Classic Costa Rica

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:   This morning, you will meet with a bilingual guide and 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 Observatory Lodge (Isolated) for overnight. The lodge is located just 1.8 kilometers from the looming and active crater of Arenal Volcano.  Although the lodge is extremely close to the volcano, a deep river valley sits between the lodge and the volcano.  The lodge has spacious rooms. All are comfortable and most have volcano views from the privacy of your own bedroom. The hotel also features hiking trails, a seismograph and small museum, infinity pool and large Jacuzzi.

Day 3:    Free day to explore / hike around the volcano region. The Arenal Observatory Lodge sits on 870 acres of land adjacent to the Arenal Volcano National Park. Every morning, guests can meet with a guide for a complimentary morning walk. The adventure takes about 2 ½ hours and with more than 250 species of birds, three types of monkeys and a whole host of other mammals, insects, reptiles and plants and flowers, each excursion provides a different look at the tropical paradise. In addition, there are many guided tours available at additional cost including: hiking in Arenal National Park, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Arenal Hanging Bridges, canopy zipline tour, mountain biking and horseback riding to waterfalls, whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, and caving. Guided excursions can be pre-booked or arranged upon arrival. Overnight Arenal Observatory Lodge.

OR

Day 2:   This morning, you will meet with a bilingual guide and transfer by ground approximately 4 hours to the Arenal Volcano. Arenal is a tall, symmetrical, cone shaped volcano which dominates the landscape. Although the volcano is currently in a resting phase, the region offers an abundance of exciting opportunities. Arrive at the Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens, (centrally) located in the Northern Lowlands of Costa Rica. The hotel 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 casitas offer direct volcano views and spacious balconies with a private Jacuzzi, an ideal setting to relax amidst the breathtaking view of the volcano. Amenities include plasma cable TV, DVD/CD Player, iPod stand, complimentary wireless internet, air conditioning, mini fridge, and backyard outside shower. The hotel’s colorful tropical architecture style mirrors the beauty of the areas’ natural wonders.

Day 3:   Free day to explore / hike around the volcano region. 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. Some activities include horseback ride to La Fortuna Waterfall, visit to Hot springs,  canopy zipline tour, whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, safari float tour, Venado Caves, or take a mountain bike tour. Guided excursions at additional cost can be pre-booked or arranged upon arrival. Overnight Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens.

Day 4:   This morning, you will Transfer from Arenal to Monteverde via Arenal Lake by Boat. Early this morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for local transfer to the 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 the Monteverde Cloud Forest. This high-elevation forest, literally in the clouds, is incredible for hiking and wildlife observation – especially bird watching. Arrive at Fonda Vela for overnight. The lodge offers cabin-style accommodations in several buildings spread across the landscaped property. It also features 2 restaurants (often with live music), bar, paintings throughout by one of the area’s original settlers, and 35-acres of lush forest and pastures. Remainder of the day is free to hike (night hikes available), relax or bird watch from the veranda.

Day 5:    Free day to explore the dream-like, misty forest. Take a guided hike of the Monteverde Reserve, visit the butterfly farm or cheese factory, and take an adventure canopy tour by harness and pulley or horseback ride. Overnight Fonda Vela.
 
Day 6:   This morning, you will meet with a bilingual guide and transfer by ground approximately 5 hours to the Manuel Antonio / Quepos area on the Central Pacific coast. Arrive at Hotel Si Como No for overnight. This award-winning hotel is an exemplary combination of environmentalism, stunning design and barefoot luxury located in a lush tropical rainforest overlooking the ocean.  The hotel's 60 rooms are distributed on ten acres of protected tropical forest. Each room has well-appointed bathrooms, fully stocked mini-bars, most with private balconies (offering rainforest or ocean views), direct dial telephones, energy efficient air conditioning and security safes. 

Two unique pool atmospheres are offered – a family pool with toboggan slide and an adult pool for guests 18 and over, both contoured into the jungle terraces, with swim up pool bars, whirlpool spas and adjacent open air terraced restaurants.  Enjoy a casual meal at the Rico Tico Bar & Grill (live entertainment nightly) or upscale dining in a casual setting at the Claro Que Si Restaurant (specializing in seafood and authentic Caribbean dishes).  Other features include the Serenity Spa, Regalame Art Gallery, Gift Shop and Internet Cafe, Nature Farm, and Butterfly Garden.  A state-of-the-art cinema (offering nightly movies) is a surprise feature of this jungle paradise.  Remainder of the afternoon is free to explore.   Overnight Hotel Si Como No.

Day 7:    Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike: Costa Rica’s favorite national park is tiny Manuel Antonio, featuring three of the country’s most beautiful white sand beaches bordered by dense rainforest and trails abundant in wildlife. Follow a professional naturalist guide for a moderate walk through the park. Keep your eyes and ears open to soak in the wonders of this tropical rainforest and its natural history. The animal life is diverse, with some 109 known species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Monkeys, sloth and coatis can all be seen from the beaches. Expect to spot two or three species of monkeys, sloth, white-nosed coatimundis, agoutis, colorful butterflies, iguanas and various birds. Bring a bathing suit and towel to enjoy the beaches after the tour. Overnight Hotel Si Como No.

Day 8:    Free day to take the complimentary shuttle down to the beach or plan day trips. Manuel Antonio National Park contains three of the country’s most beautiful beaches and casual trails that wind through the rainforest where it grows to the water’s edge.  Other attractions and tours include hiking with naturalist guides for wildlife observation, adventure canopy tour, sport fishing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, mountain biking, ATV tours, Dolphin Watch boat tour, horseback riding, bird watching, Butterfly Farm Tour, exploring the Isla Damas Estuary by kayak or boat, Rainmaker Reserve and suspension bridges, Sunset Sailing and whitewater rafting. Guided excursions at additional cost can be pre-booked or arranged upon arrival.  Don’t forget to visit the fun shops and restaurants in the old United Fruit Company town of Quepos. Overnight Hotel Si Como No.

Day 9:   This morning free in Manuel Antonio. This afternoon you will transfer to the domestic airport in Quepos for the short flight to San Jose.  Upon arrival, you will transfer to the Hotel Grano de Oro for overnight.  The remainder of the day is free to explore San Jose or to do some last minute shopping.

Day 10: This morning, you will transfer domestic airport for a short, scenic flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival into San Jose, you will transfer to the International Airport for departure.

INCLUDES:

• Roundtrip San Jose International Airport Transfers
• 2 nights Hotel Grano de Oro, standard double room
• • One way private ground transfer with guide San Jose / Arenal
• 2 nights Arenal Observatory Lodge, Smithsonian double room – includes breakfast daily
• OR
• 2 nights Arenal Nayara, deluxe casita – breakfast daily included
• • Lake Crossing from Arenal / Monteverde – includes boat and ground transfers
• 2 nights Hotel Fonda Vela, standard double room
• One way private ground transfer with guide Monteverde / Manuel Antonio
• 3 nights Hotel Si Como No, superior double room – includes breakfast daily
• Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike, includes: transfers, guide, entrance and snack
• One-way Quepos Airport Transfer
• One-way flight from Quepos to San Jose *Max 25 lbs of baggage per person to avoid excess weight charges
• One-way Domestic Airport Transfer
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED

Price valid through October 31, 2012