Small Group Travel Guarantee – This trip’s size is guaranteed - 10 to 25 passengers maximum

DAILY ITINERARY (B,L, D indicates included meals that day )

DAY 01: Sunday Aug 14th, 2011
Depart on your own arrangement into San Jose Costa Rica (airport code SJO). Upon arrival of all flights, our passengers will meet Gustavo, our local, bilingual guide, outside the arrivals terminal. Gustavo will be with us for the entire trip and is at your service for any needs or questions you may have.  He has been with us guiding our Costa Rica trips every year since our first visit over 10 years ago and he is the most knowledgeable, conscientious and dedicated guide you will meet anywhere.

From the airport, you will be escorted on our private transfer to the Quality hotel, part of the American Choice Hotels chain. 

The hotel features a fitness center, internet access and restaurant on site

Overnight at Quality Hotel, San Jose
 
The Quality Hotel Real, San Jose.

DAY 02:  Monday August 15th (B,L)
A buffet breakfast is served at our hotel. Then, we are escorted by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach to the Poas Volcano where a view from the observation deck provides stunning looks into the volcanic crater and its deep pools, as well as, on a clear day, a view of both the Pacific and the Caribbean, one of only 2 places in the Americas where both bodies of water can be seen from one observation.

This afternoon, we will visit the La Paz waterfalls, butterfly and hummingbird gardens. 

La Paz offers the largest butterfly garden in all of the Americas, as well as a walking path to view many birds, monkeys and toucans.  The waterfall trail, takes us to view 5 beautiful waterfalls amid lush trees.

 A sumptuous lunch buffet is included today at La Paz.

A late afternoon departure from the park takes us by our private deluxe motor coach to Tabacon Hot Springs Resort, one of the most amazing 5 star spa resorts in the world, as you will learn, as soon as you step foot into their myriad of natural hot springs outdoor in a tropical setting overlooking Arenal volcano. 

 At the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano, lies Tabacón Hotel Springs Spa & Thermal Resort – a true, tropical paradise of nature, adventure and relaxation. Tabacón offers luxurious accommodations and amenities in a picture-perfect and natural setting.

Its distinctive facilities are comprised of thermo-mineral rivers, flowing through exotic tropical gardens, forming natural waterfalls and river pools.

The Tabacón Hot Springs perfectly combine mineral content, volume and temperature. While there are many hot springs destinations around the world, few offer this special balance set in a splendorous natural paradise.

       Scenes from Tabacon Hot Springs Resort
         More fun at Tabacon Hot Springs Spa and Resort

Proudly awarded membership to The Leading Hotels of the World as of January 2007, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is a five-star resort located at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, in the northern region of Costa Rica. A three-time World Travel Awards recipient, the 114-room property offers luxurious accommodations and friendly service in a quaint tropical environment

Its distinctive facilities are comprised of thermo-mineral rivers, flowing through exotic tropical gardens, forming natural waterfalls and river pools.

The resort also offers a world class Spa facility, featuring a full array of massage services, facials, mud wraps and more.  Try the waterfall massage, a soothing massage, in a private bungalow, alongside one of the resort’s waterfall hot springs.
The Tabacón Thermal Springs perfectly combine mineral content, volume and temperature. While there are many hot springs destinations around the world, few offer this special balance set in a splendorous natural paradise.   http://www.tabacon.com

After an early evening check in, we will enjoy a private cocktail party featuring hot foods, tempting sweets and cocktails (3 cocktails per person – choice of sparkling wine/champagne, red or white wine, or a non alcoholic beverage)
After our cocktail party, we will have the remainder of the evening at leisure to relax, enjoy & savor the natural thermal springs at the resort.

There are paths that meander from one hot spring to the next, each with its own character.  Two have a natural waterfall that passengers can sit under as the warm waters cascade over them. One of the hot springs has a tiki bar adjacent to it from which passengers can take their favorite drink into the hot spring to relax in real comfort, while another hot spring has a built in tiki bar with bar stools, so passengers don’t even need to get out of the soothing waters to enjoy their favorite drinks.

