Embrace the Heart of Adventure in Costa Rica: An 8-Day Family Escape

Your EcoAmerica Tours representative will greet you at either the San Jose or Liberia International Airports, assist you with your luggage, and provide you with a private guided transfer to the to the Rainforest of the Highlands at the Arenal Volcano National Park. Stay at the Lomas del Volcan Hotel with majestic views of the Arenal Volcano for a four night stay in (2) Standard Bungalows, including daily breakfast, and hotel taxes & fees. Check-in is available after 3:00 PM. Balance of the day is at leisure enjoying the facilities of the hotel.

In Arenal: Lomas del Volcan Hotel. Guests staying at Lomas del Volcan Hotel enjoy nature at its fullest. In addition, Lomas del Volcan Hotel’s location is ideal to move to the different attractions that surround the Arenal Volcano. All the stand-alone Bungalows feature two balconies with magnificent views and are equipped with either 2 Queen-size beds or 1 King size bed, and amenities such as a A/C, flat-screen TV, a mini bar, coffee maker, safe deposit box, hair dryer, and Wi-Fi access. The also stand-alone Bungalows Deluxe are ideal for romantic celebrations as they include a private Jacuzzi on the terrace and are surrounded by lush gardens which provide a private atmosphere and a tropical ambiance. At the on-site Hojarasca Restaurant, guests will find a great menu with local and international cuisine offerings. La Arboleda Bar & Lounge is the hotel’s most recent addition and it’s the ideal place to enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks. For those who enjoy a pampering experience, the Spa at Lomas del Volcan offers a good variety of special treatments, including couples’ massage, detox, and volcanic mud wraps, among others.

Today while you are in Arenal, you may choose one activity/adventure from the list below to participate in for this day. Lunch (except Asis, ATV, Coffee & Horseback), transportation, and entrance fees are included for all activities/adventures. Please indicate your choices at booking time.

Sarapiqui Whitewater River Rafting Expedition, Class II – III: Early breakfast at your hotel. Meet your river guide and begin your journey to the lowlands of the San Carlos Valley in the Caribbean basin, home to the Sarapiqui River. After a safety talk given by the head guide, we will start our journey down 7.5 mile river. Throughout the vibrant journey, enjoy swimming and refreshing yourself in several peaceful ponds in addition to the thrill of defying rapids. At the end of the rafting trip enjoy a delicious Costa Rican style lunch. Ages: 8+years old and in good physical condition. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Balance of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Arenal at your own pace.

Nature Cruise on the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge: The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Rio Frio are biological humid areas considered to be one of the richest in biological diversity in Costa Rica. Here you can find a great variety of resident and migratory birds. Your floating safari will take you through tropical rain forest, pastures, and marsh, where you can see howler monkeys, spider monkeys, white-faced monkeys, the three-toed sloth, reptiles like caimans, the Jesus Christ lizard, turtles, and an almost endless selection or birds. Breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, meet your local guide to begin your tour to this beautiful region of Costa Rica. You will travel north to Los Chiles, a rustic village just three kilometers from the Nicaraguan border. Then we begin the guided cruise adventure. On your water ride to the wetlands, you will see many bird and animal species. Around noon we will stop along the river for a typical Costa Rican lunch before heading back to Los Chiles to take the bus back to Arenal.

The Ultimate Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling Adventure: In the early morning, we pick you up at your hotel, and take you on an exciting 4×4 ride on a mountain road to our first ranch house. We put your gear on; give you a short safety and rappelling explanation and then a short trek on a beautiful rainforest trail to the first waterfall rappel where you will descend into to a canyon! Our 5 rappels range in heights of 13 mts. (25 ft.) to 55 mts. (165 ft.). Our Monkey Drop Zip Line is approx. 25 mts. (82 ft.) long. After rappelling down the first waterfall you will climb up the side of the canyon wall, 10 mts. (20 ft.), to a short trail. Then zip line across the canyon and rappel down from the cable 25 mts. (82 ft.) to the canyon floor again. Then continue on short trails from waterfall to waterfall through the canyon, it is like being in a National Rainforest Park! Then a short trek out of the canyon to the second ranch house where you meet up with the 4×4 vehicles and then back to our base offices for a delicious Costa Rican style lunch with a view of the famous Arenal Volcano. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Arenal at your own pace. This Activity is Family FriendlyNo Experience Necessary

