PACKAGE DESCRIPTION: To travel to Costa Rica is an opportunity to escape the stress and tedium of the daily world and discover a country proud of its ecological preservation. With only .03% of the planet's surface, the nation is endowed with over 5% of all life forms on earth.
In ten days we will show you the vast richness of the country's natural wealth: San Jose, capital city; Tortuguero whose canals are one of the world's most popular ecotourism destinations; Arenal Volcano which erupts 3 to 4 times every hour; and Quepos, a great beach and home to Manuel Antonio National Park.

VISITING: San Jose, Tortuguero Nacional. Park, Sarapiqui, Baldi Hot Springs and Manuel Antonio National Park.

ACTIVITIES: River Boat trip, National Park exploration, Wildlife watching, Nature Walks, Horseback Riding, Canopy Tour, White-water Rafting, Hot Springs Swimming, Volcano View, Canopy safari, Gay beach visit and Gay Nightlife.

LETTER CODES: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner.
Day by Day Itinerary.

Day 1 –WELCOME TO COSTA RICA.  Arrival to the International Airport Juan Santamaria. Meet and Great by our tour guide. Transfer to Hotel Colours or similar with afternoon and evening at leisure for explore the rich gay night life of San Jose. Recommended places to visit: La Avispa Discoteque, Bochinche, Club Oh and Puchos Night Club.

Day 2 -TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK. (B,L,D) We begin our trip to Tortuguero early in the morning between 6:00 am to 7:00 am from San Jose. You will be traveling with a bilingual naturalist guide on an air conditioned bus. Drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park, where you have the opportunity to see beautiful views and abundant vegetation. On the way stop for breakfast. After breakfast continue the trip to Caño Blanco deck driving through banana plantations. At Caño Blanco, you will board the covered boat for a 2 hours ride along the canals and rivers. This is the highlight of the tour, due Tortuguero Canal is pretty similar to the Amazon River or Pantanal Park in Brasil, where you will be able to admire the rich ecosystems of the Caribbean Region of Costa Rica and its abundant wildlife. Arriving to Pachira Lodge or similar by Noon, the lodge’s staff will be waiting for you with a refreshing cocktail. Your rooms will be assigned and the guide will explain the afternoon activities. After lunch, visit to the Turtle Museum of the C.C.C. (Caribbean Conservation Corporation) and to the colorful Tortuguero town, a typical Caribbean village. You will return to the lodge around 5:30 p.m. Free time to enjoy the pool, the bar service and prepare for your dinner. Dinner service from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and then rest of the night free to enjoy the surroundings, pool and bar.

Day 3 –TORTUGUERO. (B,L,D) Optional 6:15 am tour to admire the awakening of the wildlife of Tortuguero. Return for breakfast (service between 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. ). Then another boat tour to admire the canals of Tortuguero National Park . This is a wonderful and interesting experience where you can see abundant flora and fauna of Tortuguero National Park . Return to the lodge for lunch and free time for a siesta, enjoy the pool or go for a walk to the beach. Then you have another optional tour to the canals or stay at the lodge to explore the private trails of the lodge and visit the open butterfly garden. Dinner at the lodge and free night.

Note: Entrance fee to the National Park not included and it is $10 that has to be paid directly to the park's administration.

Day 4 – TORTUGUERO -ARENAL. (B, L) After breakfast hotel check out and departure to our next destination. On the middle of the way and after lunch, you will meet your private transportation or shuttle bus and proceed overland to Arenal Volcano area. Check In at Hotel Arenal Paraiso with afternoon at leisure. Dinner on your own.

DAY 5 – A FREESTYLE DAY IN ARENAL (B). Customize your vacation with the included adventure of your choice. Select the tour of your preference:

- Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge: Visit one of the best places for wildlife in Costa Rica. This area is known as a biological corridor between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. See many species of birds, 3 types of monkeys, caiman, iguanas, sloth's, and more.
- Safari Adventure Boat: Enjoy a relaxing 2 hour float with no motor, only the incredible sounds of nature around you. Our expert bilingual naturalist guide will describe the many different flora and fauna of the region.
- Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano: It is the perfect horseback riding tour in this area. As we come closer to the volcano, we ride through rivers and tropical rain forest, and enjoying the magnificent Arenal Volcano.
- ATV Tour: ¿ Where are we going? We start on the ATV ARENAL TOURS base after a little explanation about how to drive the ATV and safety rules. We road to La Fortuna Waterfall, next after this we go to Jauri Town to watch different kinds of plantations, we followed to La Guaria Town looking for the Arenal River, right there we have time for a little snack; with a refreshing shower finishing soon to return to the base and its respective hotel.
- Arenal Mountain Biking: With a moderate ranking, we offer you a mountain bike tour in one of the best-suited area of Costa Rica: the region of Arenal Volcano with its lush vegetation and excellent views.
• La Fortuna on Horseback: A 90-minute horseback ride and short hike through the forest bring you to this spectacular waterfall.
• Hike Arenal Volcano: This hike takes you along the base of the volcano along forested trails and recent lava flows.
• Hanging Bridges: 15 hanging bridges wind their way through the forest, some with views of Arenal. Explore high in the canopy for an up-close observation of the rainforest’s flora and fauna.
• Canopy Tour: Adrenaline-rushing adventure awaits – with 12 platforms and over 1,000 feet of cable strung through the tree tops. Gain a new perspective of the rainforest as you “fly” through the trees, safely attached by harness to the steel cables.
• Lake Arenal kayaking: You will embark in first class touring kayaks and spend a day paddling in the lake's calm waters while the beautiful view and energy of the Arenal Volcano penetrates your soul.
• Venado Caves: Be prepared to squeeze through small holes, crawl through tight passages, climb small rock formations, crawl on your stomach with only your head above water in a narrow tunnel as fish swim by, or walk up small waterfalls.
• Safari Kayaking. Relax and enjoy a day of heightened emotions on the quiet waters of the Peñas Blancas River. Afternoon, free time at leisure. Lunch and dinner on your own unless a meal is included in your tour selection.

