the vital adventure factor - tam travel · tucked away deep in the heart of costa rica’s most...

The VitalAdventure Factor

8 days / 7 nights

Essential and indispensable… adventure provides enthusiasm and excitement that become vital elements.

This itinerary is a proposal designed to provide the necessary ingredients in a day of adventure. After arriving in the city of San Jose, capital of Costa Rica, it is important to relax and set the mood to start getting vivifying surprises.

The body demands vigor and the spirit perceives the passion, once you reach the Pacuare area and meet the mighty river of the same name flaunting its defiant rapids.

Pacuare rainforest balances and energizes visitors enabling them to pursue other activities like rappeling or a pleasant horseback ride through the tropical forest, either in Sarapiqui or in Vara Blanca.

Days pass almost imperceptibly and lead the adventurous to another destination, Turrialba, which promises more excitement during challenging activities; the welcoming charm of boutique hotels full of natural light; also, exceptional happenings as a visit to an archaeological site, a special closing to a treasured journey.

The Vital Adventure Factor

• San José• Pacuare• Sarapiquí• Vara Blanca• Turrialba

San José

Pacuare

Turrialba

Sarapiquí

Vara Blanca


No meals included

Day 1

Assistance at the Juan Santamaria International Airport and immigration procedures. Transfer to your hotel in San Jose for check-in. Time at leisure.

The capital city, San Jose, lies at an altitude of 1,170 meters above sea level and is located in the Central Valley that is surrounded by beautiful mountains and majestic volcanoes. San Jose is the business center of the country and has the largest population concentration. The temperature in San Jose ranges between 18º C and 24º C.

Overnight at selected hotel.

Accommodations to choose:

KC San Jose Hotel

The Hotel Colaye is a very convenient lodging option in San Jose. It is located just 10-minute drive from the historic center. The National Theatre is a 5-minute drive and The Sabana Metropolitan Park is just under a quarter of a kilometer away.

The outdoor swimming pool is open all year round. The elegantly decorated rooms are soundproof and feature views of the gardens. The on-site restaurant serves typical regional dishes and international-style cuisine.


Crowne Plaza Corobici

Crowne Plaza Corobici is conveniently situated next to La Sabana Park and, thus, an ideal spot, to visit San Jose on either leisure or business trips. It features bright, spacious rooms. Japanese cuisine in served in the hotel’s Fuji restaurant, while El Tucán serves local and international dishes. You can also relax in the lounge bar.

Crowne Plaza Corobici is just a 5-minute drive from San José’s financial district. Juan Santamaria Airport is a 15-minute drive away.


Transfer from San Jose to the Pacuare, where a pristine wilderness reserve harbors the comfortable bungalows and elegant suites surrounded by tropical rainforest. Part of the shared transfer is done with more guests of the lodge and the second part is done by raft along the first part of the rapids.

Visitors thrill at the sublime sensations provided by the outdoor activities at Pacuare. This is one of the most amazing rainforest experiences full of breathtaking beauty, far removed from civilization’s rush and heart-pounding excitement; certainly, a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica.The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and exhilarating rapids Class II - III.


Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 2



Rios Tropicales Eco Lodge

Rios Tropicales Lodge is surrounded by the beauty and splendor of primary rainforest without having to sacrifice luxury or comfort. There is no detriment of the gorgeous environment to make guets feel welcome and comfortable. Sustainably built using reclaimed wood and hydroelectric powered, the ecolodge is a model of ecotourism that has earned numerous awards.

At the ecolodge, visitors can relax, explore and enjoy all that is presented to them on the 2,000-acre private reserve at the mouth of the Pacuare gorge. There are more than 40 miles of hiking trails and numerous waterfalls, streams and pools. An open-air dining pavilion and lounge lets guests watch the local wildlife and listen to the distinctive sounds of a tropical paradise.


Pacuare Lodge

Tucked away deep in the heart of Costa Rica’s most pristine rainforest environment, on the banks of the Pacuare River, lays the Pacuare Jungle Lodge. Surrounded by nature in its purest and most primitive state; here, you will experience that most coveted of travelers’ rewards, an opportunity to savor the spirit of a place.

Truly unique, it is also an exemplary eco-lodge that conserves 300 hectares (740 acres) of rainforest, and is committed to mitigating tourism’s impact through eco-friendly accommodations and projects that benefit local communities. Such good practices helped the Pacuare Lodge earn the Rainforest Alliance Verified seal and the highest rating under the Costa Rican government’s Sustainable Tourism Certification.

Set in the rainforest on the banks of the spectacular Pacuare River. Eco-friendly wooden bungalows built with wood from trees from surrounding farms and palm leaves collected in the rainforest by their indigenous neighbors, the Cabecars.

