Family Exploration

Option 1 – Si Como No

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:  Poás Volcano National Park Tour - After a scenic drive through Alajuela, arrive at Poás Volcano, one of the deepest active volcanoes in the world.  Having erupted last in 1978, Poás emits a continuous flow of steam from vents adjacent to a lake deep within the main crater. Hike to the second crater, with a crystal clear rain-fed lake surrounded by lush tropical jungle, located a half-mile away via a trail through dwarf cloud forest. Among the 80 species of birds reported, several are unique to this unusual habitat. Then visit the La Paz Waterfalls and Gardens - a beautiful private wildlife refuge. Hike along nature trails and across suspended bridges to see 4 waterfalls including the magnificent La Paz, lots of wildlife, a butterfly garden, orchid garden, hummingbird garden and more in this cloud forest and rain forest. Enjoy lunch before returning to San Jose.  Overnight at the Hotel Grano de Oro.

Day 3:  This morning you will transfer to the domestic airport in San Jose for the short scenic flight to Puerto Jimenez on the remote Osa Peninsula.  Upon arrival, you will transfer by ground and boat to the Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge for overnight.  The small size of Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge allows for a more intimate experience with nature. The cabins, guestrooms and the main house are uniquely designed to create a seamless and enjoyable transition between the indoors and outdoors.  Three exceptional meals are prepared each day by their chefs. Emphasis is on local cuisine and fresh fish, tropical fruits and vegetables.  All cabins and rooms have canopied beds, ceiling fans, private terraces, and private baths with hot water and open-air garden shower. The full-length doors that wrap around your room and private verandas afford panoramic views of your natural surroundings.

Day 4 – 5:  Free days to enjoy Golfo Dulce’s 80-degree blue green waters. Kayak the Golfo Dulce right off the beachfront. The water is calm and perfect for swimming. Spend a relaxing hour or a challenging day kayaking and exploring along the coastline and through nearby mangroves. Stop and snorkel along the way! In-shore and off-shore fishing guarantee a fresh fish dinner. You can also explore the jungle by hiking the labyrinth of trails that wind through the rainforest canopy, up the mountainside, and connect through the National Park. Listen to the howler monkeys, watch and hear the calls of any one of the 250 species of birds, and end up at a waterfall. Or, just relax in a hammock under the almond tree by the sea and take in the ocean and mountain views while listening to the rhythmic waves.  Overnight Playa Nicuesa Lodge.

Day 6:  This morning transfer by boat to Puerto Jimenez for the short flight to the Manuel Antonio / Quepos area on the Central Pacific coast. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the 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 7 – 8: Free days 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, 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 Hotel Si Como No.

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 International Airport for your afternoon departure.

INCLUDES:

• Roundtrip San Jose international airport transfers
• 2 nights Hotel Grano de Oro, deluxe room
• Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour – Includes transfers, guide, entrance and lunch
• One way San Jose domestic airport transfer
• One-way flight from San Jose / Puerto Jimenez * Max 25 lbs of baggage per person to avoid excess weight charges
• 3 nights Playa Nicuesa, 2 bedroom unit – includes boat pick up and drop off from town of arrival and departure, 3 meals a day, unlimited self-guided hikes, use of kayaks, windsurfers, snorkeling and fishing equipment
• One way domestic flight Puerto Jimenez / Quepos *Max 25 lbs baggage per person to avoid excess weight charges
• Roundtrip Quepos airstrip transfers
• 3 nights Hotel Si Como No, deluxe suite – breakfast daily included
• One way domestic flight Quepos / San Jose *Max 25 lbs baggage per person to avoid excess weight charges*
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED

Option 2 – Arenas del Mar (upgrade)

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:  Poás Volcano National Park Tour - After a scenic drive through Alajuela, arrive at Poás Volcano, one of the deepest active volcanoes in the world.  Having erupted last in 1978, Poás emits a continuous flow of steam from vents adjacent to a lake deep within the main crater. Hike to the second crater, with a crystal clear rain-fed lake surrounded by lush tropical jungle, located a half-mile away via a trail through dwarf cloud forest. Among the 80 species of birds reported, several are unique to this unusual habitat. Then visit the La Paz Waterfalls and Gardens - a beautiful private wildlife refuge. Hike along nature trails and across suspended bridges to see 4 waterfalls including the magnificent La Paz, lots of wildlife, a butterfly garden, orchid garden, hummingbird garden and more in this cloud forest and rain forest. Enjoy lunch before returning to San Jose.  Overnight at the Hotel Grano de Oro.

Day 3:  This morning you will transfer to the domestic airport in San Jose for the short scenic flight to Puerto Jimenez on the remote Osa Peninsula.  Upon arrival, you will transfer by ground and boat to the Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge for overnight.  The small size of Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge allows for a more intimate experience with nature. The cabins, guestrooms and the main house are uniquely designed to create a seamless and enjoyable transition between the indoors and outdoors.  Three exceptional meals are prepared each day by their chefs. Emphasis is on local cuisine and fresh fish, tropical fruits and vegetables.  All cabins and rooms have canopied beds, ceiling fans, private terraces, and private baths with hot water and open-air garden shower. The full-length doors that wrap around your room and private verandas afford panoramic views of your natural surroundings.

Day 4 – 5:  Free days to enjoy Golfo Dulce’s 80-degree blue green waters. Kayak the Golfo Dulce right off the beachfront. The water is calm and perfect for swimming. Spend a relaxing hour or a challenging day kayaking and exploring along the coastline and through nearby mangroves. Stop and snorkel along the way! In-shore and off-shore fishing guarantee a fresh fish dinner. You can also explore the jungle by hiking the labyrinth of trails that wind through the rainforest canopy, up the mountainside, and connect through the National Park. Listen to the howler monkeys, watch and hear the calls of any one of the 250 species of birds, and end up at a waterfall. Or, just relax in a hammock under the almond tree by the sea and take in the ocean and mountain views while listening to the rhythmic waves.  Overnight Playa Nicuesa Lodge.

Day 6:  This morning transfer by boat to Puerto Jimenez for the short flight to the Manuel Antonio / Quepos area on the Central Pacific coast. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the Arenas del Mar. 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. Arenas del Mar offers a luxurious lodging experience in harmony with nature in a spectacular beach and rainforest setting. Guest rooms, apartments and suites offer spectacular ocean views, upscale dining in two hotel restaurants with a focus on fresh local products and personalized service that exceeds guest expectations.Overnight Arenas del Mar .

Day 7 – 8: Free days 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, 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 International Airport for your afternoon departure.

INCLUDES:

• Roundtrip San Jose international airport transfers
• 2 nights Hotel Grano de Oro, deluxe room
• Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour – Includes transfers, guide, entrance and lunch
• One way San Jose domestic airport transfer
• One-way flight from San Jose / Puerto Jimenez * Max 25 lbs of baggage per person to avoid excess weight charges
• 3 nights Playa Nicuesa, 2 bedroom unit – includes boat pick up and drop off from town of arrival and departure, 3 meals a day, unlimited self-guided hikes, use of kayaks, windsurfers, snorkeling and fishing equipment
• One way domestic flight Puerto Jimenez / Quepos *Max 25 lbs baggage per person to avoid excess weight charges
• Roundtrip Quepos airstrip transfers
• 3 nights Arenas del Mar, ocean breeze connecting rooms – breakfast daily included
• One way domestic flight Quepos / San Jose *Max 25 lbs baggage per person to avoid excess weight charges*
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED

Prices valid through October 31, 2010