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 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:   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 Playa Hermosa – Bosque del Mar. Located on one of the best maintained beaches in the country, Playa Hermosa offers visitors crystal clear blue waters and gorgeous scenery, making it the perfect place to experience the wonders of a beach holiday is sunny Guanacaste. This rustic and charming “Hemingway Type” hotel offers: bar, restaurant, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, lush tropical gardens with hammocks, laundry service and gated parking area. The 20 standard rooms plus the 12 new deluxe suites are located on a two-kilometers long grey sand beach, encircled by tropical forests and ridges of volcanic rock.

Day 5 – 7: Free days to explore the white sand beaches of Guanacaste. Playa Hermosa offers amazing diving safaris and snorkeling opportunities for those who enjoy being out in the sea. With some of the best scuba diving in the country, you can also have great fun renting out kayaks, sailboards, windsurfing equipment, canoes, jet skis and water bikes from the many shops that line the beach. Local tourist companies also offer organized fishing trips as well as catamaran rides along the Hermosa coast for those who prefer a more tranquil holiday. For those who prefer to try their luck on land, there are guided horseback tours available in the surrounding areas, as well as trips to a nearby gorgeous mangrove swamp. Guided tours can be pre-booked or arranged upon arrival at additional cost such as Palo Verde National Park, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Corobici River Float trip and Canopy Tours. Overnight Playa Hermosa – Bosque del Mar.

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 nights Playa Hermosa ~ Bosque del Mar, garden view suite
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED.

Prices valid through October 31, 2012