Exploring the Rainforests and Volcanoes SERENDIPITY ADVENTURES COSTA RICA, CENTRAL AMERICA

Transcription

1 Exploring the Rainforests and Volcanoes SERENDIPITY ADVENTURES COSTA RICA, CENTRAL AMERICA DATE ACTIVITY HOTEL Day 1 Your Serendipity leader will meet your flight. Our rugged yet spacious 4x4 LandCruiser will serve as mode of transport as we explore north, crossing the volcanic range separating the northern flatlands from the industrious midlands. The drive is quite scenic so have your camera handy. We can stop on the way over the mountains to stretch your legs in Zarcero -- a delightful little church and hobbit-like gardens maintained by the local community for their own pleasure. About an hour s drive into the mountains we ll detour to an alternative backroad that takes us to a hidden highland valley at the top of the mountain range. Here we ll make a stop at a relatively unknown private reserve that protects 1000 acres of cloud forest- a rare and unique ecological lifezone known for it s rich and abundant biodiversity. Your Serendipity leader can take on a light hike on trails that lead into cloud forest, to learn about its exotic inhabitants and exuberant vegetation. The hummingbirds are everywhere and will often pose for the picture. Within the forest one can spot monkeys, toucans and sometimes, with a little luck, a very rare bird species: The Respledent Quetzal. This bird is considered by many ornithologists as the most exotic and attractive species of the American continent. Cool weather and soft winds are typical of these bizarre forests, which exist only in the clouds in the mountains of Central and South America and southeast Asia. The type of plant life here is pre-jurassic. The cloud forest is like a Tilajari Wilderness Lodge (60-room wilderness hotel with comfortable air conditioned, great setting on riverbank, lots of animals appear, has wonderful pool, fulltime restaurant, multiple sporting facilities and excellent strategic location near horse stables, private rainforest preserve, wildlife safari river and volcano) Jr. Suite

2 peek into the brain of Dr. Seuss. The plants around you have seen many species come and go, and you get the feeling we 2-legged ones are probably amongst them. The preserve is own and operated by a family who will prepare a nice lunch for us while hiking- it s the perfect lunch stop as we make our way towards the volcanic region of San Carlos (home of the erupting Arenal Volcano and many natural hot springs). The Arenal Volcano is an active, cone-shaped volcano that has been in constant activity since These vast northern plains are home to many of Serendipity s exclusive adventures and exploratory routes. As we approach our lodge we ll make a second must-do stop conveniently located right along our route. The San Carlos area is famous for it s abundant hot springs, many of which have been transformed into full-fledged resorts with capacities for hundreds of persons. One particular hot springs has remained more low-key and decided to retain it s original jungle surrounding (instead of turning into a large parking lot and dance club)-. These hot springs are not as glamorous or resort-type as the many places highly advertised but they are beautifully clean and comfortable, and the surrounding jungle makes the soak in the waters so much more primal. We especially like this springs because it is a favorite of local people, not crowded, and the sounds of the jungle compete with the waterfall noises, something so tranquil that you feel like melting chocolate. (Breakfast & Lunch included) Day 2 Today we visit Abraham, a giant ceiba tree (we have named him Abraham, in honor of the father of all races), we discovered in what is perhaps the last remaining ancient lowland rainforests left in Costa Rica. Serendipity has constructed an 16 square foot observation platform Same as above

3 over 100 feet high in the canopy of Abraham. Using modern climbing gear OR our custom-built chair hoist your Serendipity leader will accompany you on a once in a lifetime opportunity to truly immerse yourselves with the tropical rainforest and it s residents. The floor of the primary forest is completely unlike its cousin, the secondary rainforest (which is the dominant rainforest of the world, and accounts for virtually all the protected forests of Costa Rica s National Parks). Instead of dense foliage, the competition for sunlight pushes all growth up, slender and leafless, to stretch for the sun. The floor of the forest is quite empty of vegetation, except ferns and shade-loving plants (the kind now exported for houseplants -- grown under massive plastic sheets since their natural protectors have all but completely disappeared). Looking up you see the original crystal cathedral, light sent dancing by filtering leaves and spider webs catching dewdrops. From below it is majestic. From above, the primary forest is the platform for the gods. Birds arrive and dive into the forest to their nests. Iguanas sun themselves in the highest branches of trees below the massive arms of Abraham. Bird songs and monkey calls compete with tree frogs and myriad insect sounds. The forest, and the platform, are ours to enjoy privately. We can get you up and down, with something to eat and drink while you are up there. The "walk in the woods" alone is fascinating and everything from wild peacocks (actually a Great Curassow), oropendulas, aracari, toucans, and great ibis, to parrots, toucanettes and brilliant tanangers to monkeys and all the other creatures are there, unmolested by the crowds. Only minutes away from the edge of the rainforest is Serendipity exclusive stables-- superb horseback riding

