COS STA RICA FAMIL LY VAC CATIO ON 8 day ys /7 nig ghts Visit us at www.wildlan w nd.com
Itinerary Overview Explore Costa Rica on this easy-going and engaging tropical family adventure. Designed for families with children of all ages you'll see monkeys, toucans, sloths and other amazing rainforest wildlife hiking on jungle trails and from on hanging bridges and zip-lines high up in the forest canopy. Discover nocturnal wildlife on a nighttime jungle walk, swim under waterfalls and soak in hot springs. We journey through the rainforests around Arenal Volcano and explore the mystical cloud forests of the Los Angeles Nature Reserve. Enjoy time relaxing at the beach and sea kayaking off the white-sand shores of Manuel Antonio. Along the way we are hosted by "Tico" families for memorable meals in their home, visit local farms, and your expert naturalist guide will introduce you to rural everyday life in Costa Rica. DAY OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 SAN JOSE 2 3 ARENAL VOLCANO ARENAL VOLCANO Hotel Bougainvillea Arenal Observatory or Arenal Nayara Arenal Observatory or Arenal Nayara --- Transfer to hotel BLD BLD Orientation breakfast 7:30 am Vida Campesina farm, rainforest walk or waterfall Volcano hike, hanging bridges, hot springs 4 SAN RAMON Villa Blanca BLD Danaus Ecocenter, night walk 5 6 7 MANUEL ANTONIO MANUEL ANTONIO MANUEL ANTONIO Hotel El Parador or Villas Si Como No Hotel El Parador or Villas Si Como No Hotel El Parador or Villas Si Como No 8 SAN JOSE -- B BL BL B Zip line tour, home cooked meal Manuel Antonio National Park walk Leisure day Charter Flight back to San Jose Transfer to the terminal -2-
Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: SAN JOSE Our Costa Rica family vacation begins with a warm Tico welcome after you pass through customs. Transfer to Hotel Bougainvillea where you can stretch your legs strolling throughh the tropical gardens and take a refreshing dip in the pool before turning in for the evening. DAY 2: LA FORTUNA WATERFALL AND VIDA CAMPESINA FARM Join your Costa Rica family guide for breakfast and orientation. We jump right in to experiencing rural life in Costa Rica driving (3 hrs) through scenic mountains and rich agriculturall land into the countryside. Local farmer Don Erasmo Gonzalez and his family share their life on the farm. We sample freshly squeezed sweet cane juice from a hand-operated sugar mill (seasonal) and learn about typical Costa Rican crops ncluding coffee, bananas, tropical fruits and vegetables. Don Gonzalez and his children introduce us to their cattle, chicken, sheep and rabbits, proudly showing us how they convert the organic waste to biogas and fertilizer. Finally, we harvest fruits and vegetables from the garden and make our own fresh tortillas to enjoy as part of our typical "Tico"" lunch on the farm! The journey continues into the Central Highlands where you hike through a lush rainforest canyon and stop for a refreshing swim under La Fortuna waterfall. Spend the night at Hotel Arenal Nayara or Arenal Observatory Lodge [BLD] DAY 3: ARENAL VOLCANO HIKE, HANGING BRIDGES AND HOTSPRINGSS Enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast before exploring Arenal Volcano which rises 1,6333 meters above sea level with a crater spanning 140 meters. Pack your binoculars and water bottle and experience the rain forest canopy from a series of hanging bridges winding through old growth forest. Be on the lookout for over 250 species of birds and mammals including toucans, mot-mots, howler and spider monkeys, South American coatis, sloths and white-collared peccaries. Our next stop is La Fortuna Hotsprings, a piece of paradise belonging to the local family of Dona Mireya. Unwind as you watch the sun set from one of five creek-fed pools before enjoying a typical Tico-style dinner prepared by the family and served in an open-air rustic thatched-roof for the evening at Hotel Arenal Nayara or Arenal Observatory Lodge. [BLD] rancho. Back at our hotel take in views of Lake Arenal and the volcano as you settle down DAY 4: SAN RAMON DANAUS ECOCENTER A morning visit to Danaus Ecocenter provides an opportunity to see Costa Rica's infamous poison arrow frog, the red-eyed tree frog and a variety of spectacular butterflies. The center hosts an amazing diversity of mammals and reptiles, including sloths, caimans and lizards in a natural tropical forest preserve. Traveling further on through lush farmlands and forests we reach the Los Angeles Cloud Forest located in San Ramon a farming community in the heart of the Costa Rica Central Highlands. Easy hiking trails throughh this private 800-hectare reserve begin at an elevation of 2,300' and wind upwards through the lush tropical cloud forest. Keep an eye out for over 200 species of birds ncluding bellbirds and trogons, and check out the amazing nocturnal -3-
