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Costa Rica Multi-Sport
Important Information
Day 1
• Airport pick-up outside the terminal upon flight arrival. Transfer from airport to San Jose is approximately 30 minutes.
• Walking tour of San Jose [2-1/2 hours]. Please schedule a flight that arrives by 1:00 p.m. on Day 1 in order to be able to attend
the San Jose city tour at 3:00 p.m. Otherwise, you may join us later for the welcome dinner.
Arrival and San Jose Walking Tour, Hotel Palma Real (506- 290-5060 / private baths) or Similar
Welcome to Costa Rica! A representative from our local tour operator, Horizontes Nature Tours, will meet you upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport outside the main terminal. You then transfer to our deluxe hotel in San Jose, conveniently located near downtown and features a Jacuzzi and a cozy bar. This afternoon enjoy a guided walking tour of San Jose’s pleasant parks, shopping district and historical sites including the National Theatre, Gold Museum and
major government facilities. Tonight we have a welcome orientation dinner with our Costa Rican hosts.
Day 2
• Shuttle from San Jose to Tres Equis for put-in on the Pacuare [3 hours]
• Pacuare River Rafting [18 miles, Class III-IV rapids]
Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River, Palma Real or Similar Today we experience whitewater rafting on the world-class Pacuare River. Adventuresome beginners and experienced rafters alike will be in awe of the Pacuare. Arguably one of the most beautiful canyons in all of
Central America, the Pacuare has cut a deep canyon through the tropical lowland rainforest, providing an awesome Class III-IV raft trip. Experience the Costa Rican feeling of “pura vida”—pure life—as you frolic on the river, spot the flash of the blue morpho butterfly and see an abundance of birds—egrets, herons, vultures, kingfishers and the Montezuma Oropendola. If you are looking for a tamer whitewater experience, the Class II-III Sarapiqui River raft trip can be arranged for any or all members of the group. While we tend to love the Pacuare, the Sarapiqui is also a great experience in yet another beautiful canyon.
Day 3
• Monteverde Transfer [3+ hours]
• Monteverde Nature Reserve Hike [3 to 5 miles, 3 hours]
• Note: The following departures will be staying at the Trapp Family Lodge
for nights 3 & 4: Feb. 4,
Transfer & Hike Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Trapp Family Lodge (506-645-5858 / private baths) or Hotel Belmar (506-645-8501 / private baths) This morning we transfer to Monteverde loud Forest Reserve and explore this renowned region, known for the huge variety of life forms it supports and an elaborate system of trails that wind through the park. The area was settled in the 1950s by a group of Quakers who migrated to the area from the U.S. and started dairy farms on the “green mountain”. Monteverde is divided into six life zones, hosting a total of 2,500 species of plants, 100 species of mammals, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, 490 species of butterflies including the iridescent blue morpho, and about 400 species of birds including the revered resplendant quetzal. Our home away from home for the next two evenings is the Trapp Family Lodge set just outside the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Surrounded by its own cloud forest, this two-story structure of beautiful tropical woods imbues it with a warm and cozy atmosphere. Alternatively, we stay at Hotel Belmar, a similarly-designed lodge located in the forest with spectacular views.
Day 4
• Canopy Tour [3 hours]
• Monteverde Night Walk [less than a mile]
Sky Trek Zipline Canopy Tour, Evening Wildlife Hike, Trapp Family Lodge or Hotel Belmar In the morning, we experience the thrill of exploring the surrounding cloud forest on the Sky Trek zipline canopy tour. Our tour, consisting of 11 cables with exciting traverses, is set in the heart of a rivate cloud forest reserve, and is considered to be the best canopy tour in Costa Rica. With special equipment, slide along ziplines above and through the forest canopy from one platform to another, and experience what it is like to be an eagle. The longest cable is 2,525 feet (nearly a half-mile) long and several are more than 200 feet above the ground. You will never forget the hrill and fun of the Sky Trek experience, which guarantees you more than two miles of secure and comfortable adventure. If the thrills of Sky Trek just aren’t your thing, you can enjoy doing the self-guided Sky Walk. A series of trails and suspension bridges wind through the trees,
allowing for a quiet and up-close experience with the flora and fauna of the cloud forest. This evening, a naturalist guide will lead you on a night hike through the clouds of this mystical forest beginning at dusk. Possible sightings include the agouti, coati, kinkajou, porcupine, sloth, anole, motmot, leaf-cutter ants and tarantulas. We then return to our lodge for dinner and a cozy bed, satisfied from the evening’s experience.
