Costa Rica Beach and Adventure Week Saturday August 11 - Saturday August 18, 2012 This trip is limited to 16 passengers SMALL TRIP GUARUNTEE   Back by popular demand, we are pleased to offer our annual summer trip to Costa Rica.  Our trip features visits to many exciting sights including Volcanoes, Rainforests, luxurious Thermal Springs, scintillating Beaches & much more But this trip offers much more! 4 nights at Tamarindo Diria beach front 4 star luxury resort on Tamarindo beach including all meals and 2 drinks with lunch and dinner each day 2 nights at the luxurious Arenal Manoa Resort with junior suite accommodations and sumptuous breakfast daily 1 night 4 star accommodations in San Jose with breakfast AND Exciting activities included each day: A visit to the Soothing Tabacon Hot Springs & Grand Spa where you can relax in its myriad of natural thermal hot springs with a swim up bar, enjoy an included buffet dinner and if you wish, try a massage in its Grand Spa. Tours of La Paz Waterfall and Butterfly Gardens and of 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.) 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 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 A fun filled ATV ride along the beach and through the forest. 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   Also enjoy thrilling optional excursions: A 90 minute guided walking tour in Arenal National Park, where you can walk on the volcanic rock and enjoy picturesque, panoramic views of the valley (Only $10) Horseback riding, either along the beach, or in the forest near Arenal Volcano National Park (only $45 for a 2 hour tour)  A visit to the Venado caves for a half day of guided fun and exploration (only $50) Jet skiing in the Pacific, as part of a guided tour to a deserted island frequented by dolphins The weather in the Arenal Volcano valley remains pleasantly in the 70’s year round and the temperatures along Tamarindo Beach in the summer time are pleasantly in the mid to upper 80’s.

DAILY ITINERARY 

DAY 01: Sat. August 11th, 2012
Depart on your own arrangement into Liberia Costa Rica (airport code LIR). 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 Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort where we will enjoy a 4 night stay with all meals included and 2 drinks included with lunch and dinner each day. (Choose from beer, wine, soft drinks, Pina Coladas, or other frozen drinks, or other specialty drinks). 
Read more about the Tamarindo Diria by clicking the links to the following websites for pictures, details and reviews of the hotel.

 http://www.tamarindodiria.com

http://centralamerica.com/cr/hotel/diria.htm

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 02: Sunday August 12th  
A buffet breakfast is served daily at our hotel offering many options, such as a custom omelet making station, made to order eggs, pancakes, fresh muffins, fresh fruits, juices and more. 

The morning is at leisure to relax on the beach, walk the Pacific Ocean, take a surf lesson if you wish, or a dip in the pool.

Enjoy our included lunch at your choice of our hotel’s outdoor beach front restaurant or indoor restaurant.  Two drinks are included with your meal again.

At approx. 1:30pm we will be picked up and taken to a spot on the beach a short 15 minute ride away where we will enjoy a guided ATV ride tour along the beach and through the nearby forest.  The tour is a fun way to enjoy the fresh air and vistas of the Pacific Ocean

We will return to our hotel for the evening at leisure, with dinner again included at your choice of our hotel’s outdoor beach front restaurant or indoor restaurant.  Two drinks are included with your meal again.

If you prefer, there are many restaurants along the beach and across from the beach that you may walk to from our hotel.

Monday August 13th
After our included buffet breakfast, the morning is again at your leisure to relax.

Then, after your included lunch at your choice of the beachfront or indoor restaurant at our resort, we will be picked up and escorted by deluxe, air-conditioned mini coach for a 90 minute ride 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 for the evening at leisure and dinner with drinks included at your choice of dining under the stars or indoor seating.

Tuesday August 14th
After our included buffet breakfast, enjoy another morning at leisure to relax on the beach, in the ocean or the pool.

If you wish, enjoy an optional horseback riding excursion on the beach ( only $45 for a two our guided riding tour), or if you wish, enjoy an optional jet ski ride on a guided tour to a deserted island frequented by dolphins.
After our included lunch at our hotel’s beachfront restaurant, we will walk together down the beach about 5 minutes and will then enjoy the remainder of the afternoon aboard a fabulous catamaran sailing vessel.

