We will have a time share, 6 adults, and are looking for a place to party as well as go hiking and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, any suggestions?
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Category: travel to costa rica
21:09, 02.05.2009
DAY 1Arrival in Costa Rica
Arrival in Costa Rica and seat in bus transfer to the hotel.
DAY 2San José – Tortuguero
Departure from San José early morning. Breakfast stop on the way to Tortuguero. You will cross the Braulio Carrillo National Park until you reach Matina or Caño Blanco. At the embarking point, you will take a boat that will bring you to your hotel.
In the afternoon you will visit the village of Tortuguero, the beach area and the small Green Turtle Information Center.
DAY 3Tortuguero National Park – San José
Early birds will have the opportunity to take a boat ride through the canals of the Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero is one of the most important nesting sites for Chelonias Mydas (green sea turtle); whereas its forest and waterways are home for endangered mammals such as sloths, monkeys, agoutis, coati-mundis and manatees. About 309 different species of birds have been seen in Tortuguero. Some of the most known and beautiful are toucans, trogons, egrets, herons, and anhingas. Discover also crocodiles, turtles and butterflies, including the great blue morpho.
After this amazing ride in the swamp forest of Tortuguero, you will go back to the hotel for breakfast and prepare for the departure to San José. Once again, a boat will take you to the embarking point and the bus will drive you to your hotel in the city.
DAY 4San José – La Fortuna de San Carlos
Seat in bus transfer to La Fortuna de San Carlos by the Arenal Volcano.
Afternoon excursion to the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Hot Springs, where you can relax in the soothing warm waters surrounded by exotic ecological gardens.
DAY 5La Fortuna de San Carlos – Sámara Beach
Transfer from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Sámara Beach.
Sámara Beach is the perfect long white sand beach with shallow, gentle waters. Sámara has a superb coral reef and its own picturesque wooded island in the bay ~ Isla Chora. It’s popular with swimmers and windsurfers, and it’s an ideal beach for your kids.
Sámara is not only a charming beach, with a wide choice of friendly and attractive hotels, restaurants, bars and discos, but unlike other Pacific Ocean resorts, it is also a thriving fishing and farming community.
There are cowboys and cattle drives, fishing boats returning at sunset, exotic fruit harvests, specialty and organic farming, tree nurseries and reforestation projects and many other authentic and vital Sámara activities.
There are unusual plant and animal species, ancient Indian sites, underwater caves and coastal and mountain nature trails. And there is even a Sámara art gallery with its own resident artists.
DAY 6Sámara Beach
Day at leisure to enjoy the beach and the hotel facilities.
DAY 7Sámara Beach – San José
Transfer back from Sámara Beach to San José.
DAY 8Departure from Costa Rica
Transfer from your hotel to the International Airport.
DAY 1Arrival in Costa Rica
Arrival in Costa Rica and seat in bus transfer to the hotel.
DAY 2San José – Chilamate de Sarapiquí
Your rented vehicle will be delivered to your hotel in San José. Departure for Chilamate de Sarapiquí. You will enjoy the beautiful road through the Braulio Carrillo National Park until you reach the Caribbean lowlands. This warm and humid region is ideal for agriculture but a great deal of forest is well kept and an excellent place for bird watching.
OPTIONAL: On the way we recommend a visit to the Rain Forest Aerial Tram (not included!). The tram provides tourists with a unique “bird’s eye view” of one of the most spectacular tropical rainforest canopies in the world. During the 90-minute ride in a silent gondola that skims the rainforest floor and then soars above giant trees, the naturalist guides tell visitors about eco-tourism activities, ecology and why saving the rainforest is so important for our country’s future.
