Costa Rica Culture Vacation 10 Days / 9 Nights

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

• Day 1: Arrival to San Jose Intl Airport, city tour and private transfer to hotel.

• Day 2: Poas Volcano, Doka Estate coffee tour, Grecia & Sarchi towns.

• Day 3: Private transfer to Sarapiqui; Pineapple tour & cocoa plantation tour.

• Day 4: Rainforest walk; Indigenous tour & private transfer to Arenal.

• Day 5: Cultural tour & visit to Paradise Hot Springs.

• Day 6: Free day to relax at the beautiful Arenal Volcano area.

• Day 7: Private transfer to Manuel Antonio Beach.

• Day 8: Manuel Antonio National Park tour.

• Day 9: Free day to relax at Manuel Antonio Beach.

• Day 10: Private transfer to San Jose International Airport.

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1: Arrival to San Jose Intl Airport, city tour and private transfer to hotel.

• A representative will meet you and greet you at the gate of the Airport, to proceed with your San Jose city tour & private transfer to Presidente Hotel.

• On our San Jose city tour you will discover the richness of the Costa Rican culture, its parks, theaters and other buildings in the jewel of San Jose. Among the visits to historical landmarks is the National Theater as one of the main attractions. Many other points of interest will be visited during this afternoon tour, like parks, cathedrals, among others.

• After your city tour, check in at Presidente Hotel (accommodation in a standard room with breakfast Included. The hotel features in room oversized safe, wired internet access, hair dryer, silent air conditioning, alarm clock, 32”LCD TV with cable, international dialing/voice mail, mini bar, food and beverage room service, turndown service, laundry and dry cleaning service). Presidente Hotel is in the heart of Downtown San José, only a few blocks from the most important cultural and historical landmarks: the National Theatre, the Gold - Jade - and National Museums, the Asamblea Legislativa (Costa Rican Congress), the Plaza de La Cultura and Plaza de la Democracia and the National Cathedral.

Day 2: Poas Volcano, Doka Estate coffee tour, Grecia & Sarchi towns.

• This tour takes us across coffee plantations to Poas Volcano and then into the heart of the artisans' workshops in Sarchi. On route we will see the Agriculture Monument, the Monument to Juan

Santamaria and the popular Mango Park. Once at the volcano, we will have time to enjoy the impressive main crater with its fumaroles, and then go on a light hike to Botos Lagoon, a rain filled-up crater with an amazing view of the local forest. Next, enjoy lunch at Doka Estate and learn about Costa Rican coffee. Our third stop is the town of Grecia, home to the only Metal Church in Central America. At Grecia, we will also visit the central market, to experience the Costa Rican culture. Our last stop along the way is the town of Sarchi, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans and famous for its typical oxcarts.

Day 3: Private transfer to Sarapiqui; Pineapple tour & cocoa plantation tour.

• Around 8:00 a.m. your own private chauffer will pick you up in San Jose and take you to the beautiful Sarapiqui Rainforest area.

• On this day you will visit Finca Corsicana which is located in “La Virgen de Sarapiqui”. One the main objectives of the project are to inform the visitors about the cultivation of pineapple in harmony with nature. More than 100% of the pineapple farm is in its natural state: a tropical forest and jungle with abundant flora y fauna. It is the only farm in the world producing certified organic golden pineapple on a large scale. Besides this it also has more than 25 hectares of reforested land, with two rivers crossing the property. Combining this with the history and morphology of pineapple; you will have direct contact with an operating pineapple farm; visit to the parking plant; a trip through the plantation in the comfort of a unique trailer and lots of freshly cut pineapple and pineapple juice make this a tour something to remember.

• In the afternoon visit Tirimbina Rainforest Center, which is an internationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to providing environmental education to the local community, international s t u d en t s a nd e c o - t o u r i s t s a s we l l a s accommodating tropical science research. At Tirimbina you would participate

of their cocoa plantation tour, where you would learn the whole process of making chocolate from the cocoa fruit to the end product we know today (the harvest, fermentation, drying, roasting, etc.) as well as the history of chocolate and its different uses in ancient and modern times. Chocolate degustation will be done at the end of the tour in different forms; like a drink, liquid chocolate and solid chocolate (all made during the tour!) and the tour takes place in an old cocoa farm in a beautiful rainforest setting.