Day 5 NOTE: Days 5 & 6 May be reversed depending on conditions in country.
• Mountain biking and swimming [3 hours]
Transfer to Guanacaste, Mountain Biking, Hacienda Guachipelin (506-384-2049 / private baths / fans) This morning, we take a scenic drive from the cloud forests down through the semi-arid, cattle country of Guanacaste before arriving at Hacienda Guachipelin, near the flanks of Rincon de la Vieja, another of Costa Rica’s active volcanoes. This afternoon, the fat tire fun begins! Our mountain bike ride features the beauty of Costa Rica's natural wonders as we travel through dry tropical lowland forests and pasturelands set in the foothills of the spectacular Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Though the ride is a bit technical in parts, as we ride on a bumpy dirt road and a bit of single track (don’t worry you can take your time or walk parts if needed!), the ride is well worth
it. En route we stop for a dip or two in natural pools at the base of beautiful waterfalls. Continuing our ride, we pass through the strange yet beautiful oak forests unique to this area. Alternatively, if you feel like something a bit less technical, take a stroll on your own around the hacienda grounds, perhaps out to the La Victoria Waterfall, or just relax by the pool and soak up the sun. Our evening's lodging, Hacienda Guachipelin, is a down-to-earth, comfortably rustic working ranch catering to nature lovers and adventure travelers that features authentic home-cooked meals, buffet style! The evening dinner is enjoyed in an open-air restaurant where you can gaze at stars or distant thunderstorms as you dine on local cuisine. • Scenic drive from Monteverde to Rincon de la Vieja [3-1/2 hour shuttle]
Day 6
• Horseback riding and mud bath [2-1/2 hours]
• Zipline tour, rappelling and climbing [2 hours; optional tour added cost of $45
Hiking Rincon de la Vieja National Park & Horseback Riding/Mud Baths, Hacienda Guachipelin
Today we explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park on foot. This is one of Costa Rica's richest, most varied, and least known national parks, and is an excellent example of the transition from dry forest to tropical humid forest and rainforest. The centerpiece of the park is a broad massif formed by two volcanoes, with nine craters that melded about a million years ago. The park is also a watershed for 32 rivers and home to 300 species of birds including guans, curassows, and magpie jays, as well as collared peccaries, coatis, anteaters, agoutis, two-toed sloths and three species of monkeys (mantled howler, white-faced Capuchin, and golden spider). You’ll also see bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles in this area of geothermal activity. For those looking for an action-packed day, today is it! After lunch, try another exhilarating and very unique canyon adventure and zipline tour. The hacienda’s canopy tour traverses above the Rio Colorado in a narrow canyon and includes an exciting “free” rappel down to the river and a safe but exhilarating climb back up the canyon wall. You’re always double-tethered so it’s a great chance to try some things you may never have done before. Highly recommended! But you can instead spend some quiet time at the hacienda’s pool if you so desire. This afternoon we switch to horseback and ride with the local “sabaneros”. Our ride takes us along the river canyon and through pastureland to the hidden thermal hot springs and mud baths. Get ready for a special treat and lots of laughs. You’d pay dearly for this treatment at your local spa! • Hiking in Rincon de la Vieja [3 Hours, 3 miles, approximately 500-foot elevation gain/loss]
Day 7
• Outrigger / snorkeling tour [3 hours; Snorkel and mask provided]
Outrigger Canoeing, Snorkeling and beach activities at Playa Pan de Azucar, Hotel Sugar Beach (506 654-4242 / private baths) This morning we travel down from the mountains and arrive at Hotel Sugar Beach, located on the private Pacific beach of Playa Pan de Azucar. Upon arrival we explore the coastline in traditional outrigger canoes. Propelled by team paddling power, we head out to a secluded beach and even have the chance to do a little snorkeling. The late afternoon is yours to enjoy napping in a hammock, or you can rent a boogie board and play in the breakers at the hotel’s beach.This evening we will dine in a large open-air restaurant, where our chefs prepare fresh seafood, beef, chicken, fresh vegetables and fruits as we watch the sun melt over the horizon.
