Page 1 of 12 family of 4 (ages 52, 46, 16, 14). gingerm33@hotmail.com Rivers, mountains, volcanoes and beaches - Serendipity Style! March 10, March 19, DATE ACTIVITY HOTEL As we don t know yet your arrival time we can have you the first night sleeping in San Jose** (if the flight arrives late at night) or going straight to Turrialba valley, this little green valley hides one of the most beautiful rivers for rafting in the world. At the top of the mountains is the Turrialba volcano, when is clear you can see the smoke going out of its crater it is one of the most active volcanoes in the country but don t be afraid you can enjoy the views it is secure. Tonight your Serendipity leader will make contact to introduce his self and let you know when is he coming to pick you up next morning. Day 1: Fri. Mar. 10, **This option is the one shown on the final price Hotel La Riviera Located at the beautiful and relaxing San Antonio de Belén, a safe town with one of the best weather of the country and just 10 minutes from the Juan Santamaria International Airport and 15 minutes from the main cities of Costa Rica: Alajuela, Heredia and San José. 1 superior room with 2 Queen beds Day 2: Sat. Mar. 11, No meals included Included. We have a BIG DAY that starts with an early morning challenge, we need to leave La Riviera at 9.00 am and head to Turrialba where the river crew will be waiting. Serendipity s river crew will lead us on an expeditionary 18-mile whitewater rafting journey down the wild and scenic Pacuare River (Class III and IV). The Pacuare is considered one of the planet s most spectacular tropical canyons both for it s challenging rapids and remote jungle setting. You ll be led by our highly skilled river crew including a paddle boat guide (boat captain), an oarsman (the guide who rows the gear boat with our food and luggage) and our fearless safety kayaker (if you fall out in the rapids, he may become your friend), always ahead Pacuare Riverside Camp Located on the banks of the Pacuare River, surrounded by the lush high mountain rainforest completely removed from modern civilization. The permanent deluxe camp includes tents on elevated platforms, foam mattresses, sheets and blankets and pillows. Also features REAL flush toilets, outdoor showers and fullyequipped kitchen, where your Serendipity river
Page 2 of 12 Day 3: Sun. Mar. 12, scouting the rapids. This technical river is challenging as we maneuver through awesome rapids, broken by short calm stretches which offer views of the pristine rainforest and cascade after cascade of crystalline waterfalls. The first day we raft down a shorter stretch of mostly class 3, just perfect to develop the skills and team synchronization necessary for tomorrow s final challenge. There are multiple tributaries that offer wonderful side hikes to explore as we make our way down the river. This is the promise of the Pacuare: the powerful water will thrill you, the savage beauty of the surroundings will humble you. In early afternoon we arrive at our (fully equipped and comfortable) deluxe camp in the jungle, where the animal noises are overwhelming and the smell and taste of the wild is unfiltered by man s inventions. Chances are, tonight s meal will be the best you have in Costa Rica -- partly due to guide skill, partly due to adrenaline enhancement. The (permanent) platform tents are well sheltered from the elements, the mattresses are thick and at least as comfortable as most hotel beds, and there is a real flush toilet here. All of this takes a back seat to the sensations evoked by the wilderness and jungle. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included. Second day on the Pacuare. This is when all the training, all the knowledge, all the quick thinking of yesterday will pay off as we paddle down the river s most challenging and remote section. The scenery becomes only more dramatic today as we make our way through narrow passages and imposing vertical gorges. Big waves and fast-moving rapids with names such as Cimarrones and Double-Drop will require our full concentration and obedience to our guide s commands -- but we ll be ready to rescue in case someone takes a swim. The hikes from the river's edge into the jungle are awesome, and sometimes, if the water level permits, we can slide our way back to the river on natural waterslides guides prepare wonderful dinners and hearty breakfasts. Horse Farm Guest House Deluxe 2 bedroom villa within Serendipity s private horse ranch property. Guests are tended to by host family and breakfast is served at stables kitchen or brought to your private open-air kitchen-dining area. Amenities include well appointed rooms with superior bedding, private bathrooms, satellite TV, full equipped kitchen and air conditioning. The horse stables are just a short
