 Costa
Rican Adventure!
November 22-29, 2008
Download Itinerary
Come join us on this fabulous
adventure with other singles over the Thanksgiving holiday week to
visit Costa Rica- one of the most popular vacation destinations in
the world! You’ll love this peaceful, beautiful and friendly
country from its jungles and cloud forests to its beaches and
volcanoes. Costa Rica is a country that loves nature and remains
unspoiled; it is an ecotourism heaven which makes it one of the best
places to experience the tropics naturally and with minimal impact.
Its national parks protect over 850 species of birds, 205 species of
mammals, over 300 species of reptiles, and almost 10,000 species of
plants.
On our trip you’ll experience
a lot that Costa Rica has to offer including 2 nights in San Jose-
the bustling capital, 3 nights in the Arenal area (known for its
impressive volcano) where we’ll enjoy the wonderful
Eco Thermales
Hot Springs, a sanctuary of nature and beauty with 4
pools varying in temperature; one pool even has a cascading
waterfall. Then we have 2 nights in the famous Manuel Antonio
National Park area, known for its rain forest and beaches and the
site of the filming of the movie Jurassic Park!
We’ll enjoy outdoor activities
and it is your choice to choose a more active
or less active adventure on some of the choices ranging from river
rafting to gliding through the treetops
suspended by cables, to hiking to a beautiful waterfall and swimming
hole and kayaking in the mangroves.
On all of the above we will
have a local professional guide along to make our Costa Rican
experience even more meaningful. Each area of Costa Rica we’ll be
visiting provides wonderful opportunities to see animals, flora and
fauna, exploring, hiking, taking advantage of our included adventure
excursions; all adding up to make this a fun and wonderful adventure
experience!
Don’t miss out on this fun and affordable adventure
trip!!
Price Includes:
2 nights San Jose
3 nights Arena Volcano area
2 nights Manuel Antonio Area
COSTA RICA ADVENTURE
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1,
Saturday, Nov 22
Depart From Your Hometown
Depart from your hometown for
San Jose to begin your adventure enjoying the excitement and beauty
of volcanoes, rainforests, and wildlife reserves all with other
singles! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to our
hotel right in the center of this exciting city! Depending on your
flight arrival, the rest of the day is free until the evening when
you’ll meet your local bilingual guide and fellow travelers. And
your Costa Rican adventure begins…………!!!
San Jose is the capital city
of Costa Rica, and is by far the largest city in the country. Due to
its strategic location, in the geographical heart of the country, it
is the ideal place for us to get started on our journey to the
incredible variety of regions this country has to offer.
Our
Hotel-2 nights—Gran
Hotel Costa Rica is the only
hotel in Costa Rica declared a historical architectural landmark by
the Costa Rican government. It is in the one of the best locations
in town, right in the heart of the city! You are surrounded by
museums, the cultural square, and the National Theater and lots of
exciting things to do. Also it has a café, restaurant and bar area
for your enjoyment.
Day 2, Sunday, Nov 23
San Jose
Breakfast and then we head out
of town for a fun day of your choice of an activity from the
following:
#1 More active:
San Lorenzo Canopy Tour (Zip line tour plus adventure cable).
On
our San Lorenzo Canopy Tour you’re in for an
experience that is both thrilling and beautiful. Glide through the
treetops suspended by cables above the valley floor. This is the
longest and most adventurous in Costa Rica. The San Lorenzo Canopy
Tour consists of over 5600 feet of cables connecting 12 platforms
situated high in the mighty trees of Valle Escondido. There are two
circuits through the canopy to choose from offering different views
of the exuberant jungle life. Safety
is of the foremost concern and this Canopy Tour Company is a member
of the Adventure Operators of Costa Rica (AOA) and strictly adheres
to the high safety standards set by this organization.
#2 Less active:
Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfalls
You will begin your journey to
the Poas Volcano, a scenic drive along coffee and sugar plantations
and through a rain forest. Admire the immense crater and its deep
green lake. Naturalists agree that this park has some of the world's
most lush flora and fauna. You will continue to the famous La Paz
Waterfalls, where you will see more than you can imagine…variety of
climates, including both cloud and rain forests, five magnificent
waterfalls with nine viewing platforms, the largest butterfly
observatory in the world, a hummingbird garden where our feathered
friends will delight and fascinate you as they play and fight with
each other at amazing speeds.
After your days’ activity you
can either relax later this afternoon, or visit the square near our
hotel where the locals meet to enjoy their afternoons, or continue
exploring the city. San Jose's main attractions include The
National Theater, The Gold and Jade Museums, casinos, shopping
malls, high quality restaurants, art exhibits, dance performances,
and opera.
