PACUARE COSTA RICA ADVENTURE 9 DAYS-8 NIGHTS

Transcription

1 PACUARE COSTA RICA ADVENTURE 9 DAYS-8 NIGHTS Visit us at

2 Itinerary Overview From the thrill and exhilaration of rafting one of most wild and scenic tropical rivers to the peace and serenity of a beachside casita, experience the best of the rainforests, rivers, exotic wildlife and beaches of Costa Rica. Raft down the Pacuare River, passing through spectacular canyons and crystal clear waterfalls into the heart of this lush and verdant rainforest wilderness. Based from the award-winning Pacuare Lodge, by day you ll hike, kayak, zip-line or share life experiences with a traditional Cabecar Indian shaman; by night, enjoy dinner by candlelight and retire to the luxurious comfort of your rainforest bungalow. Emerging from the lowland jungles, the adventure continues in the highland cloud forests surrounding the active Arenal Volcano. Explore the forest canopy with naturalist guides skilled at spotting the abundant wildlife including spider and howler monkeys and an incredible variety of colorful tropical bird species. Complete your Costa Rica adventure at a spectacular Pacific beach where you can snorkel, surf or simply kick your feet up and do nothing at all! DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 ARRIVE Hotel Grano de Oro -- Arrival and transfer to hotel 2 PACUARE RESERVE Pacuare Lodge BLD Rafting Pacuare class II-III rapids with side hikes 3 PACUARE RESERVE Pacuare Lodge BLD Day at leisure in Pacuare Reserve ARENAL VOLCANO ARENAL VOLCANO NORTH PACIFIC BEACH NORTH PACIFIC BEACH Arenal Nayara Arenal Nayara Pacific Beach Hotel Pacific Beach Hotel BLD BLD B B Rafting Pacuare class III-IV rapids with side hikes Hanging bridges, Vida Campesina Farm, hot springs Land transfer to chosen beach accommodation, nature tour en route Optional activities available. Surfing lesson included for children and teens. 8 NORTH PACIFIC BEACH Pacific Beach Hotel B Beach day at leisure. 9 DEPARTURE -- B Transfer to the Liberia International airport -2-

3 Itinerary In Detail DAY 1: SAN JOSE Arrive at San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport and transfer to the charming Hotel Grano de Oro, a renovated stately mansion built at the turn of the century and updated with the comforts and amenities of a modern hotel. Hotel Grano de Oro is located on a quiet street near many fine restaurants, theaters and shops. Enjoy a tropical beverage in their open-air jacuzzi and be sure to try the chocolate cake! DAY 2: PACUARE RIVER RAFTING - CLASS III RAPIDS Today you ll float one of the most scenic tropical rivers in the world and venture into the primeval rainforest to your home for the next two days: the Pacuare Lodge. After an early morning pick-up stop for an authentic Costa Rican-style breakfast at a family run restaurant overlooking the lovely Orosi Valley. Designated Wild and Scenic, the Pacuare River flows deep into an ancient and protected rainforest, winding its way through scenic canyons full of dense green vegetation and home to jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and numerous other species of mammals and birds. After a review of safety precautions embark on your rafting adventure (approx. 1.5 hours). The river alternates between the thrill and exhilaration of Class II-III white water rapids and the peace and serenity of placid green water as you pass tumbling waterfalls and listen to the calls of exotic rainforest wildlife. Perched on the banks of the turquoise river and enveloped by the rainforest, the palm-thatched, open-air bungalows of Pacuare Lodge are designed to blend into its natural surroundings with minimal impact while providing touches of luxurious natural comforts. The open-air restaurant features delicious gourmet cuisine and guests can relax in the cozy open-air lounge on wicker sofas and hammocks while recounting the adventures of the day. Completely off the grid, the charm and romance of the lodge is enhanced by its thatched bungalows tucked into the tropical foliage featuring plush couches, arm chairs and a king-sized canopy bed, bathrooms with solarheated indoor and outdoor showers, and a large private deck with hammocks complete with a dipping pool fed by spring water. Total driving time approx. 3 hours. Overnight at Pacuare Lodge. [BLD] DAY 3: PACUARE RESERVE After being soothed to sleep by the sounds of the gurgling river and thousands of tree frogs, you awake to a symphony of bird song as the jungle comes to life in the morning. Enjoy a delicious breakfast of home-made bread, tropical fruits, yogurt, eggs, pancakes, cereal and juice and coffee. After breakfast, choose from a number of optional adventurous activities (at additional cost) including hiking to the Cabecar Indigenous Private Reserve, zip lining, horseback riding, canyoneering, river kayaking -3-