There are multiple thermal springs are open until 10pm and offer separate changing rooms with lockers for men and for women.  Fresh towels are provided to all guests.  The feeling of soaking in the hot springs under the night sky is amazing. 
If you wish, sit and soak under their natural thermal spring waterfall, with its own built in seating platform for the ultimate in relaxation to simply let go and unwind in this tropical paradise.   

At your leisure, you may return to the on site changing rooms/lockers facility, where you can change clothes, return used towels and then walk back to your room (or take the free shuttle right to your room, if the springs relaxed you to the point you want to be pampered with transit back to your room)

Overnight at Tabacon Grand Thermal Springs Spa and Resort

DAY 03:  Tuesday August 16th (B, D)
This morning we will visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges.  Just a short 10 minute drive from Tabacon, the Arenal hanging bridges are a unique marvel of nature.  Set in a forested domain, we will walk across pathways where are local expert naturalist guide will describe the many indigenous plants and other items that make the forest their home.   The highlight of the walk is the several bridges built into the forest.  As we cross these bridges, you will gain a wonderful perspective and a panoramic view of the forest.  You will even see a waterfall in the forest from one of the bridge overlooks.

Arenal Hanging Bridges is one the most beautiful environmentally-friendly projects in Costa Rica. Located in front of the Arenal Volcano and within the corridor followed by migratory birds between North and South America, the project's trails and bridges bring you close to the birds, flowers, and lush vegetation of the primary rainforest. With safe and easy access, the trails allow you to walk right into a beautiful forest. The imposing hanging bridges overlook a dense canopy with volcano views looming in the background.

After our tour, we will return by our chartered coach, the short 10 minute ride back to the Tabacon Grand Thermal Springs Spa and Resort, where we will enjoy free time at leisure to relax, have lunch or visit the thermal springs to soak in its many pleasures.  From the springs by day, you can often see another unique view of Arenal volcano with smoke protruding from its top almost each day.

 
Pictured is normal daytime Arenal volcano activity taken in May of 2006.

We will be picked up mid afternoon approx. 2:45pm for a short 20 minute ride to the Arenal Sky Trek where we will enjoy a thrilling Zipline tour.

The tour is the ideal way to get both a bird’s view of the lush tropical forest, as well as enjoy a thrilling, safe, adventure ride high above the forest.

The tour begins with the leisurely paced Sky Tram gondolas that will provide a smooth ride through the rain forest, with endless views along the way, so you can appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you on your way to the top. Once at the at the observation deck, you will be able to enjoy the most magnificent views of the volcano’s south face for as long as you desire.
  The Sky Tram Gondolas at the Arenal Sky Tram/Sky Trek.

From the observation deck, you will have two options for returning to the base. The first option is to ride back down the same way you came up, on the Sky Tram. On the ride you will be able to notice how the vegetation varies as the altitude changes once again.

The other and more exciting option is that you can zip your way to the bottom along the fast moving Sky Trek Canopy Tour (also called the Zip Lines), the best option for those seeking a rush of adrenaline. 

The zip line canopy tour takes you across several cables constructed between the tree tops.  Standing on the first of several tree top platforms, you will be placed in a safety harness that is then attached to the 1st cable.  Then you will literally “Zip” from one platform to another across the cable.  You will enjoy the thrill of gliding from one platform to the next, with views of the forest, the volcano and scenic Lake Arenal.  Gliding high above it all, you will effortlessly go from one platform to the next, as you make your way, naturally back down to the base of the mountain.
 
A passenger glides in a harness across one of the cables on the Sky Trek Canopy (“Zip Line”) tour with one of the platforms pictured in the background.

After our Zipline excursion, enroute back to Tabacon we will stop at a local restaurant for an included 3 course dinner at an open air restaurant.

Following dinner we will enjoy a special night volcano watch outing.  This annual favorite takes us by our chartered coach to an overlook, just 5 minutes from our hotel, where, on a clear night, you will see the red lava flowing down the always active Arenal volcano.  This volcanic activity occurs every night and can be seen when the sun is down each night. 
 It is a memorable sight to see and one you won’t forget !

Photo of the volcano erupting at night in April 2006.

