COSTA RICA HONEYMOON 9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS Visit us at www.wildland.com Itinerary Overview The wild rainforests of the Osa Peninsula and the tropical beaches of the Pacific Ocean are the perfect setting for a romantic, adventure-filled Costa Rica honeymoon. Arrive at the Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn where you will enjoy a night in the stunning Rosa Blanca Suite. A short morning flight takes you deep into the heart of the private rain forest reserve to the Lapa Rios Ecolodge, where you will stay for three nights. Arenas del Mar, an intimate beach resort ensconced in rainforest and perched on a cliff overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park, will be your next destination. Here you will find one of Costa Rica's smallest wildlife reserves protecting pristine white-sand beaches. Hike alongside resident naturalist guides on secluded trails under dense forest canopy leading to waterfalls and natural pools. Keep an eye out for macaws, toucans, monkeys, sloths and other exotic wildlife. Enjoy horseback riding on the beach, white-water rafting, learning to surf, zip-lining through the forest canopy and relaxing with a couple’s massage. Delight in romantic candlelight dinners in the rainforest or on the beach, then relax in your luxurious thatched-roof bungalow overlooking the sea. This Costa Rica luxury honeymoon is pura vida or "pure life" as they say in Costa Rica; it's the perfect beginning for blissful communion. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 San Jose Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn Rosa Blanca Suite 2 Osa Peninsula Lapa Rios Ecolodge Cottage BLD Fly to Puerto Jimenez and 4WD transfer to hotel. 3 Osa Peninsula Lapa Rios Ecolodge BLD Lapa Rios rainforest adventures. 4 Osa Peninsula Lapa Rios Ecolodge BLD Lapa Rios rainforest adventures. 5 Manuel Antonio National Park & beaches Arenas del Mar Ocean Superior room BD 6 Manuel Antonio National Park & beaches Arenas del Mar B Tour of choice. 7 Manuel Antonio National Park & beaches Arenas del Mar B Day at leisure for optional activities. 8 Manuel Antonio National Park & beaches Arenas del Mar B Day at leisure for optional activities. 9 Departure -- B Fly to San Jose; assistance for international departure. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Flight to San Jose and connection to Quepos; private oceanside dinner. Wildland Adventures | Costa Rica Honeymoon | www.wildland.com -2- Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: SAN JOSE Receive a warm Tico welcome upon arrival before taking a scenic drive to Rosa Blanca Country Inn, located just outside of San Jose. This elegant country inn offers a romantic hillside vista surrounded by rows of coffee plantations cascading down the slopes. Settle in to the romantic Rosa Blanca Suite, featuring a spiral staircase leading up to the rotunda bedroom with a canopied bed and 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. A hand-painted rain forest mural surrounds a waterfall-fed bathtub shaped like a natural pool. Overnight at Rosa Blanca Country Inn. DAY 2: LAPA RIOS IN THE OSA PENINSULA Depart on a morning flight to the remote Osa Peninsula. You will be greeted at the local airstrip and transferred in an open-air, 4-wheel drive vehicle to Lapa Rios Ecolodge, a first-class rain forest lodge in a romantic hilltop setting. Lapa Rios is a romantic destination where ocean meets rainforest. Enjoy a private stroll on the beach just a short distance from the lodge. For a longer romantic getaway, pack a picnic lunch and head to Matapalo (approximately 2 hours roundtrip). Along the way you will enjoy majestic scenery and see amazing wildlife. The splendid open-air bungalows of Lapa Rios are fully screened and include french doors leading to a private terrace with a tropical outdoor shower. The lodge includes a swimming pool overlooking the sea, a full bar, and a three-story observation catwalk where gourmet style meals are served in the open-air restaurant. All Lapa Rios onsite tours are included during your stay. Overnight in a cottage at Lapa Rios Ecolodge [BLD] DAY 3 AND 4: LAPA RIOS RAINFOREST RESERVE The 1,000 acre Lapa Rios Private Rain Forest Reserve surrounding the lodge boasts miles of uncrowded trails leading through rainforest wilderness. Enjoy the rivers, waterfalls, and natural swimming pools while keeping an eye out for amazing wildlife. Experience this magnificent ecosystem alongside a resident naturalist guide as you discover the fascinating ways that animals and plants co-exist in this complex tropical rain forest ecosystem. Explore the beach and tide pools. Be sure to sign up for hikes in the lobby. Overnight at Lapa Rios Ecolodge [BLD] DAY 5: MANUEL ANTONIO BEACH Fly from Puerto Jimenez to San Jose for a connection to Quepos, a city on the central Pacific coast. Transfer to the luxurious, award-winning boutique accommodations of Arenas del Mar, enshrouded in rainforest and situated on a bluff. Enjoy direct access to two pristine sand beaches overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park. Take in views from the private deck of your spacious guest room while listening to the sounds of the rainforest and gentle surf. Arenas del Mar is the perfect base to explore the surrounding Manuel Antonio National Park. In the evening a romantic three-course, oceanside dinner awaits you on Playitas Beach. Overnight at Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort. [BD] Wildland Adventures | Costa Rica Honeymoon | www.wildland.com -3- DAY 6 AND 7: MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK Pack your water bottle, sunscreen, and binoculars for an exciting Costa Rica eco tour exploring Manuel Antonio National Park. The biologically diverse