Day 8
• Optional Activities available at additional cost. See “Tour Details” below for specific descriptions.
Free Day, Optional Activities or Beach time, Hotel Sugar Beach or Ocotal Resort Today is yours to enjoy as you please. There are plenty of optional recreational activities, such as horseback riding, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. We recommend a trip into nearby Tamarindo, which offers plenty of shops, cafes, nightlife, and a huge, wide beach with great surf and plenty of options to rent a surf board, body board, and/or take surf lessons. Alternatively, relax and enjoy a morning swim at the pool or some more reading time at the private beach.
Day 9
Daniel Oduber (Liberia) International Airport or Tamarindo Airport Transfer, Trip Conclusion This morning we will provide a local transfer to the Daniel Oduber (Liberia) International Airport for your flight back to the US or to San Jose for your connecting flight, and say “hasta luego”, until we meet again...........
Osa Peninsula Extension:
Day 1
• Flight and hotel transfer, hotel activities
• Note: this portion of the tour is arranged through the resort, including daily activities, so there will not be an additional outfitter guide.
Domestic Airport Transfer, Scenic Flight to Osa Peninsula, Transfer to Lapa Rios Rainforest Ecolodge (www.laparios.com / 506 - 735-5130 / private bath) or Casa Corcovado www.casacorcovado.com / 506-256-7409 / private bath) After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the local airport to take a scenic flight to Puerto Jimenez via San Jose (Lapa Rios) or Palma Sur (Corcovado) and the world-renowned Osa Peninsula. The Osa Peninsula and associated Corcovado National Park offers the wildest, most remote and intact natural treasure in Costa Rica, if not throughout Central America. Upon arrival a transport from the hotel will take you to Lapa Rios Rainforest Ecolodge. Lapa Rios, reputedly the best ecolodge in the Osa Peninsula, was built with views, comfort and environmental sensitivity in mind. Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest, Lapa Rios overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, making it the destination that matches every one's idea of paradise. Hotel Activities (Meals: B,L,D) Alternatively, Casa Corcovado is a superb jungle lodge on the Drake Bay side of the Osa Peninsula (closest to Corcovado National Park!). You’ll fly to the town of Palmar Sur, then take a ground transfer (about 45 minutes) to Sierpe and board the boat for about 90 minutes to the hotel. En route, cross the Sierpe mouth, an exciting part of the adventure itself! Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge,tucked away in the trees and cooled by the Pacific Ocean, is a 170 acre private reserve bordering Corcovado National Park. Carefully designed and built by an American naturalist with over twenty-five years of local experience. This unique lodge offers accommodations constructed with the highest concern for conservation in harmony with the landscape and the environment. Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge provides the ideal base for your in-depth rainforest and ocean experience
Days 2-3.
• Optional Activities [Additional Cost. Pay Hotel Directly]
Day 4
Flight to San Jose, Transfer to Airport, Hotel or Arenal Extension Arenal Volcano extension:
Osa Peninsula Activities, Lapa Rios Rainforest Ecolodge or Casa Corcovado Today experience the best that the Osa Peninsula has to offer with a full day of optional activity (or inactivity!). Options are focused around the rainforest and the nearby Ocean. Rainforest hikes, bird watching, ocean kayaking, horseback riding, diving, catch and release sport fishing and surfing are some of the activities offered. Or, get a relaxing massage, participate in yoga classes, relax at the pool with a tropical cocktail or just take a nap in a hammock and maybe observe the birds, monkeys and other animals that come by. Tours to the nearby Corcovado National Park are also available. (B,L,D)
Meeting Time & Place:
You will be picked up at Juan Santamaria International Airport upon your arrival. If you are delayed or have changed your flight plans, please immediately call Horizontes’ emergency number 011-506-296-2626, advise them of your new arrival time, and they will meet you then.
You must arrive by 1 p.m. on Day 1 of the itinerary in order to participate in the City Tour at 3 p.m. Note that you will be responsible for lunch or snacks to hold you over until dinner.
Trip Conclusion: A transfer will be provided to Liberia International Airport or Tamarindo Airport on Day 9 as required.