insects and wildlife on a guided night walk through the forest. Overnight in a charming cozy chalet with plenty of charm at Hotel Villa Blanca. [BLD] DAY 5: MANUEL ANTONIO AND MEAL IN LOCAL HOME Drive to the stunning Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park (3.5 hrs). En route we are graciously invited for lunch in the home of a local Tico family. Doña Flory prepares an authentic homemade Costa Rican meal with great pride typically including rice and beans, delicious patacones (fried plantain), hand-made tortillas and coconut cajetas (a sweet dessert). This is a real highlight to experience rural family life in Costa Rica. Further down the road we stop to view the large crocodiles basking in the sun at the Tarcoles River bridge. At the Vista Los Sueños Canopy Tour we gear up to ascend up into the rainforest where we explore 80 acres of forest with spectacular views of the Nicoya Gulf. Watch for scarlet macaws, toucans and white-face monkeys as we ride to the top of the mountain and then descend via a series of zip lines including 15 platforms connected by 14 long cables for a total distance of 3.5 kilometers. Arrive at Hotel El Parador which offers spacious rooms with spectacular views. The elegant Parador overlooks Playa Biesanz to the north and Playa Espadilla to the south and boasts a terrace bar, fine restaurant, two swimming pools and a spa. Spend the night in a Premiumm room with incredible 180 degree views of the ocean, islands and adjacent jungle. Overnight at Hotel El Parador or Hotel Villas Si Como No. [BL] DAY 6: MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK Spend an exciting day in Manuel Antonio National Park a biologically diverse rain forest reserve offering lovely white sand beaches and a vine drapedd jungle filled with wildlife. One of the easiest places to see animals, be on the lookout for a slow moving sloth, monkeys checking you out from above, and bright red macaws in the almond trees! After lunch your Costa Rica tour guide bids you farewell. Spend the remainder of your day enjoying the white sand beaches and lush rainforest of the beautiful Pacificc coastline. Overnight at Hotel El Parador or Hotel Villas Si Comoo No. [BL] DAY 7: MANUEL ANTONIO Enjoy this day for more family adventures in Costa Rica to play on the beach and exploree the area. Available activities include rafting, sea kayaking, horseback riding in a local reserve, sport fishing, surfing lessons, snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin and sea turtle viewing, and hiking in the national park. (Additional activities not included.) You may also opt for a fun day at the beach and the hotel pool. Overnight at Hotel El Parador or Hotel Villas Si Como No. [B] DAY 8: MANUEL ANTONIO SAN JOSE Transfer to the Quepos airstrip to board a twin engine charter flight (25 minutes) direct to the San Jose International airport. Upon arrival you will be met by an awaiting driverr to take you to the terminal. [B] Note that your flight home must depart after 11:00 a.m. to ensure a connection between your local flight and your international flight. -4-
END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. 2014 SCHEDULED GROUP DEPARTURE PRICING TEEN CHILD 10 AND SEASON ADULT (11-16) UNDER High Season $3,095 $2,895 $2,250 Low Season $2,995 $2,795 $2,250 Single Supplement: $895 *Single supplement $895. High Season December 1, 2012 - April 30, 2014 and July 1-August 31, 2014; Low Season May 1-June 30 and September 1- November 30, 2014. Teen (11-16) and child price based on child sharing the room with 2 adults. Child pricing applies for children 10 and under. Peak Season Surcharges might apply from December 15, 2014 to January 5, 2015. Some December departures might include an additional night (to be paid at additional cost) INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions English-speaking guides from Day 2 to Day 6 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 $28 international airport departure tax Tips and gratuities 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 BAGGAGE WEIGHT LIMIT ON DOMESTIC FLIGHTS AND SMALL BOATS For all scheduled domestic flights in Costa Rica (Nature Air and Sansa Airlines) there is a 40 lb. per person baggage weight limit for checked baggage plus 10 pounds allowed for carry-on including your camera equipment. Note that for private charter flights and small boat trips the weight limit is 25 pounds per person (plus 10 pounds carry-on). We suggest that you pack lightly to comply with these limits. If your luggage exceeds the limit you will need to repack only the items needed for those segments of your itinerary that include flights and boats. You can leave extra items behind in storage. If you are returning to the same San Jose area hotel, simply request to store your excess luggage at the hotel. If not, you can give your extra bag to your transfer driver. It will be stored securely for you and delivered to you upon your return to San Jose. -5-
