| December 2011 Itinerary |
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Day 1: Dec 24
Arrive at San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport where you will be met by our Memorable Costa Rica reps and transferred to the Crowne Plaza Corobici. Following check-in, take the rest of the afternoon to explore the city or just relax in the hotel. At sundown, we will have a typical Costa Rican Dinner at the hotel followed by group activities. You can then enjoy the hotel casino or turn in early to rest up for the exciting day to come.
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Day 2: Dec 25
Following a relaxed breakfast, visit Sharai Zion, one of the most beautiful shuls in Latin America. We will then head for the lush rainforest and hot springs of the Arenal Volcano region. Enjoy the 2.5 hour drive up the southern mountains of the Central Valley, then down towards the flatlands of San Carlos, an area known for its agriculture, forest and cattle industries. The drive will end when we reach the world-renowned hot springs of Tabacon Grand Spa Resort.
Tabacon Grand Spa Resort sits at the base of the Arenal Volcano, one of the mo... read more
Following a relaxed breakfast, visit Sharai Zion, one of the most beautiful shuls in Latin America. We will then head for the lush rainforest and hot springs of the Arenal Volcano region. Enjoy the 2.5 hour drive up the southern mountains of the Central Valley, then down towards the flatlands of San Carlos, an area known for its agriculture, forest and cattle industries. The drive will end when we reach the world-renowned hot springs of Tabacon Grand Spa Resort.
Tabacon Grand Spa Resort sits at the base of the Arenal Volcano, one of the most active Volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere. Upon arrival, enter the resort and explore the lush tropical gardens, soak in the thermal waters of the Tabacon River and thoroughly relax every bone in your body. At your option, you may choose from a wide array of spa services (additional charge).
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Day 3: Dec 26
Choose from three tours. Awake, eat a hearty breakfast (you’ll need it) and be transported to the Sarapiqui River where your full day whitewater rafting adventure begins. Hike through virgin rain forest to the river’s edge. A thorough rafting orientation will be given and then you are ready to plunge into the swift, spectacularly beautiful Sarapiqui. Wind through lush tropical wilderness for the next few hours—your guides will find a tranquil spot on the river and pull off for a swim and lunch. Upon completion of the trip, return to Tabacon ... read more
Choose from three tours. Awake, eat a hearty breakfast (you’ll need it) and be transported to the Sarapiqui River where your full day whitewater rafting adventure begins. Hike through virgin rain forest to the river’s edge. A thorough rafting orientation will be given and then you are ready to plunge into the swift, spectacularly beautiful Sarapiqui. Wind through lush tropical wilderness for the next few hours—your guides will find a tranquil spot on the river and pull off for a swim and lunch. Upon completion of the trip, return to Tabacon and enjoy the resort.
The second tour option is a hike in the rain forest led by a professional guide on the magnificent "hanging bridges" tour. Hike on rainforest trails over numerous hanging bridges. You will have unrivaled views of the forest, streams, and waterfall below. See extraordinary panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and if you are lucky—monkeys, sloths, coatimundis, parrots, toucans and other exotic birds. Upon completion of the tour, return to Tabacon and enjoy the resort.
The third tour option is Canyoning. Be transported to a remote waterfall canyon. Rappel down 5 routes into the water below. Rappels range from 20-50 meters-this activity is sure to get your blood flowing. Upon completion of the tour, return to Tabacon and enjoy the resort.
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Day 4: Dec 27
Free morning to enjoy the resort and hot springs. We will then head for the beach and embark on a scenic 4 hour drive across the Guanacaste or "gold coast" region which is situated in the Pacific northwest of the country. This beautiful drive takes us around Lake Arenal where we will transfer from lush rainforest to the tropical dry forests of the Guanacaste Savannah. Arrive at the all-inclusive Barcelo Playa Langosta Beach Resort where you will spend the next four days relaxing on the beach, swimming in the magnificent blue waters of the Pa... read more
Free morning to enjoy the resort and hot springs. We will then head for the beach and embark on a scenic 4 hour drive across the Guanacaste or "gold coast" region which is situated in the Pacific northwest of the country. This beautiful drive takes us around Lake Arenal where we will transfer from lush rainforest to the tropical dry forests of the Guanacaste Savannah. Arrive at the all-inclusive Barcelo Playa Langosta Beach Resort where you will spend the next four days relaxing on the beach, swimming in the magnificent blue waters of the Pacific, engaging in a variety of land and water activities, or just enjoying the pool area.
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Day 5: Dec 28
Choose from two tours. Take a horseback-riding excursion deep into the jungle and trek across Costa Rica's rich topography. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, sloths, and other Costa Rican wildlife. For those who are not equine aficionados, the alternative excursion will be a Canopy Tour – one of Costa Rica’s adventure trademarks. Climb up to start the multiple platform canopy experience, then glide from tree to tree and get a bird's eye view from the canopy of the forest. Upon completion of your outing, return to the Barcelo Beach Resort an... read more
Choose from two tours. Take a horseback-riding excursion deep into the jungle and trek across Costa Rica's rich topography. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, sloths, and other Costa Rican wildlife. For those who are not equine aficionados, the alternative excursion will be a Canopy Tour – one of Costa Rica’s adventure trademarks. Climb up to start the multiple platform canopy experience, then glide from tree to tree and get a bird's eye view from the canopy of the forest. Upon completion of your outing, return to the Barcelo Beach Resort and spend the rest of the day as you choose.
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Day 6: Dec 29
Following a relaxed breakfast, we will take an optional day trip to the town of Tamarindo which is located just up the road. Spend time on the beaches of this world famous surfing destination and visit the numerous shops and stands of this bustling beach town. Those interested in taking surfing lessons will have the opportunity to do so (additional cost). You will be on your own for lunch where you can dine in one of the many wonderful local restaurants. In the late afternoon, we will return back to the Barcelo Resort. Those that decide to st... read more
Following a relaxed breakfast, we will take an optional day trip to the town of Tamarindo which is located just up the road. Spend time on the beaches of this world famous surfing destination and visit the numerous shops and stands of this bustling beach town. Those interested in taking surfing lessons will have the opportunity to do so (additional cost). You will be on your own for lunch where you can dine in one of the many wonderful local restaurants. In the late afternoon, we will return back to the Barcelo Resort. Those that decide to stay back will have a free day to spend enjoying the amenities of the resort.
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Day 7: Dec 30
Choose from two tours. Board a boat and take an enjoyable ride to a special "snorkeling" location off the coast. Your guide will lead you to the best spots for sighting all types of colorful marine life; if you are lucky, Blue Pacific Dolphins may stop by for a visit. Those not wanting to snorkel will have the option of going on the Canopy tour (see day 5). Upon completion of your excursion, return to Barcelo. We will have a Shabbat dinner at the resort.
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Day 8: Dec 31
Final morning to enjoy the beach and resort. We will then start the 4 hour+ drive down the Interamerican Highway back to San Jose. Upon arrival in San Jose, check back into the Crowne Plaza Corobici and rest up for the evening's activities. We will celebrate New Year’s “Costa Rican Style” with an incredible party that will last well into the morning.
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Day 9: Jan 1
You will be transferred to the airport for your return trip home.
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