Page 3 of 12 and play in waterfalls so clean you can drink the water pouring over your head. The Pacuare is threatened by plans for a massive hydroelectric project, so we ll enjoy it while we can even as we at Serendipity continue to work to prevent the river s destruction. walk away from stables and a fabulous, wellmaintained pool is footsteps from your door. 1 Frutales Villa with 2 bedrooms Serendipity is very proud of our guide training, emergency procedures and equipment backup system. We have extensive -- AND CONSTANTLY REPLENISHED medical kits (knock on wood) and our guides actually know how to use them (Advance First Aid responders). We re the ONLY rafting outfitter that carries a complete whitewater rescue kit, radio, c-spine backboard, evac plans and the ever so important Epi-Pens. Our guide-topaddler ratio is unprecedented in Costa Rica, and most other places of the world. For these reasons we are the most respected whitewater rafting outfitter in Costa Rica. The river trip ends in the Caribbean town of Siquirres. It s grand river journey that will not be soon forgotten. But the adventure continues, so we ll say goodbye to river guides and hop in the 4x4, now heading west, towards the northern plains... Day 4: Mon. Mar. 13, Breakfast, Lunch Included. Outside of the Osa Peninsula, our friend s private rainforest is perhaps the last remaining ancient primary forest in Costa Rica. The floor of the primary rainforest is completely unlike the common secondary rainforest (young rainforests that account for virtually all the protected terrain of Costa Rica s National Parks). In the primary rainforest, instead of dense undergrowth, the competition for sunlight pushes all vegetation upwards, 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 Same as above
Page 4 of 12 plastic sheets since their natural protectors have all but completely disappeared). Looking up in the primary forest you see the original crystal cathedral, light sent dancing by filtering leaves and spider webs catching dewdrops. We have two special trees here. The first is Joseph, a ficus (strangler fig), about 300-500 years old. The host upon which Joseph fed was probably alive when Columbus arrived in Costa Rica in 1502. Joseph s hollow core is intriguing, and irresistible to anyone who has ever loved climbed a tree as a kid. Imagine, getting inside the tree -- hope this is the only time since your birth you ll be completely inside a living creature. And what a lovely variety of animals also use the tree. And if you want you can climb inside -- if you get high enough (you can go up over forty feet on the inside until you reach a window you can climb out of) you get to rappel down the outside. Climbing is a lot of sweat and adrenaline, but with a strangely natural feel about it. A mile away is Serendipity s second tree, about 150 feet tall (well above the average primary forest tree, which grow about 90-120 feet). From below the primary forest is majestic. From above, it is the realm of the gods. Serendipity's giant ceiba tree (we have named him Abraham, in honor of the father of all races) supports our observation platform, nestled beneath its lowest branches, 110 feet above the soil. The platform is just about eye-level with the top of the rest of the forest. The forest canopy is Grand Central Station. Birds arrive and dive into the forest to their nests. Iguanas sun themselves in the highest branches of trees, growing below the massive arms of Abraham. Bird songs and monkey calls compete with tree frogs and myriad insect sounds. This is the place for good binoculars and stable spyglasses, where cameras with long lenses capture the colors above the canopy. The forest, and the platform, are yours today, to use (or
Page 5 of 12 Day 5: Tue. Mar. 14, not use) as you wish. We can get you up and down, with something to eat and drink while you are up there. Even if you forego ascending the platform (sometimes a fear of heights is justified), the "walk in the woods" is a day-long pursuit, and everything from wild peacocks (actually a Great Curassow), oropendulas, aracari, toucans, and great ibis, to parrots, toucanettes and brilliant tanangers to moneys and all the other creatures are there, unmolested by the crowds. We ll probably have the entire forest, about 900 acres surrounded by farmland, all to ourselves. Did I mention how you get up into Abraham? For anyone not inclined to climbing it's really simple -- you sit, we lift. For those who want real physical challenge, let me explain: the ropes, harnesses, jumars and Mitchell system equipment we re carrying today wasn't a mistake. If you have the itch, we have the right equipment to make it happen (and a way to rescue you, if you can't make it all the way up). Since the