Footloose itineraries – Costa Rica Rainforest Volcanoes and Beaches


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COSTA RICA RAINFOREST, VOLCANOES & BEACHES


15 days/ 14 nights with transfers between lodges.

Discover Costa Rica from coast to coast for two weeks, enjoy navigating the Tortuguero Canals, the bird paradise of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, catch a glimpse of the red lava of Arenal volcano, one of the most active volcanoes around the world and finally rest in a beach hotel in the Pacific Coast.
This trip uses modern shuttle buses between the lodges, but can be arranged as a self drive if preferred.

Day by day itinerary
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 01 - Arrive in San José. Private Transfer to Britannia Hotel. Deluxe room
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. Britannia Hotel is located near differents tourist attractions like National Theatre, Jade Museum, Gold Museum and more. For further information please visit www.hotelbritanniacostarica.com

Day 02 - San José. Britannia Hotel. Deluxe room Tour to Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley and Lankaster Garden . (B,L).

Early in the morning a bilingual guide will meet you in your hotel in San Jose. You will travel through the Panamerican Highway South, to start ascending the large "Izaru". The winding road travels through fertile lands cultivated with all kinds of vegetables as you observe a lovely panoramic view. On the top of the volcano you can observe the main craters and on a clear day both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be seen.

Then descend to the city of Cartago visit the Virgin of the Angels Basilica that according to religious custom is a peregrination site for many believers. After visiting the Basilica you will stop at Lankester Gardens, a University of Costa Rica Centre for investigation that protects more than 800 species of orchids and bromeliads and countless species of other plants. After continue on to the Valley of Orosi where creation overflows in unparallel beauty.

Day 3 - Transfer to Tortuguero. Accommodation at Pachira Lodge Standard Package (B,L,D)

Early in the morning a bilingual guide will meet you in Britannia Hotel. Transfer to Pachira Lodge in bus, stop for breakfast in El Ceibo Restaurant.

Due to its geologic origins the region containing the Tortuguero National Park forms an extensive floodplain made up of highly scenic, interconnected canals, waterways and lagoons rich in biodiversity. These factors allow visitors to this extensive network of waterways the opportunity to tour and explore this marvellous world-unique for its peacefulness and natural luxuriance-by boat.
It is a truly relaxing experience to tour the canals and take in the exquisite green of the incredible tropical vegetation, reflected in liquid mirrors everywhere.


Pachira Lodge is strategically located only 5 minutes away from the extraordinary Tortuguero National Park, and right across the main "canal" facing the town of Tortuguero. Surrounded by a network of very scenic canals, this is considered one of the most exotic regions of the world, characterized by its rich in flora and fauna. For more information please visit: http://www.pachiralodge.com



Day 4 - Tortuguero. Pachira Lodge (B,L,D)
Opportunity to explore the Tortuguero National Park area. Hiking and boat trips are included. On turtle nesting season (July to October), there is an optional tour at night available upon request at the hotel (Not included).

Day 5 - Transfer to Sarapiqui. Accommodation at La Quinta Country Inn & Suites (B)

More than 400 bird species have been recorded in this area (50% of the species of Costa Rica).
On a curve along the Sardinal River, La Quinta Country inn & Suites is owned and operated by a Costa Rican family giving the place a very personal atmosphere. The hotel offers spacious rooms in bungalows surrounded by a beautiful, tropical garden full of heliconias, ginger, palms & flowering trees. Hotel services include a restaurant that offers delicious food. There also is a swimming pool, butterfly garden and poison dart frog garden on the property. For more information, please visit: www.laquintasarapiqui.com

Day 6 - La Quinta Country Inn & Suites. Guided Walk to The Tirimbina (INCLUDED) (B)
Hike the trails of the Reserve for 2-3 hours with a trained naturalist guide to help uncover and interpret the secrets of the tropical rainforest. Discover wildlife hideouts, learn rainforest natural history, and hike some of the more remote trails of the Reserve.
Guided tours are offered from 8-11am and 2-5pm, all days.
RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES: closed-toed shoes or boots, water, insect repellent, poncho or umbrella, binoculars, flashlight and camera.