Dinner is at leisure tonight
and then enjoy the entertainment and
nightlife that a cosmopolitan city can offer. (B,
L)
Costa Rica is an oasis of calm and an ecotourism
heaven…………
Day 3, Monday, Nov 24
San Jose to Arenal
Area
After breakfast, on our way to
the Arenal area for our 3 night stay, we’ll have another exciting
adventure! You have your choice of either a more active tour or less
active as follows:
:#1
More active:
Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui Class III Rapids
The seven mile trip on the
Sarapiqui River takes place between the community of La Virgen and
Chilamate in Sarapiqui. It is a trip especially suitable for
beginners and intermediates. It includes a very safe section formed
by rapids followed by crystalline ponds. Along the journey one can
enjoy four Class III rapids and about 20 Class II rapids, all of
which have a good technical level.
#2 Less active:
Safari Float Trip-Class I-II
This is a full day trip, where
you will enjoy natures’ surroundings with an expert guide and a
memorable experience swimming in crystal, clean water. You’ll be on
a non-motor float trip for nature lovers, using first class gear and
highly qualified guides. This lower section of the Sarapiqui River
runs thru areas gathering a lot of wild life: toucans, king fisher
and sun biters, and it includes lots of exotic fauna that you will
find in this rich vegetation.
After our river adventures we head to the
Arenal area where Arenal Volcano is the
most active volcano in Costa Rica. Long dormant, Arenal (3,000 years
old), erupted in July, 1968 and has been constantly active since,
but prior to this, the last eruption is thought to have been
around 1,500 AD. Arenal can put on an unforgettable light and smoke
show and the viewing can be spectacular, with glowing lava and
mini-explosions lighting up the sky.
The area is rich in natural
attractions; you can also experience thermo-mineral hot springs,
waterfalls, hikes, horseback riding, birdwatching, biking, and boat
tours on the Caño Negro. Tonight dinner is at your leisure to enjoy
the local Costa Rican cuisine. Then enjoy the Volcano fireworks if
it is a clear night. (B,L)
Our Hotel-3
nights--
Volcano Lodge
is located in La Palma de la Fortuna, San Carlos, a beautiful area
that offers a panoramic view of Arenal volcano and the tropical
rainforest. Enjoy the many beauties of the forest surrounding the
lodge; you can see Toucans and many other species of birds as well
as a wide variety of flora and fauna. The property offers 30 rooms
finely furnished with two double beds; a kitchen table, A/C, cable
TV, safety deposit box and hair dryers in the bathroom. Each room
has a terrace where
you can enjoy an excellent view of the
volcano and any
lava that may be flowing. The hotel’s
restaurant provides room service. Other amenities include: swimming
pool, Jacuzzi, laundry service and Internet access.
Day 4,
Tuesday, Nov 25
Arenal Area
After
breakfast, some free time before we head out to explore this
wonderful
area surrounding Arenal and La Fortuna.
We’ll explore and walk the area with views of Arenal Volcano and
learn about the native flora and fauna.
Later we are in for a treat as we end up
for the evening at the Eco Thermales Hot Springs, a
sanctuary of nature and beauty,
where we’ll also enjoy a home cooked dinner for a perfect way to
close the day. The smallest of the Arenal Hot
Springs, it is a more private hot springs and only accepts a certain
number of guests to prevent over crowding and thus less relaxation
and enjoyment of the springs.
Eco Termales Hot Springs is
a family business built over time and years of hard work and
visitors are more like family guests than tourists.
There are 4 pools and they
vary in temperature, from 105 degrees to 91 degrees Fahrenheit, and
one of the pools has a cascading waterfall with misty water that
makes for a very refreshing swim. Dinner is a delicious Costa Rican
cuisine prepared in a traditional rustic kitchen.
Eco Thermals Hot Springs is a
wonderfully authentic environment that offers privacy and
tranquility within the lush Costa Rican rainforest. We’ll enjoy the
evening here with both a swim and dinner.
www.arenal.net/tour/eco-thermales-hot-springs/
(B,D)
Day 5, Wednesday, Nov 26
Arenal Area
Breakfast is included and then
another day of adventure! That’s why we’re here! You’ll have your
choice of a more active or less active adventure as follows:
#1 More active
Rio Celeste Hiking Adventure
Mysterious and imposing,
in the very depths of the Tenorio Volcano, manifestations of hidden
power transform the union of the Buena Vista and Roble Rivers into a
sky blue stream, giving birth to one of the most extraordinary
phenomena of nature. Hiking along the river we'll find hot springs,
bends of heavenly tranquility and beautiful waterfalls of singular
beauty, all surrounded by a variety of flora and fauna. This is an
adventure hike that you won’t soon forget!
