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Costa Rica Family Adventure
23 days/22 nights

With its warm waters under a bright tropical sun, Costa Rica is the perfect location for a family adventure!

The biodiversity, majestic waters and uninhabited landscapes makes Costa Rica a playground for people of all ages. You will have the chance to explore some the country’s best spots and will always be greeted by friendly locals and curious animals. It is an adventure like no other!

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO:

In-Country Contact:
Cell: +1 506 8730-0396 via WhatsApp (please download app prior to trip or direct)
Email to: operations@horizontes.com

Root Adventures:
720-840-0866 or 303-250-9048 (emergencies - text or call 24/7)
info@rootadventures.com

pre departure guidebook

Itinerary Summary

DAY 1: WED, JUL 27 :: TRANSFER LIBERIA AIRPORT TO PLAYA POTRERO

DAY 2: THU, JUL 28 :: FREE DAY

DAY 3: FRI, JUL 29 ::CATAMARAN & SNORKELING EXPERIENCE

DAYS 4-7: SAT, JUL 30-TUE, AUG 2 :: FREE DAYS

DAY 8: WED, AUG 3 :: TRANSFER PLAYA POTRERO TO BLUE RIVER RESORT

DAY 9 THU, AUG 4 :: FREE DAY

DAY 10: FRI, AUG 5 :: TRANSFER BLUE RIVER RESORT TO LIBERIA AIRPORT TO FORTUNA

DAY 11: SAT, AUG 6 :: HIKING TOUR WITH DANAUS GUIDE

DAY 12: SUN, AUG 7 :: SAFARI FLOAT TOUR, ORGANIC GARDEN TOUR AND COOKING LESSON

DAY 13: MON, AUG 8 :: DRIVE FROM ARENAL TO MONTEVERDE

DAY 14: TUE, AUG 9 :: SKY ADVENTURE PARK AND SKY WALK

DAY 15: WED, AUG 10 :: DRIVE TO PUNTA ISLITA

DAYS 16-22: THU-WED, AUG 11-17 :: FREE DAYS

Day 23: Thu, Aug 18 :: Drive to Liberia International Airport

DETAILED ITINERARY

Days 1-7

**Overnight:** Bahia del Mar (family suite)
**Transfer:** 50 minutes by private vehicle

After arriving at the Liberia International Airport and passing through immigration, you will be met by a member of the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR). You will receive a sticker that will facilitate your clearing customs. As you exit, you will meet a transport representative for the, approximately, 50-minute transfer.

Flamingo/Conchal Area

The driest region of Costa Rica, Guanacaste, is well known for its gorgeous northern Pacific beaches and miles of grazing plains that give way to dry tropical forests. Flamingo & Potrero is part of this striking territory.

The Pacific Ocean washes the warm clear sand, making it a dreamy place for surfing, boating, long walks on the beach, or just sitting back and enjoying the sound of the waves. Fun restaurants, tour operators and hotels and lodges, offer a variety of attractive activities to make this an unforgettable corner of Costa Rica.

Day 2: Free day (B)

Enjoy a free day to settle in and explore your home for the week.

Day 3: Catamaran & Snorkeling Experience (B | L)

This tour starts aboard a luxury, stable catamaran at the Flamingo Marina area. Our crew will set sail (wind dependent) and take us on a 5 mile tour of some of the most beautiful and isolated beaches and snorkeling locations of Costa Rica. A snorkeling guide will show you marine wildlife such as: pufferfish, starfish, sea turtles, dolphins and whales. You may also choose to experience kayaking and fishing.

We will then stop in a tranquil bay and drop anchor. With the option to snorkel or explore a deserted white beach, there is so much beauty to see, all while the on-board chef prepares a delicious buffet.

Roundtrips from/to hotel are included.

Days 4-7: Free Days (B)

Enjoy these free days to explore the area on your own!

DAYs 8-9

**Overnight:** Blue River Resort & Hot Springs (Cabaña Two Queen Beds)
**Transfer:** Private car, approximately 2.5 hours

Day 8: Private transfer from Potrero Beach to Blue River Resort (B)

Total distance from Potrero Beach to Blue River Resort: 105 km/ 65.24 miles. Approximate driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Rincón de la Vieja

Located just east of Santa Rosa National Park, Rincón de la Vieja is an active volcano more than 6000 feet high, with nine craters at the summit.