Day 6 –ARENAL VOLCANO. (B, D) During the morning, Free time at leisure for enjoy the hotel facilities. Afternoon: Visit to Baldi Hot Springs where we can take a dip in the warm waters heated from within the volcano and have a great time in this unforgettable paradise. After dark and from this enchanted spot, with a little god luck, you will have the opportunity to see the volcano activity and the red incandescent lava flowing down from the top of the crater to the adjacent areas. Buffet dinner included at the spa.

Note: Transfer from the hotel to the hot springs not included, but it is only 3 minutes by cab. You can visit at any time and till 10:00 PM.

Day 7 – MANUEL ANTONIO BEACH. (B)  Depart for a land transfer to famous Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park. Upon arrival, check In at Hotel Villa Roca or similar and free time for enjoy the hotel’s facilities. Evening: Night Out Tour on your own for explore the rich nightlife of Manuel Antonio and have dinner in one of the great restaurants of the area. Lunch and dinner on your own.

Day 8 – MANUEL ANTONIO TOUR (B) Customize your day with the included adventure of your choice.
-Savegre River Rafting: Experience a trip of pure unsurpassed beauty, luxuriant vegetation, and exploding whitewater on this full day tour for the adventuresome beginner and experienced rafter. The Savegre River is one of the most pristine rivers in the country, and is surrounded by impressive views of the primary rainforest. Don't miss this exhilarating ride through nature!
-Manuel Antonio Park Nature Walk: Take a natural history walk into the rainforest of Manuel Antonio National Park . Your bilingual naturalist guide will point out the great diversity of wildlife you might otherwise miss, and will explain the history and geography of the area. Lush tropical jungle surrounding beautiful, pristine beaches is your playground for the day. Three-toed sloth, iguanas, raccoons, white nosed coatis, agoutis, and other native mammals can be seen amid an unimaginable variety of rare plant species.
-Canopy Safari: Sail high above the rainforest canopy and experience Manuel Antonio most popular adventure sport: the canopy zip line. This exhilarating tour was actually invented in Costa Rica, and has since been featured on the Discovery Channel. This is an adventure for people of all ages and interests, and is certainly one of the highlights of Costa Rica. Canopy Safari provides tourists a unique activity and ecological experience!
-Sunset Sail: Your adventure aboard our sail-ships begins as you sail down the scenic coast, past the beautiful beaches and islands of Manuel Antonio National Park. As the boat glides quietly under sail you'll probably see dolphins, which frequently swim in the boat's bow wake. Occasional whales and giant sea turtles are a special thrill, and even the most avid wildlife enthusiast enjoys the ever-present abundance of sea birds. Enjoy of this aquatic paradise while attending to your safety and comfort. The crew will serve you plentiful portions of delicious food, in the tradition of the great cruise ships but will a homemade touch.
-Mangrove kayaking: Easily paddle the lush mangroves to watch the abundant wildlife which includes hundreds of birds, coatis, and silky ant eaters. Immerse yourself in indescribable beauty, where nature reveals its flawlessness.
-Isla Damas Mangrove: convenient day trip out of this region is to Damas Island, just a 30-minute boat ride from Quepos. The island has mangrove swamps filled with crocodiles and other colorful animals. With experienced bilingual guide will share the beauty and natural history of the canals from the comfort of our boat, equipped with all the gear needed to explore this unique journey.
-Mountain Horseback riding: Discover with us the most spectacular views in the area from the view point of our best horses, all while under the special care of our tour guides. Our guides have an in depth knowledge of all the trails, and have the ability to make you feel at home in your new environment. At Finca Valmy, we are experts in the training of our horses, and as such can offer our clients an experience unlike any other where they are able to enjoy their surroundings safely and securely under the professional supervision of our staff.
-Mountain Biking: The surrounding mountains and jungles of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park provide a perfect setting for every mountain bike riding level. Guided tours are available to explore hidden waterfalls, traverse steamy jungle paths and thrill at glorious coastal vistas from the mountains above. Estrella Tour provides late model mountain bikes in excellent condition, all with front suspension and modern components.

Day 9 – MANUEL ANTONIO - SAN JOSE. (B) Optional morning tour to Manuel Antonio National Park with enchanting white-sand beaches ideal for swimming. Watch for monkeys and iguanas who share the park and beach with you. Afternoon, Hotel Check Out and transfer to San Jose. Upon arrival, check in at Hotel Sleep Inn or similar. Evening, free time at leisure. Last chance to explore San Jose Night Gay Life. Lunch and dinner on your own.

Day 10 – TRANSFER OUT (B). Transfer to the International Airport according with your scheduled flight and good bye.

INCLUDES: 9 nights lodging, all land and water transportation within Costa Rica, all airport/ hotel transfers on scheduled arrival/ departures dates only, specified meals and specified tours.

NOT INCLUDED: International air fare, airport departure taxes, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls and room service), gratuities, or costs associated with changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control.