The excursion will offer our passengers the chance to relax on deck, with outdoor deck space for lying 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 a final night on the beach with dinner and 2 drinks included at your choice of dining under the stars or indoor dining at our hotel and maybe a final night of dancing at the nightclubs a short walk from our hotel.
Nightlife is again hopping at several nightclubs, all walking distance from our hotel.

 

Wednesday August 15th
This morning we will depart from Tamarindo Beach to the Arenal Volcano region.

Enroute we will reach the Colorado River where we will stop for our day’s first 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 and all passengers are provided with a safety helmet.

The excursion is safe for all passengers and no experience is needed as the guide does all the work and you can sit back and relax, just enjoying the scenery if you wish, or take part in paddling as well if you wish.   

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 depart the river in our chartered mini coach.

After a brief stop for lunch at leisure, we will continue our drive to the Arenal area and then enjoy our 2nd excursion of the day, 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 continue by our chartered mini coach, the short 10 minute ride to the Tabacon Grand Thermal Hot Springs and Spa, where we will enjoy an included buffet dinner followed by approx. 2 and a half to 3 hours free time at leisure to relax in the thermal springs and soak in its many pleasures. 

Full locker room facilities are provided at Tabacon including lockers, towels, showers and restrooms.

The springs have a myriad of paths to wander and relax in its many hot springs.  There is a swim up bar at the largest of the springs and bar stools built in.

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

 

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

The Tabacon hot springs close at 10pm and we will then be picked up by our chartered mini coach and after just 10 minutes drive, we will arrive at our hotel for the next 2 nights, the Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel.
http://www.arenalmanoa.com
Arenal Volcano Hotel

This is a beautiful property to relax and enjoy the marvelous view of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, our rooms have been designed so that each one offers you a panoramic view of the volcano. Our visitors can take advantage of our spacious gardens for walking and meditation
Click here to view photos of our hotel and its grounds.
http://www.arenalmanoa.com/gallery.html

All rooms are junior suites
Our Junior Suites have been designed in a way that you can't fail to see any detail of the panoramic view of the Volcano from your own room.  Wide open internal and exterior space to make your comfort and enjoy be our presentation letter.

• Two queen sized beds
• Air conditioning
• Satellite television
• Air conditioning
• Private Bath with hot water and a hair dryer
• Terrace with a view of the volcano
• Refrigerator
• Safe-Deposit Box
• Coffee Maker

Arenal Manoa is a destiny created for you to enjoy the combination of a high quality service and an exuberant nature beauty. Everything start with our rooms that combines a modern and rustic architecture, with plenty space for your comfort, where you can enjoy the view of the Arenal Volcano from your own bed, also a big bathroom with an little garden just to remember the natural beauties that surround us and the balcony where you can delight with the panoramic view and the gardens that are around the rooms, while you rest in a rocking chair.

• Satellite television
• Private Bath with hot water and a hair dryer
• Telephone
• Terrace with a view of the volcano
• Refrigerator
• Safe-Deposit Box
• Coffee Maker 

Thursday August 16th
This morning, those interested in a scenic walk, can join us for an optional short early morning excursion into Arenal National Park.  Just a short 10 minute ride from our hotel, 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 our hotel on our mini coach where we will enjoy the hotel’s included breakfast buffet.   The rest of the group is at leisure to enjoy the included breakfast at a time of their leisure (The cost of this optional Arenal National Park walk excursion is only $10 and the excursion lasts approx. 90 mins.) 

After our included buffet breakfast at our hotel’s canopied restaurant, the group will together enjoy a morning tour of the Arenal Sky Trek Zipline.

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, we will return to our hotel where you will have the afternoon at leisure to relax by the pool, enjoy our hotel’s own natural hot spring, or take an optional excursion.

 Optional Excursion to the Venado Caves.

For those people that enjoy a tour where you can get wet and muddy, this fascinating adventure under ground is for you.  Only 45 minutes from our hotel, we will take you through narrow passages and incredible labyrinths and chambers where you will see the famous formation of rock named "La Papaya," and other stalactites and stalagmites that they surely will astonish you.  
Includes: comfortable transport, to and from the hotel, bilingual guide, flash light, helmet, and cold drinks.

