine rain forest teeming with wildlife and tropical birds species such as
the Quetzal or the Toucan - usually seen from March to June.(B) (L) (D)
DAY 3 - ARENAL -
After an early morning breakfast, tour to the Rio Fortuna waterfall and hike down a steep trail
to the base of the waterfall, where you can enjoy a cool swim in the river's crystal clear
waters or just enjoy the exuberant vegetation surrounding the canyon. After a hearty lunch,
begin 2 1/2 hour hike wading a beautiful stream and then a nice trail to a lava flow which was
still moving only two years ago. Walking over the lava rocks, one has a fantastic view of the
mighty Arenal Volcano on one side and Lake Arenal on the other. You might even be able to
witness some eruptions, and observe some of the wildlife of the area. Enjoy a repeat visit to
soak tired bones at the Tabacon Spa. Retire to the hotel to view the spectacular nighttime
eruptions and lava flows. (B) (L) (D) Overnite at Linda Vista Del Norte.
DAY 4 - ARENAL/MONTEVERDE -
After breakfast and an optional morning hike or ride, leave to begin scenic 4 1/2 hour drive
around Lake Arenal to MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE and FONDA VELA LODGE. Monteverde is one
of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. There are at least 400 bird
species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy
bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, and an estimated 2,500 species of plants
making Monteverde a true "nature lover?s paradise". The reserve has a definite wet and dry
season, though the upper levels have fog and rain much of the year. Fonda Vela is the closest
hotel within walking distance to the famous Reserve. Situated on a 35 acre farm, surrounded by
virgin rain forests, lush green fields and exotic birds, Fonda Vela provides a nurturing
experience to all those who visit. The lodge offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms and
hot water, and a restaurant specializing in home style and international cuisine with
ingredients from the organic garden. (B) (D)
DAY 5 - MONTEVERDE -
Morning "CANOPY TOUR" or "SKY WALK" -
The CANOPY TOUR offers the adventurous tourist the opportunity to ascend into the forest
canopy and see jungle life from a different perspective. This is accomplished by modifying
techniques used by spelunkers (cavers) and canyon rappelers to provide a safe and enjoyable
passage above the forest floor.
SKYWALK is a complex of suspended bridges, platforms and paths, built within the Cloud Forest
of Monteverde. These allow the observation of flora and fauna from ground level all the way to
the top of the trees. 3,280' of paths have been designed and built, five suspended bridges,
with a total of more than 1,640' in length and with heights of over 130'. This system offers
the best opportunity, in a safe, comfortable and relaxed manner, to get to know and learn about
the complexity and beauty of the tropical forest.
Afternoon visit to the BUTTERFLY GARDEN, featuring many species of butterflies endemic to Costa
Rica. Overnight at Hotel Fonda Vela (B) (D)
DAY 6 - MONTEVERDE/TAMARINDO -
After breakfast leave to begin 5 hour drive to TAMARINDO BEACH, one of Guanacaste province's
most beautiful beaches, stretching for a couple of kilometers over a series of rocky headlands.
North of the Tamarindo river estuary begins the long sweep of Playa Grande, where the
leatherback turtles lay their eggs. Overnite at HOTEL EL CAPITAN SUIZO, a deluxe hotel in a
lush tropical setting, notable not just for being a beautiful, well-plotted hotel, but also for
building around trees instead of cutting them. Marvelous presentation in beachfront setting
includes lush landscaping and custom-designed pool. Huge open-air restaurant and bar has
custom-tiled floor decorated in pleasing muted washed colors. Hotel El Capitan Suizo offers 8
bungalows and 22 rooms, all luxurious and spacious with ocean views and terraces or balconies.
An informal, natural atmosphere with a touch of Swiss quality and hospitality! (B)
DAY 7 - TAMARINDO -
Free day to spend relaxing on the beach at Tamarindo. Overnite at El Capitan Suizo (B)
DAY 8 - TAMARINDO/SAN JOSE -
After a morning dip in the ocean or pool, leave Tamarindo on late afternoon return flight to
San Jose. Pick up at airport and transfer to HOTEL AEROPUERTO, located five minutes west of the
San Jose International Airport on the Interamerican Highway that leads to
Puntarenas/Guanacaste/Quepos. The Hotel has 24 rooms equipped with a/c, 2 queen size beds,
telephone, cable t.v., private bath with hot water, and room service. There is a swimming pool
and the "RESTAURANTE LAS PLANCHAS" for breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring live music
presentations every day at seven p.m. (B)
DAY 9 - RETURN HOME
Transfer to airport for return flight home and the end to an unforgettable vacation/adventure
(B)
Arrive in San Jose, pick up at airport and transfer to HOTEL GRANO DE ORO. A true oasis in the
center of San Jose, this hotel exudes the charm and character of a stately mansion with the
comfort and amenities of a fine hotel. Warmly decorated rooms and suites (all non-smoking), a
secluded garden terrace with large Jacuzzi, and courtyards with fountains and abundance of
tropical plants and flowers in a quiet area west of the town center. Delicious meals and
desserts served in the intimate dining room, adjacent sunroom and tropical courtyard.