The gravel road to Rincón de la Vieja climbs from the tropical dry lowlands of Guanacaste to the forested upper slopes of the volcano. Radiating from the park headquarters is a network of easily navigated trails, some through the forest and others leading through a number of volcanic features including impressive boiling mud pots, fumaroles and thermal streams. Trekkers will enjoy the vigorous hike to Rincon’s rocky summit at 1.907 meters (6.257 feet). Exploring the area by horseback is also fun.

This active peak is, without a doubt, the best of all of Costa Rica’s volcanoes for observing numerous different geologic features. On Rincon it is easy to see all the facets of the volcano such as boiling streams, steaming vents called fumaroles, sulfur deposits, boiling mud cauldrons, and clay deposits (which can do wonders for your skin!) and natural, warm mineral pools. Soak away stress and muscle aches under the radiant tropical sky

Day 9: Free Day at Blue River Resort (B)

Enjoy a leisure day at the hotel, botanical garden, butterfly farm, or pools, or partake in an optional eco-adventure tour by horse or safari truck to explore beautiful waterfalls or Dino Park that the kids will never forget!

Days 10-12

**Overnight:** Arenal Paraíso Hotel Resort & Spa (Superior Room)
**Transfer:** Blue River Resort to Liberia Airport Private car, approximately 1.5 hours
Liberia Airport to Fortuna, approximately 2.75 hours

Day 10: Transfer Blue River Resort to Liberia, Drive Liberia to Arenal (B)

Meet your private driver at the Blue River Resort. You and your driver will meet your husband at the airport and transfer to the Car Rental Company to pick up your vehicle and start the self-drive adventure to the Arenal Volcano National Park.

Fortuna

La Fortuna has an elevation of 350 feet above sea level and is best known as the base from which to explore the magnificent Arenal Volcano and National Park. Located north of the Tilaran Mountains, this spectacularly beautiful cone-shaped volcano rises out of the flat San Carlos Plains. Naturally heated thermal springs originating from its depth, offer the chance to be surrounded by nature while soaking and relaxing in the mineral waters. The fabulous mountains, lake, natural reserves, rivers, canopy tours, culture tours, hot springs and rainforest, make this a favorite holiday destination. Easy travel on rural roads from Arenal to Monteverde and other Guanacaste areas, take travelers through splendid landscapes of vast pasturelands.

Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano is located on the north plains of Costa Rica in the province of Alajuela. Besides the activity of lava rocks and occasional eruptions over the last 40 years, the area is surrounded by lush rainforest and second-growth that covers the old lava flows. There is abundant wildlife in the area including many bird species like toucans, motmots, jacamars, tanagers, honeycreepers and hummingbirds.

While Arenal Volcano continues to be the main attraction in this region, there are many other activities that visitors can enjoy during their visit. Recommended activities in Arenal: canopies and hanging bridges, rafting class II & III, canyoning, birding, caving, nature hikes, lava hikes, horseback riding, waterfalls, butterfly gardens, thermal springs, organic farms and more.

‘Day 11: Hiking Tour with Danaus Guide (B)

During the daytime walk, you will follow a trail that runs 600 meters in a circular shape and is accessible to all audiences. Here you will find a diversity of plants, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, insects, and more! Additionally, the ecological reserve has another path of about 350 meters of natural regeneration that culminates in a tree nursery. On this tour, you can see the butterfly farm, natural lagoon, Maleku Indigenous Cultural House, a garden of medicinal plants and orchids, and end with a little bird watching.

Day 12: Safari Float Tour (B | D)

Enjoy the sights and the sounds of the rainforest, while experiencing its peacefulness as we quietly paddle the Peñas Blancas river. Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles and numerous tropical birds await us! Our professional and bilingual guide will tell us all about the plants and animals that we encounter on the float. Without a motor to disturb the wildlife, you will truly appreciate the 7 wonders of Peñas Blancas river and the surrounding rainforest. This is the perfect way to enjoy the journey, quietly rowing and taking photos. Make sure to bring your camera and binoculars on this tour! This is a half day tour that is specifically designed for those with a limited amount of time.