Upon returning to Tabacon Thermal Springs Resort, enjoy, if you wish, a night dip in the thermal waters of the natural springs at Tabacon (the springs are open until 10pm, so enjoy yourself one more time)

Day 4 Wed Aug. 17th (B,L.D)
This morning, those interested in a scenic walk, can join us for an optional short excursion into Arenal National Park.  Just a short 10 minute ride from Tabacon, the park offers a most scenic excursion.  We will enjoy a guided walk across hardened lava rock formations, derived from a lava flow many years ago.  The walk is approx. 2 hours round trip with a stop at a fabulous overlook providing panoramic views.  The walk is suitable for all with no experience needed.    The views from the overlook are beautiful.  The return segment of our walk will take us through a primary forest trail where it is common to spot howler monkeys and toucans in the wild before we return to Tabacon on our coach.   (The cost of this optional excursion is only $10 and the excursion lasts approx. 90 mins.) 

Mid morning we will depart from Tabacon for our coach ride to Tamarindo Beach.

Enroute to Tamarindo we will reach the Colorado River where we will stop for our day’s excursion.  We will enjoy a thrilling Kayaking activity.  Each passenger will enjoy a ride in a 2 person kayak, seated behind an expert local Costa Rican kayaking guide.  The excursion is safe for all passengers and no experience is needed. 

You will enjoy approx. 1 hour on the river, savoring beautiful lush green scenery along the river gorge.

We will make one stop along the way for a snack of local fruits and then continue to our finish point on the river.
After the completion of our excursion we will have the time to change clothes at changing rooms on site and then we will enjoy an included buffet lunch.

Following lunch, we will continue to our private coach ride to Tamarindo, approx. 1 hour from the lunch site.
 We will arrive in the late afternoon at the beautiful 4 star Tamarindo Diria beachfront hotel, where we will spend the last 4 nights of our tour, enjoying an all inclusive stay, with all meals and unlimited drinks.

Read more about the Tamarindo Diria by clicking the links to the following websites for pictures, details and reviews of the hotel.

http://centralamerica.com/cr/hotel/diria.htm
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-324260-hotel_tamarindo_diria-i

Hotel Tamarindo Diria boasts modern amenities and luxurious accommodations featuring minibar & safety deposit box.  The hotel also offers  e-mail service and a full laundry service and is walking distance from many restaurants, shops and nightclubs.  Our passengers will all enjoy ocean view rooms at this fine property, situated right on the vibrant Pacific Ocean sands.

Tamarindo Beach Resort is located on the north pacific coast, it is an ideal place located in the heart of TAMARINDO, recognized as one of the country’s nicest beaches with all the amenities of a Costa Rican beach town

The pool at Tamarindo Diria hotel                           
     
 Sunset over Tamarindo beach

Day 5 Thursday August 18 (B, L, D)

This morning we enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then a morning at leisure to relax, enjoy the beach, or the hotel's lounge chairs, idyllically located under the cool breezes of swaying palm trees.  Enjoy unlimited drinks poolside on our all inclusive program. (Passengers may make as many visits to the hotel’s bars as they wish, but only 2 drinks per visit are allowed to each person).

If you wish, enjoy an optional horseback ride taking you across a beautiful beach and then up a verdant path where you may spy upon monkeys in the trees. Each person will be placed on their own horse and follow two experienced local guides on a ride of approx. 1 hour.

At the midpoint of the ride, experienced riders will be given an opportunity to separate with one guide for a thrilling chance to trot, cantor and even gallop, while less experienced and beginner riders will remain with another guide for the remainder of their leisurely paced ride. (cost of our optional horseback ride is $59)

Lunch is included at our hotel.

This afternoon we will enjoy an excursion to the fabulous Palo Verde National Park.

Palo Verde National Park has a uniquely dichotomous character.  It’s simultaneously a spectacular wetlands and one of the best examples of tropical dry forests remaining anywhere in the world.

You may spot Variegated Squirrels, Howler Monkeys, White-nosed Coatis, White-tailed Deer, White-throated Capuchin Monkeys, white-face monkeys, iguanas, Collared Peccaries and many more.

