Discover the beauty of Costa Rica and get up close to the world's most magnificent plant and animal habitats. Marvel at the beauty that the tropics hold as you explore the Arenal region, and the Osa Peninsula , home of Corcovado National Park. Explore beneath the soaring canopy of Costa Ricas lush rain forest some of the finest cacao in the world. Learn the artisanal process by which cacao fruit is transformed into chocolate .Taste different kinds of chocolate, which will be prepared on the spot in the traditional way. Amaze with the splendor of an active volcanos thunders and explosions, and later enjoy a healthy and relaxing soak at the hot springs. Visit Cao Negro Wildlife refuge one of the most important reserves for bird watching. Snorkel in crystal clear water, look for dolphins and whales in the ocean, and monkeys, sloths and scarlet macaws on land, hike pristine waterfalls, plant a tree, learn about Indian medicines from the rainforest- spend the most amazing days in Osa Peninsula! -Declared one of the most biologically intense places on earth by the National Geographic Magazine, (the Osa Peninsula along with Drake Bay have today, become the premier eco-tourism destination in the county.) .
Day 01 Arrival to San Jose
Upon arrival to Juan Santamaria National Airport you will be picked-up and greeted by one of our representatives. While you are being transferred you to your hotel in San Jose, we will review your entire itinerary and answer any questions you might have. We suggest you get an early night's rest as you will be departing early in the morning. Lodging at Hotel Finca Rosa Blanca in San Jose
Day 02 Ground transfer to Sarapiqui/Arenal/Chocolate Tour (B, L)
After breakfast, you will head to Sarapiqui which is set on the banks of the Puerto Viejo River, 42 miles North of San Jose and next to the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Sarapiqui has become an important destination among tourists seeking for adrenaline adventures or to relax in an ambience surrounded by exotic nature. It is known as of the richest areas for bird watching. Enjoy a 2.5 hour tour that will open the secrets and wonders of one of mankind's favorite foods: chocolate. The tour will be led by a trained guide across the suspension bridge and a sector of the Tirimbina forest to a former cacao-growing plot. During the hike, the natural and cultural history of the cacao tree will be explained. Upon arrival to the plot, the artisanal process by which cacao fruit is transformed into chocolate will be demonstrated (harvest, fermentation, drying, etc.) while the story of pre- and post-colonial chocolate is told. At the site, one may taste different kinds of chocolate all of which are prepared on the spot in the traditional artisanal way. By exhibiting the process of how cacao is transformed into chocolate, this tour assists the local community with their conservation efforts of their native plants as well as demonstrates how farming can still be done in harmony with the environment. Furthermore, in its desire to improve the life of the community, Tirimbina is connected to the Amazilia del Caribe Women's Association, composed of rural women from Pueblo Nuevo de Guacimo, in Limon Province, which has dedicated itself to the production of hand-made organic chocolates. These may be found in our souvenir shop, and through their purchase you can assist in the well-being of the whole community. After the tour enjoy lunch and continue your trip to Arenal La Fortuna de San Carlos is home of the famous Arenal Volcano. Within Costa Rica's fertile northern lowlands, the Arenal Volcano is an unavoidable and majestic sight to see while traveling. It is tall, loud and flashy, and as one of the world's ten most active volcanoes it emits lava and enormous ash columns on a regular basis. Arenal's perfectly symmetrical shape makes it a sightseen's dream, while its abundance of outdoor activities makes it an easy place to check things off your must-do in Costa Rica's list. Lodging at Hotel Arenal Nayara Casita Deluxe room Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens is a luxury boutique hotel that is widely recognized for providing premium luxury amenities and ultra-personalized service at surprisingly affordable rates. Located in the outskirts of the amazing Arenal Volcano, Arenal Nayara is an oasis of tranquility, where guests can experience a profound and organic immersion with nature, while living in luxury at the same time. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, each one of our 44 spacious casitas (bungalows) provide an exclusive, ultra-luxurious retreat
Day 03 Day at leisure (B)
Today is a day of leisure to explore on your own. Please note that if the trip between May and June or between October and November of 2012 there is an additional activity included! Lodging at Hotel Arenal Nayara Casita Deluxe room
Day 04 Adventure day in Arenal (B)
Choose from any of the following activities Small Boat Cruise in the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Horseback riding to the Waterfalls,or Zip Lining *Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge by boat: The wildlife reserve Cano Negro is one of the most important reserves for incredible bird watching and observation of wildlife in Costa Rica. Cano Negro is also home for many sloths, monkeys, caimans, bats as well as numerous tropical plants. After a welcome drink and a snack, we slowly and silently cruise to this exceptional national refuge in our comfortable boat where you can enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna. Upon return you will be served a typical, delicious lunch in the restaurant El Caiman which is nicely placed on the riverbank of Rio Frio. *Horseback riding to the Waterfalls A beautiful example of the Costa Rican country site will be found along the way, cattle farms and agriculture, also the chance to see some birds as oropendolas and toucans. After that you have to walk five hundred meters into the forest to get to the waterfall, which is 70 meters high. At the base of the waterfall there is a natural pool‚ where we can swim in the fresh water of La Fortuna river for about one hour. *Zip Lining Sky Trek starts with a tour in the Sky Tram to reach the top of the Arenal reserve, then begins a tour of adventure full of adrenaline above the treetops, which consists on a system of zip lines, that allows you to observe the rainforest and its landscape from a different perspective, safely in an innovative and different system. Sky trek must be booked including the Sky Tram. The tour includes 8 cross-sectional cables that together have a total length of 1.7 miles with distances from 100 to 2460 feet, and with a maximum height of 660 feet, which exceed the treetops providing a panoramic view of the Arenal volcano and lake. Sky Tram is a 20-minute aerial tram tour that starts in the Reception and reaches a wide observation deck at the highest point of the Arenal Reserve, from where you can observed the rain forest, the Arenal volcano and lake. It consists of six gondolas for up to 6 people each and the trip length is 1250 mts. The journey in Sky Tram takes around 20 minutes one way with the possibility of intermediate with short stops that will be supplemented with information of a naturalist guide. Once you have reached the observation deck, you can enjoy a walk through one of the trails with duration of 30 minutes. The Sky tram can be done separately as well as the butterfly garden. Minimum age for the sky trek: 8 years old. Lodging at Hotel Arenal Nayara Casita Deluxe room
Day 05 Transfer to San Jose/ Flight San Jose Puerto Jimenez (B, D)
Today you will be transferred to San Jose , upon arrival to San Jose you will be transfered to a local airport for a domestic flight to Puerto Jimenez. Flight to Puerto Jimenez/Danta Corcovado Lodge Upon arrival you will be picked up and transferred to your lodge. Feel free to take a hike through nature or maybe take a plunge in the rivers that flows next to your Bungalow. You will most probably see monkeys leaping in the trees, exotic birds calling and the colorful frogs croaking away in the night. You are in Osa!
