SAN JOSE - CITY HOTELS AND DAY TRIPS

This package allows a choice of two hotels as described below:

1. Colon Area Hotel or similar

Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, San José's main thoroughfare, this hotel is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city.

Converted from a tropical Victorian mansion, the 35-room hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. Hallways lined with period photographs and original art meander through the building and present lush tropical flower arrangements and luxuriant plants at every turn. Italian tile fountains grace intimate atriums, ensuring that one is never far from the soothing melody of falling water.

The gardens are both inside and out. A rooftop terrace offers relaxing Jacuzzis and a spot for secluded sunbathing and stargazing. Service is paramount and the perpetually smiling staff welcomes guests home time and time again.

The restaurant merges Costa Rican tropical with European cuisine under the expertise of a French-trained chef.

Once a simple café, this restaurant has evolved into one of San Jose's finest dining establishments, frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Specialty cocktails, classically presented dishes and delicious desserts are served in the charming ambiance of an intimate dining room, an adjacent sunroom and the tropical courtyard.

Friendly, bilingual waiters serve breakfast from 6:00 a.m, lunch from 11:30 a.m., and dinner from 5:30-10:00 p.m.

Rates per night in this hotel
Valid From December 15, 2007 until December 14, 2008
(Includes breakfast, and transport one way either Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport)

Beds: All Standard, Superior and most Deluxe rooms have one queen bed. If a room with two beds is required please be sure to request this. Infants under 2 - no additional charge

Standard Room Single Occupancy US$198 Extra night US$141 Double Occupancy US$129 Extra night US$71 Triple Occupancy US$114 Extra night US$54

Superior Room Single Occupancy US$237 Extra night US$168 Double Occupancy US$144 Extra night US$84 Triple Occupancy US$123 Extra night US$66

Deluxe Room Single Occupancy US$256 Extra night US$188 Double Occupancy US$154 Extra night US$95 Triple Occupancy US$131 Extra night US$72

2. Hotel Charles or similar

Located in the oldest residential section of San Jose, this 'Four Star' hotel is a small, but significant part of Costa Rica's rich heritage. Once upon a time residence for two past Presidential families, this historical hotel's warmth and charm, graciously awaits you. Enjoy Costa Rica's finest art works as you stroll through the gallery-like corridors and maze of quiet, garden & fountain settings, restaurant and Jacuzzi.

The local owners take much pride in their helpful, friendly and courteous, English speaking service, the distinct individual character found in each of thier thirty-three, comfortably appointed rooms, and their 24 hour security guard service. Near the heart of San Jose, This hotel is a fun, quiet and secure place to stay while getting to know Costa Rica. As the most recommended small hotel in the country, come see why a growing number of 'return' guests and friends all comment, "This hotel is beyond a doubt, the best hotel in all of San Jose!"

The hotel is situated in the perfect part of town. Within minutes walk of the hotel lobby, you'll discover San Jose's Zoo, the 150 year old National Liquor Factory which has been converted into the unusual National Contemporary Art Museum, the pre-Columbian Jade Museum, the National Museum, the Gold Museum, the 1920's "Metal School", built by G. Eiffel-builder of the Eiffel Tower, a variety of interesting and beautiful city parks and of course a wide selection of restaurants, casinos, nightlife and the spirit of San Jose, the hub of Costa Rica. The hotel is dedicated to serving you and making your Costa Rican holidays a most memorable experience.

Standard Room
A classic spacious room, elegantly furnished and decorated, with one or two beds, cable TV, telephone, private bathroom with hot water, safety deposit box, hair dryer and executive desk.

Includes: Continental breakfast, complimentary drink, free internet 24 hours a day, wireless internet connection, free local telephone calls, one free international call, free parking.

Superior Room
These exclusive, luxurious, spacious and distinguished rooms, well decorated in order to spoil you with the comfort you deserve. Available with king size bed or two double beds, executive desk, cable TV, safety deposit box, telephone, private bathroom with hot water and hair dryer.

Includes: Continental breakfast, complimentary drink, free internet 24 hours a day, wireless internet connection, free local telephone calls, one free international call, free parking.

Rates for night in Hotel Charles
Valid From December 15, 2008 until December 14, 2008
(Includes breakfast, and transport one way either Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport)
Infants under 2 - no charge

Standard Room Single Occupancy US$124 Extra night US$87 Double Occupancy US$78 Extra night US$55 Triple Occupancy US$62 Extra night US$43

Superior Room Single Occupancy US$138 Extra night US$101 Double Occupancy US$85 Extra night US$62 Triple Occupancy US$62 Extra night US$45

DAY TRIPS

The following day trips are available from San Jose. Choose as many as you want and stay as long as you want.

1. La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poas Volcano National Park Tour

You will view Poás Volcano from a vantage point that allows you to look into the largest volcanic crater in Costa Rica. It is currently inactive except for sulphur steam emissions so no worries. At La Paz Waterfall Gardens you will see close-up examples of the dozens of hummingbird and butterfly varieties that exist in Costa Rica as they flit through the flowers and trees. The Waterfall Gardens offers the largest butterfly garden in the world as well as a reptile display area that contains many of Costa Rica's snake varieties. You will have an opportunity to hike through one of rainiest cloud forests and see the extremely lush growth as well as a number of waterfalls cascading down jungle-clad cliffs. There are some steep stairs on the trail so there is a light to moderate level of physical activity and a low challenge factor.

Group tour:
US$87 / person (doesn't include $7 entrance fee to Poas)
Includes lunch.

