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Costa Rica Green, Mountain and Beach Escape
Activity Level: Moderate
Price: From $1,695 per person based on double occupancy
An ideal Costa Rica vacation exploring the misty cloud forest and an active volcano, soaking in natural hot springs and relaxing, surfing and playing at an off-the-beaten-path luxury green beach resort. This flexible and affordable trip allows you to add your own activities or just relax in the tropical weather with only the soothing sound of the waves.
See this GreenSpot.travel adventure featured on Condé Nast Traveler's The Dream List: 32 Trips of a Lifetime!
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
Our local Costa Rican representative meets you at the airport for a transfer to the higher altitudes of the Los Angeles Cloud Forest. Villa Blanca, a carefully renovated, hacienda-like small hotel located on a 75-acre farm, is surrounded by coffee plantations. This authentic, Costa Rican turn-of-the-century inspired 4–star hotel was created by sustainable ecotourism experts while abiding by stringent green building standards. Overnight on the first day of your Costa Rica vacation at Villa Blanca. [Meals on own]Day 2: Horseback Riding and Erupting Volcano
Wake up with the melody of the local birds and savor a hot cup of coffee. A horseback ride takes you through the gardens and surrounding forests of the Villa. Your path through the picturesque farm that was once owned by former president and former first lady of Costa Rica, Rodrigo and Estrella Carazo, takes you along the edge of the misty Los Angeles Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, where you see the unusual wildlife endemic to higher cloud forest elevations.
Booming and rumbling consistently, a drive brings you to Costa Rica’s most active volcano, rising 5,436 feet above sea level. Relax as you settle into tonight’s lodging which offers a wonderful view of Arenal's almost perfect conical shape and long red-hot lava flows. It’s hard not to be awed by glimpses into the real power of the natural world shown by the volcano’s nocturnal pyrotechnics show.
Overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. [B]
NOTE: A stop for lunch with a local family could be added today. Include a private guide to help you communicate, or if you would like to practice your Spanish, the stop could be added on your own as well. Doña Mara is happy to show you how to make authentic tortillas and knows how to make sure you are full before you leave!
Day 3: Jungle Canopy Zipline and Hot Springs Plunge
A busy and exciting day is about to begin. Take in the incredible views of Arenal as you dash along the 8 cross–sectioned cables on the Sky Trek jungle canopy tour as it zigzags down the foothills of the mountain. Paths integrated within the rainforest canopy give you a close-up view of the unique ecosystem interactions happening higher up in the forest. An evening visit to the Hidalgo Family Hot Springs to relax and soak in one of a series of 4 pools, each one progressively hotter as you get closer to the natural source.
Overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. [B]
Days 4-5-6: Beach Time!
A land transfer heads through the dry tropical forest northern on the Nicoya Peninsula. Set in the sleepy coastal town of Nosara, 25 miles from the nearest paved road, high standards of sustainable living meet the creature comforts of the low key beach life at the Harmony Hotel.
All rooms feature mini-refrigerator, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and WiFi Access. Activities available are kayaking, surfing, mountain biking, hiking, yoga, and swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach. The water, like the air, is an inviting 80-ish degrees all year round. Monkeys, ospreys and armadillos thrive in the rich protected green zone that buffers Playa Guiones from anything manmade.This is definitely a place that offers people the opportunity to get in tune with their own natural rhythm. In an effort to operate under sustainability practices, the hotel has all kinds of projects where the community participates and at the same time learn how to preserve the seclusion of this hidden coastline.
Overnights at Harmony Hotel. [B]
NOTE: A Surf Lesson and a visit to La Esperanza School while at Harmony Hotel can be added.
Day 7: Back to the Central Valley
As you take your flight back to the outskirts of San Jose, take one more look at the horizon of the Pacific Ocean. Its blue waters will remain in your mind for days or maybe months or until your next visit. Your driver is waiting at the local airport to take you to the Bougainvillea Hotel. The three-story hotel is set in spacious gardens with paths winding through tropical flowers and garden benches.Overnight at Bougainvillea Hotel. [B]
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the International Airport in time to arrive 2 hours before your international flight. [B]
Finca Rosa Blanca
Arenal Observatory Lodge