There are direct international flights daily from Liberia back to the U.S. but no flights directly to the U.S. from Tamarindo. If flight schedules or costs are better for roundtrip international flights to/from San Jose than for one-way international flights to San Jose and one-way return international flights from Liberia, there are numerous flights available each day from Liberia or Tamarindo Airports to San Jose to connect with your return flight to the U.S. Sansa Airlines (approximately $78 one way) flies several times each day from both Liberia and Tamarindo to Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose. Please note that late afternoon flights can be turbulent due to the weather patterns so we advise taking flights that depart no later than 3:00 p.m. NatureAir Airlines (approximately $87 one way) has a few flights each day from Liberia and a couple from Tamarindo to Tobías Bolaños local airport in San Jose, about a 20-minute taxi ride to Juan Santamaria International Airport for connection to flights back to the U.S. Trip Fees Include: Eight nights double occupancy lodging, all ground transportation, all meals beginning with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 9 (except lunch on Day 8), bilingual guide, driver, all activities listed in the itinerary including necessary equipment, all park fees, and a gift-shirt.
Trip Fees Exclude:
International airfare, airport departure taxes (approximately $26 US per person), items of strictly a personal nature, alcoholic beverages, extras in hotels, and guide gratuities (as deemed appropriate), any additional cost incurred as a result of bad weather,
delayed flights, and other elements beyond our control.
Trip Fees Include:
Eight nights double occupancy lodging, all ground transportaion, all meals beginning with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 9 (except lunch on Day 8), bilingual guide, driver, all activities listed in itinerary including necessary equiptment, all park fees, and gift t-shirt.
Optional Activities: Free Day 8:
Miravalles Cloudforest Adventure (Full day, $89, Includes transportation, guide, lunch). Experience an incredible natural history walk and waterfalls tour to a transitional private Cloud Forest reserve. Enjoy a 20 minute horseback or tractor pulled cart ride to the starting
point. Bring: backpack, camera, binoculars, long pants, swimsuit, change of clothes, hiking shoes/boots. Palo Verde Nature Cruise and Liberia City Tour (Full day, $75, Includes transportation, guide, lunch). After a guided scenic drive through Sabanero (cowboy) Country to the put-in location, enjoy a 2-hour cruise on the Tempisque / Bebedero rivers - the nearest access to world famous Palo Verde National Park – and home to hundreds of migrating water bird species. Among other creatures you might see monkeys, scarlet macaws, iguanas, crocs, caimans and occasionally smaller mammals on the river banks. Time pending, enjoy a visit
to Guaitil Indigenous Artisans Village or Liberia Historical city. Bring: camera, binoculars, shorts, hat, sunblock Rio Colorado Rafting (Class III, Full day, $79, Includes transportation, guide, lunch). At just 8 km away from Liberia city, the beginner paddler will be delighted with this wet and wild experience, combined with lush riverside scenery. Tours are run on inflatable whitewater kayaks. Bring sun block, swimsuit, change of clothes, strap-on sandals or shoes that can get wet, towel. Santa Rosa National Park History/Cultural Tour (Full day, $65, Includes: transportation, guide, lunch). Our first national park, this 49,515-hectare preserve is famous for its 10 distinct habitats, including mangrove swamp, savanna and oak forest, home of more than 250 bird species and 115 mammals. Learn with our naturalist guide the importance of this ecosystem as well as about the history of La Casona - the nation's most chereished historic monument. The old hacienda-turned-museum alone is well worth the visit. On the way back enjoy a visit to Liberia city to learn more about the history of Guanacaste. Bring camera, binoculars, long pants, sun block, and insect repellent, hiking shoes/boots. Corobici River Floating Expedition (Full day, $85, Includes transportation, guide, lunch). A great experience for nature lovers! This floating adventure on rubber rafts on the Corobici River allows visitors to observe the lush riverside bordered by Ceibo Mahogany and Guanacaste trees. This is an excellent opportunity for birdwatching and other wildlife observation. Bring sun block, swimsuit, change of clothes, strap-on sandals or shoes that can get wet, towel. Horseback Riding (Half day, $65, Includes transportation, guide) Transfers to Tamarindo Beach: From Sugar Beach: $12 per person, one way, shuttle bus. From Ocotal: $25 per person one way, shuttle bus. Taxis are easily arranged directly at the hotel at lower prices, negotiate with the driver. Surfboard and boogie (body) board rentals and surf lessons available in Tamarindo, along with a great beach, shops, cafes, etc.
