Eco Safari Splurge

Day 1:   Upon arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica, you will transfer to the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel for overnight. The hotel is a beautiful colonial hacienda set on a 30 acre coffee plantation. With its unique architecture and elegant antiques, this luxury hotel features captivating grounds, exceptional service and a relaxing ambiance. The hotel is surrounded by the colorful landscape of the Central Valley's mountains.
 
 Located only a few minutes from the international airport, the resort offers spacious rooms that feature Marriott's new bedding, plush mattress, designer duvets, linens & pillows plus mini-bar, bathrobe, hair dryer; two telephones, cable TV, coffeemaker and a balcony with a view.  Relaxation awaits guests by two spectacular pools and a garden Jacuzzi. For active pastimes, there's a health club with weight room, exercise room, saunas and fitness center, jogging and nature trails, three tennis courts, and a driving range and golf pro shop.

Day 2:    This morning, you will transfer by ground approximately 4 hours (with a stop for breakfast) to the private dock for a scenic 2 hour boat ride to Tortuguero on the Northern Caribbean Coast. Arrive at Manatus Hotel for overnight.  Tortuguero features 11 different ecological habitats from high rainforest to herbaceous marsh communities, offering one of Costa Rica's most authentic jungle experiences. Manatus Hotel is a unique property in the area with upscale rooms and facilities, a delicious restaurant, relaxing Spa services, and the excitement of a variety of adventure tours.  There are only luxury rooms, all equipped with AC, a TV, private terrace, mini bar, two beautiful queen size beds and hand painted private bathrooms with hot water. Other facilities include restaurant, bar, pool, gardens, private forest reserve, art gallery, spa, internet, laundry service, and gym.

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. There are a great selection of tours and activities to try during your stay at this hotel including: fishing, canopy, kayak, water bikes, bird watching and much more. Optional night boat tours are available at additional cost (turtle nesting is from July to October). Overnight Manatus Hotel.

Day 4:   This morning, you will transfer to the domestic airport in Tortuguero, 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 5:    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 6:  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 Buena Vista Villas, which are set amid the peaceful 33 acre Tulemar Property, which slopes down to its own exclusive sandy beach. Discover the ultimate in luxury nestled in Costa Rica’s lush rainforest overlooking the beautiful Manuel Antonio coastline. Enjoy the privacy that villa and casa rentals provide, with all the amenities of a Costa Rica beach resort, including daily maid service, a pool, restaurant, bar, and more. All of these spacious villa rentals provide large furnished outdoor space, and panoramic views of the jungle and sea from each room! Note Buena Vista Villas is a non-smoking property.

Day 7:   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 Buena Vista Villas.

Day 8– 9:  Free days to relax on the beach or plan day trips. This property has its own exclusive sandy beach, which provides calm swimming and snorkeling without worry of undertow. Kayaks, boogie boards, beach toys, lounge chairs and towel service are all provided to guests. Outdoor showers and bathrooms are located on site. The beach is a 5-minute walk from the Villas, with shuttle service to and from beach. Food and beverage service is available. Other attractions and tours include hiking with naturalist guides for wildlife observation, adventure canopy tour, sport fishing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, mountain biking, Dolphin Watch boat tour, horseback riding, bird watching, Butterfly Farm Tour, exploring the Isla Damas Estuary by kayak or boat, 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 Buena Vista Villas.

Day 10:   This morning you will transfer to the domestic airport in Quepos for the private charter flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the international airport for your afternoon departure.

INCLUDES:

• Roundtrip San Jose international airport transfers
• 1 night San Jose Marriott Hotel, 2 deluxe rooms – includes breakfast
• 2 nights Manatus Resort, 2 standard rooms – includes roundtrip boat and ground transfers, all meals and local tours (park entrance not included)
• One way private charter flight Tortuguero / 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 Buena Vista Villas, 2 bedroom premium villa
• 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
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED

Prices valid through October 31, 2012