The canopy is home to an enormous amount of flora and fauna that inhabits the rainforest. In their eagerness to search for light and space, many plants have colonized the treetops, turning them into small ecosystems. The most common species found here are butterflies, birds including toucans, parrots, woodpeckers, sparrow hawks, eagle-hawks, tanagers, wrens and many others. Reptiles like snakes and lizards, as well as amphibians such as “blue jeans frogs”, can also be found. Among the mammals of this rainforest you can find three monkey species, two kinds of sloth, two kinds of anteater bears and of course a great number of bat species. Insects are also abundant in the canopy and many species are still unknown to scientists.
Walking trails are also available from which you can appreciate the heart of the rainforest and walk at your own pace to take pictures and search for wildlife.
OPTIONAL: In Sarapiquí itself we suggest you visit the Biological Station La Selva (not included!). “La Selva” was founded about 25 years ago by the OTS (Organization of Tropical Studies). It was declared to be one of the four most interesting and suitable places around the world for investigations of the tropical forest. Its 1534ha are covered by primary forests and swamps. More than 500 species of birds, 100 different mammals, 2000 kinds of plants and 800 classes of trees have been identified here.
DAY 3Chilamate de Sarapiquí – La Fortuna de San Carlos
Drive from Chilamate de Sarapiquí to La Fortuna de San Carlos by the Arenal Volcano. On the way visit the Poás Volcano National Park and the La Paz Waterfall Garden.
You will feel a change in temperature and notice the lush vegetation, preparing you for the exuberant forest of the Poás Volcano National Park. On clear days you will be able to see the full diameter of the main crater, which is considered one of the widest in the world. After a short hike you will reach the Botos Lagoon, an extinct crater, surrounded by many different ecosystems.
Make a stop to discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Here the truly spectacular trails will lead you to Magia Blanca Falls, the largest falls in the area. You will also visit the large butterfly observatory with its beautiful collection of tropical jewels.
Continue over Aguas Zarcas and Ciudad Quesada to La Fortuna. This road will lead you through the rural areas of Costa Rica, small picturesque towns and incredible landscapes.
Enjoy late afternoon the Hot Springs where you can relax in the soothing warm waters surrounded by exotic ecological gardens.
DAY 4La Fortuna de San Carlos
You will enjoy a tour to the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This two and a half hour walk along the bridges will bring you close to the colored world of the tropical rainforest along with an astonishing view of the Arenal Volcano.
The rest of the day is free for optional activities.
DAY 5La Fortuna de San Carlos – Rincón de la Vieja
Today you will drive around the Arenal Lake until you reach Tilarán and then Cañas. Take the Pan-American Highway north to Liberia. Rincón de la Vieja is located north from Liberia and you have to drive an unpaved road.
Upon arrival visit the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a massif 1916m high. Nine eruptive spots have been identified on its peak, some of which still have fumaroles activity. The park contains hot springs which give rise to very hot mountain streams; sulfuric ponds with small mud-filled depressions which bubble continuously; geysers releasing jets of stream, particularly during the rainy season; and mud cones in all shapes and sizes. Several waterfalls exist throughout the park, as does a small freshwater lake, which lies south of the main crater. In addition, Rincon de la Vieja contains what is probably the largest existing growth of the national flower-”guaria morada” ( purple orchid ) found in the wild in Costa Rica.
Any visit to Rincon de la Vieja without a visit to the Blue Lagoon is one wasted. Approximately 30 minutes from the park headquarters, this small lagoon is blue as a result of special minerals in the lagoon’s underlying stones. A large waterfall constantly replenishes the lagoon while a small hot spring to its left provides a warm welcome relief. The color of the lagoon is at its bluest during the dry season, as the volume of rainfall is at its lowest level. It is a bit difficult to find on your own, but if you ask at your hotel they will gladly bring you to this special place in the tropics.
DAY 6Rincón de la Vieja – Tamarindo Beach
Continue your journey to Tamarindo Beach today. Tamarindo has much to offer besides its crystal clear ocean, exquisite nature and stunning sunsets. Go surfing, fishing, visit a spa, eat at one of the many great restaurants, visit one of the close-by beaches…, the options are endless.
