Saturday, June 21, 2008

Itinerary

This is the trip we've gone with for our vaction to Costa Rica!! It sounds like so much fun! It actually turned out cheaper for us to stay an extra night, too!

Eight days with an abundance of thrills and adrenaline, designed specifically for people who love adventure.
Don't miss this unforgettable experience! You will explore active volcanos, coffee plantations, tropical rivers, and lowland rainforests, ending up at a perfect beach on our Pacific Coast.

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Arrival) Arrival in San José. A representative from Costa Rican Trails will meet you at the airport and will provide transfer to your city hotel.
Overnight at the Don Fadrique Hotel standard room, breakfast included.

Day 2 (Poas Volcano–La Paz–Sarapiqui river– Braulio Carrillo)
We begin our journey driving by the city of Alajuela which is proud to display the monument of our National Hero "Juan Santamaría". We now begin our assent to the national park where we soon will relax and enjoy an authentic cup of Costa Rican coffee accompanied by a delicious tropical breakfast. You will feel a change in temperature and the lush vegetation becomes apparent, preparing us for the pleasures of the exuberant cloud forest of the Poás Volcano.

On a clear day the view of the main crater is admired by all visitors, its diameter is considered one of the widest in the world. As we continue towards the Caribbean zone, we will stop to discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park where we will walk on the truly spectacular trails that will lead us to Magia Blanca Falls (the largest and the most spectacular of the falls in the area). At the Park you will also witness the largest enclosed butterfly observatory in the world with a beautiful collection of tropical jewels. After a terrific lunch we will continue to Sarapiquí and on our way we come across the La Paz Waterfall, where we take some time to enjoy the splendid view. Less than a mile away we will encounter yet another waterfall surrounded by virgin forest, which becomes a great photo opportunity.

Once we arrive at Puerto Viejo (Old Port), we will be ready to enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Sarapiquí River, just sit back and observe the wildlife that is around you. Before returning to San Jose we will drive through the unforgettable rain forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the most important rainforest reserves for Costa Rica.
Overnight at the Hotel Don Fadrique, standard room, breakfast included.

Day 3 (Villa Lapas – Canopy Tour) Today you will pick up at your hotel and you
will be provide with a shuttle bus transfer to Villa Lapas Hotel.
Afternoon tour, where you will Fly through the Rainforest. Fly over exotic trees and flora and see birds, monkeys and other exotic animals firsthand, while experiencing the energy rush of “jumping” from one treetop to another, Tarzan-like style (although we must admit Tarzan never had it this good).
Overnight at the Hotel Villa Lapas, standard room, breakfast included.

Day 4 (Jungle Crocodile Safari & Horseback riding)
Jungle Crocodile Safari offers a tour specially designed for adventurers and bird watchers, yet safe for the whole family. The adventure takes place on the Tárcoles River, one of four rivers flowing out into the Nicoya Peninsula, and home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the wild with individuals up to fifteen feet long. In addition to the crocodiles, over fifty different kinds of birds can be seen on site, including the very rare scarlet macaw and a great variety of resident and migrant waterfowl. Iguanas and Jesus Cristo lizards are very common as well. After this tour continue the Horseback riding adventure through the jungle where you can see the spectacular flora and fauna in this area.
Overnight at the Hotel Villa Lapas, standard room, breakfast.

Day 5 (Sky Way – Manuel Antonio)
In the morning you will enjoy the raw power of the rainforest through our Sky Way walking tour. Of 1.5 miles (2.5 km) in length, this all-ages tour lets you observe a wide array of exotic flora and wildlife firsthand. Make yourself one with the jungle!
After this tour, you will be picked up at your hotel and you will be provide with a shuttle bus transfer to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.
Manuel Antonio is considered to be Costa Rica’s most beautiful park, with enchanting white-sand beaches ideal for swimming, and tropical rainforest forest alive with wildlife. Watch for the monkeys and iguanas who share the park with you. Most hotels are small and intimate, set high on a hill overlooking the rain forest, endless beaches and the national park.
Overnight at the Casitas Eclipse Hotel, standard room, breakfast included.

Day 6 (Coastal Kayak – Snorkeling Tour)
Come experience one of Costa Rica´s most striking coastlines by open- seat ocean kayak. Paddle to Biezans Bay for a refreshing swim and delicious local snacks. Feel free to have your bilingual naturalist guide direct you to the best snorkeling spots as you experience threes small but growing, active, and astounding coral reef systems nestled very close to the shore of Biezans. Or just relax and enjoy the tranquility of a private white sand beach. After an unforgettable experience at Biezans, continue kayaking towards Manuel Antonio National Park and wonder at the nearby nesting islands where exotic boobies and frigates call home year round. Finally, a rewarding hot meal in typical restaurant.
Overnight at the Hotel Casitas Eclipse, standard room, breakfast included.

Day 7 (Manuel Antonio Tour- San José)
After breakfast, Pick-up at the hotel and transfer to the Manuel Antonio National Park.
Have an experienced nature guide take you on an informative hike through the park. Our guides know where you are most likely to encounter sloths, monkeys, etc. they will also provide a great deal of information on the history, flora and fauna during this easy 2 % hours walk. Snacks are offered during the tour, and guest may remain in the park after wards.
After this tour, you will bed picked up at your hotel and you will be provide with a shuttle bus transfer back to San José.
Overnight at the Hotel Don Fadrique, standard room, breakfast included.

Day 8 (Departure)
Transfer back to the International Airport.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

lots going on

It's been awhile since I posted. I probably won't even remember all we've done in the last little while! I'll try:
We went to Niagara Falls last month with the kids. It was alot of fun, but keeping the kids quiet in the hotel was not fun at all- especially when they woke up at 5am!
We went to the Fallsview Indoor waterpark two days in a row, the kids loved it. It was raining the second day, which was when we were going to walk over to the falls. So, we decided to drive by and Gavin fell asleep before we got there! And he as the one that was so excited to see them. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe for dinner the first night.



We got a new computer a few weeks ago and I love it!!
I also got braces about 2 weeks ago, they are just starting to not hurt and I am starting to get used to them.
We are planning a trip to Costa Rica at the end of July. I can't wait. The tour that we are interested in includes 7 nights and 11 tours including a Crocodile Safari, a Jungle Skywalk, a Canopy Tour (ziplining through the jungle canopy), kayaking, a trip to a volcanoe, horseback riding and lots of other stuff.


Sunday, June 8, 2008

...

Just edited this picture, love the difference.
I hope to hve real post soon... very busy here.