Dr. Cruz Costa Rica Adventure

Day 1 ------ Arrive & Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire)

Today your private naturalist guide and driver will meet you outside of the airport and we'll make our way through the capital city of San Jose to the valley of Turrialba. Turrialba is known for its beautiful rivers and smoking volcano. You will be staying in the Casa Turire Hotel which is a small hotel with spectacular views of the smoke stack from the Turrialba Volcano. This will be a full day of travel and we want everyone to have a good night's rest for the upcoming week of adventure. (Meals: None)

Could be you Dr. Cruz!

Day 2 ------ Pacuare River & Village Visit (Casa Turire)

Today we will start the week off with our most exciting adventure. The Pacuare River is listed as one of the top five rivers on the planet for it's scenery by National Geographic. In our opinion it is a must see when it comes to visiting Costa Rica. Our guides are some of the best in the country and will get you down safely and take good care of the 10 year old! You took care of my dad Dr Cruz and we will take care of the kids in the raft!  The day of rafting is filled with waterfalls that fall into the river, hikes to different pools, and a delicious lunch on the banks prepared by your CRR river guides.

After rafting we will make the short drive back to Casa Turire and relax the muscles a bit. In the evening we plan on taking you to a nearby village and giving you a chance to experience the local cuisine, song, and dance. This is village that is like family to our company and many of our river guides live here and their families love it when we can pass by with some guests for a visit. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Rappeling Waterfalls you cant do in Ocala!

Day 3 ------ Enter Cave (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

We will spend the better half of the morning traveling through Costa Rica's most scenic highway. We'll be driving on the ridge that runs through the center of the country. At the highest parts, about 10,000ft, you can usually view both the Pacific and the Caribbean from the same spot. Our final destination is what we consider one of Costa Rica's best kept secrets. The area you will be visiting is like a lost world of waterfalls. This is the day where everyone will be challenged a little by a 1.5 hour hike. But if you can run four miles then you should not have a problem. Although the hills here are a little more intense than in Ocala. During the hike we will tour an organic garden (where most of the fruits & veggies you'll eat today are grown) and then continue to where we will be spending the night. In this cavern we will be sleeping behind three different majestic waterfalls. This is an experience that few ever get to have and it is a real memory-maker for a family to have. It is camping, but not roughing it by any means. There is a kitchen set up, private bathrooms & showers, and amazing food will be prepared for you. Don't get me wrong this will not be your "fancy" night but it really is pretty comfortable for the area you will be in. Most people are just dumb-founded by the beauty it offers so that everything else is irrelevant. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ------ Rappel & Drive to Rafiki Lodge  (Rafiki Lodge)

Today we will rappel the very same waterfalls we slept behind. We will be walking off the edge of these 130ft waterfalls as we make our way down with ropes. The sport of rappelling is pretty simple and to be able to do it on such beautiful waterfalls makes it one of the best experiences of the week. 

After the rappel we will walk to the top of the tallest waterall in Costa Rica. This is a 600ft waterfall called Diamante Falls and we will be at the top of it looking out over the coastal ridges with astonishing views of the Pacific. After a day of fun in the land of waterfalls we will make our way to the Rafiki Lodge which is one of my favorites because of its unique set up (as if sleeping behind a waterfall was not unique) and super fast waterslide! We also like to talk to the kids about the conservation here as it is an area where there's a big effort to protect the Bairds Tapir. It's also just a fun environment to spend the evening.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ------- Travel to Manuel Antonio (Arenas del Mar)

After a nice leisure morning of relaxing in a very beautiful lodge setting we will get ready to make the short drive to the luxurious Arenas del Mar Hotel. This is a spot that you will absolutely love and chances are Mrs. Cruz will love you for it! The Arenas del Mar is a small hotel with spectacular views of the Pacific and a perfect spot to end this adventurous and educational trip. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 ------- Nature Hike Manuel Antonio (Arenas del Mar)

Today we will visit one of Costa Rica's most scenic national parks which is filled with wildlife. This is a bit of a more touristy area than the previous five days but a nice mix to see what has attracted all the people and that is the beauty of the rainforest filled with wildlife that runs along white sandy beaches. 

The afternoon can be spent at the hotel or relaxing on the different beaches in the park or area. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 ------- Surf Classes (Arenas del Mar)

Most kids that come to Costa Rica like to go home with the story that they were able to catch some waves in Costa Rica. The waves at Manuel Antonio are perfect for learning how to surf and today we will spend the afternoon learning to catch some waves to give them the bragging rights to sign that next Quicksilver contract! (Meals: Breakfast)


Day 8 ------ Fly Home!