rain forest reserve is composed of three long strands of white sand beach bordered by a wildlife-filled jungle. Be on the lookout for a slow moving sloth perched in a tree. Rustling branches above are a likely indication of howler, white-faced capuchin, and spider monkeys. A sharp eye may catch the Central American squirrel monkey, locally known as the mono titi, which is found in very few parks around the country. After lunch, return to the park for more hiking or relaxing on the beach. Naturalist guides will be available all day to escort you through the park and answer any questions you may have. At the end of the day, relax in your own private Jacuzzi or pamper yourselves with a couple’s massage. Overnight at Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort. [B] DAY 8: AT MANUEL ANTONIO Choose from several exciting activities including class II-III rafting on the Savegre River, horseback riding to the Tocori waterfalls, zip-lining through the rainforest, surfing lesson and a couple’s massage. You may also choose to relax and enjoy a romantic couple’s massage (2 activities included). Overnight at Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort. [B] Savegre River Rafting - Class II-III Rapids Considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Central America, the Savegre River offers an authentic full day adventure as you take in fantastic landscapes. Your adventure begins with an early drive south of Quepos. Travel through oil plantations, teak reforestation projects, and incredible landscapes to arrive at the river put-in. After a quick safety briefing you will maneuver the rapids of the Savegre, stopping along the way to snack on fresh fruits and cookies. After the adrenaline rush of the white water, relax and enjoy the calm water as you float down the final leg of the river. A five minute drive returns you to Silencio Lodge where an authentic Costa Rican meal will be served. After lunch a 50-minute drive takes you back to Quepos. Tocori Waterfalls Horseback Riding Enjoy learning about Costa Rica’s exotic plants and rare wildlife as you ride through the tropical jungle and private ecological reserve at Tocori. Don Gilberto and his family show you the real Costa Rica on horseback. The adventure through history and nature begins with the Quepos Indians and leads you through the changes of Manuel Antonio to the present. Enjoy learning about Costa Rica’s exotic plants and rare wildlife as you ride through the tropical jungle and private ecological reserve. Wildland Adventures | Costa Rica Honeymoon | www.wildland.com -4- Surfing Lesson Treat yourselves to a beginning, intermediate or advanced surfing class. Instructor and board are included in this adventure. Share an unforgettable experience and have fun with the one you love! Hang Ten! Titi Zip Line Canopy tour Experience an exhilarating adventure high above the jungle floor as you fly through tree tops among some of the most beautiful flora and fauna of the Costa Rican rainforest. This eco-friendly zip-line canopy tour provides a rare chance to see three different monkey species. Couple’s Massage Pamper yourselves with this relaxing and restorative therapeutic touch. Couple’s massage is a romantic way to wind down after an adventure-filled day. DAY 9: BACK TO SAN JOSE Enjoy a last minute dip in the pool before transferring to the Quepos airstrip where a twin engine charter plane will pick you up for a direct 25 minute flight to the San Jose International airport. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to take you to the terminal. [B] Note that your flight home must depart after 11:00 a.m. to allow connection between the local flight and your international departure. 2014 Prices SEASON LAND COST Low season $3,650 High Season $4,285 Peak Season CONSULT PRICE Wildland Adventures | Costa Rica Honeymoon | www.wildland.com -5- Low Season: May 1 – October 31. High Season: January 6-April 30 and November 1 – December 14. Peak Season: December 15 - January 5 Prices valid until November 19, 2014 INCLUDED SERVICES Services as specified in the itinerary above include lodging Lapa Rios onsite operated tours (your choice) Accommodations as specified Airport-hotel transfers and land transportation Local air transportation Meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Services of in-bound land operator offices for tour operations Wildland Adventures' travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES Services unless specified otherwise in the itinerary above such as international airfare Airport taxes Tips and gratuities Optional or suggested services that are on your own Insurance of any kind Personal expenses Extra beverages and alcoholic drinks Medical costs, hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in our itinerary for reasons beyond control Meals, souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary International airport departure taxes ($28) – have cash on-hand 40 LB. PER PERSON BAGGAGE WEIGHT LIMIT ON DOMESTIC FLIGHTS AND SMALL BOATS There is a 40 lb. per person baggage weight limit per person for transportation on domestic airline flights and small boat trips within your itinerary plus a 10-pound carry on (including camera equipment). The airline and boat operators enforce these limitations on your checked baggage for safety reasons. You and your small carry-on bag will be weighed separately. To comply with these requirements, we suggest that you repack only the items needed for the portion of your itinerary that includes these modes of transportation and leave other items behind in storage. If you are returning to the same San Jose area hotel, simply request to store your excess luggage at the hotel. If you are not returning to the same hotel, give your extra baggage to your