Cloud Forest
Adventure Package
 

DAY 1 - SAN JOSE -

"...all of us were so impressed with the service we received from you personally and everyone we met during our trip..." - Robin Martin

Arrive in San Jose, pick up at airport and transfer to Hotel Grano de Oro. A true oasis in the center of San Jose, this hotel exudes the charm and character of a stately mansion with the comfort and amenities of a fine hotel. Warmly decorated rooms and suites (all non-smoking), a secluded garden terrace with large Jacuzzi, and courtyards with fountains and abundance of tropical plants and flowers in a quiet area west of the town center. Delicious meals and desserts served in the intimate dining room, adjacent sunroom and tropical courtyard.

DAY 2 - ARENAL/TABACON -
Personal driver will pick you up shortly after breakfast to begin 4 hour journey to the ARENAL VOLCANO, Costa Rica's and one of the world's most active. Tour begins with a drive on the Interamerican Highway north to Zarcero, a picturesque small town dedicated to agriculture and dairy farms. This town features a very unique city park crowded with cypress trees trimmed in different shapes of animals and objects related to the daily life in this area. En route stop for a relaxing soak at the thermal pools of Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, whose warm, mineral-rich waters are heated within the volcano. Dinner and overnight at Linda Vista del Norte Lodge where you will have a spectacular view of the volcano's nighttime eruptions. The lodge is located just 25 kilometers southwest of La Fortuna de San Carlos, adjacent to the Arenal Volcano National Park, and about 4 hours from San Jose. Besides being able to enjoy the volcano and the surrounding areas, you can find very comfortable lodging in any of the ten rooms, each with private bathroom and hot water. The whole area of the Linda Vista del Norte Lodge encompasses 210 hectares of pristine rain forest teeming with wildlife and tropical birds species such as the Quetzal or the Toucan - usually seen from March to June.(B) (L) (D)

"...We had an awesome time! We would have to say that our favorite spot was Arenal. The Tabacon Resort was unsurpassed by any hot springs we have here in Colorado (and we have some good ones!)..." - Wilson Roger P.

DAY 3 - ARENAL -
After an early morning breakfast, tour to the Rio Fortuna waterfall and hike down a steep trail to the base of the waterfall, where you can enjoy a cool swim in the river's crystal clear waters or just enjoy the exuberant vegetation surrounding the canyon. After a hearty lunch, begin 2 1/2 hour hike wading a beautiful stream and then a nice trail to a lava flow which was still moving only two years ago. Walking over the lava rocks, one has a fantastic view of the mighty Arenal Volcano on one side and Lake Arenal on the other. You might even be able to witness some eruptions, and observe some of the wildlife of the area. Enjoy a repeat visit to soak tired bones at the Tabacon Spa. Retire to the hotel to view the spectacular nighttime eruptions and lava flows. (B) (L) (D) Overnite at Linda Vista Del Norte.

DAY 4 - ARENAL/MONTEVERDE -
After breakfast and an optional morning hike or ride, leave to begin scenic 4 1/2 hour drive around Lake Arenal to MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE and Fonda Vela Lodge. Monteverde is one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. There are at least 400 bird species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, and an estimated 2,500 species of plants making Monteverde a true "nature lover?s paradise". The reserve has a definite wet and dry season, though the upper levels have fog and rain much of the year. Fonda Vela is the closest hotel within walking distance to the famous Reserve. Situated on a 35 acre farm, surrounded by virgin rain forests, lush green fields and exotic birds, Fonda Vela provides a nurturing experience to all those who visit. The lodge offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms and hot water, and a restaurant specializing in home style and international cuisine with ingredients from the organic garden. (B) (D)

DAY 5 - MONTEVERDE -
Morning "CANOPY TOUR" or "SKY WALK" -
The CANOPY TOUR offers the adventurous tourist the opportunity to ascend into the forest canopy and see jungle life from a different perspective. This is accomplished by modifying techniques used by spelunkers (cavers) and canyon rappelers to provide a safe and enjoyable passage above the forest floor.
SKYWALK is a complex of suspended bridges, platforms and paths, built within the Cloud Forest of Monteverde. These allow the observation of flora and fauna from ground level all the way to the top of the trees. 3,280' of paths have been designed and built, five suspended bridges, with a total of more than 1,640' in length and with heights of over 130'. This system offers the best opportunity, in a safe, comfortable and relaxed manner, to get to know and learn about the complexity and beauty of the tropical forest.
Afternoon visit to the BUTTERFLY GARDEN, featuring many species of butterflies endemic to Costa Rica. Overnight at Hotel Fonda Vela (B) (D)

DAY 6 - MONTEVERDE/OCOTAL -
After breakfast leave to begin 5 hour drive to PLAYA OCOTAL, one of Guanacaste province's most beautiful beaches, and overnite at  El Ocotal Beach Resort, a four-star beachfront resort and luxurious hideaway, known for its outstanding style, comfort and service, where visitors relax and enjoy the marvels of the Pacific Ocean with summer weather all year round. Only two miles away is Playas del Coco a small fishing and tourist village where you can find supermarkets, bank, pharmacy, restaurants, stores, bars and nightlife. Liberia’s International Airport is just 25 minutes away.   (B)

"...Dorlee and I had one of the finest trips we can remember, in large part due to your arrangements. I can't remember a trip where things went so flawlessly..." - Thomas Henderson

DAY 7 - OCOTAL -
Free day to spend relaxing on the beach at Ocotal. Overnite at El Ocotal Beach Resort (B)

DAY 8 - OCOTAL/SAN JOSE -
After a morning dip in the ocean or pool, transfer to Liberia International Airport for late afternoon return flight to San Jose. Pick up at airport and transfer to Hotel Buena Vista, that is conveniently close to the San José international airport. The Hotel has 25 rooms equipped with t.v., 2 queen size beds, telephone, private bath with hot water, and room service. (B)

DAY 9 - RETURN HOME
Transfer to airport for return flight home and the end to an unforgettable vacation/adventure (B)

PACKAGE INCLUDES

• 8 nights accommodations
• All taxes
• Airport transfers
• All meals where indicated (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
• Entrance to Tabacon Resort and Spa (2)
• 5 days ground transportation with private driver and a/c mini-bus
• Tour to La Fortuna waterfall
• Tour to the volcano lava fields
• Canopy tour or SkyWalk tour in Monteverde
• Butterfly garden tour in Monteverde
• Flight from Liberia to San José

Price does not include:

A) International airfare
B) Airport departure tax ($26.00 U.S.)
C) personal expenses like liquor, laundry, phone calls, etc.
D) tips for your drivers and/or guides.

Note: Local flights have a luggage limit of 25 pounds per person including the hand baggage.