Classic Costa Rica (4x4)

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 hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. A rooftop terrace offers relaxing Jacuzzis and a spot for secluded sunbathing and stargazing. The restaurant is one of the most renowned in Costa Rica.

Day 2: This morning, a 4X4 rental vehicle will be delivered to the hotel.  Today, you will drive about 3 ½ 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 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: Today, you will drive about 5 hours around Lake Arenal 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 Hotel 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 4: 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 5: Today, you will drive about 4 – 5 hours to the Manuel Antonio / Quepos area on the Central Pacific Coast 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 6: 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 7: 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 white water 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 8: Morning free in Manuel Antonio. This afternoon, you will drive about 3 hours back to San Jose.  Arrive at the Hotel Grano de Oro for overnight.  Remainder of the day free to explore San Jose or to do some last minute shopping.  This evening return the 4X4 rental vehicle.

Day 9: Transfer to the International Airport for departure.

INCLUDES:

• Roundtrip San Jose International Airport Transfers
• 2 nights Hotel Grano de Oro, standard double room
• 4X4 Vehicle (1 week rental) – Includes automatic transmission, unlimited mileage, a/c and insurance *A $1000.00 deductible applies
• 1 night Arenal Observatory Lodge, Smithsonian double room – includes breakfast daily
• 2 nights Hotel Fonda Vela, standard double room
• 3 nights Hotel Si Como No, superior double room – includes breakfast daily
• Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike, includes: transfers, guide, entrance and snack
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED

Price valid through October 31, 2010