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TRUE TASTE of COSTA RICA
14 DAYS
San Jose, Rafting at jungle lodge, Bananito
Reserve,
La Fortuna Arenal Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja, Ocotal Beach
Dates, destinations and hotels can be adapted
Day 1 Transfer in from Airport to Hotel Balmoral
Arrival at San Jose, the Capital of Costa Rica and transfer to Hotel
Balmoral - Comfortable Hotel, walking distance from Plaza de la
Cultura, shops, museums. Restaurant, Bar, good service. Rooms with
cable TV, Telephone, Private bath, AC.
Day 2 Hotel Balmoral
Free day at leisure at San Jose. Located at 1149 m above sea level,
maintains an average all year round temperature of 24°C and
is home to the main museums and cultural centers: the Gold, Jade,
National, Contemporary Art and Children's museums, in addition to
the maximum architectural jewel of Costa Rica: The National Theatre,
built in 1897 through a self-imposed coffee tax and reflecting European
cultural influence. Dance halls and discos where tropical rhythms
vibrate, as well as fashionable pubs are part of the San José's
night atmosphere. San José is also headquarters of the country's
government and political life. Cultural activities, such as the
theatre and contemporary dance, as well as academic activities are
also an integral part of an area that boasts high standards in education
and health.
Day 3 Rafting and overnight at jungle lodge.
After an early morning pickup from your hotel, you will drive by
private, comfortable bus. Once at the river, you'll raft 16 miles
deep in the heart of densely vegetated gorges, past gushing waterfalls,
serene pools and pounding rapids, in one of Costa Rica's most impressive
primary rainforests. Picnic lunch. After an adrenaline-packed afternoon
running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montanas
and many more. Overnight at jungle lodge.
Day 4 Rafting, Pick Up rental car, overnight at Selva Bananito
Lodge ( Full American Plan ). The beauty of the light through the
forest, the sound of toucans and the smell of coffee will wake-up
you.
Selva Bananito Lodge, is a secluded rain forest lodge situated 20
km south and 15 km inland of Puerto Limón on the Atlantic
slope. The private reserve which Selva Bananito Lodge supports,
called Reserva Selva Bananito, is only a 10-minute walk from the
lodge. Spacious cabins feature large, tiled bathrooms with solar-heated
water, one queen sized and one full sized bed, or two queen-sized
beds, ample decks, and hammocks. To maintain a more natural nighttime
atmosphere, they do not use electricity but provide portable lamps
for nighttime reading!
Included: 2 nights lodging, welcome cockail, full American Plan:
buffet breakfast, lunch and three course dinner. All meals will
be accompanied with natural fruit juices. And tours: introductory
tree climbing, waterfall tour, horseback ride through the farm.
Day 5 Selva Bananito Lodge ( Full American Plan )
Day 6 Arenal Volcano, Hotel San Bosco or equivalent ( approximately
5 hours )
Nothing short of "awesome" is the only way to describe
the feeling one has when seeing Arenal Volcano for the first time.
Moving through the valleys of the agriculturally rich Northern Zone
up through San Carlos and into the towering rain forest, this is
one of the most inviting regions in Costa Rica. The Arenal volcano
is the classical shaped volcano. Emerging majestically from the
gentle green hills, the volcano towers over nearby Lake Arenal.
A large fresh water reservoir, the lake is popular for fishing and
boating
Overnight at small cozy hotel (San Bosco) offers rooms overlooking
the majestic Arenal Volcano, air conditioned, and private bathroom
with hot water. Swimming pool and nice restaurant.
Day 7 Arenal Vulcan La Fortuna + horseback riding tour.
Today you will explore the volcano in the most original way, horseback
riding though paths at the rain forest until an observation point
from where you have the best visibility to the colossus. Relax at
the hotel.
Day 8 Rincon de la Vieja, Hacienda Guachipelin Adventure Center
Along the Pan American highway you will discover Guanacaste and
Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
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. The
park also has small geysers, bubbling mud pots and mineral hot springs.
Stay at typical hacienda located near beautiful waterfalls that
can be discovered by horse or hiking. Swimming pool. All of the
rooms have private bathrooms with hot water.
Day 9 Rincon de la Vieja, Hacienda Guachipelin + Canopy tour
An unforgettable experience is the Canopy tour that the opportunity
to soar through the forest treetops and see jungle life from a birds
perspective. High quality safe standards.
Day 10 Playa Ocotal, Ocotal Beach Resort ( Stdrd Room )
Ocotal beach is a calm sandy area about 1/3 mile in length and ideal
for swimming, snorkeling and other related activities. This is the
perfect place to just relax and enjoy the quiet easy going peace
of this isolated area. Only 5 minutes away from Playas de Coco,
in this small village you will find shops, banks, restaurants, and
nightlife. Ocotal beach resort & hotel is a four star beachfront
resort, comfort and service. Lies along Costa Rica's beautiful Northern
Pacific coastline, a privileged location with panoramic breathtaking
views of Papagayo Gulf, offering an extensive variety of services,
including: the best scuba diving in Costa Rica, sport fishing,
exciting adventure tours, health Spa, snorkeling trips, kayaks,
mountain bikes, superb cuisine, comfortable rooms, all with great
ocean view froem their private terrace or balcony, and surrounded
with the captivating magic of the tropics!. Buffet breakfast included.
Food and beverage service to all pools, rooms and beach.
Ocotal Beach Resort is a PADI Gold Palm Beach Resort. You will
have the opportunity to be Certified as a PADI open water or take
one or more of Specialty Courses. Also IDC program.
Day 11 Playa Ocotal, Ocotal Beach Resort ( Stdrd Room )
Day 12 Playa Ocotal, Ocotal Beach Resort ( Stdrd Room )
Day 13 Return to San Jose, Drop off rental car Hotel Carlson Country
Inns and Suites. Located between airport and busy San Jose downtown.
Beautiful gardens, restaurant, cozy bar, swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
Sauna and Massage room, gym. Rooms; Ac, TV, safety deposit box,
an ideal place to end your vacation. Standard Room.
Day 14 Transfer to International Airport Juan Santamaria.
Return
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The best season to visit Costa Rica is from November to March.
· 13 nights lodging with breakfast.
· At Selva Bananito Lodge: lodging, Full American Plan:
buffet breakfast, lunch and three course dinner. All meals
will be accompanied with natural fruit juices. And tours:
introductory tree climbing, waterfall tour, horseback ride
through the farm
· Two days rafting tour with all meals, guides and
overnight at jungle.
· Tours, activities specified as included
· 10 days rental car Daihatsu Terios 4x4, free mileage,
BASIC INSURANCE NOT INCLUDED ( US $ 18.00 per day )
· Personalized information, maps, brochures, vouchers.
· Airport transfers upon arrival and departure..
Other meals than indicated as included, entrance fees ( Tortuguero
National Park US $ 7,00 per person not included ) , other
excursions tours and activities indicated as optional. Airport
taxes ( US $ 26,00 per person not included ). International
Flights. Personal expenses. Tips. Rental car basic insurance
( US $ 18,00 per day ).
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