Family Discovery Tour

— Our guarantees —

ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSÉ, TRANSFER TO SANTO DOMINGO DE HEREDIA ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE CAPITAL.

• Arrival at the airport.
• Transfer and settle at the hotel.
• Delivery of the travelogue.

Included:

• French welcome.
• Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
• Night in a hotel.

Selected Hotel: Aranjuez Hotel, Superior Room Http://www.hotelaranjuez.com/

BOCA TAPADA

• At 08:00, a representative of the car rental agency will meet you at the reception of your hotel to deliver your rental car.
• You can then drive to Boca Tapada.
• Maquenque Ecolodge is the ideal place for nature lovers. Nestled in the heart of the nature reserve of Maquenque, here you will be accommodated in a shack in the trees at 13 meters in height. The Lodge boasts 68 hectares of tropical rainforest, with trails for long walks alone or accompanied by a guide.
• For those who love birds and want to meet them, no less than 410 species share the park including Lapa Verde and Lapa Roja.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Car Rental
• Dinner
• Night in the hotel.

Selected Hotel: Maquenque Eco Lodge, Tree House Http://www.maquenqueecolodge.com

DAY 3

ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES IN BOCA TAPADA

Today’s program:

• Canoe around the lodge lagoon.
• Planting a tree so that you can also participate in the reforestation efforts.
• Hike along the trails of the lodge to interpret the trail and observe the fauna and flora of the region.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Canoeing in Boca Tapada.
• Planting a tree.
• Hiking along the hotel’s trails.
• Dinner
• Night in the Lodge.

Selected Hotel: Maquenque Eco Lodge, Tree House http://www.maquenqueecolodge.com

DAY 4

DRIVE TO EL CASTILLO

Rancho Margot combines ecological farm and rural hotel, all managed in a sustainable way. The site is located in the valley of a lake, near the Arenal National Park in the province of Alajuela in Costa Rica. Rancho Margot is a vibrant experience that attracts visitors from around the world to explore, relax and learn about sustainable development.

Highlights:

• In 2004 Juan Sostheim bought 176 hectares of pasture for horses and cows with the intention of recovering the original ecosystem.
• Over the past 10 years he has worked on a reforestation project to achieve this goal and the result is impressive, it is indeed difficult to believe that this land was poor and non-fertile before his arrival.
• The exuberant vegetation that covers the property hosts many species of animals that were not there before the project began.
• Bird lovers will not be disappointed as it is possible to find over a hundred different species that will surprise you with their spectacular colors and songs.
• The compost system is an essential part of Rancho Margot because it not only provides compost for the farm but also hot water for the bungalows and the bunkhouse.
• Hydroelectric pumps are used to generate electricity. The mechanical energy produced by the movement of the water causes the turbine to activate the dynamo which generates electrical energy. These pumps can produce 8KW per hour.
• Cows gives milk and compost; their meat is not used. Milk is used to produce yogurts and cheese. Tourists can participate in the milking every morning.
• The garden is used to grow carrots, celery, salads, onions, cabbage, peppers, indigenous potatoes (malanga, camote, yucca or cassava …), radishes, arugula, cucumbers, spinach, zucchini, ginger, tomatoes, Papaya, oranges, lemons, avocados, noni (medicinal plant), etc. These gardens use the principle of organic farming as crop rotation to conserve soil nutrients, rooted plants that protect the soil Erosion) and other plants that serve to repel (such as basil) insects or other invasions. There are also plantations of cocoa, bananas and sugar cane.
• Everything is recycled and reused. The furniture is made of laurel and teak wood (from dead trees) and waste materials of construction are used in the kitchen oven. The bottles are reused to store the seeds and the products elaborated on the spot (disinfectants…). The recyclable material is then taken to factories where it is further processed. The soap is made from oil used in the kitchen. Unused soap is used to make laundry detergent. Disinfectants are also produced locally.

There are also tours available to hosts:

• The famous ranch tour is included in the lodging and meal package.
• A guided tour of the property for two hours to learn about the different projects of the ranch.