early 70 s explorers discovered thermal waters that sprung from the ground all throughout the base of the volcano. Today this resource attracts people from around the world on their eternal quest of the the fountain of youth. The hot springs lack the unpleasant sulfuric odor and their unusually high concentration of minerals give them strong curative powers. Lavish mega spas have flourished since then but we ve discovered a special place that has resisted expansion and has kept the pristine environment that originally prevailed. Unlike the larger places that cater to hundreds, here the thoughts in your mind do not have to compete with blaring techno music. Ah, the perfect way to end a fantastic day of adventure. Enjoy the therapeutic bliss Breakfast, Lunch Included. Visit the Arenal National Park. In 1992 the volcano ejected lava that burned through virgin rainforest on its western flank. Since then a National Park has been Casa Batsu An authentic Costa Rican House that open its doors as to travelers. Find here
Page 6 of 12 established to protect the remaining rainforest and to control the curious visitors that come to see the volcano up close. We ll walk along the trails that lead to the old lava blaze. The hike itself is relatively easy and flat and it s common to see coatis, anteaters and toucans along the way. We can climb (CAREFUL!! Sharp reef-like rock) atop the cooled lava to the highest lookout point for an up-close view of the volcano. If it s active the vantagepoint is a magnificent but even the panoramic view the lake, from the canopy forest level, is worth the whole endeavor. After lunch your guide will take you to the Arenal lake, where you will say good bye to your guide and hop on the boat to start the wonderful journey to the cloudforest, in the other side of the lake a transportation will be waiting for you to start climbing to the cloud forest. The mountainous cloud forest of Monteverde and the town of La Fortuna are two of Costa Rica's favorite tourist destinations and are only 25 km apart. But, with a difference in altitude of 1,150 m, a steep drop and several roadblocks namely, an active volcano, Costa Rica's largest lake, seven rivers and a rugged, densely forested mountain range direct passage between the two towns is difficult, to say the least Making the trip by road entails a very bumpy 4 to 5 hour journey by car, or an 8 hour, 136 km bus journey, with a change-over in Tilaran. Two much more convenient routes are offered, taking hours off your travel time. authentic Costa rican hospitality, beautiful property with intimacy, warmth and beauty in every corner. Excellent food quality, great location. 1 Colibri Room with 2 bedrooms The jeep-boat-jeep trip from La Fortuna to Monteverde, combine the thrill of an adventure tour with the convenience of a transportation service. This is the quickest and most popular route between Monteverde and Arenal The trip combines scenic cruise across the tranquil Lake Arenal, where you will experience beautiful views of the majestic volcano and the forested Tilaran Mountain Range. You will also have the chance to see a variety of
Page 7 of 12 Day 6: Wed. Mar. 15, wetland birds such as king fishers, fly catchers, waders and other exotic species that abound on the lake shore. You ll be driven by your Serendipity guide to the Lake Arenal dam, where you will board a 22 person covered power boat. This is where the scenic 30 minute cruise across the lake begins. Next you will begin the impressive 1.5 hour journey up the mountainside on a steep road offering stunning views of the lush, green valley. You will be driven directly to Casa Batsu in Monteverde. Please note, that it might be rather cool up in the cloud forest in the evening (about 50 F and at an altitude of about 5000 feet. End of Serendipity s guided services Breakfast and Lunch included The morning walk into the cloud forest is simply enough to have ample wildlife sighting opportunities (and to capture them with cameras). We ll head to the Curicancha private reserve, operated by the local community. The hummingbirds are everywhere and will often pose for the picture right in your hand! The colorful tree frogs are heard throughout the forest but it s the echoing BONK of the three-wattled bellbird that s truly fascinating. If you re quiet you ll often spot a quick guatuso cutting through the dense foliage but the howler monkeys are not nearly as shy. Anyone would give up all of these sightings for one encounter with the elusive Quetzal, a rare species considered by many the handsomest of the American continent. A little luck is always needed, but this is the breeding season. Your local guide can teach you their call and how to spot them in the wild. Later in the day you ll visit the most famous canopy tour in the area. 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 Same as above