Palo Verde is also known as a bird-watchers' paradise. More than 300 bird species have been recorded, not least great curassows and the only permanent colony of scarlet macaws in the dry tropics. At least a quarter of a million wading birds and waterfowl and jabiru storks, the largest storks in the world, flock here in fall and winter. Lunch is included at the park.

After our tour we will return to our hotel where dinner is included.

Overnight at Tamarindo Diriá Hotel

 Day 6 – Friday August 19th  (B,L,D)
This morning we will enjoy a thrilling ATV excursion.  Our ATV ride takes us under shaded forest land.  Sightings of monkeys in the trees frolicking naturally are common along the way.  The ride is safe, fun and no experience is necessary.
This afternoon is at leisure to relax at our hotel, lounge poolside or along the beach and enjoy the included lunch and unlimited drinks on our all inclusive program ( passengers may make as many visits to the hotel’s bars as they wish, but only 2 drinks per visit are allowed to each person).

If you wish, enjoy an optional jet ski excursion this afternoon to watch playful dolphins frolick in the ocean. (Optional jet ski excursion cost is $100 per person based on 2 per jet ski)

Dinner is included at our hotel again tonight.

The nightlife in Tamarindo is always hopping and there are plenty of nightclubs within walking distance of our hotel.

DAY 07: Saturday August 20th (B,L,D)

This morning we enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then a morning at leisure to relax, enjoy the fabulous beach, or the hotel's lounge chairs, idyllically located under the cool breezes of swaying palm trees, providing shade, while overlooking the ocean and sipping pina coladas or your beverage of choice from the hotel bars serving you on our all inclusive program.

Lunch is included at the hotel.

This afternoon we will enjoy a private catamaran sailing excursion. The excursion will offer our passengers the chance to relax on deck, with outdoor deck space for laying out under the sun, as well as covered seating space for those wishing the comfort of the shade.

We will enjoy plentiful appetizers and drinks (both soft drinks and alcoholic drinks will be provided at no cost by our captain and his crew sailing us on a course to some of the best snorkeling in the area (snorkeling equipment is provided for those wishing to go snorkeling, as are ocean kayaks, each at no cost).

As our sailing excursion returns, we will enjoy a spectacular sunset at sea, with an open bar and service provided by the boat’s crew.

Tonight, enjoy the evening at leisure to enjoy dinner included at our hotel and the hopping nightlife all walking distance from our hotel, or if you wish,

 Day 8 Sunday August 21st  (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will check out of our hotel this morning and then board our coach for the short transfer to the Liberia airport.

All passengers should book their own return flight from Liberia Costa Rica (airport code LIR) back to their home airport (or ask us to check for the best available rates online for you if you wish)

TRIP PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 4 nights at Tamarindo Diria beach front 4 star luxury resort on Tamarindo beach including all meals and unlimited drinks

• 2 nights at the 5 star Tabacon Grand Thermal Springs Spa Resort including breakfast daily, unlimited use of its natural thermal springs and waterfalls to swim or just relax in, plus an included cocktail party with hot foods, sweet treats and cocktails on arrival and an included three course dinner on your 2nd night

• 1 night 4 star accommodations at the Quality Hotel in San Jose with breakfast

AND

• Exciting activities included each day:

• Tours of La Paz Waterfall and Butterfly Gardens, Poas Volcano (where you can walk to an observation deck to look down into the steaming hot pools at the base of the volcano)

• A night viewing excursion to watch the active Arenal Volcano where we will take you to view, from a safe distance, the red hot lava that streams down this still active volcano on a nightly basis.)

• An adventure featuring a forest walk across the Arenal Hanging Bridges

• A thrilling afternoon at the Arenal Sky Trek Canopy Adventure, where passengers can travel like Tarzan across a specially designed course via a harness and cable system atop the trees of the Costa Rican Rain Forest

• A thrilling Kayaking adventure in 2 person kayaks with a local guide & one passenger per kayak so all can enjoy the fun and scenic river beauty.