Today we will make the two hour drive back to the San Jose Airport (SJO) and get ready for your round-two trip to Costa Rica! There's still lots more of this beautiful country to see and experience. PURA VIDA! (Meals: Breakfast)

Soha 11-Day Itin

Day 1 --- Arrive & Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire)

After a long travel day we will continue two more hours through the capital city of San Jose and head southeast to the area of Turrialba. The final destination will be the beautiful Casa Turire Hotel and not all rooms have A/C so we will make sure you get the upgrade for A/C rooms.

Day 2 --- Sleep In and Nearby Sites (Casa Turire)

Today you can sleep in and we can make it a low-impact day. After a leisure morning we can take you to the nearby mountains to visit a local rural village. You can enjoy a meal, meet some of the families, and watch some of the local dance as the children's dance group puts on a performance for you. We can also and visit coffee and sugar-cane plantations and then in the evening back to the hotel to rest up for some real adventure.

Day 3 --- Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare Lodge)

Today we will enter the Pacuare River for your Costa Rican Resource private river trip. This is a great adventure for all ages starting at La Cruz and making our way to the Pacuare Lodge. We will leave the hotel around 9am and arrive to La Cruz around 10am to begin our rafting adventure. Here we will raft for two hours and then stop on the river bank and prepare a lunch for you that is second to none. We'll continue rafting for another 40 minutes and get to the luxurious Pacuare Lodge. Here you will have the afternoon to enjoy the lodge and relax next to the banks of the picturesque Pacuare.

Day 4 --- Raft Pacuare River & Drive to Arenal (Nayara Resort)

Today is your day of full whitewater rafting adventure. We will visit some class III & IV rapids. If the river is running too high we will have the option to send the little ones out by car. Chances are we will be able to run it and get everyone down with a fun safe adventure. After the river we will make our way to the Arenal Volcano and a very fine hotel. the Nayara. The drive after the rafting is a long one but it is relatively straight and not many curves. The drive will take four hours from where we take out on the river to arrive at Nayara. We'll get to Nayara about 5pm.

Day 5 --- Nature Reserve & La Fortuna Waterfall (Nayara Resort)

Today you will wake up and enjoy the views of the Arenal Volcano while eating breakfast. We will drive to the Danaus Nature Reserve around 8am. The reserve is easy hiking and offers you the chance to see a lot of wildlife. We'll tour for about 2 hours with your naturalist guide. You actually walk less than 2 km because your guide makes it very interesting, stopping to see hummingbirds, butterflies, poisonous dart frogs, sloths, and monkeys and much more!

After the reserve we will get some lunch in the town of La Fortuna and give you some time to walk around town. Then we'll head over to the La Fortuna Waterfall where you can hike down the 500 stairs to one of Costa Rica's most beautiful waterfalls. We will be done around 4pm and head back to Nayara. If you would like we can take you out for dinner in the many different places to eat around town or you can have a delicious meal at Nayara.

The driving distances today are all within 20 minutes of the hotel.

Day 6 --- Canyoneering w/Pure Trek & Hotsprings (Nayara)

Today is a great day of fun and adventure. You will be getting wet from start to finish and it is a great practice for the more adventurous rappel you will be doing on Day 9. The canyon is filled with beautiful scenery and adventure for all ages.

Today you will be driving 35 minutes from Nayara for the morning canyoning trip and back in the afternoon with time to be at the hotsprings by 5pm.

Day 7 --- Zipline & Travel Manuel Antonio (Arenas del Mar)

Today is a long travel day so I thought we could split it up with some ziplining. You mentioned you wanted tarzan swing and I know the perfect zipline for ALL AGES! The best part about this is that it offers a superman zip at the end. This means they strap you in so you are hanging facing down like superman. Along with the superman they have the tarzan swing also. The drive to the zipline is two hours from Nayara. After the zipline we will have another 2 hours of driving to the Arenas del Mar hotel in Manuel Antonio. We will get an early start today and arrive to Arenas del Mar around dinner time. If you would like we can use a flight today which is a really nice option to have and cuts down a lot on drive time. We could put the zipline on day 5 making that a full day.

Day 8 --- Surf Lessons & Enjoy Beach (Arenas del Mar)

Today are the surf lessons. Just steps away from the hotel you will get private lessons on how to catch some waves and then you'll have all the time your heart desires to perfect your skills. In the afternoon you can enjoy the ocean or relax at the Arenal del Mar which is not a bad option.