Visitors can watch birds, walking, swimming, fishing, exploring the rainforest canopy, visit a traditional indigenous community or just relax. There is no electricity.


The adventure highlights of this new day will be observing the beauty of the light through the forest, the birdsong and the delicious aroma of coffee that will delight your palate. This day is devoted to enjoying Nature and the biodiversity.



Day 3


Departure from the Pacuare is by the river through Class IV rapids.

Transfer from the final base at each lodge towards Sarapiqui or Vara Blanca.

Sarapiqui

Sarapiqui is known in Costa Rica for its amazing and rich biodiversity as well as for being the dream destination for nature and adventure lovers. It comprises several nature reserves and national parks including the Braulio Carrillo National Park and the protected area of Sarapiqui. The land in Sarapiqui is fertile mainly because the Sarapiqui River flows through this region bathing the entire area and its climate is temperate and moderate throughout the year.

Vara Blanca

The small town of Vara Blanca is situated between the impressive Poas and Barva volcanoes in the Central Volcanic Range. Vara Blanca is close to many of the best destinations in Costa Rica and has a very central location.

Travelers can reach this picturesque community after a journey of 32 kms from Juan Santamaria International Airport.


Breakfast and lunch included

Day 4



Pozo Azul Tent Suites & Eco Lodge

Hacienda Pozo Azul Tent Suites is not a 5-star hotel but a magical experience that combines nature with comfort, the rugged with the modern, relaxation with excitement. Here you will be able to let Nature and the forest absorb you.

Sleep lulled by a harmonious concert of the forest night sounds, wake up at the greeting of Congos and the chirping of birds, in an atmosphere of comfort, privacy and total contact with Nature.


Peace Lodge

Awaken to the sounds of the rainforest and waterfalls rather than the city noise. The award winning Peace Lodge introduces its guests to a symphony of purely Costa Rican experiences celebrating the natural wonders of the rainforest and the splendid creatures that inhabit this magical environment.

The ultra-upscale accommodations are uniquely themed to complement the inherent beauty of its rain and cloud forest setting and the detailed architecture exudes a natural elegance.

Every magical sight, wondrous smell, and sensual touch create irreplaceable memories of a journey you wish to take again.


Today, the challenge is to rappel in Sarapiqui and a horseback ride through the rainforest, as well as to admire the spectacular view of the confluence of the Sarapiquí and Pozo Azul Rivers.


Breakfast and lunch included

Day 5


Transfer from Sarapiqui or Vara Blanca to the beautiful area of Turrialba.

With stunning views of the lush and beautiful countryside, Turrialba is a charming little town in the province of Cartago. Famous for being a hotspot for adventure, this city is located 53 km east of the capital, San Jose and is an excellent place to visit pre-Columbian ruins in Guayabo.

Turrialba counts with one of the most rarely visited national parks, the Turrialba Volcano National Park that is home to the most active Turrialba volcano.



Guayabo Lodge

Because it is situated at 1500 m a.s.l., the temperature is nice and cool; no fans or air conditioning are needed in the area. The rooms are cheerful, bright and nicely decorated each in a different way and with its own color scheme. The decoration of the rooms and lodge in general, is based on folk art with an emphasis on the nature that directly surrounds the hotel. Local artists have painted murals in the hotel’s public areas.


Day 6


Casa Turire

Casa Turire recalls the gracious charm of a colonial plantation home with abundant gardens.

In the heart of a verdant agricultural region, the wild Reventazon River and the Angostura Lake enfold the estate, with the imposing presence of the Turrialba Mountains as backdrop.

Gourmet restaurant with typical Costa Rican and international cuisine adds even more inspiration to an unforgettable happening.


This is a new fantastic adventure day!

Canyoning and Zip Lining

Rappel down cascading waterfalls, climb down vertical canyon walls, zip line through verdant forest canopies and witness the raw natural beauty of the Turrialba region.

The canyoning site is located in Calle Chirraca, a small and modest yet lush area near Turrialba. You will begin the tour meeting the guides and knowing the equipment, before making your way to the first waterfall where a guide will give a safety speech.

Your guide will explain the course and the equipment making sure you know the necessary mechanisms and procedures to ensure a safe and fun experience. After this, the adventure begins rappelling down four waterfalls; then, zip lining down four canopy cables, descending two tall trees and traversing a 132-foot hanging bridge. Simply unforgettable!



Day 7


We depart early from the hotel towards the marvelous Guayabo National Park and Monument.

This monument reflects the great development in civil engineering, architecture and town planning of one of the oldest native civilizations of Costa Rica, located on the slopes of the Turrialba volcano.