4 or, if you d rather relax, a therapeutic massage. Overnight at Pacuare Lodge. [BLD] DAY 4: PACUARE RIVER RAFTING - CLASS IV RAPIDS Today s rafting adventure (approx. 3.5 hours) is interspersed with stops for a picnic lunch and to hike and explore side streams leading to spectacular waterfalls and crystalline pools for swimming. Take in the beauty of the densely vegetated, tropical river canyon while paddling the calm sections of the river. Feel the rush of adrenaline and sheer exhilaration as you face the challenge of each large wave and battle the surging Class III-IV rapids with names like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarrones, and Two Mountains! Your Pacuare rafting adventure ends with the triumph of having descended one of the most wild and scenic tropical rivers in the world. At the river take-out, you ll be met by your naturalist guide and change into dry clothes for the scenic 3.5 hour drive to Arenal. Overnight at Arenal Nayara. [BLD] DAY 5: ARENAL VOLCANO HANGING BRIDGES, VIDA CAMPESINA AND HOTSPRINGS Grab your camera, binoculars and water bottle for a morning exploring the rainforest canopy led by your guide on a series of hanging bridges winding through the old growth forest surrounding the Arenal Volcano. Look for an abundance of wildlife, including up to 250 species of birds and animals including the white hawk, great curassow, rufous motmot as well as howler monkeys, coatimundis, sloth and whitecollared peccary. In the afternoon, visit the family-owned organic farm Arenal Vida Campesina for a typical Tico lunch and to experience the daily life of a Costa Rican farmer. This day of adventure and cultural interaction concludes at La Fortuna Hotsprings, a piece of paradise owned by Dona Mireya and her family. There are five creek-fed pools which are always the perfect temperature for relaxing as the sun sets, after which we are treated to a delicious home-style meals served in a rustic wooden rancho. Overnight at Arenal Nayara. [BLD] DAY 6: NORTH PACIFIC BEACH NATURE TOUR EN ROUTE Today head to the beach! A private land transfer takes you to the north Pacific coast, known for its abundant sunshine, wide sandy beaches, great surf and spectacular sunsets. En route we explore the gallery forest at Hacienda Solimar where white-necked puffbirds, laughing falcon and great black-hawk can be seen. Probably the 'star' bird at Solimar is Jabiru, a large stork that actually stands more than four-feet tall. A variety of other wetland species inhabit the area including wood storks, northern jacanas, white ibises, roseate spoonbills, hundreds of blackbellied whistling ducks and blue-winged teal and several shorebird species, notably solitary sandpiper and southern lapwing. At the end of the tour we enjoy lunch before heading North West to the beach. You have two beach and hotel options to choose from depending on your preferences and availability: Hotel Capitan Suizo at Tamarindo beach or Hotel Harmony Nosara at Guiones beach. Total driving distance to the beach is approximately 4-5 hours with a stop to enjoy a nature tour. Overnight at Hotel Capitan Suizo or Harmony Nosara. [B] -4-

