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COSTA RICA SELF DRIVE 16 Days

Day 01: Arrival at San Jose. Transfer to Hotel Fleur de Lys
Welcome to Costa Rica. Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport. After passing through immigration you will be met by one of our representatives. He will take you to your hotel and give you your welcome kit. Overnight in San Jose City.

Fleur de Lys is a small, enchanting, discrete hotel located in the cultural district of San José, Costa Rica. This newly restored Victorian mansion offers 31 individually decorated rooms. Warm, rich woods and soft colours provide an atmosphere for complete relaxation and large comfortable beds guarantee a good night's sleep. Discover the hotel's charming atrium gardens with lush tropical planting. http://www.hotelfleurdelys.com/

Day 02: Pick up car. Self-drive to Puerto Viejo, Limon. Hotel Azania.
Punta Cocles lies few kilometres south from Puerto Viejo de Limon. With its laid back attitude and Caribbean life style, you can be assured of a relaxing Costa Rican holiday. Naturally, for those who like a more active holiday, Puerto Viejo has it all. Long walks on pristine beaches, experiencing exotic flora and fauna in a wildlife refuge, snorkelling or diving among the many reefs in our crystal clear waters, world-class surfing, mountain biking, kayaking and cultural visits to indigenous people.

Azania Bungalows is located in front of Cocles 1.5 km south of Puerto Viejo of Talamanca, on the road to Manzanillo on the South Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. Just a few steps from the Caribbean Sea with the tropical rainforest in the background the spacious and tastefully decorated bungalows are privately set apart amidst lush gardens full of colour and natural beauty. Designed and crafted in a unique style that blends traditional materials, exotic woods and thatched-palm roofs, with a modern building concept, giving each bungalow a particular atmosphere, with a softly lit original sauna-style bathroom that allows you to enjoy a shower while admiring the natural surroundings. For further information please visit: www.azania-costarica.com

Day 03: Free day at Puerto Viejo, Limon. Hotel Azania

Day 04: Self-drive to Arenal Volcano. Accommodation at Arenal Springs (Junior suite)
A beautiful ride through mountains and typical small villages. Arenal volcano is the most active volcano in Costa Rica and with some luck you might be able to observe the red lava. This almost perfect cone, which soars 1,633 metres above sea level, has a crater 140 metres deep formed over an ancient caldera. The best spots to enjoy these wonders are Tabacon Hot Springs, or any of the other hot springs in the area (not included), a veritable thermal wonderland, where a hot volcanic stream is channelled in five pools of varying temperature.

Accommodation at Arenal Springs Wood and stone bungalows, with private bathroom and air conditioning, surrounded by some of the most astonishing flora and fauna of Costa Rica that you will be able to enjoy from your own porch with a perfect view of the volcano. For further information please visit: http://www.hotelarenalsprings.com

Day 05: Arenal Volcano. Accommodation at Arenal Springs
Optional activities not included: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Tour To the Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Resort Hot Springs, Sport Fishing in the Arenal Lake, Arenal Volcano Hike Tour, Mountain Biking, Venado Caves Tour, Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano, Peñas Blancas Safari Float.

Day 06: Self-drive (or transfer) to Rincon de la Vieja, Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín (Superior) a/c
The climate in this national park is so diverse that areas with a severe dry season lasting 4 or 5 months are immediately followed by others, near the summit or on the Caribbean side, where there is constant rainfall, which gives rise to a forest mass rich in epiphytes. The differences in altitude and climate play an important role in the distribution of the flora and fauna. Resident species include the resplendent quetzal, three-wattles bellbirds, morpho butterflies, tapir, coatimundis and three kinds of monkeys.

Accommodation at Hacienda Guachipelín a typical hacienda located near beautiful waterfalls that can be discovered on horseback or by hiking. Swimming pool. All of the rooms have private bathrooms with hot water.

Hacienda Guachipelín is a cattle farm dedicated to raising beef cattle and work horses. It is also dedicated to the conservation of the dry tropical forest and to commercial reforestation. In the last years it has participated in activities such as eco-tourism and adventure tourism.

