Special Offers
We are offering a new departure date for 2010 - 19 July.
overview
If there is another country of Costa Rica's size that offers as much in terms of activities, wildlife, diversity of landscapes and the friendliness of its people we would certainly like to hear about it - to be honest, we don't think such a place exists!
with 762 miles of castline, 6% of the world's biodiversity, volcanoes, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, more than 845 species of birds and some fantastic activities, not bad for a country just 200 kilometres long.
suitable for
Families with children over the age of 9 years (please note that this does not preclude younger children but participation in the activities will be at the discretion of our instructors)
our opinion
"My memories of Costa Rica are plentiful and vivid. it is a truly special country with delightful people and staggering biodiversity. This holiday highlights some of the natural wonders and the fantastic activities available and in many cases combines the two. Zipping between the tree tops, high in the rainforest canopy and abseiling down waterfalls with toucans flying above my head are just two of the experiences that truly stand out. I recommend going to see it for yourself." Jo Doran
agenda
Day 1
Arrival and introduction
You will be met at Juan Santa Maria Airport and transferred to your hotel in San Jose. There will be a brief introduction en route followed by a free evening to relax.
Day 2
San Jose and coffee tour
After a lie in and breakfast we get together for an introductory meeting, before our sightseeing and shopping excursion into bustling San Jose. We then transfer to Doka coffee estate for an interactive and educational tour, giving us an insight into Costa Rica's coffee industry, followed by lunch. In the evening we visit a downtown restaurant for our welcome meal featuring typical local dishes to get you in the Costa Rican spirit.
Day 3
Rainforest boat trip and Tortuguero
An early start today as we drive through beautiful mountains and plantations to the Tortuguero Canals. We change our mode of transport for a two hour boat trip through the rainforests to Mawamba Lodge. Look out for caiman on the way!!
In the afternoon we'll explore with a guide who will show us some of the local attactions such as the frog farm. You can also head to Tortuguero Village, explore the beach and learn about turtle conservation. In the evening you can take an optional turtle watch tour (payable locally).
Day 4
Tortuguero exploration day
After breakfast we transfer by boat to a private trail where we will hike into the rainforest to explore the flora and fauna. After lunch we will enjoy a wildlife viewing tour by boat giving you the chance to see howler monkeys, caiman, otters, toucans and iguanas in their natural habitat.
Day 5
Tortuguero to Sarapiqui
We leave the canals behind today and head inland to beautiful Sarapiqui. En route we stop at the Museum of Indigenous Cultures and will arrive at the hotel with time to relax and explore.
Day 6
Adrenaline day
A day of pure fun and adrenaline which includes: an exhilarating three hour rafting trip on the Sarapiqui River, horse riding and finally, zip wires through the forest canopy. We then head to our forest camp for a well earned rest under canvas. And, even if you don't fancy sleeping in a tent, wait until you hear the sounds of the rainforest at night!
Day 7
Volcano hike
We transfer to Arenal and our luxury hotel with amazing views of an active volcano! After lunch, we trek towards the volcano. Our efforts are well rewarded when we arrive at an awe-inspiring view point in time to see the sun go down and the lava glow.
Day 8
Rainforest canyoning
After a free morning we will be picked up and taken for lunch at the canyoning base camp. A 30 minute drive in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano takes us to the edge of the rainforest. From there, a short descent on foot takes us to the top of our first abseil, a stunning 50m waterfall. Four more descents await us in this tropical paradise before we reach the foot of the canyon and return to the hotel doubtless reliving the experience as we go. (Breakfast and lunch
Costa Rica is at the forefront of responsible tourism and travel management. We are trying to play our part by encouraging our clients to get closely involved with local communities and conservation projects.
We visit La Casona, a unique country house, and learn about local agriculture as well as tasting local dishes. We then visit a local school where we interact with local children and they tell us about their lives and show us some dances. We will then spend time planting trees and seedlings at the school and generally getting a bit mucky as well as witnessing local lifestyles at close quarters.
Day 9
Volunteering and cultural day
Costa Rica is at the forefront of responsible tourism and travel management. We are trying to play our part by encouraging our clients to get closely involved with local communities and conservation projects.