Page 8 of 12 Day 7: Thur. Mar. 16, them uphold Serendipity standards of safety. Along this area we have our favorite one.. Most people think of a "canopy tour" as a lift into the rainforest branches where the animals hang out. The truth is, the canopy tours eliminate animals -- about like a bulldozer eliminates animals in a field where machinery is working. There is still the lush vegetation, and there is the act of getting into the canopy that is a reward in itself - - climbing up, harnessing and trusting yourself to zip lines and cables as you move from tree to tree, platform to platform. But the reward is the act, not the animals. Most people never look anywhere except the oncoming tree that is rushing towards you as you literally zip along the cable. Later you can visit various sites of interest to learn more about Monteverde s fascinating history and cultural heritage (started by Quaker immigrants from Pennsylvania in the 60 s). The town of Santa Elena has developed into a major tourist destination over the years, but it continues to have that cloud forest village charm. The locals have inherited excellent culinary skills from the Quakers and now, some of the best food (especially baked goods and delicious soups) in all of Costa Rica can be found here. Breakfast Included. After your final cloud forest exploration you ll be saying goodbye to the highlands. Now move on to lower elevations. The idea today is to make out to Manuel Antonio early, in time to enjoy some beach time, settle into our hotel and prepare to witness the sunset. So you ll want to hit the road just after breakfast, as it takes some time to get back over the mountains and down the central pacific coast. Just before sunset the macaws reliably fly out of the forest to their nests on the coast. Two by two the birds Espadilla Ocean Club EOC villas sit is a unique ecosystem hosting wildlife, plants and birds that cannot be found in the same combination anywhere else in the world 1 beachfront Villa
Page 9 of 12 Day 8: Fri. Mar. 17, Day 9: Sat. Mar. 18, will fly over the area Breakfast Included The ambiance of this upscale beach community is right from a romantic novel, with tales of escapes in tropic wonderland -- food and drink will always play an important role The food in Manuel Antonio reflects the eclectic character of the area you can find everything from local tipico (as the Costa Ricans call the traditional rice, beans, plantain and cornmeal based cuisine) to world class fusion, and everything in between. Head into the port town of Quepos for great seafood (including sushi and sashimi) at El Gran Escape restaurant OR if you like to have a fun dinner down by the waterfront, it s hard to go wrong at Mar y Luna (strip outside Man. Antonio Park). For a romantic evening overlooking the ocean, and if you re ready to splurge, the Sunspot Bar and Grill (inside Makanda by the Sea Hotel) is fabulous and then there s Capi Capi, perhaps one of the best fusion restaurants in town. No meals Included. Our final day on the beach is meant to enjoy at your own pace. We can have another morning on the sand, in the waves playing OR under a palm tree with your latest book. We have **optional activities as well such as **fishing, **ATV riding, **sea kayaking- snorkeling. We don t have to decide these things right away although this week will be quite booked so if you have interest please inquire in advance for costs and details. **Optional Deep Sea Fishing- The nearby town of Quepos harbors various Sport Fishing Vessels and the off-shore waters of this region is well known to offer world class conditions for sport fishing. Let us know if you wish to include a professionally **outfitted fishing charter. No meals Included. Same as above Same as above
Page 10 of 12 Day 10: Sun. Mar. 19, All the good things come to an end Departure is always a two-edged sword but you won t soon forget Serendipity and your trusted leader, who by now is also a friend and knows more about your fears and courage than perhaps even your best friend back home. You get to take a few bruises, some extraordinary memories and perhaps a new skill or two. You have to leave behind the 4x4, the jungles and machete-cut pineapples but maybe you can join us again someday. No meals Included. Not included guests fly home Hotels available on date itinerary proposed, but cannot be confirmed until deposit received by Serendipity. Itinerary design and cost is valid for 10 days The customized itinerary above for a private group including 4 guests costs: U.S. $10,647.00 total (Price per person USD $ 2,662.00) Optional tips and airfare are not included in the above price (see TIPPING below for suggested