DAY 1 | ARRIVAL IN COSTA RICA
Fly from the U.S. to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. You�ll be met at the airport and taken to the lovely Hotel Ave del Paraiso, a small, quaint B&B close to the beautiful campus of the University of Costa Rica. Spend the day on your own getting to know the capital. Dining in San Jose is a special treat, with an array of restaurants; getting around by taxi is very reasonable. Retire early, though, tomorrow is a full day.
DAY 2 | PACUARE RIVER & CANYON
Begin with a local breakfast at your B&B. You will want to be dressed for rafting. Your whitewater adventure, right after breakfast, will take you down one of the world�s most exotic rivers, the Pacuare. Experience the thrill of Class III & IV whitewater rafting, as well as the exuberant beauty of the Pacuare Canyon. You will then head to the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge for lunch at the Almonds and Corals Tented Camp, your unique lodging for tonight. Its tented cabins, on stilts surrounded by a forest, sit right next to Manzanillo Beach, one of the world�s most beautiful beaches (some say in the Top Ten!). (And they all have private bathrooms.) Dinner is included; so is being woken by a group of howler monkeys! [B,L,D]
DAY 3 | ALMONDS & CORALS BEACH TENT CAMP
The Caribbean at its most beautiful is the star at Almonds and Corals. Your day will run from snorkeling the pristine reefs right offshore to hiking in Gandoca Manzanillo. The refuge is home to toucan, parrots, and more than 300 species of birds, in a range of ecosystems. All of your meals, featuring local fare, will be served seaside! [B,L,D]
DAY 4 | SELVA BANANITO LODGE & PRESERVE
Today you will transfer to Selva Bananito Lodge & Preserve, resting amidst the hidden treasures of the Talamanca Mountain Range. The day is open for a nature walk around the preserve (the exotic birds are worth the trip), or for a swim in the river. Tonight you will enjoy a fabulous feast of local foods, prepared at the lodge. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | SELVA BANANITO LODGE & PRESERVE
Today the main event is a tour of the farm on horseback; learn firsthand about the region�s low-impact agriculture. You might decide to enjoy a swim in the river, go bird watching, or simply relax in colorful hammock. Bring your appetite to dinner, because Anita or Carmen, your Costa Rican cooks, will prepare and serve you another mouth-watering meal. Don�t forget to give them a round of applause! [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | SELVA BANANITO LODGE & PRESERVE
Explore the forest with a guided hike following the Bananito River upstream, deep into the Selva Bananito Preserve. Along the way you will see ancient kapok and mahogany trees, endless lianas, amazing birds, and many species of wildlife. Stop for lunch and fruit juices by a charming waterfall, one of many along the way. The adrenaline seekers among you will not be able to resist a waterfall rappel; it�s highly recommended! But a swim behind the falls is just as nice. Then return to Selva Bananito for dinner and a rest. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | SELVA BANANITO LODGE & PRESERVE/SAN JOSE
Today, your last in Costa Rica, is the day to become one with the rainforest. After another hearty breakfast, take an adventurous horseback ride through the trees your introduction to jungle climbing. (Your guide will judge you and your children�s abilities to gauge how much adventure.) Then get to know the canopy at its most spectacular: Climb 120 feet up a giant kapok tree into this natural cathedral. If you can drag yourself away, you�ll transfer to San Jose in the afternoon. You�re on your own for the evening to get to know this capital city and its wonderful restaurants. Overnight at Hotel Ave del Paraiso or similar. [B,L]
DAY 8 | DEPARTURE
One more chance to explore San Jose (if there�s time before your flight), after a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Return home. [B]
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