DAY 7Tamarindo Beach – San José
Drive back from Tamarindo Beach to San José. You can either enjoy the morning at the beach and drive back in the afternoon, or you can leave early and take a short detour to visit the town of Sarchí on your way back.
DAY 8Departure from Costa Rica
Drive to the airport. Drop off your car at local car rental office.
DAY 1Arrival in Costa Rica
Arrival in Costa Rica and seat in bus transfer to the hotel.
DAY 2San José – Turrialba
Your rented vehicle will be delivered to your hotel in San José. Departure for Turrialba. On your way to Turrialba visit the Irazú Volcano National Park and the city of Cartago.
The trip begins ascending the breathtaking summit of the Irazú Volcano for a view of the massive crater. On a clear day you can actually see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans! After an exciting tour at the volcano, you will descend to the historical city of Cartago. Here you will visit the mysterious ruins of the old Parish and view the beautiful Basilica of our “Virgen de los Angeles” with rich displays of carvings, statues and art.
Continue to Turrialba.
DAY 3Turrialba
Located in Cartago, Turrialba is the final gate between the Central Valley area and the Caribbean Lowlands. This town offers the biggest archeological site of Costa Rica, Guayabo (optional, not included) and the ambitious hydroelectric project that generated the latest lake of Costa Rica, Lago Angostura.It takes 1,5 to 2 hours to drive from San José. You take the Pan-American Highway to Cartago to drive to the town of Paraíso and turn left at the city’s main park, this will take you out of the Central Valley area and into the lowlands of the Caribbean through a scenic road full of landscapes and picture opportunities. The weather is hot and humid and it rains quite a lot. The town has all major services including a hospital and some of the population speaks English due to the Caribbean influence of the patuá.
Today you will visit the CATIE (The Tropical Agronomic Center for Research and Education).
This international research and education center is located 3km southeast from downtown Turrialba. The 1000ha campus has a collection of tropical plants from around the world for scientific and economic purposes. Research areas are mainly agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, watershed management and others, all of them in order to support development of the tropics.
The “finca” Cabiria is one of the more interesting ones because it will bring you closer to the work of CATIE. You will be given interesting information about different plantations and hybrids. You will find cacao, macadamia nuts, coffee, citric fruit trees, medicine and ornamental plants.
DAY 4Turrialba – San Gerardo de Dota
Drive from Turrialba to San Gerardo de Dota. It is a small community in the Talamanca Mountains in the midst of a precious ecosystem. Here you will find a deep cloud forest filled with massive oaks and other native species. The woods serve as a sanctuary for a large number of mammals and innumerable species of insects, amphibians, amazing plants and colorful birds, a paradise for birdwatchers.
You can go for a hiking tour in the mountain to discover the amazing quetzal or resplendent trogón, which is a rare jewel of the bird world. What this pigeon-sized bird lacks in physical stature it makes up for in audacious plumage: vivid, shimmering green which ignites in the sunshine, flashing emerald to golden and back to iridescent green. He sports a fuzzy pink punk hairdo, a scintillating crimson belly, and two brilliant green tail plumes up to 24inches long, edged in snowy white and sinuous as feather boas.
If you prefer to take it easy, we recommend you go trout fishing – it can be your dinner that night, prepared after your favorite recipe.
DAY 5San Gerardo de Dota – Manuel Antonio
Drive from San Gerardo over San Isidro de El General to the Barú Waterfalls by Dominical (optional, not included). At the Hacienda Barú you will experience the full spectrum of the tropical rainforest. From the majestic heights of the jungle canopy, through the captivating forest, along the mangroves and along the beach, Hacienda Barú has marvelous diversity for travellers of all ages.
Continue to Manuel Antonio.
DAY 6Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is the perfect combination for nature lovers. Discover the rain forest of this unique National Park and enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches of Manuel Antonio.
