10 days from $2,495  Visiting
 Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival in San Jose, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Grano de Oro Hotel Day 2 San Jose-Pacuare River (BLD) An early morning departure takes us out of San Jose to Cartago province, one of the first areas to be settled by the Spanish. It's a peaceful area with many old churches and beautiful gardens and lush farms. It is also the site of the Pacuare River, considered one of the best white water rafting rivers in Costa Rica. While there is no rafting on this trip, you'll get to experience the stunning scenery rafters enjoy. Swtich to a 4x4 vehicle for the ride further into the jungle. The final leg to your hotel begins with a 300-foot ride in a hanging gondola over the river, followed by a short walk to your lodge. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the picturesque surroundings in the rain forest. Pacuare Lodge Day 3 Pacuare River-Bajos Del Toro (BLD) We leave the Pacuare River area this morning, stopping for lunch enroute, and drive to Bajos Del Toro and our luxury lodge in the midst 500 private acres of carbon-offsetting tropical cloud forest. El Silencio Lodge is a planet-friendly hotel most recently featured on Conde Nast Traveler's 2008 Hot List. El Silencio Lodge Day 4 Bajos Del Toro (BLD) Your private "Eco-concierge" will help you plan your day. Begin with the Mystic Hike through the trails of the property, spotting birdlife as you go. Take part in a tree-planting activity. You might also want to indulge in an optional spa treatment. El Silencio Lodge Day 5 Bajos Tel Toro-Arenal Volcano (BD) After breakfast, a scheduled shuttle transfer takes you to the Arenal Volcano. Although the volcano last erupted in 1969, it's still active and rumbling. Later this evening, visit one of the local Hot Springs resorts where you'll have an opportunity to soak in the thermal waters. Arenal Nayara Day 6 Arenal Volcano (BL) A full day tour takes you to the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. Travel by road to Los Chiles (a small village close to the Nicaraguan border). From here, enjoy a river adventure as you board a boat that will float you through the Tropical Rain Forest. Bird watching is particularly great in this area and you might spot Roseate Spoonbill, jabiru (the largest bird in Central America) and the Olivaceous Cormorant. Watch for howler monkeys, the three-toed sloth and spider monkeys as well. After a typical Costa Rican lunch, return to the Arenal Volcano area early this evening. Arenal Nayara Day 7 Arenal Volcano-Guanacaste Area (B) A scheduled transfer takes you to Costa Rica's Northern Pacific Coast and the Guanacaste Province. Your hotel is on Mansita Beach, just south of the Tamarindo area. The remainder of the day is at leisure. JW Marriott Day 8 Guanacaste Area Cultural Tour (BL) A unique and fun experience awaits today as you travel to a nearby small village. Time spent at "La Anita Rain Forest Ranch" will give you insight into daily life on the ranch as you try your hand with an interactive cooking class. Visit the medicinal plant garden and the organic vegetable garden, picking ingredients for your lunch. Then, hang on to your hat as a ride in a tractor-pulled cart takes you for a tour of the plantation. You'll stop at the local elementary school to visit with the kids before you end your visit in a local home. Tasty homemade treats accompany fresh-brewed Costa Rican coffee and time to visit with a local family. JW Marriott Day 9 Guanacaste Area (B) The day is at leisure to enjoy the amenities of the resort. You could opt for a hike or perhaps go into Liberia for some shopping. JW Marriott Day 10 Liberia-Depart You'll be transferred to the airport today to catch your flight home.
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