5 DAYS 7 & 8: NORTH PACIFIC BEACH Feel free to sleep in late or rise early to catch the early morning surf as the next two days are yours to enjoy at your leisure. If you re looking for more adventure, there are a plethora of active pursuits available including snorkeling and kayaking tours, surf lessons and hiking in several coastal national parks (optional activities at additional cost). Or you may prefer to simply relax, rejuvenate and spend the day lounging on the beach, swimming in the pool and soaking in the Costa Rican sun. (For family adventures, a 2 hour surfing lesson is included for each child). Overnight at Hotel Capitan Suizo or Harmony Nosara. [B] DAY9: DEPARTURE OR EXTEND YOUR TRIP Invigorated and relaxed after your Costa Rica adventure tour, gaze at the vast Pacific Ocean before boarding a land transfer to the Liberia International airport. Note: If staying at Hotel Harmony Nosara your international departure must be scheduled preferably after 12 noon in order to allow time for your drive back to the Liberia International airport (2.5 hours). The drive from Capitan Suizo takes only 1.5 hrs. Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING 2013 AND 2014 ADULTS TEENS** (12-16) Staying at Hotel Capitan Suizo or Harmony Nosara $3,750 $3,450 **Sharing the room with 2 adults, maximum 1 teen per room Guaranteed to depart anytime with a minimum of 3 people paying full price. Check our web page for group departure dates. Prices valid until November 30, Surcharges might apply from December 15 to January

6 INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions as noted in itinerary National Park entrance fees English-speaking local naturalist guides for the tours included Private naturalist guide for the Arenal portion with drop off at the beach Airport-hotel transfers, internal air and land transportation Hotel accommodation and meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES Optional activities and tours as indicated in itinerary International airfare Tips and gratuities Airport departure taxes Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation NOTE: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Reservation Form Terms and Conditions. -6-

7 Accommodations HOTEL GRANO DE ORO, SAN JOSE Hotel Grano de Oro is a renovated stately Victorian mansion built at the turn of the century and updated with the warmth and comfort of a private home. The thirty-two individually styled rooms, common areas and corridors are elegantly decorated with watercolors, tapestries, and locally handcrafted furniture creating charm and character in traditional Latin American style and heritage. Hotel Grano de Oro is one of the finest boutique hotels in Costa Rica for its home-away-from-home charm and one we always recommend for the best tours of Costa Rica. It is located on a quiet street near many fine restaurants, theaters and shops. Meals are served in an intimate dining area and garden courtyard. The open-air Jacuzzi on the rooftop garden terrace is a perfect spot to begin your travel in Costa Rica, especially a Costa Rica honeymoon! Services offered by the hotel include currency exchange, fax and mail service, in-room safes, wireless internet, room service, laundry service, cable TV and international calls. PACUARE JUNGLE LODGE, PACUARE RESERVE Tucked away deep in the heart of Costa Rica s most pristine rainforest environment, on the banks of the Pacuare River, lies 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. The Pacuare Lodge nineteen bungalows and main lodge were designed and constructed to blend with the surrounding environment, affecting minimal impact, and has been recognized by the World Tourism Organization as one of only sixty-five examples throughout the world of good practice in sustainability and ecotourism. The Pacuare Lodge s philosophy of simplistic luxury and oneness with nature is enhanced by the romance of operating without electricity. Each features a canopy king size bed, hardwood flooring, private veranda, and a spacious private bathroom adorned with brass fixtures, private alfresco shower with solar heated water, and a nearly 360º rainforest view all within an area seemingly removed from time and the worries of the outside world. ARENAL NAYARA, ARENAL A world of comfort and style surrounded by an untouched natural paradise. Located in the outskirts of one of the world's most amazing volcanoes, Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens is the experience of a lifetime. Each large, suite-sized bungalow provides ample space and privacy, including a backyard, outdoor shower and private front balcony. Bungalows include one king or two full sized beds (with deluxe bedding), a plasma 27 cable TV and DVD/CD player, ipod stand, wireless internet, safety box (laptop capacity), air conditioning, private bathroom with hot water, backyard outdoor -7-