You’ll be able to swim so make sure you
bring your bathing suit! Lunch is included.
#2 Less
active
Arenal Hanging Bridges
Arenal Hanging
Bridges is located within a 618-acre reserve of primary forest.
Interspersed along a 2-mile rainforest circuit are 15 bridges from
5 to 100 yards in length. Designed by structural engineers with the
most demanding safety margins in the world, the bridges are built of
aluminum, galvanized steel and concrete. From the forest floor and
the elevated bridges, your naturalist guide will help you explore
the fascinating world of the tropical rainforest. The imposing
vistas of the volcano from the hanging bridges over the forest make
a perfect combination for an unforgettable experience.
Depending on when you get back from our activities today, the rest
of the day is at leisure to relax by the pool or continue exploring
this unique area. Dinner tonight is on your own with friends from
the group. (B,L)
Day 6, Thursday, Nov 27
Arenal Area to Manuel
Antonio
Happy Thanksgiving! Breakfast
first, then we begin our drive to Quepos, home of the world famous
Manuel Antonio National Park and one of the most beautiful areas in
Costa Rica. We’ll be making stops along the way including a stop at
the Tarcoles River to see the giant Crocs of Costa Rica!
Quepos is positioned across a
tropical inlet surrounded by primary rainforest. The village center
is a delightful six-block square of restaurants, bars, hotels,
bakeries, art galleries and gift shops, all fronted by the main
beach. Quepos is growing quickly yet maintains many of its sleepy
and humble beginnings and it is also the home of the world famous
Manuel Antonio National Park. This park combines the rain forest and
beautiful white-sanded beaches.
Manuel Antonio has become a
Mecca for the jet set and Hollywood celebrities that come to enjoy
the serenity of the place, combined with an active nightlife that
includes restaurants, bars and discotheques. The place has received
plenty of coverage in travel magazines, which have listed it as one
of the 10 most beautiful places in the world, scenery wise.
After our arrival, get settled
into our hotel, relax, head to the beach, swim or explore the vast
surrounding area; we will be here for 2 nights! (B)
Our Hotel-2
nights---
Hotel Playa Espadilla is located within a 3-minute
walk from the national park of Manuel Antonio and a 2-minute walk
from the beach. The comfortable rooms overlook the hotel’s own
private biological reserve. Room amenities include: a/c, telephone,
security box and cable TV. The restaurant serves tropical as well as
international cuisine. In addition, the hotel features a private
reserve; spacious green areas, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, tennis court,
bar, wet-bar, laundry and email/fax services. The private Biological
Reserve is dedicated to the preservation of the indigenous flora and
fauna and has two principal trails designed for you to explore by
yourself.
Day 7, Friday, Nov 28
Manuel Antonio National Park
Breakfast and then we have
another active day! You have your choice to choose from either
tour:
#1) More active:
Damas Island Sea Kayaking
Paddle through the smooth inland
waterways of the Damas Island Estuary and learn the importance of
this delicate ecosystem where the salt waters of the ocean meet the
fresh waters of tropical rivers creating a periodically submerged
forest of interlacing aerial roots. Your bilingual guide will show
you the wealth of animal and bird life that lives in this unique
habitat, such as mangrove wrens, swallows and an abundance of shore
birds. On the banks of the estuary, you'll see the main
protagonists of the mangrove ecosystem; the Sally light foot crab,
as well as boa constrictors tangled in the aerial roots, silky ant
eaters and monkeys in the upper branches and crocodiles slipping in
and out of the water. None of this trip is in open ocean and the
pace of this trip is according to your abilities.
#2) Less active:
Damas Island Boat Tour
This adventure of Costa Rican
natural history is highly recommended for any naturalist, young or
old, who wants to experience first hand the pulse of the mangrove
ecosystem. Your highly trained, bilingual guides and naturalists
will steer you peacefully and comfortably in high-tech, ultra-quiet
estuary boats as the wildlife comes to you – sometimes right into
the boat! Along the way, they will explain the biological
relationships between the organisms in this delicate environment
including white face monkeys, boa constrictors, sloths and often
crocodiles. Experience curious families of monkeys as they migrate
across the mangrove ecosystem in search of food and adventure. And
discover the secret ways different exotic trees of Costa Rica
replenish the environment worldwide, yet sustain themselves for
decades of growth.