We visit La Casona, a unique country house, and learn about local agriculture as well as tasting local dishes. We then visit a local school where we interact with local children and they tell us about their lives and show us some dances. We will then spend time planting trees and seedlings at the school and generally getting a bit mucky as well as witnessing local lifestyles at close quarters.
Day 10
Arenal to the Papagayo Gulf
From Central Costa Rica we head to the Pacific Coast and with a late afternoon arrival the rest of the day is free to relax. Our hotel boasts one of the best positions in Papagayo.
Day 11
Relaxing or additional activities
The Pacific Coast is the ideal place to relax and reflect upon your adventures. Alternatively, you can try out one of the many other activities available locally. The choice is entirely yours.
Day 12
Adios Costa Rica!
After breakfast we head to Liberia Airport for our return flights home. We can also arrange for you to extend your stay at the beach. Please contact us for details.
Would you like this holiday tailor made especially for your friends and family?
If you have a group of at least 4 people then please contact one of our travel experts to discuss the options of a private or tailor made programme.
accommodation
Casa Conde del Mar
Situated in the Playa Panama area of Guanacaste and only 20 minutes from Liberia Airport, Casa Conde is the ideal spot for relaxing. The hotel has 20 suites, each has two Queen Size beds, alarm clock radio, air conditioning, and closet, electronic safe,
iron and ironing board, coffee maker, phones with voice mail and Internet access. Rooms have a bathroom with a shower, hair dryer and mirror cooler and 27" cable TV.
Facilities include 2 restaurants, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, souvenir shop and access to a pristine white sand beach.
Cuculmeca Tented Suites
The tents at Cuculmeca are situated in the spectacular rainforest at the edge of the Sarapiqui River.
The tents are spread out around the site and have recently been refurbished to become en suite and have wireless internet access (although we recommend not taking your laptop!). The tents are spacious and have beds and lamps so you can still have home comforts whilst staying within this delightful environment.
El Rodeo Country Inn - San Jose
A small characterful establishment situated on the outskirts of the city and just 10 minutes drive from the airport. The hotel has 27 large bedrooms with cable T.V, air conditioning, phone, security box, private bathrooms & hair dryer. Each room has either two queen sized beds or one king size bed.
Hotel amenities include: restaurant and steak house (vegetarians are well catered for), coffee bar, sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pools, tennis court, conference room, play area, pool table and free internet access.
Mawamba Lodge - Tortuguero
Mawamba Lodge is located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. We reach the lodge via a 2 hour river boat trip along the canals of Tortuguero. Mawamba is a 15-acre beachfront establishment offering excellent views of the canals making it the ideal hideaway for nature lovers and people seeking soft adventure.
The lodge features 54 basic but comfortable rooms with private shower rooms, hot water and ceiling fans. Additional features include: Large swimming pool, a tree frog garden, tropical gardens, volleyball court, games room, gift shop, restaurant and bar.
Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge
This eco lodge is beautiful. The large thatched accommodation buildings are split into spacious en suite rooms which are each traditionally decorated. Meals are served in an open thatched Palenque structure.
The lodge's facilities include a restaurant, bar, gift shop and laundry service. Safety deposit boxes are available on site.
The Museum of Indigenous Cultures is also part of this site and this lodge reflects the indigenous cultures of Costa Rica better than any other and focuses strongly on responsible tourism.
The Arenal Kioro - Arenal
One night in a tent is followed by three in one of the best hotels in Costa Rica. Opened in 2006, Kioro provides 5-star luxury and the most spectacular of locations. From the hot tub in your bedroom you can witness the spectacular pyrotechnics and the thundering soundtrack that emanate from the Arenal Volcano.
Accommodation is in sumptuous suites all of which have two terraces, one of which offers panoramic views of the volcano and the other, of the surrounding hills and countryside.
Each suite has a hydro-massage hot tub, air conditioning, safe box, minibar, coffee maker, en-suite shower room with hairdryer and key card safety locks.
Hotel facilities include a stunning spa, a games room, an excellent restaurant, bar, swimming pool and free internet access.