Day 7 - Transfer to Arenal. Accommodation at Arenal Springs, Junior Suite (B)
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 meters above sea level, has a crater 140 meters deep formed over an ancient Caldera.

Beautiful ride through mountains and typical small villages. Best spot to enjoy these wonders are Tabacón 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.

Arenal Springs Resort is located between the Tabacón Hot Springs and the village of La Fortuna where you can see the north face of the active volcano from your private porch. For more information, please visit: www.hotelarenalsprings.com

Day 8 - One day guided tour to Caño Negro Wildlife refugee (INCLUDED) (B,L) . Overnight at Arenal Springs Junior Suite

Caño Negro Wetlands are located in the northern zone of Costa Rica, close to the small village of Los Chiles, few kilometres to Nicaragua. Caño Negro is mainly conformed by the Caño Negro Lagoon and the Rio Frio. It has an extension of 9960 Hs, and it is one of the most important biological areas of the country (4th on earth).

This Costa Rican ecological treasure is the natural habitat of more than 350 species of birds, as well as the emerald basilisk, iguanas, river turtles, caimans, jaguars, ocelots, giant anteaters, monkeys, and many others. Its vast wildlife concentration places Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge among the most important wetlands in the Americas.

Day 9 - Free Day in Arenal. Accommodation at Arenal Springs, Junior Suite (B)
Optional tours: Tour to the Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Resort Hot Springs, Sport Fishing in the Arenal Lake, Arenal Volcano Hike Tour, Mountain Biking, Venado Caves Tour, horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano, and more.

Day 10 - Transfer to Beach. (B)
There are two beach areas you can visit for your last four nights - Guanacaste or Manuel Antonio. There is also a choice of two hotels in each place. See below for more details.

Days 11, 12, 13 - Beach. (B)

Day 14 - Transfer to San José. Accommodation at El Rodeo Hotel (B)

El Rodeo is a four-star Costa Rica country inn, located only 10 minutes away from the Juan Santamaría International Airport, and in the heart of the bustling business and commercial district, Santa Ana/San Antonio de Belen, and only 15 minutes away from downtown San José. El Rodeo seeks to replace the cold, impersonal ambiance that usually characterizes larger hotel chains, with Costa Rican charming warmth, plus exceptional service in a natural and peaceful environment. For further information please visit: http://www.elrodeohotel.com

Día 15 - Transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport. Departure Flight (B)

Beach option - GUANACASTE

OPTION 1 Luxury - Accommodation at JW Marriot, Deluxe Garden.
A stunning oceanfront resort fast being recognized as one of the most magnificent in Latin America, the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa is located on the country's northwestern coast and offers the comforts and luxuries associated with J.W. Marriott in an environment that is richly and authentically Costa Rican. The resort is located on a pristine secluded beach, unspoiled and peacefully surrounded by the splendours of Costa Rican nature. With a choice of 3 beaches, Championship Golf, Equestrian Centre, World Class Spa and more, your experience will be unforgettable. For more information, please visit: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjojw-jw-marriott-guanacaste-resort-and-spa/

OPTION 2 Premium - Accommodation at Tamarindo Diriá, Tropical Poolside
Located on the Northwestern shoreline of Costa Rica, Tamarindo is a charming fishing town of 1,000 inhabitants. Playa Tamarindo, along with Playa Grande and Playa Ventanas, make up Bahía Tamarindo.

Hotel Tamarindo Diriá is set on the beach. The blue ocean seems to be a part of the tropical gardens. All the services and comfort that you deserve are provided here at one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. For further information please visit: http://www.tamarindodiria.com


Beach option - MANUEL ANTONIO

OPTION 1 Luxury - Accommodation at Arenas del Mar, Superior Room.