There are other tours that are not included in the pack such as horse riding, kayaking or walking. They can be made as much by the hosts as by the visitors of a day.

It is also possible to enjoy several trails to go without guide like:

• The famous Mirador trail, a place with spectacular views of the volcano.
• Lake Arenal within the property; it is recommended to go through it at sunrise.
• You can also walk to the village of El Castillo and return to Rancho Margot by road. A pleasant walk that will not leave you indifferent.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Car rental.
• Yoga classes.
• Visit the Ranch.
• Milking of cows.
• Night in the hotel.

Selected Hotel: Rancho Margot, Bungalow Http://www.ranchomargot.com

ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED AT RANCHO MARGOT.

You can choose one activity per day (2 per person in total)

Proposed activities:

• Horse riding at the Mirador: a walk leading to an impressive viewpoint offering magnificent landscapes on Lake Arenal, the volcanos Arenal, Ténorio and Miravalles.

Duration: about 2 hours

• Horseback riding at Lake Arenal: horseback riding to explore the southern part of the lake. During of the balada you can observe the fauna and the flora.

Duration: about 2 hours

• Kayak tour on Lake Arenal: Kayak trip on Lake Arenal to observe the volcano and the sublime landscapes.

Duration: about 2 hours

Included:

• Breakfast
• Car rental.
• Yoga classes.
• Visit the Ranch.
• Milking cows.
• Lunch
• One activity per day and per person to select among those proposed.
• Dinner
• Night in the hotel.

Selected Hotel: Rancho Margot, Bungalow Http://www.ranchomargot.com

DEPARTURE FOR CARARA

• Carara National Park preserves a transition forest between the dry forest of Guanacaste and the tropical rain forest of the Central Pacific.
• A real living laboratory, many researchers study the relationships, structure and composition resulting from the encounter of these two tropical ecosystems.
• Its world-wide reputation comes mainly from its numerous species of birds (360 species), including the endangered Lapa Roja (Ara Macao or red parrot), Trogon Violace (Trogon violaceus), many hummingbirds…
• At the bend of a path you may have the chance to meet a group of capuchin monkeys or coati!
• Trees and plants are not to be outdone: here you will find species from 2 ecosystems! For example, the Guanacaste National Tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum), or the Guarumo (Cecropia sp), Cornizuelo (Acacia Costa Rican) trees and the Cafecillo (Erytrochiton gymantum) shrub endemic to the Central Pacific.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Car rental.
• Night in the hotel.

Selected Hotel: Cerro Lodge, Bungalow Http://www.hotelcerrolodge.com

DAY 8

DISCOVERING THE COMMUNITY OF CAMPESINOS DE QUEBRADA ARROYO

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Road to Quepos and then through a mountain trail you will reach Quebrada Arroyo and the site of Los Campesinos, a fine example of rural community tourism.
• You will overlook a magnificent waterfall and take one of the longest suspended bridges in Costa Rica.
• Meet the owners of the finca and explain the process of growing vanilla.
• Hiking in the reserve.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Car rental.
• Lunch
• Activities and hikes planned by the community (hiking trail + swimming in the afternoon D8 and hike to the mirador the morning of D9).
• English / Spanish local guide (Don Miguel).
• Dinner
• Night at the refuge.

DAY 9

DRIVE TO PALMA QUEMADA, 10KM NORTH OF DOMINICAL WHERE YOU WILL SLEEP IN TIPI!

• Playa Dominical is known for its waves, the surf is excellent there.
• The long beach is lined with coconut trees and the whole region has retained its beauty and virginity.
• Located on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Playa Dominical is ideal for walking, mountains to the beach, and the nature, the flora and fauna, overwhelming, year round.
• A visit to this part of Costa Rica is perceived by far the best part of Costa Rica, where the interaction between ocean and mountains, nature and lack of development, the deep blue waters of the vastness of the Pacific, Where whales, dolphins and turtles live together in harmony, and incredible sunsets an indelible impression on virtually anyone can contemplate for the first time, ensures that your vacation is one of never forgetting.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Car rental.
• Dinner
• Night in the hotel.

