CHRISTMAS IN COSTA RICA

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:

LETTER CODES: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner.

Day 1. DEC 19 TH . WELCOME TO COSTA RICA . Arrival to the International Airport Juan Santamaria. Transfer to Hotel Herradura and check In. Free time at leisure.

Day 2. DEC 20 TH . MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST . (B). Early morning and after breakfast, land transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest The Monteverde tourism zone is known around the world for its conservation efforts and lifestyle centered on respect for nature. Santa Elena is the area's main service center with various shops and tourism companies; other important towns are San Luis and San Gerardo. Though its main attraction is the Monteverde Biological Preserve, the region also features a variety of natural places, picturesque paths, flora- and fauna-watching opportunities, natural landscapes and more. Upon arrival to Monteverde, we will check in at Hotel Belmar. Free time at leisure. Lunch and dinner on your own. Many restaurants are available at a walking distance from your hotel.

Day 3. DEC 21 TH . MONTEVERDE - SKY TREK (B). After breakfast you will experience the most excited experience of your life. The Sky Trek. This is a system of three platforms suspended above the ground in the midst of tree boughs. Zippiness attached from one platform to another allows you to slide with the use of special equipment. A suspended bridge 90 m (300ft) long and 22 m (66ft) high, gives you the best view of the inner forest. An observation platform above the canopy offers visitors a panoramic view (360 grades) of the Guanacaste, San Carlos and Puntarenas lowlands. There are four cables, two of them 190 metros (633ft) run through the inner canopy and the other two 214 (713ft) are outside. The whole system is integrated by a path 2300 m long (7000ft) in length. Sky Trek gives you access to a world of incomparable beauty in the tropical cloud forest canopy. Through jumping, flying and gliding experience what it is like to be an inhabitant of the canopy. You will never forget the Sky Trek experience, which guarantees you 1,317 meters of secure and comfortable sliding adventure. Afternoon free time for take a look of the Town of Santa Elena and its beautiful souvenirs stores, Art Galleries , Cheese Factory and Butterfly Garden . Lunch and dinner on your own. Free afternoon.

Day 4. DEC 22nd. MONTEVERDE – MANUEL ANTONIO (B). Morning, d eparture to the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific slope. Arriving to Casitas Eclipse Hotel in the middle afternoon, our passengers will have the chance to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and relax in the swimming pool. Free evening. Lunch and Dinner on your own.

Day 5. DEC 23 rd . MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK . (B) Morning tour to Manuel Antonio National Park . Take a natural history walk into the rainforest of Manuel Antonio National Park . Your bilingual naturalist guide will point out the great diversity of wildlife you might otherwise miss, and will explain the history and geography of the area. Lush tropical jungle surrounding beautiful, pristine beaches is your playground for the day. Three-toed sloth, iguanas, raccoons, white nosed coatis, agoutis, and other native mammals can be seen amid an unimaginable variety of rare plant species. Free time for swimming in one of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica is included during this tour. Afternoon, free time at leisure.

Day 6. DEC 24 th . SNORKELING & SAIL TOUR (B). Your adventure aboard our sail-ships begins as you sail down the scenic coast, past the beautiful beaches and islands of Manuel Antonio National Park . As the boat glides quietly under sail you'll probably see dolphins, which frequently swim in the boat's bow wake. Occasional whales and giant sea turtles are a special thrill, and even the most avid wildlife enthusiast enjoys the ever-present abundance of sea birds. Enjoy of this aquatic paradise while attending to your safety and comfort. The crew will serve you plentiful portions of delicious food, in the tradition of the great cruise ships but with a homemade touch.

Evening: tour around Manuel Antonio Town and stop at a nice restaurant for diner.

Day 7. DEC 25 th . FREE TIME (B). (Optional tours available: rafting, ATV, Horseback Riding, Boat trips, Etc).

Day 8. DEC 26 th .JUNGLE CROCODILE SAFARI - SAN JOSE (B). During the morning, a great opportunity for explore the surroundings on your own and enjoy the beach. After lunch, land transfer to San Jose . On the way, stop at Tarcoles river for a special crocodile tour. Famous for its large American Crocodiles, the Tarcoles River forms the Northern border of Carara Biological Reserve on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica . The Tarcoles is full of Crocodiles, Scarlet Macaws, Jesus Christ Lizards, and over 120 species of birds. But everyone comes to see the huge crocodiles - so big they have names like "Saddam Hussein" and "Mike Tyson!"

We board a custom-built, flat-bottom river boat at our private botanic garden. Then we glide along this placid river with our naturalist guide, who describes the birds, animals, and habitat in great detail. After visiting the river mouth, we venture up a mature mangrove estuary, where we stop to learn about this remarkable ecosystem. After enjoying fresh fruit and refreshments, we slowly return upstream to our native botanic garden, where our guide explains more about the native plant species of this transitional zone. After the tour we will continue to San Jose.Overnight at Hotel Herradura.

Day 9. DEC 27th. GOOD BY (B). Transfer to the International Airport according to your scheduled flight and good bye.

WHATS TO BRING: Hiking Shoes, Bathing Suit, Binoculars, Camera, Beach Sandals, Suntan Lotion, Hat, Mosquito Repellent.

INCLUDE:
8 nights lodging in high quality Hotels, all airport/ hotel transfers on scheduled arrival/ departures dates only, 8 breakfast, National Parks entrance fees, private transportation during the entire trip and naturalist tour guide.

NOT INCLUDED:
International air fare, airport departure taxes ($26), meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service), gratuities, or costs associated with changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control.

 * LETTER CODES : (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner.

Christmas in Costa Rica package.
DURATION: 9 Days - 8 Nights.

INCLUDE: 8 nights lodging, all land transportation within Costa Rica, all airport/ hotel transfers on scheduled arrival/ departures dates only, specified meals, Specified tours, transportation and naturalist tour guide on tours.

NOT INCLUDED: International air fare, airport departure taxes, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service), gratuities, or costs associated with changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control.

WHATS TO BRING : Hiking Shoes, Bathing suit, Binoculars, Camera, Beach Sandals, Suntan Lotion, Hat, Mosquito Repellent.