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HONEYMOON
COSTA RICA Though gaining in popularity, Costa Rica remains one of the "best kept
secrets" of vacation destinations. Though it's only as big as West Virginia, there are few places in the world that compare for the sheer magnitude of its bio-diversity. Twelve major life zones provide refuge for over 10,000 kinds of flowering plants, 850 bird species, 3,000 butterfly species, and 209 mammal species! Active volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests, lowland jungles, the dramatic Pacific coastline, and tranquil Caribbean beaches ramble across seven provinces. Thirty percent of the land is protected by national and private reserves, which harbor more than five percent of the world's plant and animal species.
Equally fantastic are the activities - rafting, scuba diving, jungle hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more. As the perfect complement to this vacation Eden, Costa Ricans (Ticos, as they call themselves) are friendly, peaceful people who welcome you to their country like a long-lost relative. Simultaneously, Costa Rica is known for the multi-ethnic pleasures of its capital, San José, and as a producer of some of the world's best coffee. Most Costa Rican vacations begin and end in the exciting capital, but it's what lies beyond that takes your breath away!
COSTA RICA EC0-NATURE AREAS
Manuel Antonio: This is a small town with exquisite scenery and astounding ecological treasures. There are panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, evergreen vegetation, an exciting mix of comfort and adventure, and popular beaches in Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio was designated as a National Park in 1972, forever preserving its 1,700 acres of land, 136,000 acres of ocean, and the 109 mammal and 187 bird species that inhabit its coasts and forests. This privileged place of virgin forests, lagoons, mangroves, beaches, and 12 small islands is also crucial as a nesting and feeding ground for many sea birds. Venture along the jungle trails and come face to face with toucans, white-faced monkeys, red squirrels, three-toed sloths, and many more!
Monteverde: This Cloud Forest Reserve is a village as well as a biological reserve. The Dry Season is the best time for bird-watching and any time of year visitors can enjoy art and butterfly galleries, orchid gardens, a serpentarium, horseback riding, family restaurants, pubs, craft shops, and more. The Reserve sits on the Continental Divide in the Tilarán Mountain Range and contains 8 life zones that shelter many rare species such as the brilliantly-plumed quetzal birds and the endangered gentle tapir, a relative of the horse. Nature trails let you journey safely and easily through this priceless ecosystem.
Arenal Region: Facing one of the most active volcanoes of Costa Rica, this is a favorite destination for locals and tourists. Lake Arenal provides safe viewpoints of the volcanic fireworks, and the Arenal Reservoir is rich in aquatic resources and wildlife. Hiking and horseback riding are also popular. Take a self-guided tour through the botanical gardens, handicraft markets, greenhouses, rainforest nature trails, river, waterfalls, keep your eyes open for the more than 225 species of birds that populate the region, and don't forget a rejuvenating soak in the Tabacon Hot Springs.
Osa Peninsula:At the top of the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park offers an extraordinary chance to get close the diversity of nature. Beside the lush flora of this rain forest reserve, there are 624 species of mammals birds, reptiles, and amphibians to meet here.
Tortuguero: Great adventures await in the tropical rain forest of Tortuguero National Park. Your boat guide will lead you among a network of canals teeming with life, from howler monkeys to herons and more.
COSTA RICA BEACH AREAS
Guanacaste: The largest province in Costa Rica, Guanacaste offers miles of untouched beaches on the Pacific, and is home to the relaxed beach towns of Flamingo and Tamarindo. You'll also find some of the country's finest resort hotels and best nature parks.
Puntarenas: The closest beach resort to San Jose, Puntarenas features striking and unusual volcanic black sand beaches. A great starting point for day trips to the Monteverde Cloud Forest or the Gulf of Nicoya.
Jaco Beach: Excellent surfing, small native style hotels, restaurants with local flair and low key entertainment are all part of the Jaco Beach experience. The area is an ideal base for exploring the Carara Biological Reserve.
Tambor: You can play all day in the warm Pacific water of Tambor, set on the Southern end of the Nicoya peninsula. In fact, it's a perfect place to get off the beaten path and onto the beach!