transfer driver to be stored by your ground operator. Request that your luggage be brought to you upon your pick up and return transfer from the plane or boat portion of your trip. Please ask your service guide in Costa Rica if you have any additional questions regarding this policy. Wildland Adventures | Costa Rica Honeymoon | www.wildland.com -6- Accommodations ROSA BLANCA COUNTRY INN, SAN JOSE Rosa Blanca Country Inn, located in the San Jose suburb of Heredia, is an elegant bed and breakfast boutique inn offering a romantic hillside vista with rows of coffee plants cascading down the slopes. The elegant dining room contains dark hardwoods surrounded with white walls and rainforest paintings. Each secluded room is decorated in the unique Rosa Blanca style and adds to the idyllic ambiance of this inn. The master suite features a hardwood spiral staircase leading up to a rotunda bedroom with a canopied bed and wrap-around windows. The bathroom walls are painted to resemble a tropical rain forest and water cascades into a deep tub shaped like a natural pool. Exceptional cuisine is served to guests by candlelight and soothing classical music. LAPA RIOS ECOLODGE, OSA PENINSULA Lapa Rios Ecolodge offers a deluxe wilderness adventure featuring comfortable, attractive accommodations and personalized service an ocean-view rainforest reserve setting near Corcovado National Park. Lapa Rios has always been among our most highly recommended rainforest lodges in Costa Rica. Wildland Adventures was among the first ecotourism companies to work with Lapa Rios and their founders, John and Karen Lewis when they built the lodge in 1993. We enjoy a very close working relationship unparalleled by any other adventure travel company representing the awardwinning Lapa Rios resort. ARENAS DEL MAR, MANUEL ANTONIO BEACH Arenas del Mar is the quentiessential Costa Rica eco tour beachfront resort located just steps from Manuel Antonio National Park. The hotel creates a luxurious lodging experience in harmony with the surrounding rainforest. Two gourmet restaurants use seasonal tropical ingredients to blend Costa Rican recipes with international cuisine, satisfying the most discriminating palates. All rooms include spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Wildland Adventures | Costa Rica Honeymoon | www.wildland.com -7- Important information about Lapa Rios Eco-lodge All guided rainforest tours operated by Lapa Rios are included in the cost of your reservation. Some of the hikes have middle to high difficulty level. The Sustainability tour and visit to the local school (when in session) are free of charge as well. You need to sign up for these tours directly upon arrival. The Lapa Rios Ecolodge is set in the wilderness 12 miles from the office communication center. There are no phones or fax machines at the Ecolodge. Communication between the office and the Ecolodge is by marine radio for emergencies. Several trips are offered daily between the two locations to transport faxes or messages. To make a personal telephone call it would be necessary to take a 45 min taxi ride to the office. What to Bring: Guests are encouraged to bring only lightweight, casual clothing, sunscreen, a bathing suit, sturdy shoes or hiking boots with deep traction and a large beam flashlight. All in-country flights have a 40 lbs. Baggage limit / person. Additional luggage can usually be accommodated for an extra charge. Store the excess in San Jose hotel. Rainforest and Other tours: The private reserve offers thousands of species of trees, plants, over 300 bird species, insects and mammals. Using the reserve support the ongoing preservation of over 1,000 acres of tropical rainforest. A variety of educational half-day tours take you deep into the rainforest. Trips to the interior of the reserve require a staff naturalist. Professional Community Tours: Sea kayaking, botanical orchid garden, deep sea fishing, in-shore morning fishing on the gulf, on-shore fishing, 5 hour guided mangrove river and gulf boat ride, horseback riding in the jungle and along the beaches and professional massage therapy services. Tours offered are subject to professional guide availability. Gratuities at Lapa Rios Though tipping is exclusively at your discretion, industry guidelines suggested that $10 per person per day is an appropriate general tip. With the exception of nature guides, all gratuities will be divided among the entire staff. If a particular member of our staff provides you with exceptional service, you may request a special envelope from the reception and leave a tip for them individually. For your information, Costa Rican law specifies that restaurant staff automatically receives a 10% gratuity for all food and beverage purchases. You can leave all gratuities in the tip box found at the reception desk. Most guests take care of tips at the time of check-out so you don’t have to carry money with you. They can be paid in cash or credit cards). Wildland Adventures | Costa Rica Honeymoon | www.wildland.com -8- Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling 1-800-345-4453. Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn’t exactly what you’re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at 1-800-345-4453, send an email to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $300 61-90 days: Initial deposit amount 31-60 days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a 1-800-345-4453 or email info@wildland.com. We’re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary; however, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality (if upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply). All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions. Wildland Adventures | Costa Rica Honeymoon | www.wildland.com -9-