Active Costa Rica (Multisport)

Day 1:  Upon arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica, you will transfer to the Hotel Grano de Oro for overnight. Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, San José's main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city.  Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the recently renovated 40-room hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. Guests delight in the tranquil ambience of tropical plants and flowers found throughout the hotel. Italian tile fountains grace intimate atriums, ensuring that one is never far from the soothing melody of falling water. Additionally a rooftop garden terrace offers relaxing Jacuzzis and a blissful, secluded spot for lounging, sunbathing and stargazing. Once a simple café, the restaurant at Grano de Oro has evolved into one or San Jose’s finest dining establishments, frequented by locals and visitors alike.

Day 2:  Pacuare River Overnight (Class III-IV rapids): You'll depart San José early in the morning, stopping for a delicious breakfast, at the Ríos Tropicales Operations Center, before arriving at the river. Once at the river friendly and professional guides will load your gear into dry bags, prepare the equipment, give you complete safety, and paddle instruction. The first day's Class III rapids welcome you to the Pacuare gorge's charm as you raft deep in the heart of primary rainforest. While your guides prepare you a hearty picnic lunch on the riverbank, you'll be led through the jungle to an enchanting waterfall and pool to swim.  Before you know it, you'll arrive at the award-winning Ríos Tropicales Lodge where you can spend the afternoon relaxing, hiking or soaking in the waterfalls and pools. As an exciting new addition, you can brave the Canopy Zip lines for unparalleled views of the stunning forest.  The lodge is nestled in the jungle on a 1,000-acre private reserve and offers basic, but comfortable, accommodations.  Private single and double rooms are spacious offering beds with clean linens and private bathrooms with showers. Electricity is generated by a self-sufficient hydro-plant. Happy Hour will put you in the mood for a tropical evening, followed by a luscious candlelight dinner with wine served by your guides.  Then fall asleep to the roar of the river.

Day 3:   Pacuare River Rafting (Continued): After a hearty breakfast and loading the rafts, you'll prepare to paddle down the Pacuare gorge past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. A snack stop by the riverside lets you explore more waterfalls and natural waterslides. An adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montañas and many more, will have you cheering ecstatically. Hot lunch will be served at the Ríos Tropicales Operations Center. Showers, changing rooms, cold and hot drinks and snacks are also available. On the return drive to San José, you'll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano.

Late this afternoon, you will transfer to the Hotel Casa Turire in Turrialba for overnight. This intimate plantation home is located within a private sugar cane, macadamia and coffee plantation in a valley on the banks of the Reventazon River. It features abundant gardens, tennis court, a spring-fed swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a gourmet restaurant, on-site masseuse, tour desk, laundry service and complete concierge service. All subtly elegant rooms offer satellite TV, ceiling fans, safety deposit boxes, private balconies, and hair dryers.  

Day 4:  This morning, you will transfer to the a private dock for a scenic 2 hour boat ride to Tortuguero on the northern Caribbean coast. Arrive at the Mawamba Lodge, located on a sand bar between Tortuguero Lagoon and primitive beaches of the Caribbean, for overnight. The lodge offers comfortable rooms, a private dock on the canals, 2 family style restaurants and swimming pool with bar. The lodge is a good base for exploring Tortuguero National Park's (pay entrance upon arrival) slow moving jungle canals and tropical lowland forest. This afternoon take an optional tour of the village of Tortuguero and/or visit the Caribbean Conservation Corporation Museum.

Day 5:  Today tour the canals by boat with local guides to observe the flora and fauna of the area. Look for beautiful shore birds, lizards, toucans, monkeys, caimans, and sloth. You will have the opportunity to hike the jungle trails to an amazing vista overlooking the ocean and forest or walk into town. Optional night boat tours are available at additional cost (turtle nesting is from July to October). Overnight Mawamba Lodge.

Day 6:  This morning transfer to the local airstrip for a short flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, you will transfer by ground approximately 4 hours to the Arenal Volcano. Arenal is one of the world's most active volcanoes, famous for its frequent eruptions, lava streams and incandescent rock explosions. Arrive at the Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens, located in the Northern Lowlands of Costa Rica. A world of comfort and style surrounded by an untouched natural paradise, Arenal Nayara Hotel is truly a tranquil oasis. The hotel property is surrounded by tropical rainforest and has a small creek running along the lower ridge; it is a very popular place for tropical birds to gather. The bungalows at Arenal Nayara all offer direct Volcano views and spacious balconies with a private Jacuzzi, an ideal setting to relax amidst the breathtaking view of the volcano. The hotel’s colorful tropical architecture style in many ways mirrors the beauty of Costa Rica’s natural wonders and gives the opportunity to enjoy the best of the authentic Costa Rica hospitality.

