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Costa Rica Green Adventure
Trip Length: 9 days
Activity Level: Moderate
Price: From $2,295 per person based on double occupancy
Activity Level: Moderate
Price: From $2,295 per person based on double occupancy
Costa Rica’s divergent ecosystems teeming with varied plant and animal life are what jump out at you on this active adventure with ample opportunities to interact with local people. This adventure is recommended for everyone, including families, as we tweak the trip to suit the ages and interests of your group of travelers. Lodges and boutique hotels have been chosen on the basis of their sustainable and environmental practices to offer you a fun, green experience in Costa Rica.
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 awaits your arrival eager to share the divergent ecosystems and abundant natural history his small nation offers as he guides your explorations over the next few days.
Drive north on a 1 1/2 hour private transfer to the higher altitudes of the Los Angeles Cloud Forest arriving in the late afternoon at Villa Blanca, a carefully renovated, hacienda-like small hotel located on a 75-acre farm, 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 at Villa Blanca. [Meals on own]
Day 2: Misty Cloud Forest and Erupting Volcano
Learn about the unusual wildlife endemic to higher cloud forest elevations as you hike in the misty Los Angeles Biological Reserve and explore the charming farm once owned by Costa Rica’s former President and First Lady, Rodrigo and Estrella Carazo. 
Your guide is happy to share his knowledge of natural history and stories about his culture on the picturesque drive through mountainous farmland and forest which brings you to the skirts of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Booming and rumbling consistently, Costa Rica’s most active volcano rises 5,436 feet above sea level. If the day is clear you can savor the sight of Arenal as you stop for lunch with a local family. 
Doña Mara is happy to show you how to make authentic tortillas and knows how to make sure you are full before you leave! Relax after lunch 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 is hard not to be awed by glimpses into the real power of the natural world as you are entertained by the volcano’s nocturnal pyrotechnics show, easily seen from the panoramic view from your room. Overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. [BL]
Your guide is happy to share his knowledge of natural history and stories about his culture on the picturesque drive through mountainous farmland and forest which brings you to the skirts of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Booming and rumbling consistently, Costa Rica’s most active volcano rises 5,436 feet above sea level. If the day is clear you can savor the sight of Arenal as you stop for lunch with a local family. Doña Mara is happy to show you how to make authentic tortillas and knows how to make sure you are full before you leave! Relax after lunch 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 is hard not to be awed by glimpses into the real power of the natural world as you are entertained by the volcano’s nocturnal pyrotechnics show, easily seen from the panoramic view from your room. Overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. [BL]Day 3: Jungle Canopy Zipline and Hot Springs Plunge
Wake up! 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. Exhilarated by the canopy tour, enjoy 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. Return to your lodge to become a spectator at Arenal’s evening display. Overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. [B]Days 4 - 6: Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park
Off to explore another part of Costa Rica with a flight back to San Jose which connects with your short flight to the Osa Peninsula. After landing at the Drake Bay airstrip, board a boat to travel south along the shore to your accommodations for the next few days. (Be prepared to get your feet wet!) The lodge is ideally situated close to Corcovado National Park, the last remaining Pacific lowland rainforest of sustainable size in Central America. 
Located on the Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica, Corcovado is the "crown jewel" of a world-renowned national park system. Including thirteen separate ecosystems, almost one hundred species of trees and nearly four hundred species of birds, Corcovado has been called "the most biologically intense place on earth" by no less an authority than the National Geographic Society. Here among the largest trees of Costa Rica, can be found the densest p opulation of tapirs, jaguars and scarlet macaws in Meso-America. Activities included during your three night stay include:
Corcovado National Park Hike
Set off from the lodge with a guide to hike in part of Corcovado National Park’s 41,788 hectares which encompass eight habitats from mangrove swamp to montane forest. Corcovado is one of the only two places in the country that harbor squirrel monkeys and is one of the last stands for the huge harpy eagle. In addition, four species of sea turtles nest on the park's beaches and the park supports a healthy population of big cats and croc
odiles.
Caño Island Snorkeling
Situated just off the coast of Drake Bay, Caño Island offers a lazy tropical beach, framed by rainforest and hiking trails. The surrounding waters are a paradise for snorkelers and divers with coral reefs, underwater rock formations, and a myriad of sea life. Following breakfast, board a boat to the island and spend the day exploring this unique environment with your local guide. Overnights at Casa Corcovado. [Breakfast at Arenal Observatory. BLD included for the next days at Casa Corcovado] Note: The hiking and snorkeling tours are included in the Casa Corcovado portion. However, if you prefer horseback riding can be included in lieu of the Caño Island snorkeling day trip. Below is the description of the horseback riding tour.
