+44 (0)20 8741 7390 The perfect honeymoon destination, Costa Rica combines an enviable mix of spectacular nature, active pursuits and luxury boutique accommodation. One of the smallest countries in Latin America, it is filled with unexplored potential and some of the most pristine landscapes on earth. Beginning in San Jose, the country s capital city, your journey takes you first into the magical beauty of the Osa Peninsula, where you can enjoy jungle hikes amongst some of the rarest flora and fauna in the Americas. Then it is on to the banks of the beautiful Pacuare River, where you ll stay in a remote jungle lodge and enjoy romantic candlelight dinners and exhilarating white-water rafting. Following a visit to a lively local community, the journey then continues with a hike up the impressive Poas Volcano, before moving on to experience the serene beauty of the little-visited Tenorio National Park and its turquoise river. The adventure ends with you enjoying a few days soaking up the charms of the Pacific coast, with a chance to relax and play along the white sands of Playa Guiones before beginning the journey home. HIGHLIGHTS: Search out a staggering diversity of birds and mammals deep in the rainforest Try your hand at surfing, rappelling and rafting Walk to the crater rim of an active volcano Swim at the base of a turquoise waterfall Enjoy romantic candlelight dinners in luxurious surroundings TOUR INCLUDES: 14 nights in luxury boutique hotels 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinners Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private or shared basis Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: SAN JOSE You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the capital. DAY 2: SAN JOSE - OSA PENINSULA Departing San Jose today, you will fly on to a private reserve in Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest. The Osa Peninsula is one of the most beautiful areas in the country; a stunning and rugged paradise that is a haven for lovers of wildlife, birds and beaches. You will be staying in a charming bungalow that overlooks the pristine spot where the Dulce Golf meets the Pacific Ocean. (B,L,D) DAY 3: OSA PENINSULA In the company of your naturalist guide, you'll enjoy a jungle tour today, searching out of some of the abundant numbers of birds, butterflies and mammals that inhabit the area. This afternoon has then been set aside for a hike through the virgin forest to find some spectacular hidden waterfalls, where you will have the opportunity to climb to the top and swim in the clear pools beneath. (B,L,D) DAY 4: OSA PENINSULA Walking along the ridges that run through the surrounding mountains, today's hike offers a chance to search out more of the region's unusual flora and fauna. There is also an opportunity to venture along the beaches to discover the area's abundant marine life. The area is home to the Corcovado National Park, a haven for many of the country's rare and endangered animal and bird species. (B,L,D) DAY 5: OSA PENINSULA - SAN JOSE - SIQUIRRES Flying back to San Jose today, you'll then transfer by road to the magical jungle hideaway of Pacuare Lodge. Perched on the banks of the Pacuare, the lodge sits besides a river that National Geographic listed as one of the world's top ten. Surrounded by luxuriant rainforest, this evening sees you soaking up this natural beauty and tranquility over a candlelit dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: SIQUIRRES Waking up to bird song and the soothing sounds of the river, today sees you heading out on an adventure-packed excursion. A chance to truly appreciate the magnificent scenery and breathtaking views that make up part of the largest protected landscape in Central America, you'll hike, climb and rappel amongst the tree tops and nearby canyons. (B,L,D) DAY 7: SIQUIRRES - BAJOS DEL TORO The Pacuare River offers up some of the finest white-water rafting in Latin America; coursing its way through a pristine wilderness of dense vegetation and steep gorges that provides shelter to jaguars, ocelots, monkeys and sloths. After enjoying a morning's rafting excursion, you'll then transfer on to your next hotel, set amongst the rural community of Bajos del Toro, in the shadow of the Poas Volcano. (B,L) DAY 8: BAJOS DEL TORO A hike through the cloud forest this morning brings you to a beautiful creek that is home to the refreshing cascades of a number of lovely waterfalls. From here you then continue on to the local town, a captivating source of lively traditions, where you can enjoy the orchid garden and stop off at the local bakery to sample some fresh tortillas and pastries. The day ends with a romantic alfresco dinner, enjoying the sunset and the surrounding lush greenery. (B) DAY 9: BAJOS DEL TORO - TENORIO NATIONAL PARK Today sees you experiencing the impressive setting of the Poas Volcano, one of the few volcanoes in Central America that remains active all year round. A short hike takes you up towards the crater's rim, with its colourful layers, hot sulphurous lagoon and steaming fumaroles. Continuing on to the La Paz Waterfall, you'll then have an opportunity to visit the butterfly farm, hummingbird gallery and reptile house, before continuing on to the little visited Tenorio National Park, home to the beautiful, turquoise, Rio Celeste. (B,L) DAY 10: TENORIO NATIONAL PARK Two crystalline streams come together to form the blue waters of the heavenly Rio Celeste. Tinted by a combination of sulphur and calcium carbonate, the river's length is scattered with hot springs, volcanic fumaroles and a dazzling array of flora and fauna. Home to tapir and the rarely seen puma, you'll take a short trek up to the majestic setting of a unique waterfall, whose characteristics so typify the natural beauty of the area. (B,L)
