GoPhilanthropic

Costa Rica Luxury...You can feel Good about

Day 1

Welcome to Costa Rica! As soon as you step off the aircraft you will be met by one of our representatives. From the airport you will be privately transported to the Xandari Resort--a tropical paradise of 22 individually designed villas nestled on a 40 acre plantation overlooking the Central Valley of Costa Rica, and only 20 minutes from the San Jose International Airport. After your arrival, check in and overnight at your hotel.

Day 2

Following a delicious breakfast, you will be privately transferred to the Bajos del Toro area and the luxurious El Silencia Lodge & Spa. El Silencio Lodge & Spa is a planet-friendly sanctuary for soft adventure and inspired wellness. Silencio, Spanish for “silence”, is befitting of a destination where daily stress is hushed and the sounds of nature blooming. El Silencio Lodge & Spa has been selected by the editors of both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as one of 2008’S most exciting new hotels in the world.

Day 3

This morning you will enjoy a guided walk through the hotels private reserve trails. Here a personal Eco-Concierge will guide you along spectacular hiking trails, through the forest and past hidden waterfalls to discover exuberant flora and wildlife…perhaps even the mystical Quetzal Bird. Nearby activities include horseback riding, river rafting, mountain biking, and canopy zip-lining. In the afternoon, invigorate yourself with a massage at the spa. A river-trimmed 3000 ft2 Spa features five unique pampering ambiances, including el Silencio's Conical Room, a singular design structure with an apex that channels the energy of the surrounding forest. Relaxing shades of green, the crystalline sound of flowing water, and fresh and organic ingredients are the signature elements of El Silencio’s spa treatments. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 4

Today you will spend the morning searching for hidden waterfalls. The afternoon is yours to relax and continue exploration on your own. El Silencio Lodge & Spa fosters symbiosis with its neighboring communities and ecosystem.

Day 5

Very early this morning, return transfer to San Jose for your Nature Air domestic flight to Islita. Upon arrival at Islita local airstrip, transfer to the Hotel Punta Islita. Inlaid in a pristine outpost of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste, Hotel Punta Islita interweaves nature, community, and art in a colorful tapestry that cascades from the summit unto the intimate cove and namesake islet at the far end of the beach. Apart from receiving award after prestigious award, Hotel Punta Islita has pioneered a Responsible Tourism program that encourages the preservation of local cultures and rational use of natural resources. Community, Art, Responsibility and Environment, are underpinnings of the “We Care” Punta Islita Model, and are pivotal to the Hotel«s unique charm and character. Remainder of the day to explore the beaches and nearby villages.

Day 6

Today is yours to continue discovering Costa Rica on your own. Hotel Punta Islita is a secluded paradise of spectacular ocean views, charming luxury, and exciting activities such as zip-lining, jungle trekking, and monkey safaris. Islita’s awe-inspiring natural setting and proximity to unspoiled Costa Rican villages provide ideal opportunities to explore idyllic landscapes and experience authentic Guanacaste lifestyles.

Day 7

Savor breakfast and enjoy a morning at leisure. In the afternoon transfer to Islita airstrip for the domestic flight back to San Jose where you will connect with the domestic flight to Quepos, on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. Quepos is a tropical inlet enveloped by primary rainforest, and one of the lushest destinations in Costa Rica with its white-gray sand beaches fringed by thickly forested green hills. The town of Quepos is an inviting combination of hotels, art galleries, bars and restaurants. Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated nature reserves, brimming with monkeys, parrots, three-toed sloths and rare plant and animal species. Overnight near Manuel Antonio at the Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort. This incomparable Costa Rican hotel was designed and built with an ambitious combination of deluxe accommodations coupled with the highest level of certified sustainability.

This Manuel Antonio resort caters to travelers who are looking for more than just another high end resort experience. Arenas Del Mar Hotel offers an experience in harmony with Costa Rica's nature in a spectacular beach and rainforest setting. Arenas Del Mar minimizes the impact on the surrounding nature, while maximizing the positive economic impact on the local community through employment and support for schools and Costa Rican culture.

Day 8

Today, you will be awakened by the sounds of the tropical jungle. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, followed by a white water rafting tour on the Savegre River. Due to its diversity, the Savegre River Valley is currently a scientific research center. Along the way you will be astounded by the awesome canyons, waterfalls, and primary rainforest of Costa Rica. The Savegre River is a magnificent stretch of white-water that begins its course by winding out of a sparsely inhabited valley in the mountains. At the lower Savegre the white-water rapids are exciting, but not so demanding that you won't have time to enjoy the spectacular tropical scenery. This is one of the most pristine rivers in the country, and is surrounded by impressive views of the primary rainforest. Lurking just behind the shroud of lush foliage, you will find a number of truly magnificent waterfalls of the Savegre's tributaries. Here you will have the opportunity to visit a waterfall and get to explore the natural swimming pools in the area surrounded by blooming heliconias. The afternoon will be yours at leisure. Overnight at Arenas del Mar.

Day 9

Early in the morning, enjoy the charms of Manuel Antonio National Park, with its striking white-sand beaches, clear tranquil waters and abundant wildlife. Though the highlights of this park are its two white sand beaches where you’ll have time to swim - Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio - it also protects coastal rain forest, a mangrove swamp, coral formations and 12 islands that serve as seabird sanctuaries. Your private guide will teach you about the park's distinctive plant life and point out some of the resident fauna, which include 109 mammal species, such as 3 species of monkeys, agouti, three-toed sloth and 184 species of birds. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the many amenities offered by this resort. Overnight at Arenas del Mar.

Day 10

Transfer from the hotel to Juan Santamaria International airport on time for the International flight. End of services.

Or

Choose to extend your trip to include a stay at the renowned luxury ecolodge - Lapa Rios

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the local airport for the domestic flight to Puerto Jimenez. After the arrival, transfer to the Lapa Rios Lodge. Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, making it the destination that matches every one's idea of paradise. Lapa Rios is built in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment. The main lodge and bungalows line three ridges connected by walking paths and steps. Built over 350 feet above the sea, Lapa Rios catches the cooling tropical breezes. The main lodge, housing the restaurant and bar, soars 50 feet and is built of local, natural materials. Palm thatched roofs meet a three-story hardwood circular stairway. Climb to overlook the rainforest canopy and breathtaking ocean vistas. Comfortable, locally made bamboo furniture adds to relaxation in this tranquil panorama of nature. Lapa Rios Ecolodge is more than just a beautiful rainforest hotel or eco resort next to the beach. Lapa Rios is a model Ecotourism project that strives to show that “a forest left standing is worth more than one cut down”. Besides winning awards from Conde Naste Traveler and being featured in many international publications, Lapa Rios is a pioneer in sustainable tourism employing only people from the local community and being committed to environmentally sound practices. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Days 11 & 12

During these two days, the mornings will be yours to join activities organized by the Lodge. Activities at Lapa Rios are focused around the rainforest and the nearby Ocean. Rainforest hikes, bird watching, Ocean Kayaking, horseback riding, catch and release sport fishing and surfing are some of the activities offered. Furthermore, guests can take massages, participate in Yoga classes, relax at the pool with a tropical cocktail or just take a nap in a hammock and maybe observe the birds, monkeys and other animals that come by. For many guests, the highlight is a tour to Corcovado National Park by plane or a night camping in the jungle. Overnight at the Lapa Rios Lodge.

Day 13

This will be your last morning immersed in the rainforest. Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your return flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, you will return to the Xandari Resort for your final night in Costa Rica.

Day 14

Transfer from the hotel to Juan Santamaria International airport on time for the International flight. End of services.