• After your visit to the pineapple and cocoa plantations, check in at Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge (accommodation in a deluxe room with breakfast included; private bathroom, safety box, telephone and terrace). Also, the lodge features internet service at the reception building, swimming pool, restaurant, Indigenous Archeological Park and museum. The lodge’s unique design consist of “Palenque” buildings, structures similar to the ones used by indigenous people of this area more than 1000 years ago and the rooms are within the Palenques. Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge is immersed in a beautiful rainforest area next to Sarapiqui River and it’s a great mix of culture and nature.

Day 4: Rainforest walk; Indigenous tour & private transfer to Arenal.

• Today you will enjoy one of the most beautiful rainforest walks in the country, where several different forms of wildlife are normally spotted, as well as an indigenous tour for you to learn about our ancestors and their way of living. Afterwards, your private chauffer will take you to the Arenal Volcano area, considered a must see destination in Costa Rica.

• Learn about the native people of Costa Rica, their traditions, religion, food and many other interesting aspects as you take a tour at the “Alma ata” archeological site, the first archeological site of its kind

in Costa Rica. The four main themes exhibited in the park are: housing and village plan of the indigenous village; Pre-Columbian stone sculptures; Pre-Columbian burial field; and petroglyphs. As a part of this tour, visit our botanical garden, which features many different kinds of rainforest medicinal plants, edible plants, plants with a historic-economic value, tropical ornamental plants vital for wildlife; all reflecting the richness of our beautiful rainforest.

• After your indigenous tour, your own private driver will take you to the Arenal Volcano region, which is the must visit destination of Costa Rica for most travelers. Although the main attraction is the Volcano, the area offers much more. Furthermore is the Town of La Fortuna, where its central park and church, gives it the Costa Rican typical town look, present in most of small rural villages of the country.

• Upon arrival to Arenal, check in at Magic Mountain Hotel (Accommodation in a standard room with breakfast included. Also, standard rooms feature a king size or two queen size beds, air conditioning, private bath with hot shower, telephone, ceramic tile floors, refrigerator, cable TV, safety box, coffee maker, hair dryer and wireless internet service). Magic Mountain’s scenic location provides visitors with a stunning view of the colossal Arenal Volcano. Rounded by an exotic tropical zone, lush foliage and magnificent scenery, this property offers a prime location, panoramic Volcano views, luxury accommodations and unrivaled service. The hotel is nearby to down town shops, souvenirs and other points of interest.

Day 5: Cultural tour & visit to Paradise Hot Springs.

• You will be welcomed at the terrace of La Casona, a place full with history, culture and traditions. After a short walk, we will visit the sugar cane mill for you to

learn about the process as it was more than one hundred years ago. Then you will receive a short lesson about making tortillas, homemade sour cream, cheese and coffee; then we will be delighted with what they have prepared for us. Moving forward with the tour, our guests must get into our tractor pulled wagon in which we will start the journey through the real Costa Rica where you would be able to watch different plantations and at the same time the scenery of the always modest villager. Upon our arrival to the town school, you will be received by the students for you to enjoy an artistic performance with traditional dance and music prepared by the same students. The tour goes on the wagon to our next stop, a local farm where we will be learning about organic farming and plantations of papaya, yucca, tiquisque and medicinal garden. Back at La Casona, you will have lunch, cooked the old fashion way on our wood stove and served in the traditional way on a banana leaf, fresh coffee, and our famous homemade coffee liquor, listening live typical music played by Milton and Eli.

• After your cultural tour, you will visit a great Hot Springs location in the Arenal Volcano area: Paradise Hot Springs. At Paradise Hot Springs you can enjoy of the beautiful tropical gardens where you can admire exotic palms, flowers and even Costa Rican coffee trees; and don't forget about the main character... the breathtaking Arenal Volcano! As well as Taking a dip in "Palma Real" and "Los Papiros" thermal pools letting the warmth and the waterfalls soothe and relax your entire body; or if you prefer, enjoy the comfort and hydro massage that provides "Ginger Jacuzzi", or the newest attraction "Oasis Jacuzzi".

Day 6: Free Day to relax at the Arenal area.

• This day is yours to spend it however you prefer. You can opt to take one of the tours offered in the area; or simply relax and enjoy of the beautiful Arenal Volcano area and the amenities offered by Magic Mountain Hotel.

Day 7: Private transfer to Manuel Antonio Beach.

• Around 8:00 a.m. your own private chauffer will pick you up in Arenal and take you to the beautiful Manuel Antonio Beach area.