Caribbean Coast/Limon: Experience the Caribbean as it was, and as it should be...pristine beaches, waving palm trees and small quaint hotels. Don't miss the opportunity to explore at the underwater park in Cahuita.
COSTA RICA
The tropical weather in San José is usually temperate, with temperatures generally ranging between 70°-85° in the lowlands and 58°-76° in the elevated Central Valley, and San José, Monteverde, and Arenal. The Pacific coast is more arid and is the hottest region, with dry season temperature up in the 90s. Summer is the dry season, running from December to April and winter is the rainy season, running from May to November, though rain tends to fall only in the late afternoon or evening.
Weather in Costa Rica in November is a gamble. On average it's a rainy season month on the Pacific and in the central mountains but sometimes (especially with El Niño) the dry season comes early.
The month of November is characterized by essentially constant daily high temperatures, with daily highs around 80°F throughout the month, exceeding 83°F or dropping below 75°F only one day in ten.
Daily low temperatures are around 66°F, falling below 63°F or exceeding 69°F only one day in ten.
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in the tourist centers.
COSTA RICA OPTION ONE
HOTEL PUNTA ISLITA 5 star boutique hotel Hotel Punta Islita is located along the sunny
Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province.
Approximately 2 hour drive from Liberia airport Hotel Punta Islita bears the engaging design of
Ronald Zurcher, a prominent Costa Rican architect. The tiered layout capitalizes on the property’s hilltop setting, gazing upon Islita Beach and the namesake islet that separates from the mainland during high tide. The décor is a blend of Costa Rica’s aesthetic traditions with a splash of whimsical, emphasizing local art.
HOTEL PUNTA ISLITA
Features an ocean-view infinity pool set on the hillside and an additional pool with a swim-up bar located at ocean level.
Set in a tropical garden, the on-site spa offers relaxing treatments that incorporate natural Costa Rican ingredients and ancient healing rituals
Tennis courts and 9-hole golf course On-site hiking, bird watching, howler
monkey quests, cooking classes
HOTEL PUNTA ISLITA The stylish 1492 Restaurant showcases the rich
textures, vibrant colors, and intense flavors of Costa Rica's culinary traditions. Fresh local and regional ingredients are playfully combined with the flair and zest that reflects Costa Rica's ethnic diversity and Guanacaste's natural exuberance. 1492 Restaurant's fifty-foot thatched palm ceiling and open layout are inspired by the architectural style of ancient native cultures for a memorable dining experience.
Borrancho Restaurant- casual beachfront restaurant serving salads, ceviche, sandwiches, pizza and fresh seafood dishes.
HOTEL PUNTA ISLITA
Suite Room A couple’s retreat or honeymoon in Costa Rica is
best enjoyed in the secluded privacy of Hotel Punta Islita’s beautiful Junior Suites. The locally-crafted king-sized canopy bed, sitting area, private deck, and private outdoor whirlpool are sure to inspire dreamlike romance.
Air-conditioner and ceiling fan Local art Complimentary wifi6 Nights $5,041 (includes breakfast only)
COSTA RICA OPTION TWO
EL MANGROOVE 5 star boutique hotel Opening February 2014-No pictures available at this time Where man and mangrove meet with groovy inspiration, El
Mangroove brings a new stature of "hot and hip" to Guanacaste. Located in Bahia Papagayo, at only 20 minutes from touch down to sand, it's the closest resort to any international airport in Costa Rica. Spanning for 18 acres and embracing 150 meters of beach front it's also ideally located at only 15 minutes from the artsy and bustling town of El Coco. 85 -chic suites are nestled amongst mangrove and beach front forest. A hotel surrounding a concept of barefoot luxury, it's straight up laid-back and down-right cool! Perfect mixes of wood and water alongside contemporary linear architecture, natural furnishings and subtle splashes of color make it evident that true indulgence is actually found in simplicity. This property is not only naturally inspiring but wholesomely fresh and sexy. Whether you are looking for paddle-boarding escapades or cross fit jungle training or perhaps a re- energizing kick start, in our wellness center we can accommodate it all.
