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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrival, San Jose
Arrive into San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city and transfer
1½ hours north west to El Silencio Lodge.
Sitting in a cloud forest which spans 500 acres, El Silencio is deeply
immersed in nature and embraces all aspects of eco-friendly living with passion. Upon arrival, wind down and enjoy the views
of the cloud forest from your wooden deck, before enjoying an evening of
delicious food, storytelling and star gazing.
Overnight: El Silencio Lodge & Spa
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Day 2 Explore the Cloud Forest
By day there are various pursuits on offer from walking and
riding to bird watching and yoga. Spend
the morning exploring the forest’s trails; rambling through waterfalls and
streams, with hummingbirds overhead and countless other varieties of indigenous
flora and fauna. During the afternoon, slow the pace down with a private yoga
session, book into the spa for an energising treatment (specifically ask for
the Conical Room) or simply relax by the pool with a fruity cocktail and good
book.
Overnight: El Silencio Lodge & Spa
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Day 3 Arenal
Head north to the charming town of La Fortuna, framed by the massive and spectacular Arenal Volcano. Look out for the lazy sloth and prickly iguanas and prepare for some high-octane fun with white water rafting, zip wiring through the forest’s canopy, canoeing, fishing and riding, just some of the many activities on offer. Arrive at Arenal Nayara and explore its wonderful setting before dinner. Arenal Nayara comprises two resorts: Nayara Springs is suitable for adults only whilst Nayara Resort is more suitable for families.
Overnight: Arenal Nayara
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Day 4 Arenal Volcano Hike
Enjoy the most privileged views of the Arenal Volcano with a
trek along its base, through the lava-flow trails from its 1968 eruption. Absorb the powerful, yet serene atmosphere of
these wonderful surroundings, whilst enjoying the bird life and numerous animal
encounters along the way. During the
afternoon, you’ll enjoy incredible views over Lake Arenal (the hydroelectric
dam built into the lake in 1979 is responsible for nearly 12% of Costa Rica’s
electric energy) and the Monteverde mountains.
Overnight: Arenal Nayara
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Day 5 Peñas Blancas Safari
In the safe hands of your naturalist guide, take to the water on
inflatable rafts and enjoy a peaceful expedition, slowly paddling downstream
through the calm waters of Peñas Blancas River. Learn about the local wildlife
and sightings are likely to include sloths, monkeys, toucans, turtles, lizards
and crocodiles, as well as tropical birds.
Overnight: Arenal Nayara
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Day 6 Arenal to Rio Perdido
After breakfast make the 2½ hour journey north west to Rio
Perdido. Sitting in a green blanket made
up of dwarf forest and rocky canyon-filled terrain; this bone fide eco-warrior
oozes sustainability in spades.
Bungalows sit on stilts allowing the forest beneath to flourish
untouched and in the kitchen, organic home-grown ingredients are magically
transformed into delicious, honest cuisine. Fresh drinking water comes from wells and natural
springs provide a practically unlimited supply of hot water.
Overnight: Rio Perdido
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Day 7 Canyon Adventure
An adventurous, adrenaline-fuelled day playing amongst the
rainforest canopy on the swings, platforms, 90ft high bridge and zip wires, cleverly
designed by leading adventure designers.
Guaranteed to surprise and delight with a fabulous bird’s eye view of
the Rio Blanco canyon and forest’s roof.
In the afternoon head to the main pull in this 600 acre reserve, a 150ft
deep thermo-mineral gorge with eight springs ejecting 4000 gallons of hot water
every minute, for a restorative and empowering swim.
Overnight: Rio Perdido
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Day 8 Day at Leisure
Fill the day as you please, expending as little or much
energy as you wish. High octane options
include white water tubing (12yrs+), mountain biking and trekking up the
surrounding mountains for incredible views of the canyon and valleys below. For
a more relaxed slower-paced day wallow in the hot springs, cover yourself in
volcanic mud before diving into the warm river to rinse off, or book into the
spa for a Swedish massage or Aloe Vera moisturising facial.
Overnight: Rio Perdido
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Day 9 Rio Perdido to Punta Islita
Leave the rainforest behind and head to the wilds of the
Pacific coastline. The Punta Islita
Hotel, perched on a rugged mountain outpost overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is
full of authentic Costa Rican charm, rustic-colonial elegance and spectacular
natural surroundings. Upon arrival dive
into the beachside infinity pool and swim up to Harry’s Bar (ranked highly in the
world’s best view pool bars) and order the signature cocktail or a fruit
smoothie.
Overnight: Punta Islita
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Day 10 - 11 Days at Leisure
Relax and enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the Pacific Coast. Ride
horses along the beach, set off on a slow-paced scenic walk, try kayaking or maybe
a surf lesson. Go in search of the
boisterous howler monkeys, whose holler can be heard from 3 miles away or grab
your binos to enjoy the multitude of brightly coloured birdlife above. Visit
the Islita art museum and learn the secrets behind Costa Rica’s favourite
dishes with a traditional Tico cooking lesson.
Play golf, enjoy Pilates/Yoga or just de-stress with a treatment or two
in the hotel’s spa.
Overnight: Punta Islita
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Day 12 Depart San Jose
Travel back to San Jose Airport by private transfer
(regional flight available at a supplement) for your flight home.
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Depart