Banana Adventure Tours - Costa Rica

Day 1:  Arrival at San Jose Airport. Welcome to San Jose! Our exciting multi-sport tour begins immediately, as we travel from the Juan Santamaria International Airport to the Arenal Volcano. Our hotel is in an excellent location for observing the constantly erupting Volcano. Weather permitting, we may view one of its pyrotechnic shows. This evening we visit the famous Tabacon Hot Springs (Baldi Hot Springs) and enjoy a soak in one of its many pools. Located in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano, the Tabacon region is a wonderland of gardens, paths, steams and pools: five thermal and one with cool water plus a whirlpool. Mud facials and professional massages are available as an option for an additional cost.

NOTE! Please plan your arrival time no later than 12:00 p.m. We will meet you at the airport exit. Pre lodging is available and pick up will be at your San Jose hotel; please contact us for pre lodging information. (D)

Day 2: - White Water Rafting Pacuare River. After a fantastic breakfast (try the local tropical fruit, it´s delicious!) we head to the Rio Pacuare for our exciting Class III-IV White Water Rafting trip. After a thorough safety talk and a brief introduction to paddling, we launch our rafts down the mighty Pacuare River. We paddle more than 20 miles of scenic water, that course through a wilderness of dense vegetation that completely covers the riverbanks. The numerous rapids are interspersed with stretches of calm, tranquil water providing an opportunity to enjoy the surrounding tropical beauty and an occasional refreshing dip. Lunch will be at the middle of the river. Vegetarian meals are available. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon. (BLD)

Day 3: - The Arenal volcano is one of the world's most active (and studied!) volcanoes, thundering and blowing since 1968. Arenal is located in the Tilaran Mountains and dominates the background of today's tour. We will explore its National Park, and hike the trails through the forest and across the lava rivers to a safe viewing observatory from which you may see the majestic volcano's fireworks and lava rocks crashing down its slopes. In the afternoon, we will transfer to our Hotel in the Monteverde area. The hotel offers views of the slopes of the Tilaran Mountains and Gulf of Nicoya. It is not uncommon to see humming birds, monkeys and quetzals from the hotel's balconies! (BLD)

Day 4: - Today we experience the thrill of exploring the surrounding forest canopy. Our tour consists of various platforms at canopy height and a rappel set in the heart of the cloud forest reserve. This is the site of the first ever Original Canopy Tour. We begin with a hike through the cloud forest, and then we climb a rope ladder through the middle of a hug strangler fig. Once we reach the forest canopy, we slide from platform to platform enjoying splendid views of the multi-layered canopy. Assisted by expert guides, we then rappel back to the forest floor. The platforms vary in height from 20 meters to 33 meters above the ground. In the afternoon we will enjoy a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The reserve is world famous for the huge variety of life forms it supports. An elaborate system of trails winds through the park inviting travelers to visit. The reserve is divided into six life zones, hosting a total of over 2,500 species of plants, 10 species of mammals (including the rare Jaguar),120 species of reptiles and amphibians including the endemic Golden Toad (sapo dorado), 490 species of butterflies, including the Blue Morpho and about 400 species of birds including the resplendent Quetzal. Overnight in Monteverde. (BLD).

Day 5: - Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Today our itinerary takes us to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a biological reserve owned and managed by the Tropical Science Center, a Costa Rican nonprofit, scientific research organization. This reserve is regarded by many as one of the top tropical plant and wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It is perhaps the most beautiful of the many cloud forests located in Costa Rica and has become one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in Central America. Note that a "cloud forest" differs from a "rain forest". In particular, a cloud forest will generally receive less rain on an annual basis than will a rain forest. However, a cloud forest generally has more humidity and (because of its higher altitudes) more cloudiness than a rain forest. In the afternoon we will transfer to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, in the Northern area of Liberia. Our home away from home will be one of the largest operating cattle Haciendas. The property holds many different echo systems, including the amazing rain forested slopes of the dormant Rincon de la Vieja volcano.
Overnight in Rincon de la Vieja. (BLD).

Day 6:  - Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. After breakfast prepare yourself for an amazing adrenaline filled experience with the Kazm Canyon Canopy Tour. We begin on a Zip line that is set on the edge of a cliff and slides on suspended ropes through a tight canyon. The first two traverses are done by rope, here we find ourselves on platform that are set on ledges inside the canyon. With a total of 10 platforms, 3 wall climbs and what has been christened "The Tarzan Swing", this tour features also a very long single traverse of 70 meters. Do not forget to bring your camera for those "once in a life time shots!" For those of you who do not want to experience these thrilling adventure optional hikes are available. After lunch, we will explore by horseback the many hidden "oasis" of beautiful nature this area has to offer, including spectacular waterfalls and refreshing fresh pools to bathe in. Due to the secondary volcanic activity of the area there are also natural mud-pots at there is also a natural hot spring where we can bathe in. (BLD).

Day 7:  - Visit to Rincon de la Vieja National Park and transfer to San Jose. After breakfast we will explore the mystic Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park. The base of this large volcano is surrounded by dense tropical rainforest; mist rises through the thick vegetation giving away the hidden locations of natural bubbling mud pots. It is possible to spot monkeys here, the howler monkey being the most seen.
In the afternoon we will transfer to the outskirts of San Jose into our beautiful 4 star hotel, here, after we have set into our rooms, we can enjoy a nice relaxing dip in the pool or a delicious fresh fruit cocktail. (BLD)

Day 8:  - City Tour. San Jose doesn't boast of beauty, it is actually a chaotic city with busy streets dirty busses and loud markets. However it does hide some important historical monuments, impressive landmarks and well stocked souvenir markets. Today you will be guided through the city visiting these important places and learning about their history and importance to the Costa Rican community, also, towards the end of your guided tour, you will be able to buy souvenirs and send your "wish you were here!" post cards. In the evening we will dine at the elegant Rancho San Miguel. The Ranch is about three km north of La Guácima, it raises Andalusian horses and has a charming little museum with capas, saddles, and other miscellany relating to horsemanship. The highlight is the nocturnal one-hour dressage and horsemanship show in an enclosed arena to the accompaniment of classical Spanish music. It’s a fabulous experience. Although the show is spotlight, it’s quite dark, so you’ll need fast film or a digital camera to capture the action. (BLD).

Day 9: Transfer to Airport. (8:00 am) End of your adventure in Costa Rica. Transfer to San Jose. After a hearty breakfast, we will transfer you to the Juan Santamaria International Airport. (B).