Jungle Fever

Day 1: Upon arrival in San Jose, take the complimentary shuttle to the San Jose Marriott Hotel for overnight. Set on a coffee plantation, this Spanish colonial-hacienda style deluxe resort – located only a few minutes from the international airport and a few minutes from downtown San Jose - offers spacious rooms, large outdoor swimming pools, health club, whirlpools, putting green and driving range, martini bar, salon and full-service amenities such as room service and concierge.  In room luxuries include:  voicemail, data ports on phones, high speed internet access, and mini-bar.

Day 2: This morning, you will transfer to the domestic airport for the short flight to Tortuguero on the Northern Caribbean Coast. Arrive at the Mawamba Lodge, located on a sand bar between Tortuguero Lagoon and primitive beaches of the Caribbean, for overnight. The lodge offers comfortable rooms, a private dock on the canals, 2 family style restaurants and swimming pool with bar. The lodge is a good base for exploring Tortuguero National Park's slow moving jungle canals and tropical lowland forest. This afternoon take an optional tour of the village of Tortuguero and/or visit the Caribbean Conservation Corporation Museum.

Day 3: This morning, you will transfer to the local airstrip for a short flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, pick up a 4X4 rental vehicle and drive about 4 hours to the Arenal Volcano, known for its frequent eruptions, dramatic lava flows and incandescent rock explosions. Arrive at the Tabacón Grand Spa & Thermal Resortfor overnight. Proudly awarded membership to The Leading Hotels of the World as of January 2007, the hotel is part of the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort located across the street. Featuring mineral pools and hot springs fed by the Arenal Volcano, the mineral waters flow through exotic tropical gardens, forming cascades and pools, and create a setting many find to be an unforgettable experience. The resort also offers spa facilities, gourmet restaurant, and great views of the volcano on a clear night. In the evening observe the “fireworks” of vapor and lava.

Day 4: Guided Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk:  Located within a corridor followed by birds migrating between North and South America, these trails and miraculous hanging bridges will bring you closer than you could imagine to an array of wild animals, birds, flowers and lush vegetation of the primary and secondary rainforest.  The bridges consist of 8 fixed bridges and 6 hanging bridges built with the latest techniques.  They are designed with an eye for both beauty and safety.  Remainder of the day free to schedule spa treatments at the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort, soak in the hot springs or plan a guided tour. Overnight Tabacón Grand Spa & Thermal Resort.

Day 5: Today, you will drive about 4 – 5 hours to the Quepos / Manuel Antonio National Park region. Arrive at Hotel Parador for overnight. This upscale and luxurious 60-room resort is located high up on a densely forested peninsula that features breathtaking and dramatic 360-degree views of the sparkling ocean and surrounding rainforest. The hotel showcases an extensive collection of European art, antiques and artifacts including historic model ships and castle doors. Also offers restaurants, lounge, mini-golf, gaming room, library, large swimming pool with swim-up bar, Jacuzzi, tennis, spa and fitness center.

Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike: Costa Rica’s favorite national park is tiny Manuel Antonio, featuring three of the country’s most beautiful white sand beaches bordered by dense rainforest and trails abundant in wildlife. Follow a professional naturalist guide for a moderate walk through the park. Keep your eyes and ears open to soak in the wonders of this tropical rainforest and its natural history. The animal life is diverse, with some 109 known species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Monkeys, sloth and coatis can all be seen from the beaches. Expect to spot two or three species of monkeys, sloth, white-nosed coatimundis, agoutis, colorful butterflies, iguanas and various birds. Bring a bathing suit and towel to enjoy the beaches after the tour. Overnight Hotel El Parador.

Day 7: Free day to relax at the beach or plan day trips. Manuel Antonio National Park contains three of the country’s most beautiful beaches and casual trails that wind through the rainforest where it grows to the water’s edge.  Other attractions and tours include hiking with naturalist guides for wildlife observation, adventure canopy tour, sport fishing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, mountain biking, ATV tours, Dolphin Watch boat tour, horseback riding, bird watching, Butterfly Farm Tour, exploring the Isla Damas Estuary by kayak or boat, Rainmaker Reserve and suspension bridges, Sunset Sailing and whitewater rafting. Guided excursions at additional cost can be pre-booked or arranged upon arrival.  Don’t forget to visit the fun shops and restaurants in the old United Fruit Company town of Quepos. Overnight Hotel El Parador. 

Day 8: This morning free in Manuel Antonio. This afternoon, you will drive about 3 hours back to San Jose.  Arrive at the San Jose Marriott Hotel for overnight. The remainder of the day is free to explore San Jose or to do some last minute shopping.  This evening, you will return the 4X4 rental vehicle.

Day 9: Today you will take the complimentary shuttle to the International Airport for departure.

INCLUDES: 

• 2 nights San Jose Marriott Hotel, standard double room – includes international airport shuttle and breakfast daily
• One way San Jose Domestic Airport Transfer
• Roundtrip domestic flights from San Jose to Tortuguero *Max 25 lbs of luggage per person to avoid excess weight charges*
• 1 night Mawamba Lodge, standard double room – includes roundtrip airstrip transfers, 3 meals daily, and local tours (Park entrance fees not included)
• 4X4 Vehicle (6 day rental) – Includes automatic transmission, unlimited mileage, a/c and insurance *A $750.00 deductible applies
• 2 nights Tabacon Lodge, standard double room – includes daily admission to the hot springs
• Arenal Hanging Bridges Tour – includes transfers, guide and entrance
• 3 nights Hotel Parador, garden double room – includes breakfast daily
• Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike - includes transfers, guide, entrance and snacks
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED

Price valid through October 31, 2009