After returning to our hotel,
the rest of the day is at leisure; last minute shopping, hiking,
exploring areas not yet seen, swim or just relax! After dinner,
maybe some
nightlife in town! (B,L)
Day 8, Saturday, Nov 29
Transfer to San Jose and Flight Home
Today we say farewell as we
head out early (!) back to San Jose for our flights home. Please
make sure you have made your flight departure time for after 12 noon
from San Jose, Costa Rica. (B)
*******************************************************************
Whether you are looking for a city full of nightlife,
adventure in the jungle or relaxation on the white sand beaches……
Costa Rica has something appealing for everyone……………!
Costa
Rica Quick Facts
Capital City: San José
Population: Over 4 million
people
Climate: Tropical. Summer
is lush, Winter is dry. Warm weather prevails throughout the year
Size: 50 miles long, 150
miles wide (51,000 sq. km)
Language: Spanish and
English
Currency: The colon
Entry Requirements:
Passport and return tickets are required to enter Costa Rica
Taxes: a 13% tax and 10%
service charge are added to checks in restaurants. Travelers may
leave extra tip
for good service. There is an
airport departure tax of approximately $26.00.
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Price |
$1499.00
per person, land only, double occupancy (remember we can
assign a roommate)
$ 450.00
want a room to yourself?-add to above rate-
(Very limited availability!)
Maybe extend your vacation in Costa Rica …ask about our post
trip package to Tortuguero
By final payment please choose one from each of the
following two included excursions below:
See
descriptions in itinerary for each day listed.
Day 2 _More
active- San Lorenzo Canopy Tour
_Less active- Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls
Day 3 _More
active- Whitewater River Rafting -Class III rapids
_Less active- Float Trip
Day 5 _More
active- Rio Celeste Hike
_Less active-
Arenal Hanging Bridges
Day 7 _More
active- Damas Island Sea Kayaking
_Less
active- Damas Island Boat Tour
Airfare:
Airfare is not included.
You can check for some great online prices from your
hometown or call us for a pricing (prices quoted are subject
to change at any time per the airlines). You fly into and
out San Jose, Costa Rica.
Airport
transfers:
Your arrival and departure transfers are
included in the above price for the trip as long as you
arrive anytime on the first day of the tour,
November 22, and you must schedule your departure air
flight, November 29, from San Jose, Costa Rica,
for after 12 noon. At the end of the trip, we
will be transferring the group directly from the Manual
Antonio area to San Jose to meet departure flight times for
after 12 noon. If you purchase your flights at any other
time on the departure you will be responsible for getting
back to San Jose and it can cost upwards of $100+ for a
transfer back to San Jose on your own.
Travel
Insurance:
Travel
insurance is highly recommended for many reasons but also
because this trip will include some adventure activities.
Please inquire when signing up for the trip. Price ranges
from $68- $122 (depends on your age and total $ amount),
plus a $5 processing fee from the insurance company. A
travel insurance pamplet with all prices and insurance
information will be sent to you with your trip invoice
receipt for your deposit. Please review it and call the
insurance company directly to sign up.
--A valid
passport is required for travel and the expiration
date must be at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Non-U.S. citizens please check with your local consulate for
entrance requirements.
--There is a Costa
Rica departure tax of approximately $26 to be
paid in cash at your departure from San Jose airport.
--No
immunizations are required, but check with your
doctor or a travel medicine clinic for any recommendations.
--Price does not
include items of a personal nature- i.e. phone
calls, laundry, alcoholic & other beverages not offered with
included meals, meals not included, tips to guides &
drivers, travel insurance, Costa Rican airport departure
tax. |
Fine Print –
Costa Rica November 22-29, 2008.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Your payment for a reservation on
this trip constitutes consent and acknowledgement of all the
provisions in this Fine Print listed below and in the Singles Travel
Company General Terms and Conditions. Make sure you read both of
these important pieces of information and call us with any
questions. Please fax or mail to us the Reservation Form found on
our website with your reservation.
Payments A deposit of
$200.00 is due with your booking.
Final payments are due 65 days prior
to the trip. Payment by credit card or check (payable to Travel
Advisors).
Cancellation Fee and Refunds All
cancellations must be in writing. Cancellations 91 days or more
prior to the trip will receive a full refund of your deposit, less a
$50 cancellation fee applied to your credit card. Any cancellations
within 90 days of departure, no refund will be provided. No refund
on unused portions of the trip. After airline tickets are issued,
airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually
no refund, but may be changeable with a fee.
Travel/Trip
Cancellation insurance is highly recommended
Download full Terms and
Conditions (PDF)
A Division of Travel Advisors of
Los Gatos
56 North Santa Cruz Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Toll Free: 888.286.8687
Local: (408) 354-6531
FAX: (408) 354-3871
Email: cruisestoursinfo@aol.com
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