COSTA RICA FAMILY VACATION

Transcription

1 COSTA RICA FAMILY VACATION

2 Itinerary Overview Explore Costa Rica with your family on one of our most in-depth, easy and exciting tropical adventures with kids! Designed for families with children of all ages we watch wildlife from hanging bridges and fly on a zip-line through the forest canopy, explore nocturnal wildlife on jungle night walks, swim under waterfalls and soak in hot springs. On this Costa Rica family tour we witness the fiery cascade of lava from thundering Arenal Volcano, the mystical Los Angeles Cloud Forest, and then enjoy relaxing beach time and easy sea kayaking among the rainforests, wildlife, and white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio, one of Costa Rica s best national parks to see wildlife! Along the way our expert naturalist guide will introduce us to local Costa Ricans stopping to visit Don Juan Bautista s farm, and to enjoy several meals with local families who take great pride in sharing typical Costa Rican life! DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTELS 1 SAN JOSE 2 ARENAL VOLCANO 3 ARENAL VOLCANO Hotel Bougainvillea or similar Arenal Observatory or similar Arenal Observatory MEAL S BLD BLD HIGHLIGHTS Transfer to hotel Orientation breakfast 7:30 am Don Juan Bautista s farm, rainforest walk or waterfall Hanging bridges, Danaus Eco Center, hot springs 4 SAN RAMON Villa Blanca BLD Volcano Hike and night walk 5 MANUEL ANTONIO Hotel El Zip line tour, home cooked Parador or BL meal similar 6 MANUEL ANTONIO Hotel El Parador BL Damas Island kayak tour 7 MANUEL ANTONIO Hotel El Parador B Free day 8 SAN JOSE -- B Charter flight back to San Jose Transfer to the terminal -2-

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: SAN JOSE Receive a warm Costa Rican Tico welcome after passing through customs. Hotel transfer and overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea or similar. DAY 2: LA FORTUNA DON JUAN BAUTISTA S SUSTAINABLE FARM AND FORTUNA WATERFALL Meet at the hotel s restaurant at 7:30 am for a welcome breakfast and orientation briefing with your guide. Our Costa Rica adventure begins with a scenic drive through the countryside. At El Bosque, a small town near the Arenal Volcano we visit Don Juan Bautista, a local farmer who loves to show his 60 crop species and teaches visitors about tropical farming, native and introduced plants, including their medicinal uses. He is especially proud of his bio-digester methane gas production system that uses cow manure as a fuel source to produce methane gas for cooking!. We ll harvest some crops and conclude with a tortilla making challenge for participants and a delicious lunch prepared by Yamileth, his wife, using our freshly picked produce. Further into the Central Highlands we hike through a lush canyon for a refreshing swim under La Fortuna waterfall. Then we take a short jaunt around the volcano to Arenal Observatory Lodge. Arenal Volcano is one of the world s most active volcanoes. During the day we can observe the steaming volcano and hear its thundering roar and at night we observe fiery cascades of lava flowing down the sides of the volcano (from a safe distance). Overnight at Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar. [BLD] DAY 3: ARENAL VOLCANO HANGING BRIDGES, DANAUS ECO CENTER AND HOTSPRINGS Grab your binoculars and water bottle as we head out to experience the rain forest canopy through a series of hanging bridges winding through the old growth forest. Over 250 species of birds and animals, including the White Hawk, Great Curassow, Rufous Motmot, Howler Monkey, Spider Monkey, Coatimundi, Sloth, and White-collared Peccary are easily seen here. Later we stop at the Danaus Ecocenter, a wonderful opportunity to see Costa Rica's infamous Red Poison Arrow Frog, the Red Eye Frog, and a variety of spectacular butterflies in the butterfly garden. The Center hosts an amazing diversity of mammals and reptiles, including sloths, marsupials, agoutis, coatis, caimans, and lizards in a natural tropical forest preserve. In the afternoon we take a dip in a large hot spring locally owned by Dona Mireya and her family. There are five creek-fed pools, one of which is always the perfect temperature for relaxing as the sun sets, after which we are treated to one of Dona Mireya's delicious home-style meals served in a rustic wooden rancho. Overnight at Arenal Observatory Lodge. [BLD] DAY 4: SAN RAMON VOLCANO HIKE,AND NOCTURAL SHORT WALK We are reminded of Earth s origins as we explore the Arenal Volcano and surrounding areas. The Arenal Volcano has an almost perfect cone, which soars 1,633 meters above sea level. The crater is 140 meters deep formed over an ancient caldera. From time to time loud explosions are heard and a mushroom cloud of gray, brown, orange or blue smoke billows out of the top. Over lush farmlands and forests we reach Los Angeles Cloud Forest located in San Ramon, a small farming community in the heart of Costa Rica Central Highlands. We spend the night in a tranquil hacienda, featuring twenty cozy chalets with private baths and plenty of charm. This is the perfect base from which to explore the adjacent Los Angeles Cloud Forest. Trails through this private 800-hectare reserve begin at an elevation of 2,300' and wind upwards through the lush tropical cloud-forests to 6,000 feet. Listen for the calls of Howler Monkeys and watch for Spider Monkeys and Capuchins. Some 210 species of birds have been identified including Bellbirds and Trogons. After dark, our guide takes us on a walk in the forest to observe the variety of nocturnal insects and wildlife. (It is recommended for children to bring their own headlamps.) Overnight at Hotel Villa Blanca. [BLD] -3-

