Unforgettable Family Eco-Adventure
It also takes you to some of the country’s most active volcano, and lets you enjoy such safe but exciting adventure sports as white water rafting and mountain biking.
Day 1 - Arrival in San José
We’ll meet at the airport and take you to the Hotel Don Carlos, in a historic neighborhood of San José. That elegant Victorian home was built in the early 20th century and has been completely refurbished as a comfortable, charming inn.
Overnight at Hotel Don Carlos, or similar.
Day 2 - Rafting down Sarapiquí River and overnight in Arenal
Your adventure begins early, when we pick you up for the drive into the misty mountains north of San José, past small coffee farming towns, exuberant tropical forests and amazing views. We’ll stop for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast, then head into the lush lowlands of the northeastern Sarapiquí region, where the forests hold such varied wildlife as parrots, toucans, white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas and sloths.
Upon arrival at the Sarapiquí River put-in, our experienced guides will give you a quick course on rafting and brief you on our rigorous safety measures before getting started on this 9-mile river journey. A narrow, low-volume river, the Sarapiquí is ideal for white-water novices and families, who will enjoy its small but exciting rapids. Trees along the river provide refuge for an array of birds and other wildlife, and the river’s tranquil stretches let you bird watch, and enjoy the passing tropical scenery. A picnic lunch is served on the riverbank before paddling the last stretch of the river. Take out is in the early afternoon, when you can change into dry clothes in our private restroom facilities.
From here, the journey continues to magnificent Arenal Volcano, a perfectly conical peak surrounded by verdant countryside, mountains and rainforest. Costa Rica’s most active volcano, Arenal emits sporadic firework displays accompanied by loud explosions, mushroom clouds of gray smoke and rivers of molten lava. You’ll stay at the splendid Montaña de Fuego Hotel or similar . Pick up at 5:30pm at your hotel for your transfer to Tabacòn Hot Springs. Soak your tired muscles in the crystalline hot springs while you and your childrens play in warm pools surrounded by tropical gardens. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness the breathtaking sight of glowing rock and lava showers cascading down the volcano’s slopes. Dinner will be at Tabacòn. Overnight at Montaña de Fuego Hotel , or similar.
Day 3 – Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest
After breakfast, you can choose between a guided hike or mountain bike tour in the area between Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. The journey starts at Arenal Dam, with a view of that vast, manmade reservoir and Arenal Volcano, from where heads through pastures and patches of rain forest to the entrance of Arenal Volcano National Park. You may spot various bird species on the trip, such as toucans, trogons, oropendolas and raucous flocks of parakeets, or parrots. After this morning of nature exploration, you’ll return to your hotel for a leisurely lunch, after which you’ll embark on the next leg of the adventure.
From here, we drive around the lake and up into the Tilarán Cordillera to Monteverde – Costa Rica's premier cloud forest preserve. That tranquil mountain enclave is surrounded by lush wilderness that is home to about 400 bird species, including the brown jay, blue-crowned motmot, emerald toucanet and resplendent quetzal: one of the world’s rarest, and most beautiful birds. Those misty forests full of tree ferns, palms and massive ficus trees draped with mosses and other plants are also home to howler monkeys, coatis and other wildlife. You’ll arrive in time to visit one of the local reserves in the late afternoon, when the birds are more active. You and your family will stay in El Establo Hotel – a charming lodge with a large garden in the heart of the community of Monteverde, within walking distance of the Butterfly Garden and other attractions. Overnight at El Establo, or similar.
Day 4 - Monteverde Cloud Forest
After a restful night in the cool mountain air, you’ll head to SkyWalk: a system of trails and suspension bridges through the cloud forest canopy. There, you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of the cloud forest canopy – an elevated ecosystem of mosses, ferns, bromeliads, orchids and other flowering plants growing on the branches of massive tropical trees. This is where most cloud forest birds and other animals spend the bulk of their time. The afternoon will be open for you and your family to explore the area – visit the local Cheese Factory, Butterfly Garden, Serpentarium, or Ecological Farm, take a horseback tour, or hike into the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. Overnight at El Establo, or similar.
Day 5 - Guanacaste and the Pacific Coast
After a hearty breakfast, you’re off for more natural adventure. A drive of about 5 hours will take you down out of the mountains and across the rolling lowlands of Guanacaste Province to Tamarindo, on Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast. That area has Costa Rica’s sunniest weather, and you are pretty much guaranteed clear skies between December and May. Tamarindo and adjacent Langosta Beach are backed by patches of rare tropical dry forest, where you might spot white-throated magpie jays, black iguanas, howler monkeys and other wildlife. Your hotel, the Capitán Suizo, is the perfect place for nature lovers since the entire grounds are forested, the pool resembles a jungle lagoon, and the beach is a short walk from the rooms. Overnight at Capitán Suizo, or similar.
Day 6 – Guanacaste beach life
Enjoy your hotel's luxuriant grounds and beachfront location, or take a day trip to such nearby beaches as Playa Langosta, or Playa Grande. There are plenty of outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy in the area, including deep-sea fishing, snorkeling trips, horseback riding, or simply relaxing on the beach. The hotel is at the end of the Tamarindo beach, a short trip from either Langosta Beach, or the center of town, which holds an array of restaurants and shops. Overnight at Capitán Suizo, or similar.
Day 7 – Morning on the beach, fly to San José
After half a day of fun in the sun, surf and sand, a comfortable minivan will pick you up around 12:30 p.m. If you are driving a rental car you will return it at your hotel. Your family will be taken to a nearby airport for the one-hour flight in a light plane to San José. You’ll be taken from the airport to your San José hotel. In the afternoon, visit one of the city’s hotels, stroll the Avenida Central, or shop. Enjoy a good dinner at one of the many hotels near your hotel. Overnight at Don Carlos, or similar.
Day 8 - Departure
After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight back home, or an optional extension.
Above itinerary includes: Two-night stay at Hotel Don Carlos in San José, or similar accommodation with breakfast included; full-day Sarapiquí rafting trip with breakfast & lunch included; 1-night stay at Montaña de Fuego Hotel , or similar, dinner, breakfast and guided mountain biking tour; 2-night stay at Monteverde's El Establo Hotel, or similar, breakfast included; visit to SkyWalk in Monteverde; two-night stay at Hotel Capitán Suizo, Tamarindo, or similar; all land transfers and one-way Tamarindo--San José flight.
Transportation Options
Semi-Private Transfer: The day after your arrival, Aventuras Naturales will pick you up from your hotel in San José in a comfortable minivan. We will drive you and that day's rafting companions all the way to Sarapiquí River put-in. At the end of the Sarapiquí Rafting trip, a comfortable mini-van will be waiting for you and your family for the remainder of the trip. For your return, we will transfer you to the airport near your beach hotel for the short flight back to San José. Once you reach the airport in San José, we will provide a private transfer to your hotel.
Prices
High season January- April 2010 & July 1- July 31, 2010
Price per family of 2 adults & 2 kids under 12 years old : $4.455.00
Low season May- June 30th & August 1- December 15, 2010
Price per family of 2 adults & 2 kids under 12 years old : $3.867.00
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