DAY 2 - ARENAL/TABACON -
Personal driver will pick you up shortly after breakfast to begin 4 hour journey to the ARENAL
VOLCANO, Costa Rica's and one of the world's most active. Tour begins with a drive on the
Interamerican Highway north to Zarcero, a picturesque small town dedicated to agriculture and
dairy farms. This town features a very unique city park crowded with cypress trees trimmed in
different shapes of animals and objects related to the daily life in this area. En route stop
for a relaxing soak at the thermal pools of TABACON RESORT AND SPA, whose warm, mineral-rich
waters are heated within the volcano. Dinner and overnight at LINDA VISTA DEL NORTE LODGE where
you will have a spectacular view of the volcano's nighttime eruptions. The lodge is located
just 25 kilometers southwest of La Fortuna de San Carlos, adjacent to the Arenal Volcano
National Park, and about 4 hours from San Jose. Besides being able to enjoy the volcano and the
surrounding areas, you can find very comfortable lodging in any of the ten rooms, each with
private bathroom and hot water. The whole area of the Linda Vista del Norte Lodge encompasses
210 hectares of pristine rain forest teeming with wildlife and tropical birds species such as
the Quetzal or the Toucan - usually seen from March to June.(B) (L) (D)
DAY 3 - ARENAL -
After an early morning breakfast, tour to the Rio Fortuna waterfall and hike down a steep trail
to the base of the waterfall, where you can enjoy a cool swim in the river's crystal clear
waters or just enjoy the exuberant vegetation surrounding the canyon. After a hearty lunch,
begin 2 1/2 hour hike wading a beautiful stream and then a nice trail to a lava flow which was
still moving only two years ago. Walking over the lava rocks, one has a fantastic view of the
mighty Arenal Volcano on one side and Lake Arenal on the other. You might even be able to
witness some eruptions, and observe some of the wildlife of the area. Enjoy a repeat visit to
soak tired bones at the Tabacon Spa. Retire to the hotel to view the spectacular nighttime
eruptions and lava flows. (B) (L) (D) Overnite at Linda Vista Del Norte.
DAY 4 - ARENAL/MONTEVERDE -
After breakfast and an optional morning hike or ride, leave to begin scenic 4 1/2 hour drive
around Lake Arenal to MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE and FONDA VELA LODGE. Monteverde is one
of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. There are at least 400 bird
species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy
bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, and an estimated 2,500 species of plants
making Monteverde a true "nature lover?s paradise". The reserve has a definite wet and dry
season, though the upper levels have fog and rain much of the year. Fonda Vela is the closest
hotel within walking distance to the famous Reserve. Situated on a 35 acre farm, surrounded by
virgin rain forests, lush green fields and exotic birds, Fonda Vela provides a nurturing
experience to all those who visit. The lodge offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms and
hot water, and a restaurant specializing in home style and international cuisine with
ingredients from the organic garden. (B) (D)
DAY 5 - MONTEVERDE -
Morning "CANOPY TOUR" or "SKY WALK" -
The CANOPY TOUR offers the adventurous tourist the opportunity to ascend into the forest
canopy and see jungle life from a different perspective. This is accomplished by modifying
techniques used by spelunkers (cavers) and canyon rappelers to provide a safe and enjoyable
passage above the forest floor.
SKYWALK is a complex of suspended bridges, platforms and paths, built within the Cloud Forest
of Monteverde. These allow the observation of flora and fauna from ground level all the way to
the top of the trees. 3,280' of paths have been designed and built, five suspended bridges,
with a total of more than 1,640' in length and with heights of over 130'. This system offers
the best opportunity, in a safe, comfortable and relaxed manner, to get to know and learn about
the complexity and beauty of the tropical forest.
Afternoon visit to the BUTTERFLY GARDEN, featuring many species of butterflies endemic to Costa
Rica. Overnight at Hotel Fonda Vela (B) (D)
DAY 6 - MONTEVERDE/TAMARINDO -
After breakfast leave to begin 5 hour drive to TAMARINDO BEACH, one of Guanacaste province's
most beautiful beaches, stretching for a couple of kilometers over a series of rocky headlands.
North of the Tamarindo river estuary begins the long sweep of Playa Grande, where the
leatherback turtles lay their eggs. Overnite at HOTEL EL CAPITAN SUIZO, a deluxe hotel in a
lush tropical setting, notable not just for being a beautiful, well-plotted hotel, but also for
building around trees instead of cutting them. Marvelous presentation in beachfront setting
includes lush landscaping and custom-designed pool. Huge open-air restaurant and bar has
custom-tiled floor decorated in pleasing muted washed colors. Hotel El Capitan Suizo offers 8
bungalows and 22 rooms, all luxurious and spacious with ocean views and terraces or balconies.
An informal, natural atmosphere with a touch of Swiss quality and hospitality! (B)
DAY 7 - TAMARINDO -
Free day to spend relaxing on the beach at Tamarindo. Overnite at El Capitan Suizo (B)
DAY 8 - TAMARINDO/SAN JOSE -
After a morning dip in the ocean or pool, leave Tamarindo on late afternoon return flight to
San Jose. Pick up at airport and transfer to HOTEL AEROPUERTO, located five minutes west of the
San Jose International Airport on the Interamerican Highway that leads to
Puntarenas/Guanacaste/Quepos. The Hotel has 24 rooms equipped with a/c, 2 queen size beds,
telephone, cable t.v., private bath with hot water, and room service. There is a swimming pool
and the "RESTAURANTE LAS PLANCHAS" for breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring live music
presentations every day at seven p.m. (B)
DAY 9 - RETURN HOME
Transfer to airport for return flight home and the end to an unforgettable vacation/adventure
(B)
