Costa Rica Is Pura Vida

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. There are gardens at Grano de Oro both inside and out. 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: Early this morning, you will be picked up for the approximate 4 hour ground transfer (with a stop for breakfast) to the private dock for a scenic 2 hours 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 3: 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 4: This morning transfer to the local airstrip for a short flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, you will pick up a rental 4 x 4 vehicle and drive approximately 5 hours to the North Pacific Coast.  Arrive at theTamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort for overnight. This medium sized hotel is located down by the shore  - wonderfully close to the crashing surf - featuring restaurant, bar, large swimming pool, tennis court, gaming room, tour desk and 70 rooms with a/c, cable TV and telephones.

Day 5 – 7: Free days to relax on the beach or explore the area.  Optional tours are available at additional cost including sport fishing, biking, horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, and sailing. Guided tours can be pre-booked or arranged upon arrival at additional cost such as boat ride through the Tamarindo Mangroves and Estuary, Corobici River float trip, Palo Verde National Park & River, Santa Rosa National Park, Jeep Safari, Liberia City Tour & Souvenir Shopping, and Coastal Cruise to Catalina Islands.   Overnight at Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort.

Day 8: Today, you will drive about 5 hours back to San Jose.  Arrive at the Hotel Grano de Oro for overnight.  This evening, you will return the 4X4 vehicle. The remainder of the day is free to explore San Jose or to do some last minute shopping.

Day 9: This morning, you will transfer to the International Airport for departure.

INCLUDES:

• Roundtrip San Jose International Airport Transfers
• 2 nights Hotel Grano de Oro, deluxe room
• 2 nights Mawamba Lodge, Standard room – includes roundtrip boat and ground transfers, all meals and local tours (Park entrance fees not included)
• 4X4 Vehicle (5 day rental) – Includes automatic transmission, unlimited mileage, a/c and mandatory insurance *A $750.00 deductible applies
• 4 nightsTamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort, sunset ocean view room – breakfast daily included
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED

Prices valid through October 31, 2009