Departure time: 1:00pm

Duration: 4 Hours (approximate time)

What to bring: Light comfortable clothes, sandals or shoes if you don’t mind getting wet, binoculars, camera, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, a change of clothes and a plastic bag for wet clothes.

Rates per person: $50.00

Optional Horseback riding is also available for a 2 hour guided ride along scenic forested lands with views of Arenal Volcano in the distance.  (Only $45 for a 2 hour ride)

Our hotel also offers a free tour each afternoon, taking hotel guests to a farm that is walking distance from the hotel.  Hotel guests wishing to enjoy this free tour will be led by a hotel staff guide on a short walk to the farm and given a guided tour of the farm and its animals and if you wish, you can even milk a cow!

This evening we will head in to the small nearby town of La Fortuna, a typical Costa Rican enclave, where our local guide will offer his recommendations amongst many inviting local dining options that you can enjoy at leisure.

If you wish, join our guide Gustavo at his favorite local restaurant, or choose from other local favorites which Gustavo will recommend to you.

Following dinner in town, we will all enjoy a special night volcano watch outing.  This annual favorite takes us by our chartered mini 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 !

 

Friday Aug 18th
After our included buffet breakfast we will depart our hotel in our chartered mini 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 mini coach to our hotel for the final night of our tour, the Quality Hotel, San Jose.
 
The hotel features a fitness center, internet access and restaurant on site
Overnight at Quality Hotel, San Jose
 
The Quality Hotel Real, San Jose.

Click the links below for more info on this hotel and for online reviews of this hotel from hotel guests
http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-san_jose-costa_rica-CR010

Tonight, join us if you wish, for an optional farewell dinner. 

Our Farewell dinner takes us to a restaurant located high above San Jose.  The Monastery Restaurant offers fine dining at reasonable prices and an incredible view of San Jose, and the brilliant lights of the city aglow in the night sky.

After dinner, we will walk next door, where we will enjoy a drink and local music.
For those wishing to relax tonight, without leaving the hotel, our hotel offers an indoor restaurant, or for casual dining out, a typical local restaurant is located right next door.
 
 Day 8 Saturday August 18th  
After breakfast at the hotel, we will check out of our hotel this morning and then board our mini coach for the short transfer to the San Jose airport.

All passengers should book their own return flight from San Jose Costa Rica (airport code SJO) 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 2 drinks with lunch and dinner

• 2 nights at the 4 star Arenal Manoa Hotel with breakfast daily

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

AND

Exciting daily activities included on your tour itinerary:

• Tour 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).  Buffet Lunch included at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

• A Visit to the Tabacon Hot Springs and Grand Spa for an evening of relaxation under the stars in its natural hot springs including a sumptuous dinner buffet.

• 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 guided 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 guided tour of 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

 

All together you will enjoy 7 days and nights of fun in Costa Rica, with daily group activities planned for you, sumptuous breakfast buffets daily, 5 dinners and 1 incredible buffet lunch set amidst the lush greenery of La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Also included on our tour are:
* Air conditioned mini coach transportation throughout Costa Rica

• Airport pickup in Liberia on Saturday Aug. 11th and transport to the group’s hotel
• Hotel pickup and transfer to the San Jose Airport Saturday Aug 18th

* Services of a Bilingual local tour manager 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

Plus, enjoy these optional excursions:
      A guided walk in Arenal National Park ($10 per person)
      A guided tour of the Venado Caves ($50 per person)
      A guided 2 hour horseback ride, either along the beach or along a forest trail in sight of the Arenal Volcano ($45)

 Trip cost:  $1799 + $48 tax based on double occupancy with free roommate matching based on age, sex and smoking or non smoking preference
Optional single supplement for anyone not wishing our free roommate matching service: $479

A $200 Deposit is due within 7 days of reservation. Deposits are refundable until March 1st and non refundable thereafter.
Balance payments are due June 8th and are non refundable.