ranges) PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS: The above price quote is based on a $600 per person deposit, which you can pay with any major credit card to our corporate account with PayPal. Balance payment is required by sending us a personal check or a bank to bank wire to our account in Michigan. If you wish to pay balance with credit card, please add 3,5% surcharge to balance amount. Included: all hotels, activities and meals as described above. DAY 2 thru DAY 5 includes your personal 4x4 full TOYOTA LAND CRUISER or NISSAN PATROL (including fuel) and the services of a private full time Serendipity adventure leader (see details below). Your Serendipity leader: Your private guide is your personal driver, but also your travel concierge, logistical manager, 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. Private Serendipity Activities: A unique aspect of Serendipity vacations is that all main activities are exclusively operated for each private group these are NOT daily departure tours sold to the general public. This guarantees maximum flexibility when it comes to start times, intensity level, individual challenge (difficulty) and duration. If adjustments or changes are necessary rest assured Serendipity ACTS IMMEDIATELY as we understand your vacation time is precious. Serendipity implements the highest standards when it comes to operational safety.
Page 11 of 12 We invest in ONLY the very best quality equipment available and the preparation and training of our guides and support staff is at the top of the industry standard. Great Food: Breakfasts are usually provided by hotels or prepared by guides at Serendipityoutfitted camps and river expeditions. Lunches are often personalized picnics or trail lunches to enjoy in the wild or, if appropriate, we ll eat at local family restaurants! Dinners are flexible and guests make daily decisions to dine at the hotel or at local restaurant with their guide. Some dinners are more restricted due to location but guides will give you advance warming to insure the options are acceptable. Serendipity prices also include bottled water and travel snacks when needed or appropriate. Dietary preferences: Our company is well versed in managing food restrictions, alergies and personal preferences. We re also very proud to be one of the few companies in Costa Rica that caters to special preferences including high protein, low sugar, kosher, gluten-free and vegan. To our company it s a priority that our guests have a wonderful culinary experience. Also included are government taxes (about 17% on everything). Not Included: any service not mentioned above or labeled by asterisks (**) as well as personal expenditures including laundry, alcoholic beverages, exit visa for Costa Rica ($29 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: PEAK SEASON (Dec. 15-January 15 and March 1 April 15)): full refund, less prepaid hotel amounts and additional Serendipity cost of $190 per person, if requested in writing at least 90 days before trip start date. No refund if cancellation received less than 90 days before start date. Final payment at least 90 days before start date.
Page 12 of 12 Full payment should accompany reservations made less than 900 days before departure. Credit cards may be used for the deposit only. OTHER SEASONS - full refund, less prepaid hotel amounts and additional Serendipity cost of $190 per person, if requested in writing at least 60 days before start date. No refund if cancellation received less than 60 days before start date. Final payment at least 60 days before start date. Full payment should accompany reservations made less than 60 days before departure. PAYMENTS: 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 on USA bank, wire transfer or money order. Any other final balance payment will result in a 3.5% additional processing fee or bank service fees. ITINERARY CHANGES 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 www.travelguard.com. RELEASE FORM: All participants will be required to sign and return a release form prior to departure. See Serendipity website: www.serendipityadventures.com/release for current RELEASE form. TIPPING: We are constantly asked what is appropriate. Our answer is that any tip is optional. Like fishing charters or naturalist specialists in Costa Rica, guides usually receive about 7-12% of the total trip cost, depending on the quality of the service provided and on your preference. The tip you give to your principal guide is shared according to your instructions among all the people helping your trip run smoothly -- river guides, horseback guides, climbing guides, naturalist guides, drivers, etc. who will be with you at different times during the adventures. This policy 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.