Afternoon Organic Garden Tour with Costa Rica Cooking Lesson

As the peaceful afternoon comes to an end, you will enjoy a guided journey of the property and gather tubers, fruits, and vegetables that have been organically grown. Mill and enjoy a delicious juice of sugar cane squeezed in a handmade trapiche. At the restaurant, La Guaria Morada, partake in a class of typical Costa Rican cuisine. Learn how to prepare traditional recipes and share a meal, partake in typical dances, and enjoy a family dinner with a Costa Rican family.

DAYS 13-14

**Overnight:** El Establo Hotel (Deluxe Room)
**Transfer:** Fortuna to Monteverde, approximately 3 hours

Day 13: Drive from Fortuna to Monteverde (B)

After breakfast, you will head out for your drive to Monteverde. Today is a free day, so you can travel at your leisure.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

One of the world’s premiere destinations for naturalists, Monteverde Cloud Forest, is located at nearly five thousand feet elevation in the Tilaran Range of northwest Costa Rica. A cloud forest is an especially beautiful and rare type of rainforest that is created by frequent mists from low-lying clouds and characterized by massive trees covered by thick “carpets” of small plants known as epiphytes. Much of the resident wildlife is unique to these habitats.

Day 14: Sky Walk Guided Tour (B)

Sky Walk is a guided tour that includes trails and suspension bridges with heights of up to 984 feet above the canopy of the Monteverde cloud forest. Led by a specialized guide, this tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy the flora and fauna of the area. The tour lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours. Sky Walk has all the conditions for security and confidence.

Days 15-23

**Overnight:** Punta Islita Hotel (Two Bedroom Villa)
**Transfer:** Monteverde to Punta Islita, approximately 3.5 hours
Punta Islita to Liberia International Airport, approximately 2.75 hours

Day 15: Drive from Monteverde to Punta Islita (B)

At your leisure, drive from Monteverde to Punta Islita, your last destination on this adventure.

Punta Islita

Located at the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Punta Islita has an incredible coast and remains a natural hot spot of Guanacaste. It is a perfect destination for those who desire luxury and tranquility. In addition to its pristine natural beaches, the tucked-away village of Punta Islita contains a bustling artistic community and a lovely local art museum. This romantic hideaway offers spectacular scenery and remote beaches, making it a charming retreat away from the noisy city life.

Days 16-22: Free Days (B)

Choose from Complimentary Experiences included during your stay at Punta Islita (1 per day)

Birding Hike: For early birds who love birds! A leisurely walk through trails to spot birds and photograph beautiful tropical species. Age Minimum: 5
Nature Walk: The best way to greet the day! An energizing hike through Islita’s private trails and surroundings. Age Minimum: 8
Monkey Hike: Explore the region to find raucous Howler Monkeys and acrobatic Capuchin Monkeys. Enjoy their fun antics in the wild! Age Minimum: None
Dusk Hike: The day’s end wakes up many regional critters. Guides will help you spot the region’s nocturnal life. Age Minimum: 5
Coffee & Arepas Class: Enjoy coffee the Tico way! Palm your own arepas and try chorreado coffee, a simple brewing method that brings out the best of the beverage & flavors. Age Minimum: 10
Magnet Art Class
Tortilla Palming Class
Candle Making Class: Create beautiful sandcandle pieces to take home and enjoy. Includes a fun pick-up soccer game while the candles cool off. Age Minimum: 5
Keychain Art Class: The region’s seashells, pebbles and unique seeds are perfect to create a beautiful keychain and a one-of-a-kind memento of your stay. Age Minimum: 5
Cooking & Mixology Class: Our Chef will teach you the secrets behind some of Costa Rica’s favorite recipes. Bring back the country’s signature flavors to share with friends and family. Age Minimum: 10
Mix fun tropical cocktails like a pro! Bartenders share their libation secrets. Age Minimum: 18
Yoga Lessons: Islita’s gorgeous natural scenery will enhance the health benefits of Yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation. Age Minimum: 10