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CUSTOM
ITINERARY PREPARED FOR
THEOLA,
YASMIN, MARIA, DELAINE & AMYNA
Costa Rica October 10 to 18, 2008
Day
1 - Friday, October 10: Atlanta / San Jose, Costa Rica
Fly from Atlanta at 10am to San Jose, Costa Rica, arriving at noon.
After 
passing
through immigration and customs you are met by your driver for your
transfer to Los
Suenos Resort, near Herradura on the Pacific coast. After arrival
at your condo the rest of the afternoon is free to settle in. As
this is a fully contained condo, it is suggested that you have your
driver stop in San Jose to pick ups some supplies for you time there.
Later in the week you can resupply as required.
(*M)
Day 2 – Saturday,
October 11: Bijagual Waterfall
You are picked up this morning at 7.30am and taken to the Bijagual
waterfall, 
plunging
from cliffs deep down in the jungle. Your drive from the main road,
along a country gravel road provides breathtaking views of the Pacific
Ocean. After this scenic drive you continue on horseback along a
jungle trail will lead you to within a few hundred yards of the
waterfall. A short, but physically challenging trail, will lead
you down to the waterfalls. Enjoy a refreshing plunge into the pristine
pools at its base. Along the way you hear and see birds including,
with luck, the brilliant Scarlet Macaw, perhaps colorful frogs,
most likely monkeys. After spending time in this jungle waterfall
return to Los Suenos about 12.30 to 1pm. The rest of the afternoon
is free.
Day
3 – Sunday, October 12: Tortuga Island
Depart from the hotel at 7.30am for a scenic 1 hour drive north
to the port city of Puntarenas. Here you are welcomed aboard the
catamaran and meet the
captain and the crew who will pamper you on the cruise. Enjoy a
welcome cocktail as the boat heads for open sea. You will make landfall
at Tortuga Island where a Calypso Band will welcomes you. Most of
the day is free to explore , sun bathe, swim and snorkel. At lunchtime
enjoy a delicious meal prepared on an outdoor barbecue. Eventually
the day ends and you return to Puntarenas, and are transferred Los
Suenos hotel arriving at about 6.30pm.
(L)
Day 4 – Monday, October
13: Taracoles River
You can sleep in this morning – your pickup is not until 7.45am.
This morning’s tour takes you along the Guacalillo Estuary
and 
the
mouth of the Tarcoles River by boat to enter into the habitat of
enormous crocodiles. Witness close up what remains of the species
that some call the last of the living dinosaurs. The area also offers
incredible bird watching opportunities due to a large number of
species that make their home here (look especially to the sky on
the way out for Scarlet Macaws flying to their feeding areas in
Carara). The boat cruises into the estuary through the complex mangrove
eco-system. Snacks, fruit and drinks are provided and available
on board. You return to Los Suenos about 11.30am, and the rest of
the day is free. (S)
Day 5 – Tuesday, October
14: Turubari
Another 7.45am pick up to travel back along inland to Turubari
Tropical Park, about half an hour away. Turubari is nearly 600
acres of rainforest with waterfalls, zip lines, aerial tram and
a botanical garden with a large collection of orchids, heliconias,
bamboos, bromeliads and many others. There’s also a butterfly
garden, attracting many large and bright tropical butterflies. There
are about 8 miles of walking trails. Included in your day is entry
to the Park entry which includes nature walks in the botanical gardens,
riding the aeri al tram, and visiting the iguana breedin
g
zoo and crocodile pond. You’re also going to enjoy zip lining
along the Turubari’s 3,280 feet of aerial zip lines. There
are 12 platforms joining 7 cables, the longest of 
which
is about 2000ft. Not included, but available, is a visit to Finca
Campesina, where you can learn how the Costa Ricans used to live,
its culture and pre-Columbian traditions. You can also buy lunch
here. After spending most of the day here you leave the park about
3pm to return to Los Suenos. (S)
Day 6 – Wednesday,
October 15: Los Suenos
Today is free to relax at the resort.
Day 7 –
Thursday, October 16: Manuel Antonio National Park
An even lo
nger
sleep in – your pickup this morning is not until 8am. Considered
to be Costa Rica's most beautiful park, Manuel
Antonio National Park has excellent white-sand beaches ideal
for swimming, and tropical forest alive with wildlife. Watch for
the monkeys and iguanas who share the park with you as you and your
guide walks the trails. Although not as obvious as the parrots and
monkeys, sloths can also be seen here, often
looking like a lichen-covered lump on a branch. If you do have a
family of Capuchin monkeys above you, don’t stand directly
underneath, at least without a raincoat. They are also adept at
throwing sticks down, often with amazing accuracy. Tamanduas, one
of the anteaters are also possible, as are the black tayras, more
often heard scampering away than seen. There’s also free time
to explore on your own. After the park a visit to the town of Quepos
for a good lunch, then return to Los Suenos about 1.30pm, as the
day heats up. (L)
Day 8 – Friday, October 17: Los Suenos / Arenal
You leave your beachside resort at 8am and head back to central
Costa Rica, and the Arenal volcano. This is about a 4 to 5 hour
drive, depending on road and traffic conditions. However, the bumps
will disappear a little while after you arrive, as you afternoon
and evening is spent at famous Tabacon
Hot Springs. In addition to the thermal ppols there is also
a well-regarded spa here. After dinner at the springs you are transferred
to your hotel, with the best views of any volcanic activity. (D)
Day 9 – Saturday,
October 18: Arenal / San Jose / Atlanta
Sadly your last day in Costa Rica. You are picked up at 7am for
the transfer to San Jose airport. Here you take your 1pm flight
to Atlanta, arriving at 7.03pm.
(B,*M)
(B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner; M: meal;
S: snack; * in flight meal)