• An exciting visit to Palo Verde National Park to see the indigenous crocodiles and monkeys in their natural habitat environment

• A thrilling ATV riding guided tour excursion

• A relaxing and fun half day sunset sailing and snorkel excursion with all equipment, snacks and unlimited free drinks as we sail into the sunset following our snorkeling activity

• Air conditioned motor coach transportation throughout Costa Rica

• Airport pickup in San Jose on Aug. 7th and transport to the group’s hotel

• Hotel pickup and transfer to the Liberia airport Aug 21st

· * Services of a Bilingual local guide escorting the group over the entire duration of the trip.
· * Services of an ALLSINGLESTRAVEL.COM representative escorting the group for the entire trip duration

Enjoy these optional excursions:
A guided walk in Arenal National Park ($10 per person)
A Horseback ride on the beach and through native grove lands ($59 per person)
A Jet ski excursion to see playful dolphins ($100 per person based on 2 persons per jet ski)

 Trip cost:  $1649 + $48 tax based on double occupancy with free roommate matching based on age, sex and smoking or non smoking preference
Optional single supplement: $489

A $200 Deposit is due within 7 days of reservation. Deposits are refundable until May 1st and non refundable thereafter.

Balance payments are due June 10th and are non refundable.

Optional 4 Days 3 Nights pre trip Package to Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero is a unique and exotic place. You will feel transported to an ancient time, discovering unexplored places and an incredible wildlife. It’s the ideal place to have the best of both worlds: Relaxation, surrounded by its exotic nature, a quiet romantic scenery, and Wildlife Adventure, travelling through the natural water canals, kayaking, fishing and enjoying the wilderness of its abundant flora and fauna.
Tortuguero National Park is one of the most varied within the park system, has 11 ecological habitats, from high rainforest to herbaceous marsh communities. Fronting the sea is the seemingly endless expanse of beach.
Behind that is a narrow lagoon, connected to the sea at one end and fed by a river at the other, which parallels the beach for its full 35-km length. Back of the lagoon is a coastal rainforest threaded by an infinite maze of serpentine channels and streams fed by rivers flowing from the central mountain ranges.  On the periphery of the forest lies a complex of swamps

First Class Accommodations

Gourmet Restaurant on the waterfront

Manatus Hotel has 12 fully equipped rooms to make your stay a luxury.
A room at Manatus Hotel begins an extraordinary sense of peace and comfort. Our luxury guest room is designed to inspire, its beauty connects you with the surrounding environment of a wildlife sanctuary and the water channels, while ensuring your comfort and convenience. Here at Manatus Hotel, the first class experience is the rule rather than the exception. We offer you spacious rooms with luxury finishes, all having.

• Air Conditioning
• Cable TV
• Mini Bar
• Two Queen Size Beds
• Private Solarium

Also, you can enjoy our vip services, unique in the area, through our Spa, our gourmet restaurant and our fitness gym.

ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Thursday August 11th - Arrive on your own leisure into San Jose Costa Rica.  Complimentary shuttle to your hotel for tonight, the Barcelo Palma Real Hotel

http://www.expedia.com/San-Jose-Hotels-Barcelo-Palma-Real.h459059.Hotel-Information?chkin=08%2F11%2F2011&chkout=08%2F12%2F2011&rm1=a2&#reviews

The hotel is only 1 mile from the gold museum downtown (so if you arrive by mid day and wish to visit this fascinating museum after checking into your hotel room, you are in close proximity for the visit and can easily walk or take a very short cab ride to visit the museum.

 I have been to the Gold Museum and its well worth spending an hour visiting it. 

This hotel offers a free shuttle from the airport from 6am-9pm, has free internet access in the lobby and even has its own casino off the lobby which is fun to visit and convenient to do so without needing to leave the hotel.  Its also walking distance from restaurants such as TGI Fridays and Tony Romas.

Day 2

• Approx. 6am - You will be Picked up at the hotel by a representative from the Mantus Hotel in Tortuguero.for your land/sea transport to Tortugeuro.