4 awaits us here. The majority of our horses are a special South American breed, the pasofino (meaning "fine gait", referring to their genetic "step" sequence that is like sitting on a gentle rocking chair), and they were bred for difficult mountain terrain. The horses are very well trained, and even inexperienced riders quickly gain control of their mounts, and learn to love the view from their backs. After a bit of experimentation with the "control mechanisms" on the horse (how the reins work, and the feet signals), some people go on to enjoy running and herding cattle and making the horse obey every command. The fields and pastures and sugar cane and rain forest give lots of variety for the ride, and swimming a river or two add to the challenge. OUR HORSES ARE SPECIAL: This is NOT commercial pay-by-hour horseback tours. Unlike dozens of stables that service tourists throughout Costa Rica, at Centaura we use positive reinforcement training and all horses are well maintained and treated with great care. Only a few privileged guests ride these horses each month and riders that visit our ranch are encouraged not only to learn about horses (how their bred, fed and trained) and riding, but to take their time and fully enjoy the Costa Rica ranch lifestyle. Our property includes a fully-equipped kitchen, pool table and a very nice swimming pool (a nice swim is a must-do after riding..) Day 3 (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) Our vehicles will serve us well today as we make our way along rocky roads to access the wetlands of Cano Negro, a place where we can have great opportunities to see sloth, monkeys, iguanas and a large quantity of migratory waterfowl. Using our inflatable kayaks we ll prepare well for a full day of exploration down of the river. Serendipity uses silent electric motors to propel our kayaks (you ll love the way we rig our motors on to our boats- It looks a little like Same as above

5 something out of Around the World in 80 Days, very... well, quaint. But it has stealth capabilities) for guests that prefer not to paddle and instead concentrate on spotting the various animals regularly seen in this area. Others can paddle their way down using two-bladed paddles. We ll have drivers take our vehicles to the northern border village of Los Chiles where 3-5 hours later we ll make our grand arrival. Unlike motorized touring boats our kayaks make approaching wildlife much less invasive creating excellent chances to photograph and admire the Jesus Christ lizards and Cayman and monkeys that we almost always spot in this area. Because we're so close to the water, and so quiet, we can fit up close to the shore, and see things without binoculars. This afternoon we ll drive 20 minutes to the base of the active volcano. We can take our 4x4 s to the strategic lookout spots to hopefully (fingers crossed) catch a glimpse of the red-hot molten lava as it comes out of the crater. Many bus loads and tour vans come to these places in the early evening hours but our beefy 4x4 gives us the capability to venture off the main route to areas where we can listen quietly, without the sounds of cars passing by and large groups ruining our experience. The Arenal Volcano has been actively erupting and releasing lava since 1968, when it came out of 200 years of inactivity. If weather is good it s worth getting some food and drink and plan on spending some time (half hour to an hour) here, waiting for that one magical moment that sometimes occurs. It feels almost as if partaking in some sort of spiritual ritual- waiting there in silence, listening to the constant rumbles, contemplating the magnificent power of Mother Nature. The chances are always and tonight could be our lucky night There are the famous hot springs, too. elegant Tabacón resort, set up to handle thousands of people arriving by

6 the busloads, with manicured pools and poolside bar and lots of beautiful people -- certainly the place to go for people watching OR there s Baldi, with it s multiple restaurants, discoteche and fun waterslides OR there s a private place with no signs and a lot fewer people enjoying the hot water and hot water waterfall and fresh fruit drinks YOUR CHOICE, just let us know in advance. And all of this with awesome Arenal volcano belching and rumbling and generally making its presence felt, about 7,000 feet over your head. Volcano Lava Observation: We ll be close to the volcano throughout our visit to this area and if weather is not good on this first evening we can change our plans to visit the next. Day 4 (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) We ll start early today (when it s still nice and cool) as your Serendipity leader will take you on great mountain bike trail that takes us back towards the volcano. Serendipity has developed an awesome mountain biking (supported by 4x4 at all times) route through backcountry roads, across rivers and passing quaint villages- starting virtually from the Tilajari and ending up at our favorite swim hole just outside the busy town of La Fortuna. The route is mostly level, with a few climbs and quick descents, but nothing too extreme. Total peddling time can be anywhere between 3 to 5 hours, depending on stop on the way and the pace we take. Again, no schedule to adhere to, no pressure of keeping to someone else s pace and always fully supported by nearby 4x4 vehicle with easy mount-on/ mount-off racks in case you wish to ride in the vehicle a bit and then hop back on when you ve recovered some energy. We ll have a nice lunch at the swim hole and the daredevils in the family can have their turn at the fun rope

