This journey will allow you to enjoy Costa Rica's great diversity in flora and fauna, its indigenous background, wild rivers and active volcanoes; its beautiful country side and stunning beaches. Some of the activities you will enjoy on this trip are biking, white water rafting, hiking, canopy tour and horseback riding. Finally, you will end up at a beautiful beach where you can do some water sports or simply relax.


ITINERARY

DAY 1: Welcome to Costa Rica!! We will pick you up upon arrival at the airport and will transfer you to your hotel in San Jose. Overnight at Residencias de Golf or similar.

DAY 2: This morning we will pick you up at your hotel for our first day of adventure. We will head towards the Valley of Turrialba.  We will begin our route on dirt and gravel road where we will pass by properties of livestock breeding for milk production and wild mountains. The feeling along the route is such an experience due to the combination of an excellent climate with a good biking exercise. You will see the farmer's houses and some particular crops of the region. Bicycle is one of the most important ways of transportation in the region. Along the way you will find lots of men and children going up and down with their bikes and saying hello to foreign bikers.
During the route we will visit the National Monument of Guayabo. This is the most important archeological site in the country that protects tropical rain forest and structures such as stone roads, aqueducts and water collecting well over 3000 years antique. Continuing our bike ride we arrive at the central park of Turrialba where we will finish our journey. We will have lunch in a typical restaurant of the area. This Route has a length of 32 Kms. (19 kms. in dirt and gravel road & 13 kms. on paved road with 2.5 Kms. of steep hills).  Overnight at Hotel Geliwa or similar.  Breakfast & lunch included.

DAY 3: This morning after breakfast we will go rafting on the Pacuare River.
This river has been officially declared a Wild and Scenic River, and offers some of the finest white water in Latin America, winding deep inside of one of Costa Rica's most impressive primordial rainforests. You will traverse 20 miles of remote and scenic waters that course through a wilderness of dense vegetation covering the sides of steep gorges that rise above the riverbanks. The thick undergrowth provides shelter for jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and numerous other species of animals and birds. We will stop at the take out to shower and change into dry clothes to head back to San Jose.   Overnight at Residencias de Golf or similar. (Breakfast, lunch and equipment)

DAY 4: This morning we will head towards Arenal Volcano area. The ride will be extremely scenic as we will cross part of the Central Volcanic Range and we will be seeing the country side including different type of plantations such as coffee, pineapple, cattle raising farms and small villages. You will also be able to sense the change on weather. Once in the area, we will enjoy hiking at the Arenal Volcano National Park. As we hike the trails we will witness the ecological diversity, plus extraordinary views from the Arenal Volcano.  Overnight at Arenal Paraiso or similar. (Breakfast included)

DAY 5: Our next adventure is the Arenal Canopy Tour. The adventure begins with a horseback ride for approximately 40 minutes. Once we arrive at our destination, we continue with a short walk through the transitional forest. Some times it is possible to see several species of animals, such as white faced and howler monkeys, rodents, and a great diversity of birds. As well as enormous variety of orchids, and canopy plant life. All the platforms are designed for wildlife observation and sliding through the forest is simply overwhelming! Finally this afternoon we will visit the hot springs to enjoy a healthy and relaxing soak seeing the Arenal Volcano from the comfortable spa.
Overnight at Arenal Paraiso or similar. (Breakfast and dinner included).

DAY 6: Today we will head towards to a beautiful beach in Guanacaste.
You will be surprised as the weather, vegetation and crops change along the way. Once in Guanacaste area you will be seeing extensive plains, cattle raising farms and real cowboys working. It will be very different than what you had seen so far. Guanacaste has also been privileged with some of most beautiful beaches in the country. You will spend the following couple of nights to relax on your own. A great deal of water sports are available there (extra cost), such as snorkeling and kayaking, among many others. The atmosphere is very serene if you simply want to relax.  Overnight at Villas del Sueno or similar. (Breakfast included)

DAY 7: Day on your own. Overnight at Villas del Sueno or similar. (Breakfast included)

DAY 8: After an enchanting and unforgettable experience, we will bring you back this afternoon to San Jose for your last day in the country.  Overnight at Residencias de Golf or similar. (Breakfast included)

DAY 9: Finally, we will transfer you back from the hotel to the airport for your departure, wishing you had enjoyed your stay with us and hoping to serve you again in the future.  (Breakfast included)

Level: Easy to moderate.

Prices & Departures for 2004

Available Nov 1, 2003-Nov 30, 2004	9D/8N Daily
Per Person in Double	$1625
Per Person in Single	$2400
Per Person in Triple	$1300

(Subject to change)