• The Manuel Antonio area in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica is one of the most visited spots for tourists in the country, for the simple reason that the visitors can enjoy the intense nature of the surrounding rainforest, without sacrificing the commodities of modern civilization. The famous Manuel Antonio National Park hosts the most beautiful white sand beaches of the Central Pacific region, along with a large biodiversity of plants and wildlife, like white faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, tropical birds and the most beautiful mammal of Costa Rica: the squirrel monkey. This is one of the most developed tourist’s areas in the country, featuring a large variety of restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, hotels and spas. Also, the town of Quepos is fairly close, where the everyday living of a typical Costa Rican coastal town can be observed.

• Upon arrival to Manuel Antonio, check in at Playa Espadilla Hotel (Accommodation in a standard room with breakfast included; air conditioning, hot water shower, hair dryer, safe-deposit box, cable TV, coffee maker, telephone and Wi-Fi). Playa Espadilla Hotel has a privileged location in the area, only 100 yards from the beach and approx. 200 yards from the main entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Day 8: Manuel Antonio National Park tour.

• Explore the rain forest and the beautiful white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park on this tour full of nature and sun. You will hike through the National Park with a guide who will point out the wonders of the exotic bio-diverse tropical rain forest. Many animals can be observed in this tour, such as white faced monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, iguanas,

colorful birds, among others. At the end of the hike, enjoy of Manuel Antonio Beach.

Day 9: Free day to relax at Manuel Antonio Beach.

• This day is yours to spend it however you prefer. You can opt to take one of the tours offered in the area; or simply relax and enjoy of the beautiful Manuel Antonio Beach and the amenities offered by Playa Espadilla Hotel.

Day 10: Good bye Costa Rica.

• Your own private transportation will take you to San Jose International Airport for your flight back home.

PRICE PER PERSON: $1497.00 *Based on Double Occupancy

INCLUDED IN THE ITINERARY

• Private transfer from San Jose Intl Airport to Presidente Hotel.

• 2 nights lodging at Presidente Hotel in a standard room with breakfast included.

• San Jose city tour; including transportation and bilingual guide.

• Poas Volcano, Doka Estate coffee tour, Grecia & Sarchi towns; including transportation, bilingual guide, Poas Volcano National Park entrance fee, Doka Estate Coffee Farm entrance fee, lunch, tour to Grecia and Sarchi towns.

• Private transfer from San Jose to Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge in the Sarapiqui area.

• 1 night lodging at Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge in a standard room with breakfast included.

• Pineapple & cocoa plantation tour; including bilingual guide, entrance fees to pineapple and cocoa farm tour with pineapple and chocolate degustation.

• Tirimbina rainforest walk including bilingual guide and entrance fee to Tirimbina rainforest Center.

• Indigenous tour; including bilingual guide, entrance fees to archeological park and botanical gardens.

• Private transfer from Sarapiqui to Magic Mountain Hotel in Arenal Volcano area.

• 3 nights lodging at Magic Mountain Hotel in a standard room with breakfast included.

• Cultural tour; including transportation, bilingual guide, lunch, traditional tortilla class with coffee break and our famous homemade liquor, sugar cane mill juice, fruits, snack, visit to the local middle school and children performed dances in traditional dress, visit a local farmer to see different plantations and truck ride.

• Paradise Hot Springs visit; including one way transportation to Paradise Hot Springs (see notes below) and entrance fee.

• Private transfer from Arenal to Playa Espadilla Hotel in Manuel Antonio Beach.

• 3 nights lodging at Playa Espadilla Hotel in a standard room with breakfast included.

• Manuel Antonio National Park tour; including transportation, bilingual guides, Manuel Antonio National Park entrance fee, snacks and drinks.

• Private transfer to San Jose International Airport.

• All law taxes for the services described above.

IMPORTANT NOTES • The rate quoted above is based on 2 people traveling together.

• I didn’t include the cost of transportation from Paradise Hot Springs to your hotel, because I don’t want to limit the time that you want to spend there. In other words, if you want to stay at the Hot Springs until they close, you can do it. For the transport back, they can call a taxi cab for you at the Paradise Hot Springs reception.

• Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge is an eco-lodging accommodation as well, therefore the inclusion of electronic devices in the rooms is limited (there is not TV, radio, phone or internet in the room); those services are provided at the hotel’s reception if you need them; the idea is for you to have complete and direct contact with nature during your stay at the Lodge.

• For the Tirimbina rainforest hike and cocoa plantation tour, there is no need of transportation because your Sarapiqui hotel is right next to Tirimbina.

• The transfer on day 10 to San Jose International Airport must be set 6 hours before your flight.