Of the 20 hectares of the archaeological area, only a small area has been dug, and several pieces have been transferred to the National Museum for their preservation. The petroglyphs or carved stones are the most common ones. The archaeological structures such as mounds, staircases, roads, open and closed aqueducts, water tanks, tombs, petroglyphs, monoliths and sculptures give us an accurate picture of how advanced the civilization that occupied this city between 700 and 1300 AD was. The monument is nestled in a lush montane forest, which allows enjoying both the structures and Nature.

After this uncommon visit, we return to the hotel in order to get ready for the transfer to the Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Notes: We highly recommend guests to book their departure flight for the late afternoon or night.

According to the international airport requirements, all passengers must be at the airport at least 3 hours before flight departure time for safety and check-in procedures.

Breaksfast included

Day 8


Ground Transportation

1 Transfer from Juan Santamaria International Airport to hotel in San Jose

2 Transfer from San Jose to Pacuare

3 No transfer service required

4 Transfer from Pacuare to Sarapiqui or to Vara Blanca


6 Transfer from Sarapiqui or from Vara Blanca to Turrialba


8 Transfer from hotel to Juan Santamaria International Airport for the departure flight

Day Description of services

Includes

• Meals: As detailed in the day-by-day itinerary.• Activities: As indicated in the day-by-day program.• Accommodations: 3 Star Superior: 1 night at KC San José - Superior 2 nights at Ríos Tropicales Lodge – River View 2 nights at Pozo Azul Tent Suites - Tent Suite 2 nights at Guayabo Lodge, Standard room

4 Star Superior: 1 night at Crowne Plaza Corobici - Deluxe 2 nights at Pacuare Lodge – River View Suite 2 nights at Peace Lodge – Deluxe 2 nights at Casa Turire - Deluxe


Does not include

Important notes

• Gratuities for local guides, driver and TAM’s guide.• Tips for bellboys and waiters.• Bottled water, additional drinks, and alcoholic beverages not mentioned in the day-by-day

program.• Any other tour or service not indicated in the program.• Costa Rican departure tax. Some air tickets include the departure tax; if yours does not, there will be time to purchase it at the airport for a fee of US$29.00.

• Rates are based on a minimum of two (2) persons. • Itineraries are based on current schedule; however, they are subject to change due to factors

beyond our control. • Rates are subject to change without notice and are subject to hotel availability.• If, at the moment itinerary is confirmed to TAM Travel Corporation, there is no availability at the

hotels included in this program, we will check for similar properties and a new quotation may apply.

• Prices do not include a sales tax (if a sales tax is stated by the Costa Rican Congress, prices will increase in the same proportion).

• Tourists coming from South America must take the yellow fever vaccine (duly certified) at least 10 days prior to arrival into Costa Rica; otherwise, they cannot enter the country.

• It is mandatory to carry a passport valid for at least 6 months to enter Costa Rica.• Cancellation policies apply.

Cancellation policy

1. Cancellations made 44 days before arrival are subject to penalty, according to suppliers’ policies.

2. Any changes made up to 44 days before arrival are subject to availability and penalization may apply.


Rejection Statement against Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Harassment and Drugs

At TAM Travel Corporation, we believe that the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents violates the fundamental aims of tourism; thus, we hold an agreement with our commercial partners as to the continuous struggle against the sexual exploitation of minors, in adherence to Law 7899 against Sexual Exploitation of Minors and to Law 8590 which amends the Penal Code to strengthen the fight against the sexual exploitation of minors.

TAM also manifests its adherence to Law 7476 Act on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace and in Education and Law 8204 on Narcotics, Psychotropic Substances, Illegal Drugs, and Money Laundering; Law 6703 Protection of National Heritage; 7504 Environmental Organic Law; 7575 Forestry Law; 731 Wildlife Law; Law 6084 National Parks, Regulations for Public Use of Protected Areas, Regulations on Adventure Tourism, Commercialization of Archaeological Heritage; Law 7600 on Equal Opportunities; and 9078 Transit Law.

Because the breach of these laws is punishable by the Costa Rican Law, TAM Travel Corporation will revoke the service contract that had been subscribed with any company or person that somehow consents, provides or encourages activities that contravene said legislation.

Reimbursements

In the event that payment had been made in full and the client cancels, we reserve the right to charge a 15% fee for administrative expenses, in addition to the cancellation penalty.

+506 2668-1415 1-877-826-8785(Ext 9110)

/CostaRicaTAM /tamtravelcr

[email protected]@tamtravel.com

www.tamcostarica.com

the vital adventure factor - tam travel · tucked away deep in the heart of costa rica’s most...

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