• 8:00 a.m to 9:00 a.m.  Breakfast included at Rancho Roberto’s Restaurant (located in Guapiles)

• 11:00 a.m You will arrive to Caño Blanco,and will be escorted onto your boat transfer that will take you over the scenic rivers to Manatus)
• 12:30 pm Welcome Cocktail at the Hotel
• Hotel Check-in
• Mid-day to 1:30 pm Lunch included at the Hotel’s Restaurant
• 3:00 pm Visit to Tortuguero Town and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation’s visitor center and turtle museum (about 2 hours).
• 6:30 pm to 8:30 p.m Dinner included at the Hotel’s Restaurant.

Day 3

• 7:00 a.m to 8:30 a.m Breakfast at the Hotel’s Restaurant
• 8:30 a.m to 10:30 am Canals Tour to Tortuguero National Park (We visit only one canal at this time)
• Mid-day to 1:30 pm Lunch at the Hotel’s Restaurant
• 2:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m Canals Tour Tortuguero National Park (We visit only a different canal at this time)
• 6:30 pm to 8:30pm Dinner included at the Hotel’s Restaurant

Note:

You will visit different canals at the two tours offered.

Tortuguero National Park History

Tortuguero National Park was created in 1975. It is located in the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, 80 km north from the city of Limon. One of the reasons of its creation was that this is one of the most important areas in the world for the nesting and hatching of sea turtles.

Tortuguero Flora and Fauna

In the Tortuguero National Park there is a very high biodiversity. We can find more than 400 species of trees and about 2.200 species of plants, due to the variety of habitats. Also in the Park there is a great diversity of fauna, which includes mammals in danger of extinction, such as the jaguar, the manigordo, and the danta (which is the biggest animal in the tropical jungles of America), the manatee, the tolomuco, the perezoso, and three species of monkeys. Besides, there are about 405 bird species, almost half of the total amount existing in Costa Rica, and more than the ones you can find in all the European territory, for example. This diversity is also found in amphibians, reptiles, fish and insects.

Tortuguero Highlights

One of the main attractions of the Tortuguero National Park is the hatching of marine turtles. The four species that reproduce in the Caribbean sea and that arrive to hatch at the beaches of Tortuguero are: the gigantic baula, the green turtle (second in size and the most abundant in the Park), the brown caguama, and the carey turtle, which is the smallest and it is considered to be in way of extinction because of its shell’s value, which is used in handcrafts.  (The Manatus hotel offers an optional Turtle Hatching Tour each night for only $35, offering you the chance to witness this natural phenomenon)

Water canals in Tortuguerro

Refreshing pool with a view to the channels

Day 4

• 7:00 a.m to 8:30 am Breakfast at the Hotel’s Restaurant
• 9:00 a.m Check out.
• 9:30 a.m Leaving the Hotel
• 11:00 a.m Arriving to Caño Blanco
• 1:00 pm Lunch at Rancho Roberto’s Restaurant included(located in Guapiles)
• 3:30 pm Arriving to San Jose with drop off at the Quality Hotel Real in San Jose where you will meet the rest of the group this evening, as well as your allsinglestravel.com trip leader and Gustavo, our local tour manager, both of whom will be with you for the next 8 days.
• You will spend the night’s accommodations at the Quality Hotel Real.

COST OF THIS OPTIONAL 3 DAY/3 NIGHT PRE TRIP TOUR:
ONLY $599 PER PERSON + $19 TAX WITH GUARUNTEED SINGLE OCCUPANCY ROOM FOR ALL 3 NIGHTS

• INCLUDES ALL MEALS DURING YOUR 2 NIGHTS AT MANATUS HOTEL IN TORTUGUREO AND IN TRANSIT BETWEEN SAN JOSE AND TORTUGUERO EACH DIRECTION.
• ALSO INCLUDES 2 TOURS OF THE CANALS IN TORTUGEUREO AND VISIT TO Tortuguero Town and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation’s visitor center and turtle museum
• Also includes round trip transportation between Barcelo Hotel in Jose San Jose and Manatus Hotel in Tortuguero and returning from Manutus Hotel to Quality Hotel Real in San Jose

Space is very limited on this optional 3 day/3 night pre trip tour, (the Manutus hotel only has 12 rooms total ) so book early to avoid being shut out.