Costa Rica Adventure

The excitement of whitewater rafting, hiking and soothing hot springs combined with your choice of tropical beaches or cloud forest adventure

An ideal trip for those who want a little adventure, beautiful sights and some time to just plain kick back on the beach. Enjoy the excitement of whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, hiking and soothing hot springs at Arenal Volcano, Choose from the palm-fringed beaches on the Pacific Coast, or the bio-diverse Monteverde Cloud Forest. From one side of Costa Rica to the other, an exciting and fun way to get a good taste of this diverse country and enjoy some relaxing holiday time.

2009 Departure Dates:  Jan 24-31, Feb 14-21, Feb 28-Mar 7, Apr 25-May 2, Jun 6-13, July 25-Aug 1; Aug 22-29; Sep 5-12; Nov 14-21; Dec 24-31

We will open a new date with a minimum of 4 people

2009 price: $1155 per person, based on double occupancy

• Note: Surcharge for holiday departures (underlined above): $126 per person
• Valid until Oct 31, 2009

Note: This is a fully escorted tour with specific departure dates. Private tours and trip extensions can be arranged on request.

Itinerary

Day 1:   Arrive to San Jose.  After welcoming you at San Jose airport your guide will bring you to a comfortable hotel in the city and take time to answer any questions, meet the group and prepare for your multi-activity adventure trip. The evening is free to explore San Jose.

Day 2:   The adventure begins with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the “put in” on the Pacuare River for our two-day whitewater rafting adventure. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids exploring the magnificent river valley. This afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, “El Nido del Tigre.” Nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river, take time to explore the lush environment first hand looking out for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Today the Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and point out the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time out to do some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres we drive to the small town of La Fortuna, the closest town to Arenal Volcano.   (B, L)

Day 4:   In the morning we enjoy a beautiful hike through the tropical rainforest, walking for 2 hours on the Arenal hanging bridges with wonderful panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. We will continue with a visit to the breathtaking Rio Fortuna waterfall. We are immersed in the spectacular flora and fauna as we descend through the undergrowth to the base of this 120ft waterfall we take time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool. After lunch we take a guided hike through rainforest trails to the main observation viewpoint for the volcano. If the weather is clear it is often possible to see fireworks, molten lava and gas eruptions from the volcano. Late afternoon we relax in mineral hot springs before having a delicious dinner. (B, L, D)

From Arenal you have two options:

Option #1: Exploring the Coastal Area-Manuel Antonio National Park

Days 5 & 6: Today we leave Arenal and cross the country to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica which is a treasure chest of natural beauty. Rainforest dramatically meets beach and the sea and Manuel Antonio is a great place to relax and enjoy the beach or the National Park. You will often be awakened by the local monkeys - howler, white-faced and squirrel are the most common in the area, as well as iguanas and land crabs. You will find many options for lunch, either on the beach itself or in the town and there are some unique restaurants to explore for dinner. (B)

Day 7:  BEACH / SAN JOSE . The morning is free to spend a few more hours enjoying the beach. After lunch, you will be transferred to San Jose (25 minute local flight is also an option at an additonal charge). The evening may be spent taking in the sights and sounds of San José. (B)

Day 8:   You'll be transferred to the airport for your international departure flights. (B)

Option #2: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Day 5: ARENAL TO MONTEVERDE You have a choice of transportation for your journey to Monteverde:

a)  Horseback riding between the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde offers the best views of the volcano and lush mountains. Your luggage will either accompany you by packhorse or be transported by boat (weather dependent). If you are looking for a little adventure and a chance to get around in Costa Rica without having to take a bus or taxi then this is the way to go! (approximately 4 hours). Or

b)  For those not comfortable with a horseback ride, take a 30 minute boat ride across the picturesque Lake Arenal to the town of Río Chiquito on the south side of the Lake from where you will be transported by car to your hotel in Monteverde. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

Breakfast is included before you depart. You can choose your own spot for lunch and dinner in Monteverde.

Please make your mode of travel preference clear (Options a or b) at the time of reserving your trip. (B)

Day 6: MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST. There are a variety of optional activities in Monteverde: guided or solo hike through Monteverde or Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Canopy Tour, a walk around the galleries and coffee houses of Santa Elena, or tour of local cheese factory. (B)

Day 7: MONTEVERDE /SAN JOSE. You have some time this morning to continue to enjoy the Cloud Forest and have lunch before your pick up for the return journey to San Jose. The evening is free to enjoy the nightlife and restaurants of San Jose. (B)

Day 8:   You'll be transferred to the airport for your international departure flights. (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner

Trip Notes:

• Passengers traveling alone can share accommodations (same sex) for the same rate as double occupancy. If you prefer/request a single room, there is an additional charge.
• We can easily add additional nights at the beaches of Manuel Antonio, or in the Cloud Forest of Monteverde at the end of your trip
• Latin American Escapes, Inc. offers special contract airline rates to Latin America from most cities in the US, as well as special airpass rates for tickets with-in Latin America.  Please ask for a quote based on your trip itinerary.
• No camping equipment is needed for this trip for your stay on the Pacuare River as all bedding is supplied for you.  You will receive a complete list of recommended clothing and equipment necessary for this itinerary when you have paid a deposit and are confirmed on a trip.

To confirm reservations:

A deposit of $300 per person is required to confirm reservations. In addition, the following payment procedures apply:

Payment for airline tickets is due at the time tickets are issued, but no later than time of final payment.

Last Minute Bookings: Last minute reservations (less than 30 days before departure) will be accepted, subject to availability, if payment has been received, and documents can be delivered. Any special communication costs and delivery charges will be at the client's expense.

Revision Fee: Revision fees will apply once the initial deposit has been received. Charges will vary based on itinerary, and extent of changes, with a minimum charge of $50. Changes requested after documents have been issued (generally with-in 30 days) will incur a minimum $100 change fee, plus additional services requested.

International bookings: We gladly accept bookings from passengers outside the US. However, an additional surcharge of $50 per booking is applied to cover additional shipping charges.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS--At the time we receive written notification that you must cancel your trip, money will be returned less the following cancellation fees:

Trip Documents: Trip documents will be forwarded approximately 3 weeks prior to travel, and once all payments and completed application forms have been received.

Risk and Responsibility

In arranging these trips, Latin American Escapes, Inc. acts only as the agents for the owners, contractors and suppliers actually providing tour services for these trips with whom Latin American Escapes, Inc. has no legal connection or joint ownership. These local tour operators attempt to conduct these trips as described in the preceding itineraries. However, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, itineraries may vary from what is described. Participants are responsible for extra costs due to travel delay or itinerary changes for reasons beyond our control and assume all risks, whether identified in advance or unforeseen, as described under Limitation of Liability, and Trip Member Responsibility, located in our Terms and Conditions, which all travelers agree to sign. Traveler's insurance is not included, but is offered, and is strongly recommended. CST # 2023695-40.