Kids Love Costa Rica

Day 1: Upon arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica, you will pick up a 4 X 4 rental vehicle and drive approximately 1 ½ hours to the Los Angeles Cloud Forest near San Ramon. This high-elevation forest, literally in the clouds, is a misty dreamlike setting that is great for hiking and wildlife observation. Arrive at the Hotel Villa Blanca for overnight. The hotel offers distinctive and unique accommodations with amenities not commonly found in a Cloud Forest region including 34 new Casitas with fireplaces, formal and buffet dinning rooms, lobby with fireplace, bar lounge and terrace deck, library/game room, Serenity Spa facilities, and Regalame II Gift Shop and Art Gallery.  Remainder of the day is free to explore this unique environment on foot or to simply sit back and relax.  Overnight Hotel Villa Blanca.

Day 2: Los Angeles Cloud Forest Biological Reserve Hike: This tour departs Villa Blanca viewing the hotel collection of insects and observing the birds in the nearby ficus trees, and then continues with a short introduction of what the cloud forest is comprised of, such as epiphytes, parasites, etc.  From here we will pass through the hummingbird gallery, where you may observe at least 5 – 10 hummingbirds, depending on the season.  Your guide will discuss their characteristics and impressive form of flight.  We will then continue to explore, discussing the variety of plants, some of which are medicinal and of great value to science.  Your guide will answer questions about the cloud forest and explain differences between cloud forest and rainforest. We will try to observe the animals located in the forest such as howler monkeys, white-faced (capuchin) monkeys, as well as frogs, chameleons, snakes, lizards and other flora and fauna.  Overnight Hotel Villa Blanca.

Day 3: Today, you will drive about 2 hours to the Arenal Volcano. Arenal is one of the world's most active volcanoes, famous for its frequent eruptions, lava streams and incandescent rock explosions. Arrive at the Arenal Lodge for overnight. The lodge is surrounded by densely forested reserves overlooking Lake Arenal with a pristine and dramatic view of the volcano on a clear night. Rest of the day is free to explore the trails around the volcano and Lake Arenal on foot or by mountain bike.  You can also opt to horseback ride, visit the Tabacon Hot Springs, sport fish or windsurf on Lake Arenal, or just relax in the Jacuzzi. Guided excursions at additional cost can be arranged upon arrival. Tonight watch for dramatic “fireworks” of vapor and lava from your room.

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.  Overnight Arenal Lodge.

Day 5:  Today, you will drive about 4 hours around Lake Arenal to the North Pacific Coast.  Arrive at the Hotel Cala Luna for overnight.  The hotel is located about a one minute walk from Playa Langosta, just south of Tamarindo. The resort features 21 luxury villas, each with private swimming pool. The tropical hardwood construction blends marvelously with the luxuriant exotic plants in a manner where elegance harmonizes with nature. Each villa is equipped with A/C, fans, fully equipped bathroom with hairdryer, satellite TV, telephone and stereo CD player. The kitchens boast such amenities as espresso machines and microwaves. Spend the day relaxing in a hammock on your terrace or lounging by your private pool.

Day 6:  Canopy Tour Cartagena.  Come and enjoy one of the last dry forests in Guanacaste, take a look at Costa Rica’s national tree from the tree tops.  After the explanation and instructions, we climb up a winding star case of 17 meters ready to start the system of cables increasing in distance while we swing from platform to platform.  The tour has 10 cables with 11 platforms, the final cable leads directly into the center, making it the final platform, here you will be greeted with drinks, (water, juice, or beer) and a souvenir.  All platforms are made of metal; they are designed and built with highest standard materials to provide the best quality and safety for everyone.  Cartegena Canopy Tour is 1600 meters in total; on the tour, you will encounter many species of trees, vines, reptiles, mammals and birds such as long tail manikin, trogons, fly catcher, tiger heron.  After the tour return to the Hotel Cala Luna for overnight.

Day 7:  Free day to explore the white sand beaches of Tamarindo and Langosta. Additional activities include sport fishing, biking, horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, golf, tennis and sailing. Guided tours can be pre-booked or arranged upon arrival at additional cost such as boat ride through the Tamarindo Mangroves and Estuary, Corobici River float trip, Palo Verde National Park & River, Buena Vista Canopy & Hot Springs, Sunset Cruise, and Liberia City Tour & Souvenir Shopping. Overnight Hotel Cala Luna.

Day 8:  Today drive to the International Airport for departure (1 hour to Liberia and 5 hours to San Jose.

INCLUDES:

• 4X4 vehicle (1 week rental) – Includes automatic transmission, unlimited mileage, a/c and mandatory insurance *A $750.00 deductible applies
• 2 nights Hotel Villa Blanca, connecting superior casitas – includes breakfast daily
• Los Angeles Cloud Forest Hike – Guide included
• 2 nights Arenal Lodge, family suite – includes breakfast and use of mountain bikes & trails
• Arenal Hanging Bridges Tour – includes transfers, guide and entrance fees
• 3 nights Hotel Cala Luna, 2 bedroom villa
• Canopy Tour – includes transfers, guide, equipment and entrance fees
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED

Prices valid through October 31, 2009