Day 1. San Jose
Arrival, reception and transfer to the fabulous Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn,
only 15 minutes from the airport but set amidst trees and exotic flora. The Inn
offers spectacular views of volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations.
Here at 4000 feet above sea level on a temperate plateau of extraordinary
beauty, is grown some of the world’s best coffee in the lush volcanic soil and
all for the guests of the inn to sample.
The
building is an architectural marvel, with turrets and curving walls of
glass, arched windows, and a semicircular built-in couch. The Inn is a "private home" which
offers six completely unique rooms, and two, large two bedroom villas each
with their own name and personality; and an extraordinary hillside
swimming pool provides luxuriant bathing for the guests.
Day
2. San Jose
After breakfast, a visit to some of the highlights of San Jose , including
the Jade Museum , one of Costa Rica 's most famous museums. We will then
visit the Central Market, San José's most colourful market where you
can buy everything but the kitchen sink. After lunch, a visit to the Gold
Museum , housing a great collection of pre-Columbian gold. Return to
your hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Day 3. San Jose – Quepos – Parador Resort After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight Quepos, arrival and
private transfer to the Parador Boutique Resort, located on a majestic bluff
overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical
rainforest. The Hotel is located in the most remote and pristine area of Manuel
Antonio, and only minutes from the World Famous Manuel Antonio National Park.
Accommodation in junior suite complete with Jacuzzi, kitchenette, private
entrance, ornate gardens, and with a view of the rainforest. Lunch and dinner at
the resort.
Day 4. Parador Resort Free day at leisure. Choose from the use of the swimming pool, spa
treatment, jacuzzi, steam room, tennis courts, miniature golf course, outdoor
gym, nature trails, sea kayaking, canopy trails, badminton, volleyball or
croquet. Perhaps Sports fishing is of interest as in 1997, the Parador hotel was
host to the first Don Johnson Celebrity Tournament, with the participation of
over 30 famous movie stars and figures in the world of sports, who all got
together and made use the resort’s boats and installations.
Or perhaps visit one of the most famous beaches in all Costa Rica and the Quepos
area, with the benefit of the guidance and experience of a professional
naturalist. Enjoy a three-hour hike on nature trails, where your guide will help
you to understand and experience the tropical. During this trip, you may see
wildlife such as sloths, coatimundis (quashes), several species of monkey,
butterflies, reptiles, and many varieties of wild birds. Why not finish the trip
by exploring the beaches just outside of the park.
Day 5. Parador Resort
Free day at leisure with a variety of tour options to choose from.
Day 6. Parador Resort – Carara National Park
After breakfast, excursion to the northernmost region of Pacific rainforest
remaining in Costa Rica, and site of the beginning of the transition zone into
the tropical dry forests of the northwest. Carara is one of Costa Rica's most
popular National Parks, and is a favorite amongst bird watchers for several
reasons Firstly, its position in a transition zone means that residents of both
habitats are likely to appear and secondly, the Río Grande de Tárcoles has free
flowing sections with its waters seeping into seasonal marshlands. This allows
for shallow oxbow lakes to be covered with hyacinths further expanding the
number of local habitats. Finally, because it is slightly dryer, and not all of
the trees are evergreen, Carara is more open than the rainforests further south
making wildlife spotting easier. After walking around the park with a naturalist
guide, return to your hotel for dinner.
Day 7. Parador Resort – San Jose – Arenal Volcano
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to San Jose and onward
by private vehicle to Arenal Volcano, the only volcano in Costa Rica constantly
active since it awoke after 400 years of dormancy.
Arrival and accommodation at the Tabacon Lodge in a Volcano view suite.
Arenal's status changed dramatically in July 1968, when an explosive eruption
produced hot avalanches and ejected blocks that devastated the west flank of the
volcano and killed 78 people. Arenal has been continuously active since 1968. It
rises 1,633m above sea level and casts an almost flawless silhouette on the land
below it. Arenal's last explosion was in 1969 but this volcano is far from
dormant. Its constant rumblings are Arenal's most popular characteristics. Often
spewing ash and smoke, the volcano provides a striking backdrop for photographs
and video. There are several excellent look out points along the highway and
your guided trip will help you to appreciate the beauty of Arenal from a safe
distance. In the evening at the hot springs of Tabacon, you will enjoy a bath in
the sulfur water formed by the natural pools in this geologically active area.
Chance of viewing some volcanic eruptions. Dinner at the lodge.
Day 8. Arenal Volcano - San Jose
After breakfast, transfer back to the airport in San Jose for your return flight
home.
Prices
and full itinerary available on request. Click on the e-mail link below.
