12 Days / 11 Nights 12 Day Jungle & Active Adventure with Private Transportation
San Jose – Tortuguero Canals – Arenal Volcano – La Fortuna Waterfall Horseback Ride – Sky Trek (Canopy Experience) – Sarapiqui River White Water Rafting – Tabacon Hot Springs – Jeep Boat Jeep to Monteverde – Monteverde – Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve Naturalist Walk – Jaco Beach – Tarcoles Jungle River Safari – Outrigger Canoe & Snorkeling tour – San Jose
Day 1
You are greeted outside of the San Jose airport and helped with your bags for the comfortable and short drive to your hotel in the area of San Jose, where you are welcome to unpack, unwind and settle in for your first night in our tropical paradise.
The Sleep Inn San Jose Downtown is conveniently located in the heart of the City, only 15 km. from Juan Santamaria International Airport. It is a short distance away from tourist attractions, Casinos, Night Clubs, Bars, and Restaurants, The National Theatre, Museum de Jade, Museum de Oro and parks that are part of the national heritage, among many others.
Day 2
Early in the morning you will be picked up at your hotel for your trip to reach Caño Blanco dock driving by banana plantations and Rain Forests. At Caño Blanco, you will board the covered boat to the lodge, passing the Tortuguero canals arriving between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. At the lodge their staff will be waiting for you with a refreshing cocktail. Your rooms will be assigned and the guide will explain the afternoon activities. After lunch you’ll visit the Turtle Museum of the C.C.C. (Caribbean Conservation Corporation entrance fee not included) and the colorful Tortuguero town. You will return to the lodge around 5:30 p.m. with free time to enjoy the pool, the bar service and prepare for your dinner. The dinner service will be from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and the rest of the night is free to enjoy the surroundings, pool and bar.
The area of Tortuguero is rightfully called “The Amazon of Costa Rica” because access is only by boat on Jungle Rivers. Laguna Lodge is a rain forest ecotourism lodge, a leader among this tropical country’s hotels and resorts with an extra touch in style, comfort and personalized service. This Region is the most important nesting site in the entire Western half of the Caribbean for the green sea turtle. The season starts around mid July.
The essence of Tortuguero is slow moving tropical rivers. The rivers define everything about Tortuguero; they are Tortuguero’s roads and Tortuguero's soul. If a visitor wants to bring home the essence of Tortuguero they must get in tune with the rivers.
Day 3
This morning there is an optional 6:15 a.m. tour to admire the awakening of the wildlife of Tortuguero. Return for breakfast (service between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.). Then you will take another boat tour to admire the canals of Tortuguero National Park. This is a wonderful and interesting experience where you can see abundant flora and fauna of Tortuguero National Park (entrance fee not included). Return to the lodge for lunch and free time for a siesta, enjoy the pool or take a walk to the beach. Then you have another optional tour to the canals or stay at the lodge to explore the private trails of the lodge. Dinner will be at the lodge and a free night will follow.
Day 4
Again this morning will be another optional 6:15 a.m. tour to admire the awakening of the wildlife of Tortuguero. Return for breakfast (service between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.). After breakfast you will begin your trip back to Caño Blanco dock, and from there, to your lunch site. At this point you will be picked up for your private transfer to continue on a scenic drive northwest to the lowlands of the north and the Sarapiqui area where you will spend the next 3 nights. You will arrive in the afternoon and check into your hotel.
At the Arenal Paraíso hotel you can enjoy a peaceful and quiet atmosphere with the best view of the majestic Arenal Volcano. From a height of 1,633 meters above sea level, the volcano spews forth rocks, fire and lava over its upper slopes. Here the natural beauty of the rain forest with its great variety of exotic plants, animals and birds of tremendous beauty, merges with the magnificence of one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Really the best place to enjoy the peace and nature!
Arenal Volcano is by far the most active volcano in Costa Rica and as well one of the most active in the world with daily eruptions. This makes the area of Arenal and La Fortuna a fascinating tourist destination that attracts foreigners as well as the residents of Costa Rica.
