Awesome small group (max 12) to this beautiful and diverse country!
9 days / 8 nights – March 17 – 25, 2018
Cradled between two continents and two seas, Costa Rica is a land filled with more species of wildlife and flora than any other place on the planet. This wild and primeval land awaits with an abundance of adventure and activity, ranging from kayaking and canyoning to basking in the luxury of an eco-lodge with a drink in hand. There is no shortage of things to see and do in a country that is 1/4 designated national parks and wildlife ranges.
Cradled between two continents and two seas lies a land as wild and primeval as any on earth: Costa Rica. Protected on this tiny isthmus are more species of wildlife and flora than any other place on the planet.
A few reasons why you “gotta go”!
1. The pristine wilderness
2. River rafting: Class III and IV rapids on the Pacuare River will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced
3. The consistency: In Costa Rica, the sun rises and sets at the same time every day!
4. In-the-field expertise: From spinning fascinating regional interpretation to orchestrating seamless group dynamics, these guides keep their eyes on the details, ensuring that the toughest part of your vacation truly is going home.
PLUS book by February 10th and receive a $35 Visa Gift Card compliments of Just Spas & Adventures!
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1 – San Jose
Arrive at the José International Airport and transfer to your hotel for the evening • Once you arrive, there will be a brief orientation before you are free to explore San José and enjoy a delectable local meal on your own. Overnight: Bougainvillea Hotel
About the Bougainvillea Hotel
Set among 10 acres of lush gardens, the unique and comfortable Hotel Bougainvillea is a place where guests can truly experience the world-famous beauty of Costa Rica.
Original pieces of Costa Rican art complement the stunning landscaped tropical gardens dominated by tall trees, plentiful flowers, ponds and mountain views.
DAY 2: TORTUGUERO
This morning we’ll make our way to Tortuguero • After a private transfer through the Costa Rican countryside to San José to La Pavona Dock (3h) we will continue by boat to Tortuguero and our accommodations for the next two nights • After lunch at the lodge, kayak the canals of Tortuguero National Park to a soundtrack of exotic birdsong, watching for manatees, caimans, crocodiles, and turtles • Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Center, home to the largest green turtle rookery in the western hemisphere • Return to the lodge where a buffet dinner will be waiting in the lodge’s restaurant. Overnight: Evergreen Lodge/Meals Included: B, L, D
About Evergreen Lodge
Evergreen is located in the northeastern corner of Tortuguero, 5 minutes by boat from the main entrance to Tortuguero National Park, and accessible only by air and water. Evergreen Lodge is the ideal location from which to explore this unique and magical area, surrounded by towering trees and exuberant vegetation and are adorned with tropical designs.
DAY 3: TORTUGUERO
Opt to start the day bright and early with a birding walk • If you’re more inclined to sleep in, meet your traveling companions for breakfast at the lodge • Today is all about Tortuguero National Park, beginning with a private boat tour • Break for lunch at Miss Junnie’s restaurant and take in the authentic Caribbean atmosphere and entrées while watching a variety of birds in the adjacent gardens • Wander the streets of the village, taking in the brightly painted buildings and grab a cup of freshly made juice while checking out the shops • The rest of the day will be taken up by a boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National park before returning to our lodgings for another delectable dinner. Overnight: Evergreen Lodge / Meals Included: B, L, D
DAY 4: RIO TROPICALES
Enjoy a quick breakfast at the Lodge before beginning our transfer to Rios Tropicales • Our afternoon will be spent paddling the exhilarating class III-IV rapids of the Pacuare River, ranked one of the Top 10 Rivers to Raft in the World by National Geographic • Check into the Rios Tropicales Lodge, our accommodation for the next two nights, and meet for dinner in the restaurant. Overnight: Rio Tropicales Lodge / Meals Included: B, L, D
About Rio Tropicales
At our ecolodge, you can relax, explore and enjoy all that Costa Rica offers on our 2,000-acre private reserve at the mouth of the Pacuare Gorge. We have more than 40 miles of hiking trails and numerous waterfalls, streams and pools. Our open-air dining pavilion and lounge let you watch the local wildlife and listen to the sounds only found in a tropical paradise.
DAY 5: RIO TROPICALES
Today boasts another beautiful morning of bird watching while sipping a cup of coffee • The pace quickly picks up from there, as our day is filled with sailing through the treetops on an adrenaline-inducing canyoning and zip line adventure • We’ll break for lunch at the Rios Tropicales Lodge before beginning our afternoon hike that will have us rappelling down thundering waterfalls • After our adventure filled day, return to Rio Tropicales for a relaxing dinner. Overnight: Rio Tropicales Lodge / Meals Included: B, L, D
DAY 6: PUERTO VIEJO
Today takes us on another invigorating white -ater rafting excursion, the best way to experience Costa Rica • Wind down from an exciting morning on our transfer to the Caribbean coast • Check in to our accommodations for the evening and then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort
The Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort faces the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea in the southern part of Costa Rica and reaches out over five acres of earth inside of a pristine forest. The resort’s modern rooms are inspired by the surrounding nature; technological comforts harmonize with local wood and stone furniture reflecting on the wonders of the land. Overnight: Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort / Meals Included: B, L, D
DAY 7: CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK
Explore Cahuita National Park and all it has to offer • Marvel at the colorful corals, sea fans, and countless species of tropical reef fish on a snorkeling tour and hike through Cahuita National Park • Kick back and relax for an afternoon on your own or saddle up for a bike ride along the beach. Overnight: Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort / Meals Included: B, L, D
DAY 8: SAN JOSE
Depart Puerto Viejo and head back toward San José • En route, stop for a tour of Limón City • Although the city’s name translates to lemon, it will definitely not leave a sour taste • This historic city will expose you to the remarkable story of peaceful Limón • Continue to extraordinary Xandari Resort, located in the foothills of Poas Volcano and surrounded by forest reserve, waterfalls and miles of trails • Tonight, say goodbye to your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner at the resort. Overnight: Xandari Resort and Spa / Meals Included: B, L, D
Your trip begins with your arrival in San José at Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport. After passing through Immigration, take the right hand side exit door and look for the Sun Tours representative who will direct you to customs. When you leave the building after clearing customs, look for a Sun Tours representative, who will be holding a sign that says “Costa Rica Sun Tours” with your name on it. Your guide will take you to the Hotel Bougainvillea.
After breakfast on Day 9, we take you to the airport in San Jose, 3 hours prior to your flight’s departure.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking: Easy to moderately strenuous hikes ranging from 1 to 5 miles (1 to 4 hours) on birding excursions, village/city tours, national park treks and more.
River rafting: Class III and IV rapids on the Pacuare River. You will raft into the Rios Tropicales Lodge on Day 4 (1.5 hour trip) and raft out on Day 6 (3 hour trip).
Kayaking: Calm waters through Tortuguero canals, no experience necessary.
Canyoning: No experience necessary, guides inspect all equipment and provide detailed instruction.
Zip Line: No experience necessary, gear and instruction provided.
Snorkeling: No experience necessary, gear and instruction provided.
Biking: Optional easy beach bike ride on the afternoon of Day 7.
Contact us TODAY for more information or to book this great get-away!
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