Day 9 --- Rappel Nauyaca/Baru Waterfall (Arenas del Mar)

Today you will get to visit what we consider one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of the America's. It is also a rappel that is second to none! This is a full day of fun and adventure and if you would like we can rappel down the waterfall and you can horseback out!

Manuel Antonio 

The drive time to the waterfall from the hotel is 1  hour and 15 minutes south on the coastal highway. This tour is operated by your CRR adventure guides and is completely private.

Day 10 --- Relax Beach Day (Arenas del Mar)

I went ahead and added a day here just because I think it would fit nicely having a day to relax but this is your call. Let me know?

Day 11 --- Fly Home!

We will transfer you to the airport which is just a two hour drive to the San Jose Airport.

Dec 20th - Dec. 26th Costa Rica Adventure

Dec 20 - Arrive and Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire Hotel)

Today your private guide and naturalist guide will meet you outside of the San Jose airport. You will make the drive through the capital city of San Jose and make your way to the Turrialba valley passing Costa Rica's tallest volcano of Irazu and it's most active at the moment, the Turrialba Volcano. When you arrive to the Casa Turire which is one of my favorite hotels you will have excellent views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano & be located on a lake surrounded by lush green mountains. (Meals: None)

Dec 21 - Raft Pacuare River (Casa Turire Hotel)

Pacuare River

The Casa Turire Hotel is located just 20 minutes from where you will start the Pacuare River rafting adventure. The Pacuare River is one of the top 3 most scenic rivers on the planet according to National Geographic and we operate our own rafting tours. We enjoy getting to the river early to beat the other companies. This is a day full of fun and adventure rafting class III & IV rapids. The scenery is absolutely breath-taking as you make your way through virgin tropical rainforest from start to finish. The three hour run is filled with rock canyons and a countless amount of waterfalls that drop into the river from the canyon walls. Your CRR river guides will prepare a river lunch for you that will rival any lunch you have ever seen as they pull together a spread in the middle of the jungle.

Smoking Turrialba Volcano behind Casa Turire

In the afternoon we will take you back to the hotel where you will have the chance to relax at this beautiful hotel and enjoy the pool, walk around the grounds, or just sit and relax with a view of the volcano. For dinner we will have the option of taking you up into the nearby mountains where we will visit a local family and enjoy dinner with the locals. This is a chance to see the real Costa Rica and be among some of the nicest people as they host us for an excellent meal. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Dec 22 - Drive to Pacific Coast (Cuna del Angel)

Today we will leave after breakfast and make the most scenic possible drive in all of Costa Rica. We will be driving on a highway that is referred to as the spine of the country. This highway gets up to 11,000ft with phenomenal views of the Caribbean coast and Pacific coast from the same spot. We will visit unique ecosystems such as the cloud-forest and even a more unique ecosystem called the Paramo when we get to the highest elevation. 

Our final destination will be the small boutique hotel of Cuna del Angel on the Pacific Coast. This is a great place with outstanding food. (Meals: Breakfast)

Dec 23 - Zipline Tour & Visit Beach  (Cuna de Angel)

After breakfast today we will make the short drive to the Zipline tour. This is one of our favorite ziplines in the country and you get incredible views of the Pacific Coastline from 1,000ft above sea-level on a ridge that feels just a few hundred yards from the coast. This makes for perfect terrain for zipping through the jungle while having expanding views of almost the entire pacific Costa of Costa Rica.

In the afternoon you will have the chance to visit one of the many nearby beaches and enjoy some time in the sand. (Meals: Breakfast)

Dec 24 - Rappel Nauyaca Waterfall (Cuna del Angel)

One of our favorite adventures in all of Costa Rica is without a doubt rappeling the beautiful Nauyaca Waterfall. This is a fall that is not only considered on of the most beautiful in all of the America's but also easy access great for rappeling. Today your adventure skills will be brought to an entirely new level as make the rappel off this 160ft waterfall. It is a half day of rappeling, hiking, and swimming in majestic pools with a river lunch at the top of the falls.

In the afternoon we will have more time at the beach. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Dec 25 - Drive to San Jose  & Visit Manuel Antonio National Park  (Grano de Oro Hotel)

Manuel Antonio National Park

Today we will make the drive back to the Central Valley. We will be only 3 hours from the San Jose Airport and we can spend the majority of the day at the beach visiting some of the different sites back to San Jose. One of the most spectacular sites is the Manuel Antonio National Park. It is a touristy area but we like making the visit to see the park. You will have a chance to walk through with your naturalist guide and see the many different species of monkeys.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Dec 26 - Fly Home!

Today we will catch you flight Home!