EL MANGROOVE 130 foot pool with private cabanas Located on beach Fitness center Outdoor yoga deck Full service spa Complimentary kayaks Entertainment and poolside DJ El Mangroove is just minutes away from some of the best sports
fishing, diving, surfing, and boating destinations in Costa Rica. Active volcanoes such as Rincón de la Vieja, Miravalles, Tenorio, and Arenal are accessible within a one-hour drive. The highest density of protected land in the country is located in Guanacaste, ranging from national parks to natural reserves that are world famous for their biodiversity and amazing scenery. The area offers a wide range of activities such as canopy tours, river rafting, canoeing and tubing, hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, cultural activities, and more. Guests also have exclusive access to an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course just 15 minutes from El Coco.
EL MANGROOVE
Featuring farm-to-table and ocean-to-table cuisine, the restaurants and bars at El Mangroove offer a range of ambiances and flavors to entice all palates.
Core Restaurant: Serves three meals daily and is located off the hotel lobby.
Central Bar: Located within the primary restaurant, the bar area is the place to wind down the day.
Beach Shack: This oceanfront beach restaurant is surrounded by sand and teak deck, making it a perfect setting for laid-back dining.
Oasis: The main pool area—the largest in Guanacaste—is surrounded by coveted cabanas and private catering.
Picnic menus and to-go meal boxes are also available. 24-hour room service
EL MANGROOVE
Junior Suite Superior, Room with king size bed and sofa bed, 2 plasma TVs 42" MIDI Technology, 2 phones, one for video calling and other wireless, wireless connection, air conditioning and fan, Alarm clock, Docking station for iPad/iPhone, valet service kit, hair dryer, walking closet, mirror, safety box, mini bar, outdoor terrace, hammock, living room area.
6 Nights $5,195
COSTA RICA OPTION THREE
RIU PALACE 5 Star Resort All-Inclusive From pools to their "Renova Spa", this new hotel has
everything you need for maximum comfort during your stay. The quality of the cuisine offered at the different restaurants of the hotel is exceptional thanks to their chefs, who prepare a variety of dishes, from classic to the most exotic. Being on a privileged environment, the hotel offers a variety of activities on the beautiful beaches such as diving or fishing in the Pacific waters, ecotourism in the volcanic areas, and during the day several programs of entertainment for all ages, whether in family or friends.
RIU PALACE
Four swimming pools Swim-up bar Jacuzzis Windsurfing, pedaloes, snorkelling
equipment, kayaking One introductory scuba diving lesson in
the pool Daytime and evening entertainment
and shows
RIU PALACE
24 hour room service “Arenal" main restaurant with terrace "Krystal" Fusion Restaurant "Tokio" Japanese restaurant "L'Anfora" Italian restaurant "Papagayo" poolside restaurant/grill and steakhouse "Daiquiri" lobby bar "Capuchino" pâtisserie & ice cream parlor "Stars" lounge bar with terrace "Melody" plaza bar Lounge 24 (open 24 hrs, all inclusive service) "Coconut" poolbar with swim-up bar
RIU PALACE
Jacuzzi Suite Ocean View Bathroom with hydromassage bathtub and shower
cabin, double-sink Bathroom amenities Free WiFi Mini-bar Liquor dispenser Balcony or terracewith out jacuzzi 6 Nights $5,197
EXCURSIONS
Costa Rica
COSTA RICA
Corobici River Rafting Tour and Las Pumas Jaguar Rescue Center Get up-close views of nature while you float lazily down the Corobici
River in the Costa Rican rainforest! Aboard a raft with an expert guide, you'll take in the sights of the flora and fauna that flourish in the bio-diverse region - including ospreys, mot mots, herons and egrets as well as a variety of iguanas and monkeys. Your day trip includes a visit to the Las Plumas Jaguar Rescue Center to see a variety of big cats and other wildlife.