The Manuel Antonio National Park is a little biological island inside an area used in different activities like agriculture, cattle and high tourist development. It is one of the most beautiful national’s parks of the country. Another important attraction is the humid tropical forests where you will find species that are in danger of extinction, like the mono tití (monkey) for example. A geomorphic characteristic is the Punta Catedral: in the past it was an island and because of the sediment accumulation, joined to the continental mass, it formed a sandy band called Tombolo.
DAY 7Manuel Antonio – San José
Drive back from Manuel Antonio Beach to San José. You can either enjoy the morning at the beach and drive back in the afternoon, or you can leave early and take a short detour to visit the National Park Carara (optional, not included). Carara National Park is referred to as a transition forest because it includes two types of forest: dry forest to the north and rain forest to the south. Visitors will enjoy a wealth of flora and fauna gracing the plains and hills of the area. Rivers and marshes in the park are home to a diverse population of reptiles and amphibians. The forested areas are alive with monkeys, armadillos, peccaries, pacas, and small cats. Bird lovers will enjoy the sight of such exotic specimens as pink crane and anhinga, waterfowl such as roseate spoonbills, jacanas, pied-billed grebes and Mexican tiger-bitterns. This is one of only two areas in Costa Rica where scarlet macaws can be seen. The creatures are easiest to spot in the early morning or late afternoon. The best time for observing migratory birds is during the dry season.
Or you can also visit the Rainmaker Private Reserve (optional, not included). The Rainmaker is a 1500 acre reserve consisting of mostly primary rainforest and is part of the Quepos Corridor where birds and other wildlife migrate throughout the year. Reaching 1700m of altitude, it is home of approximately 2500 plant species within 4 different bio-zones. The mission of the rainmaker site is to save this valuable nature laboratory and watershed. The Rainmaker Canopy Walk or Skywalk consists of a suspension bridge system, built to U.S. engineering standards. The six sections total 250m, spanning from platforms attached to massive hardwood trees to create the most impressive Canopy Walk in Costa Rica. The design permits minimal forest impact, giving participants an opportunity to explore the majesty of the forest canopy from a bird’s eye view.
DAY 8Departure from Costa Rica
Drive to the airport. Drop off your car at local car rental office.
21:09, 02.05.2009
Well, if you spend a few days in the capitol San Jose and you want to see the places tourist hardly ever know exist and you want to check out the local party scene, jump on the Party Bus. Its not just a party, its also a chance to see allot of the province in one night. http://www.costaricapartybus.com
21:09, 02.05.2009
Costa Rica is not a huge party destination but there are some bars at the beaches. Tamarindo probably has the best nightlife outside of San Jose area. There is also great surfing there as well as many other activities to do, like Canopy Tours, White Water Tubing at Rincon de la Vieja, great Horseback Riding, viewing the Marine Turtle lay their eggs, scuba diving, sport fishing, hiking, kayaking in estuaries, and more. This is a good area to go to for this.
21:09, 02.05.2009
I think we have a travel agent among us replying… LOL!
Costa Rica has a lot to offer… make sure to get a travel guide (like Lonely Planet or any other). Have fun!!!
21:09, 02.05.2009
If you like to party, then I would recommend Tamarindo (North Pacific) or Jaco (Mid Pacific). You can take tours to the rainforest, islands, etc. and enjoy the beach.
21:09, 02.05.2009
Manuel Antonio is really beautiful its right on the beach and you have the rain forest right there also.
21:09, 02.05.2009
I’m visiting Costa Rica in August and going to two cities: Tamarindo and San Jose. Tamarindo is very touristy and you’ll speak a lot of English. There are rainforests there and volcanoes and nature… sounds like a place you might like!
But if you want to experience real “Tico” (Costa Rican) cultura, I would suggest Heredia or even San Jose b/c the people are more real and aren’t there to cater to tourists.
I’m in a Costa Rica group called, “Costa Rica living”. The people in there are intelligent and have first hand knowledge of the place that can answer specific questions for you. Check them out: