Beyond the Ordinary

The flawless silhouette of Arenal Volcano, its loud rumblings and frequent explosions of lava and ash should not be missed by any visitor to Costa Rica. Not only for its constant activity, but for its imposing, perfect cone, the exuberant vegetation in the surrounding areas, adorned by the majestic Lake Arenal, and all the natural hot water springs descend from the top of the volcano into the Tabacón swimming resort. Dinner will be served at an awesome location close to the rainforest and views to the volcano

Participants will be transferred in deluxe motor coaches to the Aerial Tram. Twenty minutes outside of San José. During the journey you will cross the Continental Divide and the Braulio Carrillo National Park. An open-sided vehicle will shuttle passengers from the highway to the visitor's center after a 1.5 kilometer ride. This introduction to the forest will take visitors through a small creek and past numerous tree stumps with nesting holes of various birds -- the spectacled owl has been seen in this region, as well as the fledgling pale-billed woodpecker. There is a deeply rutted trail across the road where fresh tapir tracks tell of the animals' daily pilgrimages to find forage.

The lower, outbound leg of the Tram ride will skim over hilltops and introduce riders to the sub canopy, a dark world of overburdened limbs dripping with mosses, ferns, and orchids. Lianas and vines drape over branches and traverse forest spaces, where they are commonly used as ”highways” by many animals. The ride will stop several times as passengers board at either loading station. After 45 minutes, visitors arrive at the end station where they may disembark to walk through the forest on surfaced trails or take in the view of the Caribbean plain.

The return leg of the ride reveals the most dramatic portion of the trip as the cars glide on a breath-taking journey through and above the airy canopy. Upon returning to the boarding station, visitors can have a refreshment and board motor coaches to drive to Sueño Azul Resort located at Horquetas de Sarapiqui for a Caribbean style lunch.

This excursion, which will take you from a height of 5,000 feet to sea level, is an excellent opportunity to acquaint yourself with the incredible flora and fauna found in the Garden of the Americas, Costa Rica. The lush greens, the plantations of coffee and sugar cane and the unique Brahman cattle present an ever-changing panorama, not soon to be forgotten.

This one-day voyage into the exotic Gulf of Nicoya is perhaps the most enchanting experience to be enjoyed in this charming and beautiful country. From the moment we cast-off to enter the open sea, history, legend and breath-taking views are yours to experience and treasure. We will sail past San Lucas, the famous prison-island, then on to Gypsy and Sugar Loaf islands and make landfall at midday. In a magic cove, we pause a few hours to indulge in swimming, shell collecting , snorkeling or just plain relaxing in the sun or at the bar. Our delicious lunch features fresh sea foods with lush fruits and vegetables from the area, compliments of the captain.

From our 7:00 a.m. pick up at your hotel to an approximate 7:00 p.m. return, a festive party atmosphere with excitement and sport will make for a marvelous one-day journey into the myriad hideaway ports of the pirates of yesteryear.

During the drive towards the volcano, you will enjoy the contrasts of urban and rural areas and beautiful landscapes. The good climate and fertile soils make this area very productive. Dairy farming, coffee, sugar cane and vegetable plantations are all around.

At Poas Volcano, stand at the edge of a multicolored crater almost a mile (1.5 km) in diameter, look down 984 feet (300 m), and watch geyser like eruptions that leave no doubt this mountain still has something to say. Hike to Lake Botos, an extinct crater that now cradles this beautiful lake.

The visitor center’s first floor houses a nature shop, rest rooms, auditorium and coffee shop, and an outstanding insect exhibit is on the second floor.

A delicious lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Next stop is Sarchí, which was a stopping place for caravans that carried coffee to the Port of Puntarenas for shipping; this spurred an industry in cart repair, now is an artisan center, where the most famous product is the painted oxcart.

This river has been officially declared a Wild and Scenic River, and offers some of the finest white water in Latin America, winding deep inside of one of Costa Ricas´s most impressive primordial rainforests. You will traverse 20 miles of remote and scenic waters that course through a wilderness of dense vegetation covering the sides of steep gorges which rise above the riverbanks. The thick undergrowth provides shelter for jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and numerous other species of animals.

Once we pick you up from your hotel, we’ll pass through one of Costa Rica’s most lovely rainforests, the Braulio Carrillo National Park. The ride to the put-in at Tres Equis, is approximately 2 hours, where introduction to paddling techniques and safety briefing takes place. After the security instructions, we’ll start out on this incredible rafting journey. You’ll break for a delicious lunch served along the river’s edge by your river rafting guide. While lunch is being prepared, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery as you marvel at the raw, pounding power of the untamed Pacuare River that for millions of years has coursed through his virgin tropical rainforest.

If you are ready for a very exciting day filled with fun, the Pacuare is ready for

you! Rafters should be physically fit for this trip, although no previous white-water experience is necessary. After the trip, there is a place to shower and change into dry clothes. We will then head back to your hotel in San José.

This is a truly delightful rafting experience that everyone will enjoy. It begins when we pick you up in one of our comfortable buses for your journey to the Reventazón. This trip will take you along the highway that runs through the spectacular Braulio Carrillo National Park. Once we reach the river put-in,, there will be a brief introduction to the safety rules of the white-water rafting. Then you’ll help launch your raft, immediately engulfed in the excitement of nature un-harnessed.

You will paddle through moderately flowing rapids that are interspersed with stretches of calm, tranquil water, with plenty of time to view the magnificent tropical scenery that surrounds you through the journey. The awesome majesty of the Reventazón Valley stretches as far as the eye can see, and as your raft rounds each new bend in the river, another landscape of incredible natural beauty unfolds before you. Hawks, flycatchers, kingfishers, herons, and other birds native to Costa Rica accompany you from high above, while a variety of monkey species hide in the forest cover.

The rafting itself is a lot of fun. After the take out, there is a place to shower and change into dry clothes. We will then head back to your San José Hotel.

Winding through the region of the “Eternal Springs”, this river offers some of Costa Rica´s most lush and vibrant scenery. Free flowing, it has its origins in clear mountain streams that tumble down through thick rainforest, finally joining together in the crystal waters of the beautiful Sarapiquí. Verdant forest reaches right up to the river’s sun-basked banks. If Matisse had come to Costa Rica, this what he would have painted!

This narrow, low volume river is ideal for white-water novices, as well as families, all of whom will enjoy its moderately flowing rapids, interspersed with tranquil stretches. The journey is also excellent for bird watchers and other nature lovers, as the river stretches its way through lush vegetation that is home to hummingbirds, toucans, woodpeckers, and scores of other native bird species. A classic tropical river experience!

The Horseback riding tour is a great opportunity to enjoy bird watching, gallop along the farmlands, explore the tropical dry forest landscape, home of monkeys, iguanas and an array of bird species.

The day begins at your hotel where you will be greeted by a bilingual guide, seated on an air-conditioned bus for your transfer to board a boat that will cruise past the lush mangroves, canneries and stilt houses of Puntarenas. As the boat makes his way to the Gulf of Nicoya his white clad crew pampers guests with fresh tropical fruits and drinks. Approximately one hour and fifteen minutes south is the day’s palm-studded destination: Tortuga Island, a perfect four hour stop for swimming, snorkeling and lunch. Sip cold wine at tables covered with white linen as you’re served the mid-day feast. In the afternoon the catamaran will pass the islands of San Lucas, Sugar Loaf, Jesusita, Cedros and Guayabo and Negritos National Park.

Tortuga Island Notes:

The sea around the southeast corner of the Nicoya Peninsula is generously sprinkled with uninhabited islands; the most famous is Tortuga Island whose pristine, jungle-backed white sand beaches ideal for snorkeling and kayaking.

Notes:

*This tour can be arranged departing from Puntarenas or from Herradura Bay

The waterfall canopy tour is located close to Herradura Beach. It is only 10 minutes from Herradura Beach.

The Canopy tour is a full time of adrenaline while being in contact with one of the few transitional forests. The tour consist of suspended platforms connected with steel cables high above the forest floor. The height of the platforms vary from 60 to 132 feet above the ground.

Using highest quality equipment (pulley, harnesses and climbing gear), you will glide between platforms on the cables with breath taking views of the canopy, forest floor and animals.

This fascinating tour will take you along the Guacalillo Estuary and the mouth of the Tarcoles River by boat to enter into the habitat of the 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, as well as a variety of migratory species. The boat cruises down-river into the estuary through the complex mangrove eco-

system. Afterwards enjoy a delicious candlelight dinner next to the river.

Route: San Jose - Poas Volcano – Los Sueños

Duration: Half Day

Approx. return time:1:00 pm.

Participants will have the experience to drive to one of America’s most magnificent National Parks, the Poas Volcano. Each vehicle will be numerated and has to have a team made up Of a designator driver and 3 companions, which will be define in advance. Our guides will hand out rally instructions to the designated driver on each car, whom will later has to explain the same to its team.

The rally will be specifically designed for the group with hints and during all the rally, our guides will travel with the group. Each 7 vehicles a Costa Rican Trails vehicle will be placed, to assure nobody gets lost.

This particular rally consists of driving up to the Poas Volcano, which is one of the few volcanoes in the world that is accessible and can be visited in a complete safety.

Then the rally continues down to the coast where we will end up at Los Sueños Marriott, where a delicious lunch and drinks will await,

Route: Los Sueños – Rain Maker Private Reserve

Departure: 8:00 am

Duration: Half Day

Approx. return time: 2:00 pm.

Participants will drive along the Pacific Coast heading to the Rain Maker Reserve. This is a 1500 acre private reserve consisting of mostly primary rainforest where hundreds of birds and other wildlife migrate throughout the year

Once there and armed with only a map, your fellow treasure hunters and the inspiration from a coco loco cocktail, the quest will begin. Clues will be scattered throughout the tropical rainforest, taking one through lush winding nature trails that lead to the mysterious hidden treasure. Various competitions will ensue, the winners placing themselves a step closer to the lost treasure. Upon its discovery, winners will be recompensed, and the party begins. Jungle rhythm bands and tribal dances will entertain the guests and a delicious buffet lunch will be served.

This full day adventure includes an incredible 4/wheel drive journey which takes you into the very remote back country of the Río Savegre for a 4 hour guided Rafting trip with class II / III / IV rapids in rafts for 6 people or in 2 man inflatable kayaks. There are great swimming holes and a large variety of birds and ( egrets, toucans, osprey, parrots, kingfishers, cormorants ) primary jungles. We will stop at a beautiful waterfall for some snacks and lunch will be served at the Eco-tourism Lodge Coope Silencio at the end of the trip.

Rainmaker is a 1500 acre private reserve consisting of mostly primary rainforest and is part of the Quepos Biological Corridor where birds and other wildlife migrate throughout the year. Reaching 1700 meters above sea level, it is home to approximately 2500 plants species within four different life zones. Rainmaker’s main objective is to save this valuable nature laboratory and watershed. Walk into the heart of Rainmaker Reserve aside riverbeds rarely seen by humans and over a system of suspended bridges atop the virgin rain forest, all the while observing toucans, frogs and monkeys. Refresh yourself at the end of the hike with a jump into the crystal waters amid cascading waterfalls and cool, green flora!

This is an exhilarating way to spend a half or full day. Both trips offer the excitement of exploring the tropical canopy through a series of suspension platforms which are situated high above the forest floor. These platforms are connected be steel cables that have been specially designed for people to slide across, allowing you to discover the flora and fauna of the tropical forest first hand. You will have a chance to see a variety of animals on both trips, including howler and white faced monkey’s, sloths, and toucans. You will have many chances to take pictures including a spectacular ocean view from the mountains on the full day trip.