Special Requests:
If you have any special dietary needs or any special request that will make your trip more enjoyable, please be sure to notify your Trip Consultant or travel agent upon booking.
Then Leave the Rest to Us... Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including your reservation payment receipt and confirmation, travel insurance application, suggestions for preparing for your trip, a packing list, information on pre-
and post-trip arrangements, a guest questionnaire and a liability release agreement.
Travel Protection:
Full travel protection is included …. See link on main page for details..
General Information, Questions & Answers
What weather conditions can I expect? Costa Rica has a subtropical climate with average daytime temperatures between 68-90°F. The "Green" or rainy season normally runs from May through November, while the dry season extends from December through April. You can expect to have periods of rain during the dry season and, also, dry periods during the rainy season. Year round, the sun rises at approximately 5:00 a.m. and sets at approximately 5:30 p.m. Costa Rica has great weather and is a fun place to visit year round. How difficult is this trip...really? No experience is required for any activity, but this is an action-oriented trip. This tour is a little hilly and more challenging than our easy tours. This trip is Intended for the average active adult who feels comfortable being active 4-6 hours a day.
Tour Operator Partners:
Horizontes Nature Tours, based in San Jose. All tours will include a driver and a bilingual guide specializing in regional biology, history and geology. A tour representative will be your escort both to and from the San Jose International Airport on Days 1 and 9. In general,
What are the accommodations like?
Lodging Nights 1 & 2 Hotel Le Bergerac www.bergerac.co.cr/hotel.htm
Lodging Nights 3 & 4 Botel Poco a Poco www.monteverdeinfo.com/hotel/poco-a-poco
Hacienda Guachipelin is a down-to-earth yet comfortable hotel catering to nature lovers and adventure travelers. The rooms are housed in simple buildings, with wide and inviting verandas for sharing afternoon chats with fellow travelers. The dining room and reception area is housed in a building over one century old, part of the original Hacienda. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and has views of both the volcano and the Pacific Ocean. The open-air dining area provides a view of spectacular sunsets. There are also corrals, where real cowboys and ranch hands begin working in the early hours each day.
Hotel Sugar Beach: The 24-acre property sits alone on the private beach of Pan de Azucar. Nature is evident all around--the sounds of birds, monkeys and the sea create a sense of awareness and relaxation. The resort rooms are among the largest in Costa Rica, and
offer privacy, large decks, satellite TV, mini bars, phones, air conditioning and views of the ocean. Besides providing the perfect place to unwind, there are many activities for guests to enjoy
Visa and Passport Information:
A passport with an expiration date that is at least 90 days after your arrival date is required for travel to Costa Rica. No other visas or shots are required. Check-in for international flights to and from Costa Rica is usually three hours before departure. Valuable items such as camera equipment or binoculars and essentials such as prescription medications should always be hand carried on all flights to avoid loss or damage. Checked luggage should be locked and properly labeled.
Emergency Contact Information
Costa Rica:
Our Costa Rica offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 011-506-222-2022. Between the months of
December and May, we are open until 5:30 p.m., and also on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. If you need to contact our Costa Rica offices after-hours, call our emergency beeper service: 011-506-296-2626. Leave a message to Agencia de Viajes Horizontes, and whoever is on call will call right back. Lastly, all of our buses have radio communication with our office, and most of the guides carry their cellular phones in the event of an emergency.
US Emergency contact: Bill M 720-289-0460 cell or Dean B 303-570-4545 cell.
Regarding accommodations… While we plan to use the accommodations specified in this itinerary, changes are occasionally required due to availability of facilities, group size, etc. We recognize that most guests need detailed accommodations information to leave behind with relatives, etc. We’re more than happy to provide this when it is finalized (typically at least 30 days prior to departure). We're Always Improving! While the information presented here details this trip's planned activities, routes, accommodations, departure and conclusion times, we are consistently seeking new opportunities to enhance this itinerary and your experience. Our actual activities and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. As a result, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary since unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Naturally, we will keep you up-to-date on any changes that may affect your arrival or departure times.