4 DAY 5: MANUEL ANTONIO ZIP LINE CANOPY TOUR AND MEAL AT LOCAL HOUSE The afternoon begins with an adrenaline rush as we fly through the forest canopy on a zip-line adventure that takes us between seven different platforms connected by cables hanging from a secure harness; a truly exhilarating experience! We then climb back into our vehicle to descend toward the Pacific coast and the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio. En route we make a short stop to view the huge American Crocodiles basking in the sun at the Tarcoles River bridge. Lunch may be one of your most memorable highlights: an authentic homemade Costa Rican meal deliciously prepared with pride and served in the home of Dona Miriam and Don Urbano. Their home is the perfect setting to enjoy the ocean view while we savor Dona Miriam s delicious patacotes (fried plantain), hand-made tortillas, coconut cajetas (a sweet dessert treat) and Don Urbano s fresh catch of the day. Keep your binoculars handy as we have a good chance to see Scarlet Macaws feeding on the almond trees near the house.. (Alternative arrangements will be done if Miriam and Urbano are not available). After lunch reach Manuel Antonio in time to enjoy a refreshing swim before dinner. Say good by to your guide and new friend as he/she returns to San Jose after our drop off at our tropical hotel which offers spacious rooms, private bath, comfortable beds and splendid views. Hotel Villas Si Como No, Hotel El Parador or similar. [BL] DAY 6: MANUEL ANTONIO KAYAKING AT DAMAS ISLAND Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Damas Island paddling quietly in single or double kayaks through the inland waterway as our Manuel Antonio guide points out wildlife and shares information about the mangrove habitat. Watch for sloths and monkeys gracefully navigating through the canopy. Listen for parrots and keep your eyes open for toucan and scarlet macaws. We will stop for either a typical lunch or dinner at a local restaurant. Note: A boat trip can be arranged for anyone who does not want to kayak. Overnight at Hotel Villas Si Como No, Hotel El Parador or similar. [B L or D] DAY 7: MANUEL ANTONIO Enjoy a day to relax and explore on your own. Choose from a variety of adventures (cost not included). Optional activities available in Manuel Antonio include rafting, kayaking, sport fishing, surfing lessons, snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin and sea turtle viewing, beachcombing, horseback riding, or hiking in the national park. Or, you may want to enjoy a quiet day relaxing at the beach or the hotel pool. Overnight at Hotel Villas Si Como No, Hotel El Parador or similar. [B] DAY 8: MANUEL ANTONIO SAN JOSE Its time to say goodbye to our new friends. A short transfer will take us to the Quepos airstrip where we board a twin engine charter flight (25 minutes) direct to the San Jose International airport. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to take you to the terminal. [B] Note that your flight back home must depart after 10:00 a.m. for us to be able to connect the local flight with your international flight.[b] END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -4-