As for natural attractions there are rivers, waterfalls, natural pools, thermal waters, volcanic mud, tropical forests, birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and more. There exist countless attractions in the National Park - more rivers, waterfalls, boiling mud pools, vapour vents, thermal waters, sulphur springs, a volcanic crater and a lake on the mountain summit. For further information please visit: http://www.guachipelin.com

Day 07: Rincón de la Vieja. Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín.

Day 08: Self-drive to Samara Beach. Hotel Belvedere (Standard room)
Playa Samara is one of the nicest beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula. Not only is it a wide and beautiful, sandy beach but it is also very safe for swimming as there is a coral reef protecting the coast from waves and currents. Snorkelling, windsurfing and diving are some of the popular water sport activities available in this area. The vacation homes of many wealthy Costa Ricans dot the landscape. Even though Sámara is somewhat secluded, you can find and buy anything you might need during your stay. There are restaurants and a few shops as well as a number of tour options.

Only 2 minutes walking distance from the beach you'll find our quiet Hotel in a slightly elevated position surrounded by exuberant vegetation. The property consists of one main building and one 2-storey wing, a whirlpool, a big swimming pool and a sun terrace. All this is awaiting for you to enjoy and relax. Visit: www.belvederesamara.net

Day 09: Free day at Samara Beach. Hotel Belvedere.

Day 10: Self-drive to Monteverde. Cloud Forest Lodge. Standard room.
Founded in the 1950's by a group of Quakers from the U.S., Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics.
Aside from the preserve, some other places merit attention while you're staying in nearby Santa Elena. The Children's Eternal rain forest, the first international children's rain forest in the world, the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, and the Hummingbird Gallery a must for those with a penchant for these winged, coloured jewels of the forest, to name but a few.

Cloudforest Lodge offers comforting bungalow-style bedrooms. Equipped with hot water, wooden furniture and your own terrace. Just a step away from nature. For further information please visit: http://www.cloudforestlodge.com

Day 11: Free day at Monteverde. Cloud Forest Lodge

Day 12: Self-drive to Manuel Antonio. Villas Lirio (Garden Villa)

Manuel Antonio, on the Pacific Coast with an estuary, mangroves, lagoon, beaches and winding paths. All this on 638 hectares of land and 55 hectares of protected marine environment. Take a walk through the tropical forest and find mosses, ferns, flowers and epiphytes growing thickly on every tree. Throughout the park, you will find the famous wildlife Costa Rica is known for, monkeys, sloths and lots of birds amongst others. Licensed local guides are available at the park's entrance and are worth the investment. A splendid combination of nature experience and beach fun.
The area of Manuel Antonio offers restaurants, lodging and souvenir shops. Aside from the park, there are several activities that you can enjoy in the area. Horseback riding, volleyball, and sea kayaking are just a few.
For further information please visit: http://www.hotel-california.com

Day 13: Manuel Antonio. Hotel California.

Day 14 - Manuel Antonio, Hotel California.

Day 15 - Self-drive to San José. Drop off car. Accommodation at Country Inn & Suites
Located just minutes from downtown San José and the Juan Santa Maria International Airport

Day 16 -Transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Price based on single / twin / triple / two twins room with car rental

UPGRADE: Any of these hotels can be upgraded upon request.

Included:
· Personalized information, maps, brochures, vouchers.
· 15nights lodging at hotels indicated at the preceding proposal breakfast included. Subject to availability.
· Airport transfer upon arrival and departure
· 14days rental car, BASIC INSURANCE NOT INCLUDED (US $ 18.00 per day)
· Free GPS System during Car rental!

Not Included:
· Other meals than indicated as included
· Other excursions tours and activities indicated as optional or not included.
· Airport taxes (US $ 26,00 per person not included).
· International Flights.
· Personal expenses.
· Tips.
· Rental car basic insurance (US $ 18,00 per day) to be paid at the car reception and fuel.

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