7 swing or the high rock jumps. We re only minutes from the base of the volcano so we ll get closer with our 4x4 here Serendipity has discovered one of Costa Rica s best zip-line operations This activity is a bit less focused on nature observation and more on the thrill of flying across the treetops.. Canopy Tours, as their popularly known (traversing across suspended cables high above ground secured by harnesses and heavy-duty pulleys), exist throughout the country. There are literally hundreds of sites but not all of them uphold Serendipity standards of safety. This approved zipline adventure is located on the actual slopes of the Arenal Volcano and offers more than 15 platforms including one so long you can count to 35 seconds while flying through the air. The views of the volcano crater and the valley below are worth the trip itself and there is a surprise event half-way through that will truly make your heart race! You may not help but to let out a little scream. We won t spoil the surprise. (Breakfast and Lunch Included) The above itinerary, excluding international air, for 4 days for 2 persons using 1 room U.S. $ per person. This itinerary includes all hotels, meals, transport services and activities as described in the above itinerary DAY 1-4 includes 4x4 deluxe vehicle and a full time Serendipity adventure leader (who serves as your personal driver, travel concierge, cultural facilitator, first-aid responder and general source of information about Costa Rica's nature, social structure, economy, democracy, geology, etc ). With Serendipity's guides you ll try some things which you never thought even in your wildest dreams you would ever attempt, and you ll appreciate the one-on-one relationship with a knowledgeable guide/leader who takes you through the steps. Also includes are government taxes (about 17% on everything).

8 NOT INCLUDED: alcoholic beverages, exit visa for Costa Rica ($26 per person), tips for your principal Serendipity guide (who share it with all the other guides and drivers along the way) Serendipity Adventures, Inc. and Serendipity Costa Rica, S.A. have advised me that there are risks and dangers involved in participating in their adventure expedition. The dangers include possible injury or death caused by any of the activities provided, including but not limited to: hiking, biking and driving on and off roads, ascending on ropes and harnesses into trees, structures, natural formations or anchor points, rappelling, balloon inflation, flight and landing, white water rafting, rubber Duckies, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, scuba, NOTICE OF RISK climbing, insect and snake bites, power boating, animal bites, sailing, hiking on or near volcanoes, food poisoning, fishing, surfing, and windsurfing. I participate in these activities of my own free will, recognize that the element of risk is a necessary part of the enjoyment of this trip, and I hold Serendipity Adventures, Inc. and Serendipity Costa Rica, S.A. harmless for my safety beyond normal due care. By joining this trip I acknowledge that I have been informed of these risks. THIS IS A PRIVATE TRIP - only members of your own group will participate, except during adventures which require minimum participants for safety (balloon flight and rafting are examples). Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of $600 deposit per person. CANCELLATION: Full refund, less $190 per person, if requested in writing at least 65 days before start date. No refund if cancellation received less than 65 days before start date. Final payment at least 60 days before start date. Full payment should accompany reservations made less than 45 days before departure. Credit cards (AMEX, VISA and Mastercard) may be used for the deposit. The above price assumes final balance paid by cash, personal or corporate check, or money order. Any other final balance payment will result in a 4% additional processing fee. CHANGES IN ITINERARY AFTER TRIP CONFIRMED: while Serendipity always strives to be accommodating, changes in hotel arrangements and activities are usually impossible to make once a trip has been confirmed. Upgrades and changes are sometimes available at extra cost. Before placing your deposit for the proposed itinerary, please speak with your Serendipity itinerary designer if you have concerns about any hotel, bed arrangements, activities, transfers or food. WEATHER RISKS: As with all outdoor sports, scheduled balloon flights, rafting, climbing, air and ground transportation and other activities are weather dependent. Activities may be rearranged to accommodate weather conditions, or canceled in the interests of safety. CANCELED ACTIVITIES: Guides and pilots may decline to take guests who present a risk to themselves or others, who are inebriated or incapacitated in a way that creates a hazard for conducting the operation arranged. Serendipity will not refund for cancelled activities if participants have medical conditions or incapacitation not revealed prior to purchasing their Serendipity travels. INSURANCE: Car theft is EXTREMELY COMMON all over Costa Rica. Please avoid carrying extra "things" and then leaving them in the car when away from your hotel. Serendipity is not able to buy insurance in Costa Rica on vehicle contents or mysterious disappearance from vehicles, hotels, etc. Serendipity must therefore limit its liability to no more than $100 per person for loss of personal possessions. We STRONGLY recommend travel insurance for lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellation and medical emergency available thru your travel agent or RELEASE FORM: All participants will be required to sign and return a release form prior to departure. See Serendipity website: for current RELEASE form. TIPPING: We are constantly asked what is appropriate. Our answer, of course, is that any tip is optional. Our guides, like fishing charter guides or naturalist guides, usually receive about 7-12% of the total trip cost, depending on the quality of the service he or she has provided and on your preference. The principal guide shares his/her tip with

9 the 8-16 other guides -- river guides, horseback guides, climbing guides, naturalist guides, drivers, etc. who will be with you at different times during the adventures. This policy of "lumping" the tip with the principal guide eliminates a need to constantly be concerned about tipping etiquette in Costa Rica). AIR FARE to Costa Rica not included. We are pleased to help you locating best routes and fares.