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Photo courtesy of Adam Baker -
Photo courtesy of Patty -
Photo courtesy of Fran Devinney - Difficulty Rating:
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Tour Description
The tropical gem of Costa Rica is so beautiful, safe and temperate that it is where South Americans go for the perfect vacation. Costa Rica boasts magnificent cloud forests of lush green foliage and countless species of delicate orchids. Like neighboring Panama, its jungles are home to monkeys and brightly colored birds, including the elusive Quetzal. Explore the incredible beauty of one of the world's most biologically diverse countries where unique varieties of plants and animals thrive and multiply.
Itinerary
Day 01: San Jose, Costa Rica
Arrive San Jose airport. You are met and transferred to transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Marriott Hotel
Day 02: San Jose - Corcovado National Park
Transfer to the airport for your 60-minute flight to Palmar Sur. Upon arrival, a representative of the lodge will transfer you by land to Sierpe dock, boat transfer to your lodge. Enjoy the balance of your day exploring your surroundings.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aguila de Osa Inn
Day 03: Corcovado National Park
Excursion to Corcovado National Park. The cool morning hours offer a good opportunity to spot wildlife and to observe some of the incredible variety of birds that abound in the park. As well, much will be mentioned about the plant and tree species, which is lush, and teeming with life. At the Station under shade trees on the beach you will enjoy a sumptuous picnic with fresh fruit and ice-cold drinks. After lunch there will be time to explore the beach or to just relax. In the afternoon return by boat to the lodge.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aguila de Osa
Day 04: Cano Island Biological Reserve
Full day excursion to Cano Island. Your tour starts after breakfast when your guide will help you select snorkeling gear. For those who want to explore the coral reefs around the island, it's a great opportunity to see a fantastic number of fish, rays and sometimes turtles. This is one of the best dive spots in Costa Rica. On most days there will be a chance to snorkel at the "Coral Garden," which is an excellent spot for beginners or more experienced guests. There will also be plenty of time to take a swim, beach-comb or to try your luck at snorkeling in the cove in front of the Park Station. Around mid-afternoon return to the lodge.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aguila de Osa Inn
Day 05: Corcovado National Park - Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Transfer Drake Bay airstrip and board your return flight to San Jose.Upon arrival, your private driver-guide will meet you to take you to the highlands of Monteverde. Overnight at Hotel Fonda Vela, a family-run hotel known for the hospitality of its owners, superb food and large comfortable rooms. The afternoon is free to explore or relax in charming environs of Fonda Vela.
Breakfast
Hotel Fonda Vela
Day 06: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
This morning you will be picked up at your hotel to explore with your private guide, the magical cloud forests of Monteverde Reserve on easy trail through this home of the Resplendant Quetzal and other denizens. After, visit the Hummingbird Gallery Art and Souvenir shop, where these tiniest of birds frequently come to feed.
This afternoon you will enjoy the Sky Tram/Sky Trek Tour. The Sky Tram is a high tech cableway that goes through the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest, with great views of the surrounding areas. The tour starts with a 30 minute ride on the cableway, where you will get a unique perspective of the flora and fauna, accompanied by a Costa Rican expert. The Sky Tram ends in a wide observation platform where the adventure begins- the Sky Trek Canopy Tour- a high adrenaline tour on ziplines, high above the forest floor. Zip from platform to platform to see the forest from a truly unique perspective.
Breakfast
Hotel Fonda Vela
Day 07: Monteverde - Nicoya Peninsula
Depart this morning to the Pacific coast town of Islita, near the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Hotel Punta Islita, an award-winning hotel and member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is known for exceptional service, creature comforts and a top-notch spa. Spend the afternoon swimming in the infinity pool, set upon a perch overlooking the coast, or in the other located beachside.
Breakfast
Punta Islita Resort
Days 08: Nicoya Peninsula
This morning you will enjoy a guided walk through the forest trails that surround the hotel's grounds. In the afternoon, enjoy a 60-minute Honey and Milk Massage, by the experts of Punta Islita's spa.
Breakfast
Punta Islita Resort
Days 09: Nicoya Peninsula
Full day at leisure. While at Punta Islita resort, you can choose to spend the your time at the beach, horseback riding through a tropical dry forest, take another guided tour, or find a comfortable spot by the pool.
Breakfast
Punta Islita Resort
Day 10: Nicoya Peninsula - San Jose
Transfer to Islita airstrip, for return flight to San Jose. You are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Head into nearby towns for last-minute shopping, or simply to enjoy a last afternoon of peace and quiet in this relaxed mountain setting.
Breakfast
Xandari Plantation
Day 11: San Jose - Depart
You are transferred to the airport for your homebound flight.
Breakfast
Departures
Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.
Pricing Information
2011 Prices:
November 15, 2010 to April 30, 2011*
$4,525 per person double occupancy.
$6,600 Solo Traveler.
$1,295 Single Room Supplement.
May 1, 2011 to November 14, 2011
$4,250 per person double occupancy.
$6,199 Solo Traveler.
$1,160 Single Room Supplement
* Prices are not valid from Dec. 15, 2010 to Jan. 5, 2011 and April 16 to 24, 2011. Please contact iExplore for an exact quote over these periods.
Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of July, 2010. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.
Inclusions:
Private transfers in San Jose
1 night at Costa Rica Marriott (Deluxe room) - breakfast included
One-way domestic flight: San Jose-Palmar Sur
3 night/4 day Aguila de Osa (Junior suite) package including land/boat transfer from Palmar Sur and return land transfer to Drake Bay airstrip, full board, one day guided tour to Corcovado National Park and one day guided tour to Caño Island
One-way domestic flight: Drake Bay-San Jose
One-way private land transfer from San Jose to Monteverde
2 nights at Fonda Vela Hotel (Junior suite) - buffet breakfast
Half-day private walk at Monteverde Biological Reserve including round trip transportation, entrance fee and local bilingual naturalist guide
Sky Trek Canopy tour including round trip transportation, entrance fee, canopy equipment and guides
One-way private land transfer from Monteverde to Punta Islita, accompanied by a bilingual guide
3 nights at Punta Islita Hotel (Deluxe room) - continental breakfast
One pre-scheduled guided nature walk at Punta Islita
One 60-minute honey & milk massage at Punta Islita
Transfer to Punta Islita airstrip
One-way domestic flight: Islita-San Jose
1 night at Xandari Resort (Ultra Villa) - continental breakfast
Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Exclusions:
International airfare and airport taxes
Meals, unless otherwise indicated
Items of a personal nature
Gratuities and porterage
Travel insurance
Visas (if required)
Holiday surcharges
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
