Day
1: San José
Arrival
in San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport, pick up at airport
and transfer to Hotel Best Western Irazu. Located just fifteen minutes
from Costa Rica's international airport and ten minutes from downtown
San Jose, the BEST WESTERN IRAZU is characterized by its Costa Rican
Atmosphere: comfortable, lively and entertaining. All 327 air conditioned
rooms include a full bathroom with tub, hair drier, U.S. cable television,
telephone and safe deposit box ($3 per night). You can choose from two
double beds, one double and one single, one queen size or one king size
bed.
Other services include an outdoor pool, lighted tennis court, sauna,
massage service ($30), one
of Costa Rica's largest casinos, souvenir shop and nearby shopping center. *** Accommodations in double standard room
Day
2: RIVER PACUARE (Class III-IV)
Shortly
after 7:00 a.m. your guide will pick you up at your hotel and after
crossing San José on your way out thru the towns of Ochomogo
and Cartago, you'll arrive in the town of Paraiso where a traditional
buffet breakfast will be served. Slowly traveling thru the winding roads
of
Costa Rica, you'll drive past several picturesque valleys before arriving
at the town of Turrialba and continuing on between the Reventazón
and Pacuare Valleys. Arrive at San Martin, your put-in point where you'll
load your gear into dry bags, hike down to the river, prepare the equipment
raft, undergo a precise safety and paddle talk, and get wet. First day
on the river is approximately 4 miles (1 1/2 hours) and provides an
amazing welcome to the spectacular gorge of the River Pacuare with amazing
rapids, waterfalls thundering into the river and a show of butterflies
and birds. Arrive at Rios Tropicales Lodge Camp with "Cabecar Indians"
style bungalows that offer all the sleeping comforts you'll need with
very rustic, clean, and comfortable rooms with clean sheets and pillows.
Afternoon can be spent hiking, relaxing under a waterfall or just wondering
about. Lunch and later a happy hour are scheduled at camp. The energy
in camp is generated by small hydro wheel and even tough there is light
in the rooms, it is recommended that you bring a flashlight along. A
delicious dinner is also prepared by expert
river/chef guides. Meal schedules depend on the group's own needs. (B L D)
Day 3: RIVER PACUARE
Day
is designed to remain at camp and enjoy its beautiful surroundings,
play and swim in the river, or choose from a number of hikes available.
If good long rainforest hiking is what you seek, expert trail guides
can plan a 5 hour hike into Garcias Indian Village. The trails are strenuous,
the experience amazing and the Indians hospitable. (B
L D)
Day
4: CARIBBEAN
After
early morning coffee and breakfast, you'll break camp and head down
river. Morning is a wonderful time for birdwatching around camp, especially
toucans. You'll never forget rapids like: Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron,
Dos Montañas, Terciopelo, Double Drop...one after the next until
take out. Depending on the weather, the river level, and the group's
interest, you'll take time to explore side creeks, catch some "rays"
and enjoy world class whitewater.
You
will make it to the take-out by by mid-afternoon to de-rig the rafts,
and head to a private take-out where showers and cold drinks are available.
There, your rental car will be delivered for drive to the
Caribbean Coast and Hotel Cariblue. Hidden in the southern Atlantic
coast, Cariblue Hotel offers the tranquility of the Caribbean Sea just
outside the town of Puerto Viejo. They are just steps away from the
white sand beach of Playa Cocles. Also there are other beautiful beaches
such as Punta Uvita to explore that will leave you breathless. Some
beaches have restaurants, kayak rentals, and horse back riding available.
The hard wood bungalows are nestled in a great tropical garden surrounded
by uncontaminated beaches and wild tropical jungle. The spacious rooms
are for two to six people, with private bathrooms with hot water decorated
in mosaic, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, and inviting porches with hammocks.
They also offer a house with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a furnished
kitchen.
The hotel serves fabulous food all day long in a typical "rancho"
style restaurant with a palm roof.
They also offer a snack bar, souvenir-shop, Direct-TV, tourist information,
tours and rent-a-car services. For your convenience, English is spoken. (B) (L) *** Accommodations
in bungalow
Day
5: CARIBLUE
Days
to enjoy the beach and area around Puerto Viejo. (B)
SAN
JOSÉ
Leave Cariblue at leisure for drive back to San Jose and overnite at
Hotel Best Western Irazu (B)
Day 7: RETURN
HOME
Pick
up at hotel for transfer to airport for return flight home and the end
to an unforgettable vacation!!! (B)
|