Day 7:   Canyoning Tour: Explore waterfalls and gorges using the aid of specialized techniques and standard mountaineering equipment. Begin with a brief safety talk before gearing up and embarking on a short trek to the top of the first waterfall where we start our descent.  There are 4 rappels ranging in height from 50 meters to 20 meters, and are all guaranteed to get your blood moving!  We have constructed trail that lead you from waterfall to waterfall through the canyon.  A short trek through the canyon will lead you back to base for lunch with a view of the Arenal Volcano. Get ready for vertical water, dense jungle vegetation, undisturbed wildlife, solitude, adventure and an adrenaline rush!

Day 8:  Free day to explore / hike around the volcano region, horseback ride to La Fortuna Waterfall, visit Tabacon Hot springs, float through Cano Negro reserve, explore Venado caves, or take a mountain bike tour. Guided excursions at additional cost can be pre-booked or arranged upon arrival. In addition, The Arenal Nayara Hotel maintains beautiful tropical gardens and reflection pond that sets the tranquil tone for the entire property; the pool and large Jacuzzi and wet bar provide a place to rest after enjoying the various activities of the region. Overnight Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens.

Day 9: This morning, you will Transfer from Arenal to Monteverde via Arenal Lake by Boat:  Early morning pick up at hotel for local transfer to boat launch at Arenal Dam.  Passengers will board a very comfortable and safe pontoon boat for a 40-minute ride to the dock at Rio Chiquito, a small town on the shore of Lake Arenal.  Upon arrival, passengers will ground transfer about one and a half hours to Monteverde Cloud Forest. This high elevation forest of dense vegetation, literally in the clouds, creates a mystical and eerie setting for hiking and wildlife observation.  Arrive at El Sapo Dorado for overnight. This unique and special lodge offers cozy cabin-style accommodations with excellent views of the valley and the Pacific Coast, fireplaces, a restaurant, patio and bar.

Day 10:  Sky Tram and Sky Trek Guided Tour:  After a short transfer, arrive at Costa Rica Sky Adventures.  The Sky Tram is a high technology cableway that goes though the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest with spectacular views.  The tour starts with a 30-minute ride on the cableway, where you can have a different perspective of the flora and fauna with an expert Costa Rican guide.  The Sky Tram ends at a wide observation platform where the Sky Trek begins.   This is one of the most extensive canopy tours in the country with 2 very long cables that consists of 11 cross-sectional zip lines.  Start the adventure full of adrenaline over the tops of the trees.  In addition, the tour also includes two observation platforms that exceed the top of the trees to offer a panoramic view towards the areas of San Carlos, Puntarenas and Guanacaste.  Afterwards return to your hotel. Overnight El Sapo Dorado.

Day 11:  This morning, you will transfer by ground approximately 5 hours to Nosara on the Pacific Coast.  Arrive at the Harmony Hotel for overnight (located on Playa Guiones).  Inspired by the old school tropical destinations of eras that appreciated relaxed glamour and total escape, the harmony is the perfect setting for people to get in tune with their natural rhythm.  This eco-friendly lodge is just steps away from the beach and one of the best surfing breaks in Costa Rica.  All rooms feature king size beds but the bungalows are larger with a vanity area and wicker seating furniture.  The restaurant features all natural foods specializing in vegetarian and fresh juices.  There are also a variety of restaurants nearby. 

Day 12 – 13:  Free days to relax.  Enjoy the beach, pool, spa services, yoga classes and surf lessons.  Nearby there are several local restaurant choices and the village of Nosara.  Optional guided tours are available at additional cost including guided hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, sport fishing, sailing charters, canopy zip-line tour, Olive Ridley Sea Turtles Nesting tour (Ostional Wildlife Refuge), Barra Honda national Park and Caves, Las Baulas Marine Park and more are available upon arrival.  Overnight at Harmony Hotel.

Day 14:  This morning, you will transfer by ground approximately 3 hours to the international airport in Liberia for your afternoon departure.

INCLUDES:

• One way San Jose international airport transfer
• 1 night Hotel Grano de Oro, standard room
• Pacuare Overnight Whitewater Rafting – includes transfers, guide, equipment, all meals and 1 night lodging at the Rios Tropicales Lodge
• 1 night Hotel Casa Turire, standard room – breakfast included
• One way transfer Turrialba / Tortuguero Boat Dock
• 2 nights Mawamba Lodge, standard room – includes roundtrip ground and boat transfers, all meals, and local tours *Park entrance not included
• One way domestic flight Tortuguero / San Jose *Max 25 lbs baggage per person to avoid excess weight charges*
• One way private ground transfer San Jose / Arenal
• 3 nights Hotel Arenal Nayara, deluxe room – breakfast daily included
• Canyoning Tour – includes transfers, guide, entrance fees, equipment and lunch
• Boat transfer from Arenal / Monteverde – includes boat and ground transfers
• 2 nights Hotel Sapo Dorado, sunset suite – breakfast daily included
• Sky Trek & Sky Tram – includes transfers, guide, entrance fees and equipment
• One way private ground transfer Monteverde / Nosara
• 3 nights Harmony Hotel, 1 bedroom bungalow – breakfast daily included
• One way private ground transfer Nosara / Liberia
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED

Price valid through October 31, 2012