An extraordinary beachfront resort situated in the beaches of Manuel Antonio.
This incomparable Costa Rican hotel was designed and built with an ambitious combination of deluxe accommodations coupled with the highest level of certified sustainability.
The rooms were designed to offer maximum comfort while taking into consideration the surrounding environment. The buildings housing the guest rooms were altered to fit around existing trees, water is heated with solar panels and grey water is reused for irrigation. For more information, please visit: http://www.arenasdelmar.com


OPTION 2 Premium - Accommodation at Parador Hotel, Jungle Room.

Parador Resort & Spa, is located on Punta Quepos in the most pristine and tranquil area of Manuel Antonio, yet within minutes from the World Famous Manuel Antonio National Park, the small sport fishing town of Quepos, and the local airport.
The entire Parador experience is limitless…. wildlife, tropical gardens, four infinity pools, one pool and a Jacuzzi at the Spa, expansive views, excellent service, delicious meals, relaxing massages, romantic settings, exciting tours, and much more!
For more information, please visit: http://www.hotelparador.com/
Included:
1. Personalized information, maps, brochures, and vouchers.
2. Local Travel Program Support, 24 hours emergency service
3. Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
4. 14 nights lodging at hotels indicated. Breakfast included.
5. Tour to Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley and Lankaster Garden .
6. Tortuguero Package: All meals (B,L,D), transfers by boat and bus with international company (SIB), guide and tours in Tortuguero's National Park and Canals
7. Caño Negro tour: Transportation, Lunch, English Speaking Guide.
8. Guided Walk to The Tirimbina.
9. Shuttle transfers in international company in modern air conditioned vehicle between: Guápiles - Sarapiqui, Sarapiqui - Arenal, Arenal - Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio - San Jose.

Not Included:
· Other meals than indicated as included
· Entrance fees
· 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.


* Additional charges may apply in bookings during holy week 2010 (March 28th until April 4th) and during Christmas/New Year's Days (December 15th until January 10th)

Price in program with Transfers
Price per person in US dollars, based on double occupancy

Ending in GUANACASTE - North Pacific
Option 1 in Guanacaste with JW Marriott, Deluxe garden view. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjojw-jw-marriott-guanacaste-resort-and-spa/
High Season 04/01/2010 to 30/04/2010 £1425 per person
Green season 01/05/2010 to 31/10/2010 (Except July and August) £1160 per person
Special Season 01/07/2010 to 31/08/2010 £1160 per person
Option 2 in Guanacaste with Tamarindo Diria, Tropical poolside room https://www.tamarindodiria.com/Diria.aspx
High Season 04/01/2010 to 30/04/2010 £995 per person
Green season 01/05/2010 to 31/10/2010 (Except July and August) £965 per person
Special Season 01/07/2010 to 31/08/2010 £990 per person

Ending in MANUEL ANTONIO - Central Pacific
Option 1 in Manuel Antonio with Arenas del Mar, Superior Room. http://www.arenasdelmar.com/
High Season 04/01/2010 to 30/04/2010 £1260 per person
Green season 01/05/2010 to 31/10/2010 (Except July and August) £1165 per person
Special Season 01/07/2010 to 31/08/2010 £1165 per person
Option 2 in Manuel Antonio with El Parador, Jungle Room. http://www.hotelparador.com/
High Season 04/01/2010 to 30/04/2010 £1045 per person
Green season 01/05/2010 to 31/10/2010 (Except July and August) £995 per person
Special Season 01/07/2010 to 31/08/2010 £1045 per person


 

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The best time to visit Costa rica is between October and March


-Personalized information, maps, brochures, vouchers etc.
-Modren shuttle bus transfers.
-Continental / Buffet Breakfast included in each hotel
-Airport transfers
-Lodging at middle class hotels / lodges with private bathroom and hot water and AC as indicated


-Other meals, entrance fees, -excursions other than indicated
-airport taxes.

 

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