Forest Canopy Tour Enjoy a scenic drive to the little town of Artola for an amazing,
unforgettable experience! After instruction from extensively trained guides, the tour begins with a short hike to the first platform. Fly through the tree tops of the Forest via steel cables. You will be able to experience the various levels of the canopy as you swing/ glide from tree to tree. During the tour you will come across a walking bridge between two platforms, this is a truly an exhilarating and exciting experience. If you are lucky, even the howler monkeys will be your company during a part of these canopy travels.
COSTA RICA Rincon de la Vieja Active Volcano Tour
Rincon de la Vieja, meaning "The Old Woman's Corner," is named after the legend of a local woman whose father threw her lover into the volcano's crater. Mourning her lost love, she became a recluse on the mountaintop, developing healing and restorative powers. Today, the one million-year old volcano continues to heal and restore; its hot springs are said to alleviate aches and pains that stump even the most modern medicinal cures. Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is the third most active of Costa Rica's seven active volcanoes. Despite this fact, the volcano is considered only gently active, spewing ash and steam infrequently. On a 2 hour hike, you will see the energy that this sleeping giant liberates. Bubbling water lagoons, steamy sulphur water ponds, little mud volcanoes, gases and more are enough to understand this is an active volcano. Rincón de la Vieja National Park is home to more than 300 species of birds (including the quetzal), and numerous reptiles, amphibians and mammals (including kinkajous, tapits, monkeys and jaguars).Mammals found here include peccaries, coatis, skunks and of course monkeys (white-faced and howler), 2-toed sloths, armadillos and anteaters. The park also has probably one of the largest populations of the national flower of Costa Rica, the orchid 'Guaria Morada'.
COSTA RICA Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour
The spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Feels like walking in a grandiose green Cathedral. Wind-sculptured elfin woodlands on the exposed ridges are spectacularly dwarfed, whereas protected cove Monteverde rainforests have majestically tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. Experience yourself at this place with the different levels of the forest walking over bridges as we visit the Sky Walk. Sky Walk is a guided tour, which combines trails and suspension bridges with lengths of even 984 feet and heights above the canopy of Monteverde cloud forest. After lunch we will visit the butterfly farm. The Monteverde Butterfly Garden is one of the area's original and most visited attractions. Situated in Cerro Plano, between the town of Santa Elena and the Monteverde Reserve, the Mariposario offers a biodiversity center, medicinal plant garden, live leaf cutter ant colony, in addition to four climate-controlled butterfly gardens where visitors can observe some of the most beautiful and fascinating insects in the Tropics.
COSTA RICA
Arenal Hike & Tabacon Hot Springs The Arenal Volcano is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the
world. It has been active since 1968 when it suddenly exploded, destroying all vegetation that covered the cone. Nowadays, trees and vegetation are starting to regenerate in some areas of the volcanoes base. Volcano hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the earth’s interior. Once heated, the waters rise to the surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth’s rocky crust, causing the waters to be very beneficial to our bodies because of its temperature. It helps to relax muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin. Hiking and visiting the hot springs are 2 activities that can be combined into one. You can visit the National Park and walk through the lava paths while admiring the imposing perfect cone and then take a dip into the natural mineral hot springs that descend from the volcano. Or, you can enjoy these activities separately. At the hot springs, you will find different warm pools filled with mineral water, surrounded by impressive well-manicured tropical gardens and wooden bridges over a hot water river that crosses the entire property. Dinner will be served at an open restaurant where you can admire the red lava and gases that are constantly ejected from the crater of the volcano.
COSTA RICA
Butterfly Farm In the Butterfly Farm Tour you will find explore the life
cycle of the butterfly. Among hundreds of free-flying butterflies, guides interpret the butterfly’s natural history, a mesmerizing on-site experience. From biology and ecology the tour delves into the symbolic and mythological meaning of the butterfly. In The Butterfly Farm tour, science meets the heart of nature in hopes of fostering true stewardship of our planet. Visitors are also shown the process of exporting chrysalises to butterfly houses worldwide and learn about the widespread attraction for these flying beauties
COSTA RICA
Cano Negro Wildlife Boat Tour After picking you up from your hotel and ride the bus for
approximately 1.5 hours, we will arrive to Los Chiles; a culturally mixed village located only 2 miles from the Nicaraguan border. From here, we will start our journey on a 2.5 hour boat safari through the rainforest and pastureland to the huge Marsh.