Day 5
Breakfast is early and following it you will be driven to the town of La Fortuna, where you will horseback ride to a waterfall in the middle of the Rain Forest. Once there you’ll take a short hike to the bottom of the waterfall for a swim. After your dip and the horse ride back, you will be driven back to your hotel. You could have a snack or lunch to store up some energy, as it will be time for the Sky Trek & Sky Tram! You board a tram for a fascinating ride through the canopy of the rain forest with amazing views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake and after the 10 minute Sky Tram is completed, it’s time for a different kind of adrenalin rush. The Sky Trek! You and your safety harness to be hooked to several long cables where you will glide through the middle of the jungle, from tree to tree, just like the Toucans do. Our survey’s feedback is always filled with excitement about this tour. Then you will be driven back to your hotel for a wonderful night of rest.
Day 6
After an early morning breakfast, you will be picked up to go for a 2 hour drive to reach Hacienda Pozo Azul where your rafting experience will begin. This class II-III adventure will be the perfect time to use your waterproof disposable camera. (Bring one!) Your specialized guides will make this an unforgettable experience. After your 3 hour rafting trip, you will have lunch and then you will be taken back to the Arenal Volcano area. The Sarapiqui River characterizes by its crystal clear non-contaminated waters; this allows you to enjoy a landscape full of nature, which you will discover with the assistance of your naturalist guides. During this vibrating trip you will find still water pools where you can swim and refresh yourself apart from the challenging rapids such as Hueco, Gringo, Confusion, Superman, Montaña Rusa and Fuerza area among others. Then you will be driven back to your hotel and around 4:45 p.m. you will be picked up to go Tabacon Resort and Hot Springs where you will experience one of the world's most amazing offerings. Here you will relax in Mother Nature's enormous hot tub. The hot springs are fed by an underground river heated naturally by the Arenal Volcano to the perfect temperature of 101 degrees. Our previous guests refer to this as their personal visit to the "Fountain of Youth." After relaxing for some time and maybe taking a Spa Service, you will have dinner and then head back to your hotel for a wonderful night of rest.
Near the base of the active Arenal Volcano on the north side of Costa Rica, world renowned Tabacon Resort provides you a relaxing and unparalleled experience with its natural hot springs and thermo mineral water pools, its tropical and exuberant surroundings and its famous Iskandria Spa. This extraordinary setting, combined with exceptional service, warm smiles and outstanding facilities, assures their guests an unforgettable time in Costa Rica.
Day 7
Enjoy another great, healthy breakfast and following it you will be driven to the Arenal Lake; here you will board a boat that will take you across the lake for an amazing trip to Monteverde. At the other side of the lake, your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Monteverde and your hotel. Enjoy the pool, watch TV or just take in the view.
El Establo is situated in the heart of the tourist zone of Monteverde 7 kms from the Santa Elena Rain Forest and 4 kms from the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Quaker friendship awaits you at this hotel, set in a private 150-acre farm (50% protected primary forest) adjacent to the Monteverde Reserve.
Monteverde is not only the name of a small town but the name is also used to describe the whole zone. There are three communities in the "urban area": Santa Elena is the largest, with a bank, shops and the local high school, and then next along the road is Cerro Plano and finally, Monteverde. Besides the natural beauty of the place, the tiny, progressive community of Monteverde is itself worth a visit. Quakers from North America came here in 1951, drawn by Costa Rica's disarmed environment. They set up a business that now makes some of the finest cheese in the country. The Quakers bought milk form neighboring farmers and invited them to become shareholders - today there are about 430, including milk producers, employees and neighbors.
Day 8
You will enjoy another wonderful breakfast and off you go again. We’ve hired a professional Naturalist Guide to escort you through an incredible part of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. This tour is an easy, guided hike where you will receive information about the interesting things that are there for you to witness up close and personal. The rest of your day is free and can be enjoyed as you wish.
Day 9
Today, after breakfast, you will be picked up to start a wonderful trip across the Central Volcanic Mountain Range that could last 3½ hours of an exciting drive with magnificent views to reach Jaco Beach area and check into Hotel Docelunas. Jaco is an excellent place to practice surfing.
Hotel Docelunas’ unique 20 room hotel lies on 5 beautiful acres nestled amongst the foothills of Playa Jaco. Surrounded by rainforest-covered mountains, and rolling hills, you won't believe how tranquil it is. The restaurant "Eclipse" is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Relax and rejuvenate at their Spa, take in a Yoga class or shop in the boutique. You are guaranteed one of the nicest vacations you have ever experienced. You will love their unique free form pool and won't believe the variety of animals, flora and fauna in the area. Over 400 species of birds call this area home and 150 of those have been seen on the property itself. They have planted butterfly and hummingbird gardens on the property and toucans, monkeys and scarlet macaws can be observed feeding on their many fruit trees. Located only minutes from the black sands of Jaco Beach, you will fall in love with Costa Rica.