Horseback Riding
A 3 hour horseback ride takes you by the Claro del Bosque and Campanario farms, traveling up through a ridge in the mountains that is located parallel to the coastline between Corcovado National Park and Drake Bay. The route goes through primary and secondary rainforest where it is possible to see very old trees and a variety of plant species including bromelias and orchids.Stop at the home of your native guide, Mr. Alemán, for a delicious lunch of traditional food prepared on a wood stove. This is a wonderful opportunity to exchange life experiences and culture with a local family.
Located on the Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica, Corcovado is the "crown jewel" of a world-renowned national park system. Including thirteen separate ecosystems, almost one hundred species of trees and nearly four hundred species of birds, Corcovado has been called "the most biologically intense place on earth" by no less an authority than the National Geographic Society. Here among the largest trees of Costa Rica, can be found the densest p opulation of tapirs, jaguars and scarlet macaws in Meso-America. Activities included during your three night stay include:Corcovado National Park Hike
Set off from the lodge with a guide to hike in part of Corcovado National Park’s 41,788 hectares which encompass eight habitats from mangrove swamp to montane forest. Corcovado is one of the only two places in the country that harbor squirrel monkeys and is one of the last stands for the huge harpy eagle. In addition, four species of sea turtles nest on the park's beaches and the park supports a healthy population of big cats and croc
odiles.Caño Island Snorkeling
Situated just off the coast of Drake Bay, Caño Island offers a lazy tropical beach, framed by rainforest and hiking trails. The surrounding waters are a paradise for snorkelers and divers with coral reefs, underwater rock formations, and a myriad of sea life. Following breakfast, board a boat to the island and spend the day exploring this unique environment with your local guide. Overnights at Casa Corcovado. [Breakfast at Arenal Observatory. BLD included for the next days at Casa Corcovado] Note: The hiking and snorkeling tours are included in the Casa Corcovado portion. However, if you prefer horseback riding can be included in lieu of the Caño Island snorkeling day trip. Below is the description of the horseback riding tour.
Horseback Riding
A 3 hour horseback ride takes you by the Claro del Bosque and Campanario farms, traveling up through a ridge in the mountains that is located parallel to the coastline between Corcovado National Park and Drake Bay. The route goes through primary and secondary rainforest where it is possible to see very old trees and a variety of plant species including bromelias and orchids.Stop at the home of your native guide, Mr. Alemán, for a delicious lunch of traditional food prepared on a wood stove. This is a wonderful opportunity to exchange life experiences and culture with a local family.
Day 7: Turrialba Valley
Leave the coast behind as you fly back to the central valley and drive 40 miles east of San Jose to the heart of the Turrialba Valley. Make yourself at home at Casa Turire, a charming boutique hotel which recalls the style of a colonial plantation home. 
Neighboring the Reventazón River and the magnificent presence of the surrounding mountains and sugar cane plantations, this serene getaway is located near the best whitewater rafting put-ins in Costa Rica. The Mediterranean style dining room serves fresh organic fruit and vegetables grown on the plantation as well as beef and chicken prepared in a traditional manner. Relax at the end of the day with a dip in the spring fed pool or explore the hacienda on your own.
Overnight at Casa Turire. [B at Corcovado]
Neighboring the Reventazón River and the magnificent presence of the surrounding mountains and sugar cane plantations, this serene getaway is located near the best whitewater rafting put-ins in Costa Rica. The Mediterranean style dining room serves fresh organic fruit and vegetables grown on the plantation as well as beef and chicken prepared in a traditional manner. Relax at the end of the day with a dip in the spring fed pool or explore the hacienda on your own.Overnight at Casa Turire. [B at Corcovado]
Day 8:Whitewater!
Your adrenaline will be pumping today! On the way to the put-in enjoy a healthy and energetic breakfast at a local restaurant before your whitewater rafting adventure begins. Depending on the age of your youngest traveler and level of adventure desired, choose to raft either the wild Pacuare River or the incredible Reventazón River. Ranked among the top five rivers in the world to raft, the Pacuare thrills with eighteen miles of class III and IV rapids while the Reventazón offers plenty of class II and III rapids. The river shore is covered with jungle vegetation, awesome canyons and waterfalls and some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Costa Rica. This is an experience you will long remember. Overnight at Casa Turire. [BL]
Day 9: Back home
Transfer to the International Airport in time to arrive 2 hours before your international flight. [B]
GreenSpot.travel can customize your trip to Costa Rica especially for you, a group of friends or your family. We've put together some suggested itineraries for Costa Rica to give you an idea of the different combinations of places and activities we recommend and we can work with you to make your vacation just right, just let us know, it's what we do best!
Finca Rosa Blanca
Arenal Observatory Lodge