Private Tour:
2 people: US$188 / person
3 people: US$148 / person
4 to 5 people: US$123 / person
(doesn't include $7 entrance fee to Poas)

2. Rainforest Canopy Tour

Full Day Tour
Adult US$104
Children under 10 years US$71
Students with ID US$71

The park is situated in a 450 hectare (1000 acres) private reserve of virgin tropical forest that borders Braulio Carrillo National Park.You will have the opportunity to access the canopy with a pulley system that does not harm any of the surrounding trees and lets you pass into the canopy with a minimum of physical effort, and enjoy the view. Gondolas hang from reinforced steel cables and move along a 1.6 kilometre circuit through the canopy. There are 20 cars strung 150 feet apart. You will see all the different layers of the rainforest, from the floor to the treetops. The area is home to an enormous amount of flora and fauna. Eager to find light and space, many plants have colonized the treetops, turning them into small, independently functioning ecosystems.

The 2,600 meter ride takes about 80 minutes. On the outbound trip, gondolas travel through the lower and intermediate levels of the rain forest. On the way back, you will experience an exciting trip through the upper levels of the rainforest.

Includes:

• Gondola Tour
• Round Trip Transportation from San Jose
• Lunch
• Multimedia Presentation
• 45 minutes rainforest walk with a naturalist guide
• Unsurpassed rainforest views
• Interesting information about the local nature
• Pathways leading into the forest for nature walks or hiking

3. White Water River Rafting
Pacuare River, San Martin to Siquirres. Class III-IV rapids

The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. This quintessential tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids.

Located on Costa Rica's Atlantic slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca mountain range, home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife.

After an early morning pickup from your San José hotel, you will drive by private, comfortable bus to our Operations Center for a delicious, typical Costa Rican breakfast. After changing comfortably into your swim gear we will drive to our private put-in. At our put-in the safety talk, equipment fitting and familiarization are done before embarking on the best rafting the country has to offer. You will be ready to raft 14 miles deep into the heart of densely vegetated gorges, past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids, in one of Costa Rica's most impressive primary rainforests.

After an adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montanas and many more, we finish with a short drive back to our operations centre for a hearty and delicious lunch, showers, optional drinks and souvenir store. On the return drive to San José, you'll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano. This unforgettable trip will easily be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica!

1 Day US$114.00/Person

Included:

• Professional bilingual guides
• rafting equipment
• breakfast
• hot lunch
• our operations center with comfortable open dining area and spacious changing rooms and showers.

Who can go? Anyone in normal healthy physical condition. Swimming experience is required. Min. age: 14-years-old.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Class III rafting: Rapids with high irregular waves; narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering.

Class IV rafting: Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters.

Rafting Distance: 14 miles

River time: From 3-1/2 to 5 hours - depending on water level.

Recommended gear:

• Rubber-soled shoes that can get wet (Tevas, tennis shoes, booties or similar)
• Swimsuit / swim trunks; t-shirt and shorts of a quick-drying material
• Waterproof sunscreen lotion (SPF 15 or higher)
• Sun hat or bandana
• Croakies or straps to secure glasses
• Clothing Change including shoes for after your Rafting Tour
• Towel

4. One Day Costa Rica Highlights Tour

On your way to Poás Volcano National Park travel past country towns and highland forests, stopping for breakfast at the beautiful Siempre Verde coffee plantation surrounded by tropical gardens and breathtaking views.

At the coffee farm sample Costa Rica's award winning Tres Generaciones Coffee and take a relaxing tour through some of the most fertile farmlands in Central America as your guide explains "hands on" the coffee growing process.

On the cool summit of the Poas Volcano at 2500 mts. (8200 ft.) walk through an exuberant, primeval cloud forest, laden with epyphites, moss, giant leaves, tree ferns, elfin forests, hummingbirds and colorful blossoms.

After a short walk through the forest, witness one of the largest most spectacular active craters in the world, with its awesome variety of colors, surrounded by lush vegetation and treasuring a steaming, sulfur lagoon at its center.

Continue on a lovely route past high volcanic edifices, through deep canyons, jungles and streams, stopping for photos at the beautiful La Paz Waterfall followed by a coffee break at a Hummingbird Gallery overlooking the impressive 250 ft. high San Fernando Waterfall.

On the Caribbean Plain experience an entirely different world of warm tropical weather and vegetation, driving past colorful little towns, cacao and banana plantations, pineapple fields and brahma bull ranches, taking plenty of time to enjoy the scenery along the way.

Enter an entirely different world of warm tropical weather and vegetation when you stop for lunch at Selva Verde Lodge, one of the most beautiful rainforest lodges in Costa Rica where you'll be treated to a delicious "buffet in the jungle" in their restaurant on the banks of the Sarapiquí River.

After lunch, join our naturalist guide for a short but enlightening walk through the rainforest trails or relax and spend some time on your own surrounded by exuberant vegetation and the timeless sounds of the tropical rainforest.

Later board a comfortable covered boat and gently float down the beautiful Sarapiquí River on the lookout for iguanas, monkeys, crocodiles, sloths and colorful birds while intimately experiencing the biological diversity of the rainforest that thrives along the banks of the river.

During the jungle cruise, also get a glimpse at the way of life of the Costa Ricans in this remote area near Nicaragua as you drift past picturesque jungle homes, dugout canoes, banana plantations or children playing along the banks of the river.

Return to San José through the heart of Braulio Carrillo National Park, a protected area of more than 500 square kms. of towering mountains and virgin tropical rainforests, traveling along one of the most spectacular jungle roads of Costa Rica

Adults: US$ 98 p/person
Children (5 to 11) : US$59 p/child
Children 4 years and under are free

Bring: Light jacket, raingear and binoculars

Includes:

• Breakfast and Coffee Tour
  
• Poás Volcano and Cloud Forest
  
• Waterfalls and Hummingbird Gallery
  
• Lunch and free time at Selva Verde Jungle Lodge
  
• Sarapiqui Jungle River Cruise
  
• Drive back through Braulio Carrillo National Park