Amy Itin 2013 March

Manuel Antonio National Park

Day 1 ---- Arrive & Drive to Manuel Antonio (Si Como No)

Today we will meet you outside the airport and your private guide and driver will take you to the Central Pacific. Here you will be staying at the Si Como No Resort which has breathtaking views of the Pacific. It is also great access to and from the National Park and since you will only be here two days it fits well for the itin. You will arrive just before lunch and your naturalist guide will inform you on the many interesting things along the way about the transition from tropical dry to tropical wet forest, where to see the famous scarlet macaws, and many other amazing facts about this small country of Costa Rica. (Meals: None)

Day 2 ---- Hike National Park (Si Como No)

Waking up in the Cave

Today you will get an early start after breakfast and make your way to the national park. Your naturalist guide will have the chance to show you many different species of flor & fauna. This is a great hike and a chance to visit some of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. In the afternoon you will have the option for surf classes if the kids are interested. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 ---- Hike to Cave & Rappel Waterfall (Sleep behind Waterfall)

The Rappel

Today we will make the drive south and ride on a dirt road for 15 minutes where we arrive to the hiking point for the next great adventure. This is truly one of the most beautiful places in all of Costa Rica. We will begin the hike around 9am and arrive to the top around 11am. Here we will have some lunch and enjoy live of living behind a waterfall. After lunch we will rappel a 120ft waterfall and get the adrenaline pumping! Then once we conquer the rappel we will make the short hike to the top of a 600ft waterfall where we will can watch the sunset over the Pacific from the top of the coastal mountain range. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ---- Leave Cueva (Casa Turire)

Today we will visit one more waterfall in the land of waterfalls and jump off the 15 edge into a beautiful pool if everyone is up for it. After lunch we will be hiking out and make our way over Costa Rica's tallest mountain range and then drop down into the valley of Turrialba. Here you will be staying at the Casa Turire Hotel where you will have views of the erupting Turrialba Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ---- Enter Pacuare (Pacuare Camp)

Pacuare River

Voted as one of the top scenic rivers on the planet by National Geographic the Pacuare River is our favorite adventure in all of Costa Rica. We like it so much we thought we would offer a two day adventure of sleeping in the middle of the primary rainforest for the night. Day 1 of rafting will be around 3 hours on the river with a river lunch prepared. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 ---- Leave Pacuare (Arenal)

Today is the big rapids where you will enjoy rafting down the famous canyon that is the most scenic and adventurous of the river. Because it is during March the river is running low which makes the rapids small enough to bring the little ones on but it also makes for the most scenic time of the year for the river because it is running crystal clear. In the afternoon we will make our way to the Arenal Volcano where you will have the chance to have breathtaking views of the perfectly cone-shaped volcano of Arenal from your rooms at the Manoa Resort. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 ---- Zipline & Danaus (Arenal)

One of our favorite days is the zipline and Danaus Reserve. Here you will be ending with some of the best of Costa Rica. There are over 70 ziplines in the country and this is still by far our favorite. It has great views of the Arenal Volcano and the Lake and also is covered in primary forest running cables 700ft high!!! After the zipline adventure we will make our way to Danaus Reserve which will give the kids a chance to see and hold different species of frogs, spiders, and more as your naturalist guide walks you around finding different critters to keep you educated on the biodiversity of Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast)

Seeing & Feeling Nature

Day 8 ---- Fly Home!

Today we will make the drive to the San Jose airport and because of your flight time you will have plenty of time. (Meals: Breakfast)

Arenal Volcano, Pacuare River, & Caribbean Beaches

Arenal Family Shot

Day 1 ------- Arrive and Travel to Casa Luna Lodge (Casa Luna Lodge or Manoa Resort)

Today we will meet you outside the airport where your private guide and driver will take you through the San Lorenzo Cloudforest and then drop down to the northern lowlands. Your final destination will be the perfectly cone-shaped volcano of Arenal. Here you will have the option of staying in the Casa Luna Lodge or a very small upgrade to the Manoa Resort. These are both beautiful 3 almost 4 Star hotels with excellent views of the volcano. (Meals: None)

Day 2 ------- Zipline & Hotsprings (Casa Luna Lodge or Manoa Resort)

Let the adventure begin! With over 70 different ziplines in the country you will have the chance to zip on SkyTrek, the one I still consider the best. The views of the volcano and the nearby lake make for a very scenic trip. The 700ft high cables and the 1km long cables make for a very adventurous ride as you can imagine. After the zipline we will take you into the town of La Fortuna to one of our favorite places for lunch and then in the evening you will relax at the Hotsprings of The Springs Resort. This is the best view of the voclano you will find and not to mention a great evening to relax in the thermal waters and enjoy a 5-Star dinner. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 3 ------- Travel to Turrialba (Casa Turire Hotel)