Cano Negro is considered one of the most important nesting sites for migrant waterfowls in Costa Rica. Our experienced guide will bring the area alive for you, and you might see literally hundreds of birds while you’re out there. Some other species like monkeys, iguanas, sloths, turtles and caimans can be seen in this area.
COSTA RICA
Damas Island Mangrove Tour Experiencing the estuary and mangroves of Damas Island
is an exciting adventure that allows you to investigate the natural history of Costa Rica’s exotic flora and fauna. Mangroves are trees that grow in the tropical weather and saline coastal habitats; they provide protection from erosion or water flows to estuaries and shorelines.
This excursion will be defined by our capacity for observation in the abundance of wildlife that we encounter in this natural and impressive swamp. The three-toed sloth, different species of monkeys and snakes are found in this area as well as many marine birds. The expedition through the mangrove can be done by kayak or by boat.
COSTA RICA
San Jose City Tour This tour will take you on a journey through the Costa Rican culture and
history. San Jose City became capital of the newly independent country in 1824 after the president decided to move the capital from the old Spanish colonial city of Cartago with the idea of making a fresh start with a New city. The new capital grew rapidly, extending into the Central Valley and in 1884, became the first city in Latin America to be illuminated by electric energy.
The tour begins with an orientation drive through residential areas and the Sabana Metropolitan Park, known as the lung of the city for being the closest green area to the city. Continuing, a walk through the historic National Theater will show you a master- piece in art and architecture; it was completed in 1897, after many architectural and engineering head- aches finding the right architect to build it and the money to finance it. Next stop is at the National Museum, the former Bellavista Headquarters, base of our now-abolished army. It was one of the most important buildings in San Jose, a weapon warehouse used to instruct recruits in militia, tactics, weapon handling and discipline. It is important to highlight, that tour logistics are subject to change according to our Operations Department.
COSTA RICA Costa Rican Coffee Production Tour
You will drive through the stunning scenery of Costa Rica as you travel to Doka coffee plantation! As songbirds chirp overhead, you'll brush up against and touch real coffee bushes, in a real coffee plantation. Guided by an expert, you will receive extensive information, which will make this activity an incomparable experience. The coffee plantation tour begins in the seedbed. There you will observe and learn about the development process of the plant up to the point of recollection of the ripe grain. The second station is the oldest humid coffee processing plant, declared to be an Architectural Heritage for Humanity in 2003, that works by hydraulic power. Next, the natural honey of the grain is cut in the fermentation tanks and a process is carried out that is significant to the taste of the coffee. Finally, the roasting plant Café Tres Generaciones is visited, where you will observe the different types of roasts that are offered.
COSTA RICA
Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose Combine adrenaline with relaxation and prepare for an
unforgettable experience on one of the most popular tours in Costa Rica.
Breathtaking and alluring, the thundering Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. The Arenal Volcano has been active since 1968, and to this day continues to produce a daily mixture of glowing red lava and explosions. Feel the earth rumbling as the sky explodes with nature's own fireworks.
Then rejuvenate yourself with a healthy and relaxing soak in a mineral pool and hot spring created by the volcano itself.
COSTA RICA
Whitewater Rafting Class 3 This section of the mighty Reventazón River is some of the
fastest and best 10 miles of Class III rapids you'll ever paddle! If you're a first-time or experienced paddler looking for the excitement of big waves, hydraulics, and stunning scenery, then this trip is for you. The trip begins with a scenic drive to the tremendous Rio Reventazón. The journey down the river provides plenty of excitement for the most experienced rafter, yet it's forgiving enough to allow even a novice to paddle, making this the perfect introductory trip for the beginner. The ride begins with a relatively easy series of rapids, providing an opportunity to gain confidence as you approach the challenging rapids, while enjoying the magnificent jungle scenery and wildlife.
