Costa Rica: Family Trip 8N/9D, Luxury Holiday

Day 1

1

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport, your Tour Manager will meet you after exiting the baggage claim area and will accompany you to meet your driver for your private transfer to Bajos del Toro.

Situated in Costa Rica's province of Alajuela, Bajos del Toro is a relatively unknown tourist destination that offers a number of exciting views and recreational activities. Lying in the valley between Poas and Viejo Volcano, Bajos del Toro is a typically damp, rainy town, which lends itself perfectly to the surrounding natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Waterfalls, streams and pools are all common ecological systems that give visitors to the town a unique look at some of Costa Rica's plant and animal species.

IN THE AFTERNOON

Night Walk
Approximate Duration: 2 hours
What to Bring: close-toed shoes, sunscreen, binoculars, camera and rain coat.

As the sun goes down and the lights turn dim, the cloud forests rise. Under the darkness of the night, experience the scents and sounds of nature as it surrounds you and intensifies all of your senses! There is no doubt, you will appreciate this special experience of night hiking.

For the next 2 nights you will stay at El Silencio Lodge & Spa - a luxurious and relaxing lodge in the Costa Rica Cloud Forest, with recently renovated suites and three amazing waterfalls on site. Located in the picturesque town of Sachi, where the colourfully-painted wooden Oxcart are considered a traditional and cultural icon of Costa Rica. Declared as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, it is a genuine Costa Rican experience where you can enjoy the Pura Vida style!

Accommodation: El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Day 2

1

Magic Waterfall Hike & Plant a Tree

Approximate Duration: 4 hours

What To Bring: close-toed shoes, sunscreen, binoculars, camera and rain coat.

Since the surrounding cloud forests are constantly covered in clouds, rushing water is not hard to find. For this tour enjoy the stunning private trails! Your Eco-Concierge will guide you along paths that trace a pristine creek leading to soothing waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll learn fascinating secrets of the rare and vulnerable cloud forest eco-system.

Plant a Tree
Leave this forest even more beautiful than when you arrived. Plant a living legacy in Costa Rica’s carbon-offsetting forests and help bring back beautiful Quetzal birds to the region. This complimentary ceremony is one of the highlights of the El Silencio Experience.

IN THE AFTERNOON

Cultural Expedition: Bajos del Toro

Approximate Duration: 2 hours

What To Bring: Close-toed shoes, rain jacket, camera, binoculars and small bills.

After lunch at 2 p.m., you will embrace the culture of Bajos del Toro, highlighting unique elements of Costa Rica’s rural communities. Explore Don Martín’s private orchid garden or learn how to palm fresh tortillas at Doña Olga’s home. These nearby happenings off site are the most charming ways to meet with locals!

Accommodation: El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Day 3

1

In the morning, your Driver/guide, who will be accompanying you throughout your stay in Arenal, will pick you up and take you to the Arenal area. On route, you will be able to stop at different places that only an insider would know about like markets, birdwatching spots, family farms and much more. The drive is a tour on its own instead of just a transfer!

Arenal's perfectly symmetrical shape makes it a sightseer’s dream. Its abundance of outdoor activities also makes it an easy place to check things off your "Must-do in Costa Rica" list. Visit one of the nicest volcanoes in Costa Rica, a cloud forest or a lake that is world-famous for windsurfing. See an incredibly diverse population of wildlife. All of this and more, is what you will find in this amazing area of Costa Rica.

For the next 3 nights you will stay at Nayara Tented Camp in the Arenal Volcano National Park, that features 18 luxury tents; 12 of them are mirror image tents linked together to create a spectacular two bedroom unit that can accommodate two couples or a couple and four children. The most exciting part of the camp are the private tents; set high on the hill and with spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano, the luxury air-conditioned tents feature their signature plunge pool fed with natural hot springs, an outdoor shower, wooden floors, a four-posted bed with a canopy, and a spacious bathroom with an oversized tub. Luxurious yet eco-friendly, the tents merge with the surrounding nature affirming the majesty of the rainforest. Highlights of the camp include a welcoming tent, swim-up bar, large family friendly pool, and a new gourmet restaurant with an expansive terrace to celebrate the Costa Rican rainforest. The area is home to a impressive variety of birds and wildlife and a sloth sanctuary. At the bottom of the resort, there are plunge pools fed with hot springs, immersed in the dense forest.

Accommodation: Nayara Tented Camp

Day 4

1

Private Natural History Walk

Approximate Duration: 2.5 hours

What To Bring: photographic cameras , insect repellent, water-resistant coat, long pants, and closed walking shoes.

Your natural history expert guide will accompany you in discovering the marvelous secrets hidden in this wildlife sanctuary we call, rainforest. Having a specialist guide means visitors will acquire a vast knowledge of the fauna inhabiting the reserve and will be able to observe several species from the forest canopy, undergrowth, and floor. The company of these guides will help you admire the balance and complexity of the tropical rainforest, and learn about interspecies relationships and their value, as well as the interactions within the ecosystem.

IN THE AFTERNOON

Private Original Sloth Tour

Approximate Duration: 2.5 hours

What To Bring: quick drying clothing, long pants, closed shoes without slits are mandatory, insect repellent, sunscreen protection, raincoat and water bottle.