Day 10
After another healthy and satisfying breakfast and according to the tide, you are off to experience the Tarcoles River Jungle Safari. You board a custom riverboat and slowly float down the Tarcoles River for a unique way to view the wildlife that lives on the riverbanks. Scarlet Macaws, huge crocodiles, 120 species of birds, lizards and many other members or Costa Rica’s eco system are among the things you will want to take pictures of. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and fresh fruit as you make your way back through this estuary and bid farewell to your local guide. Now it’s off to your resort where the majestic and spiritual sunsets are guaranteed to take your breath away. The rest of the day can be enjoyed as you wish.
Day 11
After breakfast you will go to a beach about 20 minutes away from Jaco Beach. There the centuries of refinement and the outrigger canoe remains basically unchanged. Historically carved from the trunk of a single tree, made seaworthy by a hydrodynamic float on one or each side, the outrigger canoe has been transporting people on oceans for hundreds of years. Now you will have the chance to share in the adventures spirit of the early explorers. Imagine yourself cruising silently past spectacular cliffs full of pelicans and frigate birds in a craft pioneered by the Polynesians and perfected for tourist in Costa Rica. There are great chances of snorkeling and a lot of fun and you will be back to your hotel at lunchtime to enjoy the rest of the day on your own.
Day 12
We will drive you back to the airport at the appropriate time to catch your flight back home (approximate departure time 5 hours prior to your flight because you have to be at the airport 2 hours in advance). It’s time to say goodbye to the new friends you have made in Costa Rica.
Pricing 2008:
Green Season 2008: US $ 1,835 per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement US $1,160
Valid from 05/01/08 thru 11/15/08
Pricing 2009:
High Season 2009: US $ 2,180 per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement US $1,290
Valid from 11/16/08 thru 04/30/09
Green Season 2009: US $ 2,050 per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement US $1,175
Valid from 05/01/09 thru 11/15/09
Notes:
- Price does not apply to New Year’s or Easter week and it is subject to availability of hotels and tours.
- Depending on the hotels, July and August are considered High Season
Package Includes:
- 1 Night of lodging at Sleep Inn San Jose Downtown (4 stars) in a Standard Room.
- 2 Nights of lodging at Hotel Laguna Lodge (3 stars) in a Standard room.
- 3 Nights of lodging at Arenal Paraiso Resort (3 stars) in a Superior Room.
- 2 nights of lodging at El Establo Hotel (4 stars) in a Deluxe Room.
- 3 nights of lodging at Docelunas Hotel (4 stars) in a Deluxe Room.
- Tortuguero Canals Tour, including land and fluvial transportation, tours and naturalist guide (25 pounds of luggage per person allowed).
- Private transportation from Caño Negro Dock to Arenal Paraiso Resort in an A/C van with the services of a bilingual driver/guide.
- La Fortuna Waterfall Horseback Ride including transportation, equipment, entrance fee and local guide.
- Sky Trek Canopy Tour, including transportation, entrance fee, equipment and specialist guides.
- Sarapiqui River White Water Rafting including transportation, equipment, lunch and guide.
- Tabacon Hot Springs including transportation, entrance fee and dinner.
- Jeep boat Jeep Arenal to Monteverde.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve Naturalist Hike, including entrance fee, slide show and Naturalist guide.
- Private transportation from El Establo Hotel to Docelunas Hotel in an A/C van.
- Tarcoles River Jungle Boat Safari, including transportation, equipment and naturalist guide.
- Outrigger Canoe & Snorkeling Tour, including transportation, equipment and guides.
- Private transportation from Docelunas Hotel to the International Airport in an A/C van.
- Meals (11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners).
- Meet and greet at San Jose airport with VIP service inside the terminal.
- All transfers to and from the airport.
- 24 hour travel assistance.
Not included:
- Airfare and Airport tax at your departure US $ 26 (cash only).
- Tortuguero National Park entrance fee US $ 7 per person (cash only).
- Meals and other services not mentioned above.
- Gratuities for guides and providers based on quality of service.