Today after breakfast we will travel to the area of Turrialba. You will be staying in one of my favorite hotels in all of Costa Rica called Casa Turire. This is a beautiful hotel on a lake surrounded by mountains and the smoking Turrialba Volcano. Here we will be situated in a perfect area to enjoy some of Costa Rica's most scenic and adventurous rivers. (Meals: Breakfast)

Duckie Adventure

Day 4 ------- Raft Duckies in Pejibaye River (Casa Turire Hotel)

Get ready for some adventure as we give you your own paddle and your own duckie. We are going to be paddling down the Pejibaye River which is a small class II river that is very scenic and perfect for the sport of steering your own duckie. After a morning on the river we will head up to a local village where you can enjoy a homemade Tico meal prepared by families from the village and we can even show you some of the local dance. The afternoon will be spent relaxing back in the hot tub or pools of the Casa Turire Hotel. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Plenty of Waterfalls

Day 5 ------- Raft Pacuare River & Travel to Caribbean Beach (Almonds & Corals or Shawandha)


Today after breakfast we'll head to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Before we make the two hour drive to the Caribbean we will be rafting what National Geographic has listed as one of the top five most scenic rivers on the planet. The Pacuare River is a true gem with virgin tropical rainforest waterfalls and canyons from start to finish. After we pass through the port city of Limon you will be delighted to find some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica and laid back island atmoshpere that will make you want to give up your job and stay. When we arrive to the Caribbean you will have the option to stay in the Shawandha or the Almonds and Corals Ecolodge. Both are beautiful places to spend a few days. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)


Day 6 ------- Snorkel & Beach Day (Almonds & Corals or Shawandha)


Costa Rica often does not get the credit for having good snorkeling. One of the best parts about snorkeling in Costa Rica on the Caribbean side is that you can just walk from the beach and enjoy the snorkeling. We will visiting an area called Punta Uva where you will can do some good snorkeling. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 ------- Beach Day (Almonds & Corals or Shawandha)


Today is your day to relax on the beach. This day can be filled with other activities like surf lessons or a walk down one of my favorite beaches to see sloths, monkeys, and even a little cave. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 ------- Fly Home!


This is a three hour drive back to the San Jose airport so depending on your flight time we will be making the drive back early or on day 7 and staying closer to the airport. (Meals: Breakfast)

Costa Rica Corporate Travel

I would rather be Rafting Pacuare River

When Costa Rica is mentioned you think more of an ecotourism, family adventure, beautiful beach type destination. One thing that does not come to mind is getting off the plane in a suit and tie and jumping into some adventurous business planning.

With the recent infrastructure or hotels in the San Jose area, Costa Rica is looking to market another branch of Tourism. The market in Costa Rica back in the 70's was surfers searching for the great waves on the Pacific and Scientist for the Monteverde Cloudforest and lowland tropical rainforest. It slowly over the years changed to an ecotourism destination when companies started setting up adventure and tour companies to come see some of the many natural wonders in Costa Rica much of which my company offers today. 

With 50 years of no army and heavy education and a focus on health care Costa Rica developed in to one of the most educated countries with the best healthcare in the region. It was just a few years ago that a new tourism market burst on the scene and that was medical tourism in Costa Rica. Many of the private hospitals, doctors, and hotels in the central valley of San Jose area have opened it's doors to the industry of Medical Tourism working together making it a growing industry every year.

The most recent market to come on the scene is Corporate Tourism and is a market that should not be overlooked by tour operators and hotels. It is becoming so big that some hotels are in the process of being built just for the Corporate Market. It is exciting and you might start seeing some guys with suits and ties rafting some of Costa Rica's rivers during their corporate travels. You just better remind them so they don't forget that their Crackberry's are not waterproof.

Costa Rican Resource

Families - www.crrtours.com   

Students - www.crrtravel.com

1-855-CRR-TOUR

US 352-694-3462

info@crrtravel.com

Holy Week in Costa Rica

Another beautiful morning in Costa Rica. Today is the start of holy week here in Costa Rica. If you have planned your family vacation for this week you can expect many things to be closed, no alcohol to be served, and many processions In the streets. It is a week filled of many traditions and celebrations of the Catholic and Christian holiday of holy week. Many Costa Ricans travel to the beach this week and celebrate the last official week of the dry season. Many local places are closed while all the touristy attractions remain open. Have a fun and safe holy week from your friends at Costa Rican Resource.