Come with us to see the most beautiful waterfalls in the country! Cascading 25 & 40 meters into a 8 meters deep pool which is excellent for swimming. The horseback tour offers you more contact with nature and a better chance of seeing wild life. Let us take you through the beautiful country side between Quepos and Dominical, and then through a majestic forest and wonderful vistas of the mountains of San Isidro. During the tour we’ll make two stops, first for breakfast in a real typical ranch, and then later in the afternoon we will return to the ranch for lunch with a real Costa Rican family. At the waterfalls you will have a chance to take pictures of your guide

jumping from the waterfalls into the pool. Lots of opportunities to watch many other kinds of wild life.

Come with us and discover the coast of Manuel Antonio the way Christopher Columbus traveled. The peace and serenity of sailing these pristine waters is an unforgettable experience and viewing the sunset from the deck while anchored in a beautiful secluded bay is truly romantic. You will probably see dolphins which frequently swim in the boat’s bow wake.. You will be served a gourmet dinner while enjoying the view of the often spectacular sunsets.

One of the world's finest sport fishing locations, Quepos was recently named one of the best locations in the world by Marlin Magazine. Memorable offshore expeditions require only a short run to the rich fishing grounds that lie just off our Pacific coast. The sea is teeming with lots of Roosterfish, Dorado (Mahi-mahi), Jack Creavella, Snapper, Mackerel, Amberjack, Pargo, Black Marlin and all the Sailfish you can imagine.

Guaitil is a small little village located outside the town of Santa Cruz. This visit will give you the opportunity to meet artisans, which for generations have kept the secrets of the production of "Chorotega" ceramic. During the visit you may watch how the artisans make clay artifacts by hand, paint them with natural earth tones and bake them in giant wood-burning ovens, just as their ancestors did.

Take this opportunity to purchase souvenirs to take back home

The lodge is located at the foot of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, approximately 3 hours away from Meliá Playa Conchal. Its surrounding offers a natural steam bath where rustic pools of thermal waters can be enjoyed among fumaroles of steam and bubbling pools of hot mud. Its therapeutic properties are famous for rejuvenating and healing skin. This is an ideal activity to combine with horseback riding or exploring nature trails, since you can either reach the thermal waters by horseback or vehicle and enjoy magnificent views. Lunch is served at the lodge’s restaurant.

Horseback riding tour is a great opportunity to enjoy bird watching or explore the tropical dry. Guanacaste has a long standing tradition of riding on beaches and savannas. The national cowboy or “sabanero” comes from the Guanacaste plains.

Costa Rica is renowned for some of the best deep sea fishing in the world. Guanacaste is the best place in the world for catching sailfish, and the third for

travel only 45 minutes before they reach the deep water-drop-off, (unlike most areas which require the customary 2 1/2 black marlin. It is made even more attractive by the fact that boats need to 3 hours before the fishing can even begin).

Marlin - June thru September

Sailfish - May thru September

Tuna - August thru October

Dorado - Late May thru October

In-shore Sports Fishing

Half-day inshore fishing from the Meliá Playa Conchal is world class and the waters offer great fishing action boasting bill-fish records! The boats, 27 outboards and 47 inboards, are well equipped with bait and tackle, meet all IGFA requirements and have state-of-the-art electronics. Bilingual skippers and crew aboard are courteous and experienced.

The Catalina Islands and the beaches of Potrero and Sugar Beach is the route of the Sunset cruise. Participants will be taken to the Flamingo Beach Marina to board their comfortable vessel to cruise along Brasilito, Potrero Bays, Conchal Beach and Catalina Islands before sunset along the white sand beaches of La Penca and Sugar Beach to collect shells, sunbathe in the gentle afternoon sun and snorkel, while refreshments and tropical fruits are served. After relaxing you will board your vessel again to enjoy the sunset and perhaps watch the dolphins.