Day 06 Corcovado/Chocolate Tour at Finca Kobo (B, L, D)
After breakfast, visit Finca Kobo . Cacao production is the main economic crop of Finca Kobo. We invite you to experience this marvellous manufactoring process. First we visit the area of the traditional cacao plantation - it is an untouched and mystical area where we can have first impressions of the cacao forest, the flowers and fruit. The history and culture of this tropical crop is highly interesting, reaching back to the time of the Mayas. You will get information about the origin of the cacao tree, the history, the first contact with Europeans, and the principal disease called Monilia. Passing the biological corridor we can understand its purpose and its benefit to the animals living next to us, like monkeys, coatis, sloths, and many more. Here they feed while the corridors allow them to linger and move from one farm to another safely and without interference. On the way to the organic cacao plantation we pass the secondary forest with its pioneer plants and its typical flora and fauna. During the walk in the area of organic cacao cultivation we show you different species of cacao fruit. We will have a little rest in this beautiful spot to open up and taste a fresh fruit from the chocolate tree. You will hear about the international market situation, the main producers, and the main consumers of the world. After the visit to the cacao plantation, we will show you the various steps of making good chocolate. First we will visit the fermentation area , then we pass to the drying area , and then observe the transformation of a roasted cacao-bean into pure chocolate. Last but not least we will then invite you to taste a wonderful chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and homemade banana bread from the farm in a quiet place in the middle of a tropical garden. Overnight at The Jungle Lodge
Day 07 Dolphin Boat Ride and transfer to Lapa Rios Lodge (B, L, D)
Basque in one of the highlights of the Osa Penisula as you enjoy a boat ride in search of the Dolphins the freely roam the bay waters if you are lucky you might even run into one of the whales that like to frequent the gulf. If time permits, you will visit an animal sanctuary and take a plunge in the warm waters as you snorkle in one of the reefs.Lunch in town. After a short cuty tour of our frontier jungle town, you will be transferred to the Lapa Rios Lodge for your next two nights of Osa as seen from above the hills that crash into a wild beach full of treasure worth exploring Lapa Rios is Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, a destination matching everyone's idea of paradise.
Day 08 Lapa Rios Activities (B, L, D)
Included in the package is your choice of one of the many activites offered by the resort. Waterfalls hike Hike up and down through virgin rain forest to pristine waterfalls and splash back along the Carbonera River. A rain forest experience with adventurous hiking. Difficult, but great fun. For all hardy hikers looking for a challenge (wet walking and some climbing). Plant a tree Contribute to sustainable development in the Lapa Rios reforestation program by transplanting a primary rain forest seedling to an area of second growth. Participants will learn about ''their tree'', its role in the ecosystem and receive a certificate to commemorate their efforts. Gift certificates can be purchased on behalf of others and the trees planted in their honor. Plan 10-20 minutes, planting is at 7AM or 4:30PM when the soil is cool. Local Medicine Tour This walk follows an old track through primary forest. It's an opportunity to view the cool, primary forest along with fascinating "local" explanations of medicinal uses of barks, leaves, saps. Our guide will teach you the traditional Indian medicines from the rain forest. Night walk Departing from the lodge at 6:00 PM., experience the sights and sounds of the rain forest after dark. With flashlights and use of ''eye shine'' the forest's nocturnal creatures come alive after dark.
Day 09 Flight Puerto Jimenez /San Jose (B)
Morning transfer back to Puerto Jimenez to board a local flight back to San Jose. Today you will be heading back to San Jose. Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn crowns the Central Highlands of Costa Rica, offering a luxury sustainable hotel and exciting destination. Aside from being pampered in our world famous luxury boutique hotel, you will revel in the perfect climate while you discover the misty cloud forests of the volcanoes surrounding the organic coffee plantation, hike through lush verdant coffee plantations with our knowledgeable guides and while partaking in the famous coffee tour you will learn the intricacies of growing and roasting organic coffee while becoming an expert in cuppinga some of the world's best beans
Day 10 Departure (B)
Transfer to the international airport for your flight back Home.
