Eco Safari Splurge

Day 1:   Upon arrival, take the complimentary shuttle to the San Jose Marriott Hotel for overnight. Set on a coffee plantation, this Spanish colonial-hacienda style deluxe resort – located only a few minutes from the international airport and a few minutes from downtown San Jose - offers spacious rooms, large outdoor swimming pools, health club, whirlpools, putting green and driving range, martini bar, salon and full-service amenities such as room service and concierge.  In room, luxuries include voicemail, data ports on phones, high-speed internet access, mini-bar, hairdryer and bathrobe.

Day 2:  Today, you will transfer to the domestic airport in San Jose where you will board a private charter flight for your Tortuguero Air Safari. Your Air Safari will start by flying over the Braulio Carrillo National park. We will then descend over the Caribbean lowlands to Tortuguero. Upon landing in Tortuguero you will be treated to a typical Costa Rican breakfast at a local lodge and a 2 hour boat ride with a nature guide through the famous inland canals of Tortuguero, famous for its bio-diverse flora and fauna including monkey's, crocodiles, turtles, and exotic birds. This half day Air Safari will leave a lasting impression. This Air Safari by far is the best way to visit and experience the unique beauty and natural wonders of Tortuguero national park. This afternoon, you will return to the San Jose Marriott for overnight.

Day 3:   This morning, you will transfer to the domestic airport in San Jose, for the private charter flight 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. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the Lost Iguana Resort.  The lodge is located on a 100-acre rainforest property and offers a pristine and dramatic view of the volcano on a clear night.  The Lost Iguana offers spacious rooms with private balconies overlooking the Arenal Volcano and Arenal River gorge, as well as miles of foot trails for exploration.  All rooms are equipped with a/c, telephone, and cable TV.  Tonight watch for dramatic “fireworks” of vapor and lava from your room.  Overnight Lost Iguana Resort.

Day 4:  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. Overnight Lost Iguana Resort.

Day 5:   This morning, you will transfer to the domestic airport in Arenal for your private charter flight to Quepos. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort, located next to the Manuel Antonio National Park on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.  Unique and spectacular beach and nature experiences combined with highest levels of comfort and sustainability in a local Costa Rican setting define the concept of Arenas del Mar.

The resort caters to tourists that are looking for more than just another high-end resort experience. Offering luxurious lodging in a spectacular beach and rainforest setting with upscale dining in two hotel restaurants and personalized service that exceeds guest expectations. Other hotel facilities include a small spa located below the main restaurant/bar, a gift shop featuring local art and souvenirs and a state of the art business center near the hotel lobby.

The property is flanked by 2 pristine public beaches.  Playa Espadillas is a long stretch of beach leading to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park.  We recommend this beach for those with children and for guests who would like to take walks, swim or surf and enjoy the wonderful view of the National Park. The second beach “Playitas” is a small cove beach with rough surf, located adjacent to the lower level of the hotel.  This beach is known as a gay beach and does have some nudity at times.   Guests of Arenas de Mar may prefer Playa Espadillas.

Day 6:   Manuel Antonio National Park Private 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 Arenas del Mar.

Day 7 – 8:   Free days to explore the region.  The resort overlooks the Manuel Antonio National Park and has direct beach access to two separate beaches. Other attractions and tours include hiking with naturalist guides for wildlife observation, adventure canopy tour, sport fishing, sea kayaking, mountain biking, 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 Arenas del Mar.

Day 9:   This morning you will transfer to the domestic airport in Quepos for the short scenic flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the international airport for departure.

INCLUDES:

• 2 nights San Jose Marriott Hotel, 2 deluxe rooms – includes breakfast and international airport shuttle
• Roundtrip San Jose domestic airport transfers
• Tortuguero Air Safari – includes roundtrip flights, tour and breakfast
• One way San Jose domestic airport transfer
• One way private charter flight San Jose / Arenal  *Max 1100 lbs (baggage and passengers) on the 6 passenger plane **A $7.00 per person airport fee is payable directly at the Fortuna / Arenal Airstrip
• Roundtrip Arenal airstrip transfers
• 2 nights Lost Iguana Lodge, celebrity villa plan B – breakfast daily included
• One way private charter flight Arenal / Quepos *Max 1100 lbs (baggage and passengers) on the 6 passenger plane **A $7.00 per person airport fee is payable directly at the Fortuna / Arenal Airstrip
• Roundtrip Quepos airstrip transfers
• 4 nights Arenas del Mar, ocean view apartment – breakfast daily included
• Manuel Antonio National Park Private Guided Hike – includes transfers, guide, entrance fees and snack
• One way private charter flight Quepos / San Jose *Max 1100 lbs (baggage and passengers) on the 6 passenger plane
• One way San Jose international airport transfer
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED

Prices valid through October 31, 2009