DAY 11: TENORIO NATIONAL PARK - PLAYA GUIONES After breakfast this morning you'll be transferred on to your beach hotel on Playa Guiones, lying close to the Tico settlement of Nosara. A sweeping arc of white sand, the beach runs for some seven kilometres, providing an ideal spot to enjoy some surfing or partake in a number of other optional activities that include horse riding, zip-lining and paddle-boarding. (B) DAY 12: PLAYA GUIONES The following days have been set aside to make the most of this tranquil setting; relaxing on the beach or enjoying the wealth of more adventurous activities on offer. (B) DAY 13: PLAYA GUIONES Day at leisure to enjoy your idyllic beach setting. (B) DAY 14: PLAYA GUIONES Day at leisure to enjoy your idyllic beach setting. (B) DAY 15: PLAYA GUIONES - SAN JOSE Transfer to Liberia and fly on to San Jose, to catch the return flight home. (B)
ACCOMMODATION BAJOS DEL TORO EL SILENCIO El Silencio Lodge & Spa is located in a 500-acre tropical forest, with a river winding through the grounds and three waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. Take in panoramas from an outdoor hot tub, greet the sunrise from the yoga deck, and enjoy superb spa treatments. The 15 mountainside or riverside suites feature premium amenities, including a private viewing deck with handcrafted rocking chairs and a heated outdoor jet pool. There are restaurants nearby in Bajos del Toro and the on site restaurant serves delicious organic produce. This luxury lodge is just 90 minutes from San Jose. PENINSULA DE OSA LAPA RIOS Lapa Rios is one of only 24 National Geographic Unique Ecolodges of the World. Set within a 1000-acre private nature reserve in Central America s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica s wild Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios is paradise for lovers of wildlife, birding, nature and beaches. The 17 private bungalows line three ridges overlooking the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean. The bungalows are open-air with screens that allow you to experience the sounds, sights and smells of the rainforest and the ocean. All bungalows have ceiling fans (no air-conditioning) and offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or Golfo Dulce from your bed or spacious private decks. Gourmet dining can also be had at the Brisa Azul restaurant. Lapa Rios is one of only few ecoresorts in the world to be located in the rainforest with easy access to secluded beaches facing the Pacific Ocean, allowing for a great variety of land and waterbased tours and activities. PLAYA GUIONES HARMONY HOTEL Harmony is a beautiful boutique beach hotel with 24 elegant rooms and suites. It is a surfer's paradise with lots of activities available or you can choose to relax on the beach or in your luxurious accommodation. The bungalows have huge decks with rocking chairs and outdoor showers. There is a heated pool amongst the hotel's tropical garden and the spa hosts daily yoga classes and guided meditation. There are plenty of dining options nearby but spend some time at the seafood restaurant and open-air juice/cocktail bar. SAN JOSE
GRANO DE ORO Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colon, San Jose's main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Hotel Grano de Oro occupies a quiet street in the nation's capital of San Jose, close to the vibrant city centre and numerous restaurants, theatres and shops. Hotel Grano de Oro features thirty-six rooms in three categories as well as three signature suites. All rooms are furnished in Tropical Victorian styles with wrought-iron beds and rich damask fabrics in three jeweled colour schemes - navy, burgundy and forestgreen. The art and furnishings are handcrafted by Costa Rican artists and no two rooms are alike. Private baths are blue and white Italian tile adorned with gleaming base fixtures. The restaurant, common areas and all rooms are non-smoking. Restaurante Grano de Oro merges Costa Rican tropical with European cuisine under the expertise of French-trained Chef Francis Canal. SIQUIRRES PACUARE LODGE Pacuare Lodge is a premier eco-lodge with spa offering elegant accommodation, exquisite cuisine and outdoor adventures in an area of outstanding natural beauty. You are located in an area of pristine wilderness on Costa Rica's most spectacular white water route with a plethora of birdlife and butterflies in the surrounding rainforest. Getting there is half the adventure, as you arrive by boat along the river through lush jungle and narrow canyons where tropical trees tower over the riverbank and crystalline waterfalls plummet out of the greenery. In addition to rafting, you can enjoy horseback riding, bird watching, canyoning, a rainforest canopy tour, or a trek to a Cabecar Indian community. But the Pacuare Lodge is also an ideal spot to kick back and relax, enjoy the scenery and serenity, and get to know the local people. TENORIO NATIONAL PARK RIO CELESTE HIDEAWAY Rio Celeste Hideaway is a small resort-style and ecologically-oriented hotel that provides a truly unique rainforest experience, located next to the Volcan Tenorio National Park (where the amazing Rio Celeste gains its sky-blue colour). There are 26 bungalows, a wonderful restaurant and amenities surrounded by an untouched natural paradise. Each one of the 26 spacious bungalows provides an exclusive retreat in which you can relax amidst the breathtaking rainforest. The lodge is located just one hour from Arenal volcano. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com