May 06
Time to head to Chicago so we can catch our flight bright and early tomorrow morning - Costa Rica here we come!!!
May 07
Travel from Chicago to San Jose where we will overnight at the historic Hotel Grano de Oro
<a href="http://www.hotelgranodeoro.com/index.html"> Hotel Grano de Oro </a>
May 08
Our Costa Rica Nature Adventures representative will pick us up at the hotel and we'll venture out of the city, about 2 hours to the jungle to the Pacuare River put-in including a typical Costa Rican breakfast in route. At this point we pack our belongings into dry-sacks & hold on for an exciting river rafting tour to the Pacuare Lodge where we will enjoy a three night stay at Costa Rica’s premier eco-lodge in the Puma Linda Vista suite. Gourmet candlelit dinners, optional canopy tours and pristine nature views will make this experience one of the highlights of our Costa Rican Honeymoon.
<a href="http://www.pacuarelodge.com/"> The Pacuare Lodge </a>
May 09
We’ll wake up to bird song and the soothing sound of the river nearby. Then head over to the main lodge for a delicious breakfast of home-made bread, tropical fruits, yogurt, eggs, pancakes, cereal and juice and coffee. A true eco-lodge, here we are completely surrounded by nature in its purest and most primitive state. The two-story Pacuare Lodge has comfortable, rustic dining facilities on the first floor, and sitting areas with sofas and hammocks in an open-air lounge on the second floor. Modern wooden bungalows with thatched palm roofs have been carefully designed in an indigenous style to blend into the surrounding forest. Each hides beneath giant trees that have stood guard over this forest for eons.
May 10
The lodge employs a resident naturalist guide who will provide us with unique insights into the plant and animal world. Help us choose from exciting optional tours that include guided hikes through an emerald rainforest, the Cabecar Indian tour - where visitors may participate in a cultural exchange with a shaman or the Adventure Canopy Tour – where visitors glide amid a tropical rainforest canopy.
May 11
In the morning we will depart by raft for an even more fun-filled day of white water rafting excitement, including a delicious picnic lunch along the river. At the river take-out we will have a chance to change at private facilities before being transferred by private minibus to the Arenal Volcano area. Approx. driving time 3 hours. Three nights at the Hotel Arenal Nayara in a deluxe room - a free-standing, private casita which includes a secluded garden with an outdoor shower. All casitas in at the boutique hotel offer private balconies and Jacuzzis with spectacular volcano views to make our stay the ultimate honeymoon experience.
<a href="http://www.arenalnayara.com/"> Hotel Arenal Nayara </a>
May 12
Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens is a five star luxury boutique hotel that is widely recognized for providing premium luxury amenities and ultra-personalized service. Located in the outskirts of the amazing Arenal Volcano, Arenal Nayara is an oasis of tranquility, where guests can experience a profound and organic immersion with nature, while living in luxury at the same time.
May 13
There are activities and tours for thrill-seekers as well as for those simply looking to unwind. So many options ... perhaps enjoy a safari on the Peas Blancas River where we can observe monkeys, sloths, iguanas, turtles, crocodiles, and many birds; or maybe spend a day bathing at Eco Termales Hot Springs and much more
May 14
Transfer back to San Jose where we will again overnight at the Hotel Grano de Oro an unwind before our flight home tomorrow.
May 15
Back to Chicago and, sadly, back to reality.