The Arenal area is well known for its diverse wildlife and the two different sloth species that live in the area; the two- toed sloth and
three-toed sloth. The sweet smiling face of the Costa Rican sloth is rapidly becoming the iconic symbol of the country's amazing rainforest wildlife. Another most wanted species, sought for their colours, unique features and history, are the multicolored toucan and the blue jeans dart frog. On the search for these three beautiful animals, your knowledgeable guide will drive you around La Fortuna's beautiful spotting areas to observe wildlife; birds, iguanas and monkeys are among the animals that you might encounter.

Accommodation: Nayara Tented Camp

Day 5

1

Private Chocolate and Coffee Tour

Approximate Duration: half day

What To Bring: comfortable clothes, closed shoes, repellent, sunscreen.

You will be picked up at your hotel early in the morning and taken through La Fortuna Valley, an enormous beautiful area surrounded by cattle farms, rivers and forest. Upon arriving to the coffee plantation, the tour begins with a visit to a typical ranch to show you their infrastructure legacy and the process of making coffee. A historical review will precede the whole process of gathering, selecting and washing the coffee beans. After, you will observe how they prepare the beans to dry, toast and finally, roast and then they will give you a taste of the best coffee in the world!

With the view of the majestic Arenal Volcano, enjoy the sweetest rainforest experience discovering the ancient secrets of chocolate; from its discovery and use in tropical America to the processing of the product we know and enjoy today. Considered as "a gift of the Gods", the cacao tree was very important to the ancient culture. It was not only used as a ceremonial drink but its seeds were used as currency because of its economic value in many regions of Mesoamerica, including Costa Rica.

In this 2-hour "hands on" experience, you will have the opportunity to learn interesting aspects of cocoa and chocolate; from its origin and history, participating in all the production process, to the harvesting of the fruit, drying and grinding of the seed, and the development of the traditional drink by our ancestors. Also, you’ll enjoy high quality organic chocolate.
You’ll appreciate this journey full of history, culture, tradition and flavor!

IN THE AFTERNOON

Arenal Volcano Hike

Approximate Duration: 4 hours

What To Bring: comfortable clothing, hiking boots or tennis shoes, binoculars, camera, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent and rain gear (during rainy season).

The Arenal Volcano tour starts with a drive to the Western side of the volcano. Once there, you will embark on a hike on the Trail which traverses the rainforest and crosses over a large lava flow from 1968. It is possible to observe a variety of plants, wildlife and magnificent lava rock formations. Once on the top of the lava flow, you will have a beautiful view of the Arenal Lake and the hike ends at a view point. During the tour, the experienced guides will provide interesting and educational information regarding the history of the majestic mountain and the impact Arenal Volcano has on the area.

Accommodation: Nayara Tented Camp

Day 6

1

Today your driver/guide will take you to Arenal Airstrip, where you will board your charter flight to Liberia Airport. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting and will transfer you to the Four Seasons Resort (4x4 luxury vehicles).

Papagayo Gulf is located in the North Pacific region of Costa Rica, just 30 minutes away from Oduber International Airport. Dry tropical forests and 12 majestic beaches line up the gulf. Its beaches are blessed by warm crystalline waters, golden sands and sunny weather.

This area offers the Marina Papagayo to sailors, sportfishermen and other boaters. It is a perfect location from which to explore the full array of marine treasures Costa Rica has to offer.

And right on the grounds, there is also a superb Arnold Palmer designed 18-hole golf course for those that love to play golf alongside natural beauty.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is unique and has a lot of character. Spaces flow effortlessly from inside to the outside, using exceptional decor that evoke a forest-like atmosphere. The hotel serves its own organic coffee from the onsite tree-shaded plantation. It is an elegant and unique place to stay and the owner, being an artist, makes each space in the hotel a work of art. The hotel has the highest sustainability credentials.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Day 7

1

Private Fun at the Ocean with Beach lunch

Approximate Duration: 6 hours

What To Bring: comfortable clothes, water shoes, swimming gear, extra clothes, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Enjoy 6 hours of Fun on the Ocean – there will be so many activities, you will not be able to do them all! It's your boat ... the rhythm of the activities is your choice! Choose the activities you want to do and the crew will help you maximize your time and find the best conditions for your selected activities.

Choose from:
• Sportfishing
• Waterskiing
• Snorkeling
• Inner Tubing
• Whale & Dolphin Sight-seeing
• Sub-wing
• Jet Ski
• Beach Games
• Beach Hopping
• SUP
• Tidal Caves Visit
• BBQ Lunch included at the beach
• Estuary Nature Tour

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Day 8

1

Day at leisure to relax or do optional tours in Papagayo area such as:

• Rincon de la Vieja Hike
• Canopy Tour on Dry Forest
• Sensoria: Land of Senses!
• Kuna Vela Sunset Cruise

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Day 9

1

Today, you will have a private transfer back to San Jose to catch your departure flight back home. Approximate driving time is 5 hours to San Jose and 1 hour to Liberia. Your airline requires you to be at the airport 3 hours prior to flight departure.

End of the trip!

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Costa Rica: Family Trip 8N/9D

| Costa Rica | Guanacaste | Papagayo Peninsula | Bajos del Toro | Arenal Volcano National Park |

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