Selected Hotel: Tipi Jungla Ecolodge, Tipi Http://www.tipijungla.com

DAY 10

FREE DAY BETWEEN PALMA QUEMADA AND DOMINICAL

• Costa Ballena is named after the whales, each year in this part of Costa Rica come to play and mate.
• Marino Ballena Park, a national park that is particularly known for the “Whale Tail”, a natural rock formation in the sea in the form of a whale tail, is only a few kilometers to the south.
• Marino Ballena Park is most famous for whales in the breeding season, September, October and November, with tens equal to admire.
• Outside of this beach there is an abundance of beautiful pages in this part of Costa Rica, each with its own character and characteristics, which will ensure that you do not want to leave, or at least you come back.
• In addition, the abundance of jungle, animals, waterfalls and panoramic views to offer more than you can imagine in your wildest dreams.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Car Rental
• Dinner
• Night in the hotel.

Selected Hotel: Tipi Jungla Ecolodge, Tipi Http://www.tipijungla.com

DAY 11

DEPART FOR A NIGHT IN A CAVE!

• You will be expected at the Operation Center in the mountains overlooking Dominical.
• You will begin your hike to the base camp.
• You will visit a botanical garden on the way, you will taste sugarcane, cocoa.
• You will arrive before noon at the cave where you will have lunch before discovering the waterfalls of Diamante!
• You can swim in the natural swimming pools.
• You will then return to the cave where you will have some free time.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Car Rental
• Lunch
• Visit the botanical garden.
• Visit 6 different waterfalls.
• 3 natural pools, jumping in the waterfalls and natural pools.
• Local English/Spanish speaking guide.
• Dinner
• Night in the cave located between 2 waterfalls.

Selected Hotel: Night in a cave http://www.treeoflifetours.com

DAY 12

RETURN TO THE OPERATING CENTER!

• Around 9:00 a.m. and after enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will discover new waterfalls where you can once again jump, swim or simply admire the splendor of the place.
• At around 11:00 a.m. you will begin your hike back to the operation center.
• You will arrive around 1 p.m.
• You can then get back your 4×4 rental and drive to San Gerardo de Dota.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Car rental.
• Visit 6 different waterfalls.
• 3 natural pools, jumping in the waterfalls and natural pools.
• Local English / Spanish speaking guide.
• Night in a hotel.

Selected Hotel: Trogon Lodge, Standard Room Http://www.trogonlodge.com/

FREE DAY AT SAN GERARDO DE DOTA!

• Formerly known as the Los Santos reserve, Quetzales National Park was named in 2005 in honor of the resplendent Quetzal planting its trees.
• With an area of 50km2, the park begins at the level of the tropical rain forest and finishes at 3000 meters of altitude on the Cordillera de Talamanca.
• It is crossed by the Rio Savegre which takes its source at the level of the Cerro Muerte (mount of the death).
• Quetzales Park is particularly well-known for ornithologists, as 20% of the bird species identified in Costa Rica are observable in this park. The best known are the quetzal, the trogon and the hummingbird.
• On the mammal side, you may be lucky enough to see a jaguar attacking a Baird Tapir or a Monkey-Squirrel!

Included:

• Breakfast
• Car rental
• Night in a hotel

Selected Hotel: Trogon Lodge, Standard Room Http://www.trogonlodge.com

DRIVE TO SAN JOSÉ

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Driving to San José.
• You will return the 4×4 rental at 5 p.m. at the hotel.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Car rental.
• Night in a hotel.

Selected Hotel: Aranjuez Hotel, Superior Room Http://www.hotelaranjuez.com/

RETURN FLIGHT

• Depending on your flight schedules, a last activity may be planned, do not hesitate to take advice from our team.
• Transfer to the airport.

Included:

• Breakfast at the hotel (depending on your flight schedule).
• Transfer to the airport.