5 PRICING (AS PER OF A GROUP) SEASON High Season Low Season Single Supplement: $795 ADULT TEEN (11-16) CHILD 10 AND UNDER $2,795 $2,595 $1,795 $2,695 $2,495 $1,795 * Low Season: May 1 - November 30, High Season: December 15 - April 15, 2011 and July 1 - Aug 31, prices apply for December departures. Departs with minimum 2 people paying full price. INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions English-speaking guides from Day 2 to Day 5 Airport-hotel transfers, land and sea transportation Hotel accommodation as indicated Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare $26 international airport departure tax Tips and gratuities National Park entrance fee Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above -5-

6 Accommodations HOTEL BOUGAINVILLEA About thirty minutes from the international airport in the suburb of Santo Domingo is Hotel Bougainvillea. This attractive threestory hotel is set in beautifully landscaped grounds with paths winding through tropical flowers and garden benches. Spacious rooms offer two double beds, TV, and a balcony. Other amenities include a swimming pool, tennis court, and restaurant. ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE The Arenal Observatory Lodge is surrounded by montain rain forest. The main lodge has a bar, restaurant and terrace with views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. It is a five minute walk across a suspension bridge from the main lodge to the pool and twenty-four superior rooms, all of which feature private bath and a full window view of the volcano. Access to the facility is over an un-maintained, bumpy gravel road that crosses a small river (no bridge). On-site you hike local trails and lava flows near the lodge. The lodge currently views the active side of the volcano. The Arenal Volcano is most impressive at night. During the day, you can see the smoke and hear the volcano's roar. On a clear dark night, bursts of fire and red-hot rocks can be seen shooting hundreds of feet into the sky. Incandescent lava material cascades down the sides. When the activity increases, explosions happen every few hours. Arenal Observatory Lodge is one of the highest rated eco-lodges in Costa Rica. VILLA BLANCA Set on a 3,000-acre dairy farm and surrounded by pristine tropical cloud forest Villa Blanca combines a unique country-style hospitality with a profound respect for the surroundings of El Silencio de Los Angeles Biological Reserve. Staying at Villa Blanca is like being magically transported back over 100 years to a quaint Costa Rican farm village, with a romantic wedding chapel famous for its ceiling of hand-painted ceramic tiles. The Mariana Chapel is a true national treasure, built by former President Rodrigo Carazo to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary to his wife, Doña Estrella. -6-

7 HOTEL EL PARADOR, QUEPOS Uniquely set among luxuriant coastal rainforest overlooking Costa Rica's famous Manuel Antonio National Park, Hotel Parador Resort & Spa perches atop a 400 acre secluded peninsula surrounded by wild beauty facing the Pacific Ocean and Punta Quepos. Spectacular views can be enjoyed from the terraces, swimming pools and suites. The Resorts boosts its own private natural trails where a great variety of species of wildlife make their home in the middle of an overwhelming flora and fauna. -7-

8 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling one of our destination-expert Program Directors at Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and the initial trip deposit. Deposit requirements are as follows*: $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Additional deposits may be required for some trips. It may be necessary to adjust prices up or down 30 days before departure to allow for changes in group size, rooming status or currency fluctuations. Full payment of the remaining trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Prior to departure, all travelers are required to sign a Release of Liability CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional nonrefundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee* per person 91 or more: $100 (plus initial deposit for Africa trips) days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost *Note: Cancellation may result in additional penalties charged by local hotels, operators and airlines, occasionally as much as 100% of the cost. PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains our exclusive Wildland Adventures Destination Handbooks, country map, immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a trip insurance policy, checklist, reading list, travel gear catalog, cross-cultural information and optional trip extensions. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS We think our trips are the best in the business. But don t take just our word for it. We re happy to provide you with references from other Wild travelers. Have more questions or concerns? Call us a We re here to help. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to customize an itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at or use the Contact a Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions Wildland Adventures How to Reserve a Trip