Accommodations HOTEL BOUGAINVILLEA Conveniently located just thirty minutes from the international airport in the highland suburb of Santo Domingo, the Hotel Bougainvillea is set in beautifully landscaped grounds with paths winding through tropical gardens and flowers. Spacious rooms offer two double beds, TV and a balcony overlooking the Central Valley. Amenities include a swimming pool, tennis court and fine dining restaurant featuring fresh Costa Rican cuisine from the surrounding farmlands. ARENAL NAYARA, ARENAL A world of comfort and style surrounded by an untouched natural paradise. Located in the outskirts of one of the world's most amazing volcanoes, Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens is the experience of a lifetime. Each large, suite-sized including a backyard, outdoor shower and private front balcony. Bungalows include bungalow provides ample space and privacy, one king or two full sized beds (with deluxee bedding), a plasma 27 cable TV and DVD/CD player, ipod stand, wirelesss internet, safety box (laptop capacity), air conditioning, private bathroom with hot water, backyard outdoor shower, stocked mini fridge, coffee maker, front balcony overlooking the volcano, private outdoor volcano-view Jacuzzi. The hotel s restaurant, Altamira, has an excellent view of the Volcano (weather permitting) and serves three full meals daily. Other amenities include a pool with wet bar and full-service spa facility. Make one of these luxurious casitas your home in this lush and verdant natural wonder, where simply waking up to the wondrous sight of the Arenal Volcano is an experience in itself. ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE The Arenal Observatory Lodge is up a bumpy gravel road that crosses a small river surroundedd by mountain rain forest. The main lodge includes a bar, restaurantt 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. Superior rooms feature a private bath and full view of the volcano. The lodge currently faces the active side of the volcano from a safe distance across a wide valley. During the day you can see smoke and hear the roar of the volcano; at night bursts of fire and red-hot rocks can often be seen shooting shooting into the darkness and cascading down the slopes. Arenal Observatory Lodge offers great hiking trails over ancient lava flows near the lodge. It is one of the highest rated eco-lodges in Costa Rica. -6-
VILLA A BLANCA CLOUD FOR REST HOTEL L Set on a 3,000-acree dairy farm m surrounded d by pristinee tropical f Villa Blanca B comb bines friendlly Costa Rica a cloud forest, countryy-style hospitality with a conservatio on ethic to protect p the surrrounding Lo os Angeles Biological B Reeserve. The wellw appoin nted casitas, each with th heir own cozyy fireplace, are a surroun nded by lush h botanical gardens. g Villla Blanca is like l staying g in a quaint Costa Rican n colonial villlage, includiing the Marian na Chapel, a 14th centuryy Roman weedding chapeel with hand-p painted tiles built by form mer Presiden nt Rodrigo Carazo C to celebra ate the 50th wedding ann niversary wiith his wife, Doña Estrella a. Guests enjjoy the fresh h country cuisine, spa menu, and all the fun f nature activities a nea arby includin ng horseback k riding, zip-linees and manyy hiking traills. HOTEL L EL PARAD DOR, QUEP POS Hotel Parador P Reso ort & Spa is uniquely situated amon ngst luxuria ant coastal ra ainforest oveerlooking Co osta Rica's fa amous Manueel Antonio National Park k. It is percheed atop a 40 00 acre secludeed peninsula a surrounded d by wild bea auty or rock ky shores and priivate white-ssand tropica al beaches ovverlooking th he Pacific Ocean. Spectacula ar views can be b enjoyed from f the terrraces, swimm ming pools an nd suites. Th his family-frriendly boutiique resort boasts b its ow wn private na atural trails through lush h tropical rainforrest that is ha abitat for a great g varietyy of tropical wildlife w includiing toucans and a howler monkeys m tha at may just wake w you up in th he morning! HOTEL L VILLAS SI COMO NO, MANUEL L ANTONIO Villas Si S Como No is an environ nmentally frriendly resorrt featurin ng solar pan nels, energy efficient e air conditioners c s, farmgrown wood, and a water mana agement sysstem.. Each villa v consistts of two to six s deluxe ho otel suites wiith ocean vieews, balconyy, private ba ath/shower, air condition ning and ceiiling fan, kitchen n or wet bar.. The pool, Jacuzzi and water w slide are contou ured into the jungle terra aces. The barr and grill ovverlook the Paccific. Activitiies include hikes h in the national n park k, ocean and rivver kayaking, sport fishin ng, white wa ater rafting, mangro ove tours, an nd beach com mbing. Wildland Adventurres Costa Rica Family Va acation www w.wildland.com m -7-
Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling 1-800-345-4453. Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. 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 and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at 1-800-345-4453, send an email to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $300 61-90 days: Initial deposit amount 31-60 days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information for your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a 1-800-345-4453 or email info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry 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; however, it is 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 an upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply). All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions. -8-