ATV Countryside Adventure Tour: Your day begins with a convenient hotel pick-up, ensuring a smooth start to your thrilling experience. Upon arrival the expert guide provides you with a comprehensive safety briefing, setting the stage for an adventure of a lifetime. The excitement kicks in as we venture into the captivating surroundings that envelop the iconic Arenal Volcano. These trails immerse you in the extraordinary beauty of the volcano's landscape, allowing you to witness its grandeur up close.We then trace the natural contours of the Arenal river, adding an extra layer of tranquility and charm to our expedition. The peaceful sounds of flowing water and the lush scenery make this part of the journey truly enchanting.The journey continues as we head to the Monterrey viewpoint, a place of unparalleled natural beauty. From this elevated vantage point, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the majestic Arenal Volcano.Next, we visit the Maleku Indigenous Village, offering you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Maleku community.As the tour nears its end, we include a visit to the ecological park, featuring a short hike to the Lava Fields of Arenal Volcano. Here, you'll have the chance to learn about the volcano's history and witness the remnants of its three major eruptions. Throughout the tour, we prioritize your comfort and well-being, providing water and a selection of tropical fruits at the end of the tour. Return shared transfer back to your Arenal hotel.

Arenal Volcano Exploration by Horseback: This is a 1/2 day excursion that begins when your transfer guide picks you up at your hotel and after a short transfer takes you the stables and corals where you will meet your horses. Your guide will explain you everything about the horses and how best to ride them. He will also explain volcanoes formation and eruptions while also discovering the abundant flora and fauna found in both the primary and secondary tropical rain forest. When you ride down along the Arenal River through the rainforest, It is an ideal place in which to enjoy the abundant flora and fauna of the Arenal area including three kinds of monkeys that live in this zone, toucans, turkeys, hawks, falcons, hummingbirds, and sloths. The whole time while you ride, you will have fantastic views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. You may not know which to keep an eye on, the amazing local rainforest flora and fauna, or the active volcano towering in front of you. At the end of the trail, you will find the observation point, which offers the closest and most impressive views of the active volcano. During your exploration you will observe a great variety of plants, wildlife, magnificent geological lava rock formations and the beautiful Arenal Lake. Return to your Arenal hotel.

GO Adventure Park –Zipline Plus Adventure. After breakfast at the hotel, meet your driver in the lobby of your Arenal hotel for a shared transfer to the GO Adventure Park. to begin your adventure: Cross different levels of the canopy on nine cables for a high speed two hour journey that also allows time to observe native wildlife and the beauty of the forest from treetop platforms. You will have the opportunity to see the three kinds of monkeys that live in this zone, toucans, hummingbird, sloths, and may other rainforest inhabitants as you journey through the forest canopy, using 13 platform and 9 zip line cables to cross through the rainforest. Ther is an optional 165 ft. rappel for the most intrepid people who want to keep the adrenaline flowing, this high rappel allows you to see the impressive Canyon of the Arenal River and the extraordinary flora and fauna of the rain forest.

A short stop at the Maleku indigenous Village in the area after the rappel, allows you to experience a great Costa Rican cultural aspect. After you visit, load up on the shuttle that will take you back to the main building. Here you can use their facilities to change into your bathing suits, and you can enjoy the thermos-mineral pools of the nearby partnered resort Montaña de Fuego Hotel, after your adventure. Once finished with your hot springs soak and volcanic mud, enjoy your shared return transfer back to your Arena hotel.What to wear: Any clothes and closed shoes that can get wet. Sandals with a back strap are best but any sandals are acceptable except flip flops. What to bring: We recommend bringing sunscreen, long pants, a towel, and a swimsuit if you want to enjoy the Thermal Pools and volcanic mud.

Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue & Volunteer Center: Costa Rica contains some of the most diverse, tropical ecosystems on the planet, filled with rich wildlife that is famous around the world and Asis Wildlife Rescue Center is an organization dedicated to save and rehabilitate jungle animals that have been neglected, abandoned, or poached. Sloths, parrots, monkeys, kinkajou, and peccaries are only a few of the animals Asis Rescue Center cares for. The center also supports local, social environmental and conservation projects within the community. When visiting this rescue center, you will learn about why animal conservation is important, how it should be done, and what impact you are making while enjoying yourself with our friendly guides. Learning how to prepare food and take it to the animals to increase engagement and create fun environmentally enriching activities for them to enhance their daily routine will be the highlight of your visit.By visiting this center, you are taking part in a wonderful educational experience as you will have the opportunity to not only be near the wild animals, but also to help in their rehabilitation. At the end of this tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Don Juan Coffee & Chocolate Experience: The Don Juan coffee and chocolate experience offers you two glimpses into the most important crops for Costa Rica The coffee tour takes participants on a journey through history. You will learn the importance of coffee to the Costa Rica’s past and current economy. You will walk through the farm and factory to see how the bean becomes the rich dark liquid we all love. The famous chocolate tour is next. You will smell and taste different types of chocolate as your guide explains the cultural history behind the treat. The guide will also walk you through how the plant goes from seed to pure ground cocoa, and you get to make your very own chocolate

La Fortuna Waterfall Horseback Ride: Meet your transfer driver in the lobby of your Arenal hotel and depart to the stables, just 2 km south of La Fortuna de San Carlos, where one of your guides, will welcome you and escort you to the stable. Once there, the guide will provide safety equipment and instructions of the tour in general. Then they will pick horses according to your experience level. The ride takes about 45 minutes and is accompanied by the sounds of rainforest birds and the La Fortuna Waterfall River. It is possible, with a bit of luck, to spot toucans, monkeys, peccaries, coatis, and more. Once you arrive at the entrance of the 75 meter (246 ft) tall La Fortuna Waterfall, the horses are left behind so you can enjoy the great views from the lookout. After a short rest and some water, you will take a 20 minute walk down to the La Fortuna River — passing a suspension bridge of 20 meters (66 ft) — until you reach the bottom of the canyon. When you arrive, you can relax and swim in the cool waters of the La Fortuna River for about 30 minutes. After enjoying the refreshing waters, the walk back to the top starts; you will enjoy a snack when you return to the lookout. Once everyone is ready, you will enjoy a 25 minute horseback ride to the stables. Board your transfer vehicle which will take you back to your Arenal hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today while you are in Arenal, you may choose one activity/adventure from the list below to participate in for this day. Lunch (except ATV, Asis, Horseback, Sky Trek, & Coffee/Chocolate tour), transportation, and entrance fees are included for all activities/adventures. Please indicate your choices at booking time.

Sarapiqui Whitewater River Rafting Expedition, Class II – III, Nature Cruise on the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, The Ultimate Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling Adventure, ATV Countryside Adventure Tour, Arenal Volcano Exploration by Horseback, La Fortuna Waterfall Horseback Ride, GO Adventure Park – Zipline Plus Adventure, Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center,Don Juan Coffee & Chocolate Experience

Evening: Meet your driver at the conclusion of your volcano hike and depart to the Ecotermales Hot Springs. Guests can enjoy four hot springs pools and refresh themselves with a cold tropical drink preparedby a member of the family. Following the relaxing hot springs mineral water experience, guests can savor a homemade Costa Rican dinner (with handmade tortillas included) at the farm's main rancho, where other member of the family will make certain that your visit ends with a great meal and attentive service. Evening return to your Arenal hotel.

At the appropriate time, meet your transfer driver in the lobby of your Arenal hotel and depart via shared transfer to the GO AdventurePark. We can start with tubing first, is only 5 minutes’ drive from the main reception to the river canyon. Best things to do at the Arenal Volcano. After a 10 minutes’ walk through the forest, we arrive at the Maleku Village at the bottomof the Arenal River. Natives will perform a 20 minuteintroduction to their culture, medicine and traditions. After, we will take to tubs and hike 10 minutes till get to the river, where we will enjoy the tubing adventure and have a short briefing about security. After a short walk, we arrive at the foot of the river, where the tubing starts. Everyone gets their proper rafting “tube” and heads out to navigate through Arenal River crystal clear rapids. Afterwards we go to the changing rooms and get back to Go Adventure base to continue with the zip line tour.

