Winter Tour Itinerary

December 22-30, 2008

 

Day 1: December 22, 2008                                                            

After a morning of travel*, you will meet up with the other group travelers, your driver, and guide and leave the city far behind.  Drive past sugar cane, pineapple and yucca plantations on the way to Costa Rica’s most active volcano, Arenal.  Relax after a long day of travel.

Overnight:   La Fortuna

*optional: arrive the day before and spend the night in San Jose. Spend the morning of Day 1 either relaxing at the hotel or touring the capital city of San Jose before meeting the group at noon.

 

Day 2: December 23, 2008                                                  

In the morning, we take a zip-line tour through the rain forest canopy.  Our guides will take us on a thrilling tree adventure in the tropical lowland forests of La Fortuna.  Afterwards, take a short hike to the beautiful Fortuna Waterfall, pouring straight out of the rainforest. Swim in the natural pools at its base or just soak up the beauty of these stunning falls.  In the evening, relax in the natural hot springs and see the lava-streaked volcano against the backdrop of the night - a truly incredible sight!

Overnight:   La Fortuna

 

Day 3: December 24, 2008

Early in the morning, we head to the banks of the Pacuare River for an unforgettable overnight white water rafting trip on class III and IV rapids. This most scenic and famous river slices through pristine rainforest and mountain gorges where waterfalls cascade right alongside the river.

We stop at our riverside camp in time to play some team-building games.  We spend the night relaxing in hammocks, talking around the campfire, and enjoying the cooking of our raft guides/gourmet chefs.

Overnight: Pacuare River Camp

 

Day 4: December 25, 2008                                                            

Today we continue down the river on our rafting adventure, stopping to enjoy the waterfalls and eat an excellent lunch.  We then head to Puerto Viejo on the Southern Caribbean coast, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way.  We end our day with time to relax and enjoy the sunset at Black Sand Beach.
Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Limon)

 

Day 5: December 26, 2008                                                  

Visit Manzanillo, a picturesque village located on the southernmost part of the Caribbean. A local guide will take you through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, where the path travels from the beach into the jungle. He will show you the wonders of his ‘backyard’ while explaining the medicinal and edible uses of many of the trees, fruits and plants along the way. The long version of this hike (boating in is also an option) takes you to the Punta Mona Center for Sustainable Living, our 80 acre organic farm and education center. Punta Mona is an experimental exercise in sustainable living, as most food is harvested from our extensive organic gardens with more than 150 varieties of fruit trees. Our energy comes from solar panels and the buildings are built with wood from nearby fallen trees. Enjoy the many activities at Punta Mona: you can kayak, swim, explore the nearby river and mangroves, take a garden tour or just relax in the hammocks.  Return to town by boat (about 15 minute ride direct) and hope to catch a glimpse of some of the three species of dolphins living offshore.

Overnight:  Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Limon)

 

Day 6: December 27, 2008                                        

Today we will hike the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve with our native guide, learning about the culture and customs of the Bribri people.  After a short hike through secondary rainforest, we arrive at the community center and see how the Bribri make everything from crafts to chocolate.  A native lunch is served with many ingredients harvested from their under story gardens. In the afternoon, enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful beaches at Punta Uva, where the rainforest pours into the Caribbean Sea.

Overnight:  Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Limon)

 

Day 7: December 28, 2008                                                              

Enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing at the hotel, take a walk in town, shop for souvenirs and snap some photos before heading off to the magical cloud forests, your home for the remainder of your stay.  Enjoy the lush, the comfortable setting and the delicious food.

Overnight: San Lorenzo

 

Day 8: December 29, 2008  

Enjoy some of the exciting activities offered at the resort: Canopy tour, horseback riding, canyoning and rappelling, cloud forest hikes and more. 

Overnight: San Lorenzo

 

Day 9: December 30, 2008
Head home after an adventurous vacation filled with wonderful memories!

 

 

Cost Per Person (based on double occupancy):

$1800.00

Optional Single Room Fee:

$375.00

 

Hotels:
8 nights eco-lodges (double occupancy) 

Transportation:

Private, air-conditioned bus with professional driver

Bilingual Naturalist Guide to accompany you the entire trip

 

Meals:

All Meals

 

Activities:

All Activities per itinerary:

    • Entrance to SkyTrek
    • Entrance to Ecotermales Hot Springs
    • Entrance to La Fortuna Waterfall
    • Overnight White Water Rafting excursion on Pacuare River
    • Guided hike in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
    • Visit to Punta Mona Center for Sustainable Living and Education- garden tour, kayaking, etc.
    • Entrance to Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve

 

Not Included:

Airfare to San Jose, Costa Rica

Activities at Lands in Love on Day 8

Government Imposed Airport exit tax ($26)

Alcoholic beverages, phone calls, incidentals

Additional Airport transfers not included (if you arrive early or leave late)

Tips & Gratuities

 

Registration closes November 1, 2008