The lodge is located at the foot of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, approximately 3 hours away from Meliá Playa Conchal. This experience will start with a 15 minutes hike through the primary forest to the site of the first platform. Now the adrenaline will flow on a 100%, when you let yourself go from one platform to the other, flying from one tree top to the other. At this moment you are soaring over the jungle, safely in the tree tops and luckily been able to see howler monkeys. Lunch BBQ Style is served at the lodge’s restaurant.

Route :Meliá Playa Conchal- Nearby Beaches

Duration: Half Day

Approx. return time: 2:00 pm.

Today, participants will have the experience to drive along the nearby beaches. It will be an interactive adventure, where participants will have to pay attention to the landscape and little stores (Pulperias), parks, churches along the road, where they may have to stop at the Tamarindo village to buy a little something or where a surprise will be waiting for them.

The rally will go on and will end up at a Hacienda or combine with the Rodeo Event.

Includes: 4x4 Suzuki Sidekick Jeeps, 01 tank of gasoline, free mileage, collision damage waiver

personal accident insurance, all rally material, 1 guide and vehicle for every 7 jeeps, 2 supervisors with vehicles, lunch at a local farm.

Be whisked away to another time and glimpse a Costa Rica of long ago from its dances to its architecture. Experience the typical meals and see them cooked in the traditional way. The night will begin with a play that takes place in a restored farmhouse that dates back to the 1800¹s. The actors will guide guests through the “casona” reproducing the old fashioned Costa Rican way of living.

The notes of a marimba band and the echo of dancing feet will draw guests into the central reception area where there will be a display of traditional dance and music.

Guests will be invited to participate in various Costa Rican games and competitions and then have their opportunity to dine on the delights of Costa Rican cuisine.

What better welcome than the friendly smiles of Costa Ricans, tonight’s venue will be at your hotel. Guests will be welcomed by a beautiful “Tica” dressed in her typical custom offering a welcome cocktail made of tropical fruits and “guaro”, (local liquor) The Marimba music will be playing.

The ambiance will resemble how the Costa Rican’s used to celebrate, be surrounded by the evocative scene from the Costa Rica of yesterday. Enjoy delicious typical cuisine and the folkloric show. This play is made up of folkloric dances and songs that reflect our customs and beliefs.

Keeping in tradition with Costa Rica¹s rich equestrian history, a marvelous spectacle will unfold before your eyes. Experienced riders and magnificent Andaluzian horses will perform together the classical airs of Dressage, the Garrocha, and the Quadrille.

Brightly clad in traditional riding gear the performers and the riders will put on a show both on and off the horses. Afterwards, the guests will adjourn to the banquet hall for Trio of guitars will play during dinner

Have you ever been in a rainforest?

Participants will be transported to a real Costa Rican jungle where they will find exotic plants and flowers as well as the most colorful birds from our country.

As the participants will enter the ballroom, they will have to go through a natural tunnel made of trees with a combination of sounds from the rain forest.

We will depart the hotel early afternoon and head to a tropical Victorian mansion located just 25 minutes from the hotel on a cliff over the ocean and surrounded by primary rainforest. Enjoy a welcome cocktail at their amphitheater with a spectacular sunset view of the Pacific Ocean while listening a concert. The playful beat of the Calypso band weaves its way into the festival grounds, drawing party guests toward the stage. Colorful costumes and exotic music create an atmosphere that can only be described as vibrant. Tantalizing tropical drinks are available from the bar and guests are invited to sample Local and Latin Caribbean specialties on the sumptuous buffet.

Enjoy a breathtaking sunset navigating Herradura Bay aboard a 96 Ft Vessel M/V BREEZE. Once aboard you will enjoy the music on the second open-air level. We’ll depart in search of dolphins and the perfect place for the best sunset.