Now you will enjoy 9 cables with 10 different platforms and 50mts high rappel where you can see the impressive Canyon of the Arenal River and the extraordinary flora and fauna of the rain forest. You will have the opportunity to see the three kinds of monkeys that live in this zone, toucans, hummingbird and sloths. Fly high over the canopy of the rain forest and feel what adrenaline means for nature lovers.

ACTIVITY #3 YOU CHOOSE BETWEEN: Arenal Volcano Horse Back Riding or Horseback riding to the Canyon of the Arenal River

Arenal Volcano Horse Back Riding: This tour takes place inside a private farm trough the Arenal Volcano National Park, surrounded by primary and secondary forest, living the client the opportunity to enjoy excellent panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano canyon and the rain forest. This tour is recommended for adults and children. During the journey, our specialized nature guides will give the participants on the tour important information about the different species of animals and vegetation found along the tour.With our healthy and well trained horses, best Horse in Costa Rica, then we start this incredible guided tour, from the hotel for 3 hours, crossing rivers and through the trails in the rain forest, enjoying all the views of the San Carlos plains, and the amazing lava paths of the majestic Arenal Volcano. We can see also, monkeys and birds like toucans, turkeys, hawks, falcons etc.

Horseback riding to the Canyon of the Arenal River: This tour takes place inside a private farm surrounded by primary and secondary forest, living the client the opportunity to enjoy excellent panoramic views of the canyon and the rain forest. This tour is recommended for adults and children. During the journey, our specialized nature guides will give the participants on the tour important information about the different species of animals and vegetation found along the tour. Afternoon return via shared transfer to your Arenal hotel, with the remainder of your day at leisure.

In the morning after breakfast at your Arenal hotel, meet your transfer guide for your private transfer to the Northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, to Playa Jobo home to the Dreams Las Mareas Resort in Playa El Jobo for a three night stay in (2) Tropical View Junior Suites including all-inclusive services (AI), and hotel taxes & fees. Check-in is available after 2:00 PM.

On El Jobo Beach: Dreams Las Mareas Resort is the newest vibrant beach getaway for couples, families, and singles to enjoy an escape in a privileged location. Located on an expansive palm-studded beach and surrounded by lush green mountains & jungles on Playa El Jobo in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, guests of all ages enjoy an action–packed vacation featuring watersports, land activities, and swimming pools while sunbathing or laying under a thatched palapa. Continue the fun into the evenings with live nightly entertainment, outdoor bars, and lounges, and so much more. Dreams Las Mareas features 447 luxurious suites filled with amenities for your comfort and convenience. Go far beyond the all-inclusive experience with Unlimited-Luxury, where nearly everything is included

Time slows to a sun-kissed pace today. This is your chance to fully embrace the rhythm of the beach, where every whim is catered to. Perhaps you'll start with a lazy dip in one of Dreams Las Mareas' sparkling pools, a tropical cocktail in hand. The allure of the ocean is irresistible - feel the soft sand between your toes, wade into the turquoise waters, or simply bask in the sun's warmth as gentle waves lap the shore. For the active spirits, a world of watersports awaits. Try your hand at paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.

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Today is dedicated to embracing the rhythm of pure relaxation. Unwind by the sparkling pools, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, sink your toes into the soft sand, or simply soak up the sun's warmth. Dreams Las Mareas offers a world of possibilities within its luxurious embrace. Savor delicious meals and tropical cocktails without a worry, as your all-inclusive haven takes care of every detail.

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At the appropriate time, meet your driver in the lobby of your Playa Conchal hotel for a private transfer to the Liberia International Airport to check in for your homebound flight back to the USA.

¡Gracias Amigos y Buen Viaje!