8 shower, stocked mini fridge, coffee maker, front balcony overlooking the volcano, private outdoor volcano-view Jacuzzi. NORTH PACIFIC HOTEL OPTIONS CAPITÀN SUIZO, TAMARINDO BEACH On a regular basis the hotel conducts activities for the guests to become acquainted with Costa Rican culture. There are atmospheric evenings with Marimba music, folkloric dance performances by local students, as well as occasions where the manufacturing of local craft is shown which is also offered for sale. All rooms benefit from a balcony or terrace, overlook tropical gardens and face towards the ocean. With a freeform swimming pool, an internet corner, a gift shop and a fenced in parking lot Capitan Suizo has everything you need to comfortable relax and enjoy your beach holidays. But with comfort comes responsibility, out of respect and sympathy towards the culture, the traditions and the character of this country, (which succeeded to place 25% of its total area into conservation). At present the hotel work with conviction and commitment on the project for the certification for sustainable tourism (CST). As part of this project the hotel supports a nonprofit organization which works towards the improvement of national parks along with other projects like reforestation and the production or and use only of organic fertilizer. THE HARMONY HOTEL, NOSARA The perfect combination of low-key luxury, nature, wellness and sustainability on Guiones Beach in Nosara, a spot well renowned for its beautiful surroundings and impressive surf. The graceful simplicity of earth tones and crisp whites creates rooms that are rooted in nature and beach life at the Harmony. All 24 accommodations reside on a path that meanders through a tropical garden overflowing with native vegetation. And the ears do not lie-that is the sound of waves. The path ends nearby at the warm, inviting Pacific Ocean on Playa Guiones, Nosara. -8-

9 Important information about Pacuare Lodge Luggage instructions Maximum weight per person: 25 pounds (12 kilograms) The following is a list of equipment which should be packed separately for the Pacuare Adventure; this will be rafted to the Pacuare Lodge inside dry bags which the lodge provides. The Lodge will gladly store the rest of your luggage in the warehouse located in the river take out during your tour; on the last day of your trip you will have all your stuff as soon as you get out of the river. For the tour s timeliness, we kindly ask that you have your river equipment packed separately from the rest of your luggage at the time of pick-up in your hotel. *Bags over the size or weight allowance will incur in an additional fee of $30 per bag Recommended River Clothing and Equipment List Two Day Pacuare Adventure 1. 1 pair of shorts to wear when rafting 2. 1 T-shirt or light cotton long-sleeved shirt for rafting 3. 1 pair of outdoor type shoes for hiking and for use on the lodge grounds 4. 1 pair of tennis shoes or sandals suitable for rafting 5. 1 light cap with wide brim or visor for sun 6. 2 light shirts; cotton, long sleeved for lodge 7. 2 pairs of light cotton hiking trousers; jeans okay, but not recommended, because of weight and drying time 8. 1 sweater or sweatshirt 9. 1 windbreaker; unlined Anorak, shell type, which can be tied around your waist sets of underwear pairs of socks spare pair of glasses, if you wear prescription lenses 13. Sunscreen or sun block 14. Insect repellent 15. Toiletry kit; no aerosols 16. Medications Optional Accessories 1. Waterproof camera (for rafting) or regular camera (with waterproof case, for hiking and lodge) 2. Plastic bags of various sizes (heavy-duty ziplock for film, books and small items) 3. Sunglasses 4. Binoculars At River Take-out you will be able to shower and change into dry clothes at our private facilities. Long pants, a shirt and light jacket/sweatshirt are recommended for the ride back to Arenal. **Important Notice for Guests stowing luggage at Pacuare Lodge offices* Up to the present we have never had any problems with theft at the river take out warehouse in Siquirres, however, and from this point on, Wildland Adventures will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen objects. Therefore we will require guests to securely padlock all luggage left at their facilities. It is also advisable for guests not to leave behind valuables or important documents. These should best be taken to the Pacuare Lodge in ziplock plastic bags or similar (safety boxes are provided at each bungalow). Additionally, guests who leave luggage at their facilities will be asked to sign a form consenting to the above conditions. -9-

10 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Pre-departure Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. -10-