Costa Rica & Panama Adventure

Itinerary

• Costa Rica

  Costa Rica is the most visited nation in the Central American region, and is renowned for its rain forest reserves. While the country has only about 0.1% of the world's landmass, it contains 5% of the world's biodiversity. The most notable parks are; Corcovado National Park, Tortuguero National Park, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The capitol of San Jose is well serviced with international flights. Most itineraries include time at one of the country's fine ocean beaches.

• Arenal

  Arenal contains an active volcano, and also the only dwarf cloudforest inCosta Rica. The crater of the volcano is 1.5km (1mi.) wide and contains a hot-water lake that changes color from turquoise to green to gray. It is also a whitewater rafting center with routes on the Rio Toro and Rio Sarapiqui.

• Manuel Antonio

  Well-kept and well-guarded,ManuelAntonioNational Parkfeatures 5 kinds of forest, some with characteristic rain forest vegetation. Orchids and ferns, jaguars, ocelots and the Baird tapir may be seen here. There are trails through the park and many lookouts. Horseback riding and white-water activities are also available.

• Monteverde

  Straddling the Continental Divide at 1440 meters (4662 ft), the Santa Elena and Monteverde Cloud Forest area offers one of the most interesting place to visit in Costa Rica. In the rain forest are more than 100 species of mammals including 5 species of cats, over 400 species of birds including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, tens of thousands of insect species (over 5000 species of moths) and 2,500 species of plants (420 kinds of orchids). The area is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics.

• Panama

  Panama is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on an isthmus, it connects the north and south part of America. It is bordered by Costa Rica to the north-west and Colombia to the south-east. Panama enjoys a rich Pre-Columbian heritage of native populations whose presence stretched back over 11,000 years. The country is best known for the US-built Panama Canal that was opened in 1914, and turned over to Panama in 1999. Small and amazingly diverse, Panama makes it possible for a traveler to visit not only two different oceans in one day, but be able to combine in less than a week a diversified natural experience (white sand beaches, cloud or rain forest, mountains or valleys) with a wide range of cultural experiences (seven Indian tribes, Afroantillian and Spanish Colonial culture, several historic monuments and a 300 year old World Heritage Site called Casco Antiguo (often referred as Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo, San Felipe or Catedral).

• Panama City

  Panama City is a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. Most of the interesting sights are In the old part of the city with its narrow, cobble-stoned streets and colonial buildings. The old historic city with the Salón Bolivar is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Panama Canal, to the west of the city, is 80km (50 miles) long and draws many visitors. A train or bus ride alongside or a boat trip on the Canal itself is memorable - the scenery is beautiful, and the mechanics of the Canal equally fascinating. There is a new Panama Canal Museum in the Casco Viejo area.

• • Costa Rica Volcano Arenal
  • Arenal Springs Resort

  Day 1: San José - Arenal

  Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

  Meet your driver for a private transfer to Arenal.

  Accommodation: Arenal Springs Resort

  The hotel Arenal Springs offers the perfect combination between relaxation, comfort, and exuberant tropical scenery, as well as the best view of the Arenal Volcano from any vantage point in the premises. Located at only 2 and-a-half hours from San José, the hotel Arenal Springs offers the perfect combination between relaxation, comfort, and exuberant tropical scenery, as well as the best view of the Arenal Volcano from any vantage point in the premises.

• • Hot Springs at The Springs Resort & Spa

  Day 2: Arenal

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the rainforest close to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a leisurely hike for 1.5 hours through the rainforest while your private guide offers the history of the Arenal Volcano. This park is located at the base of the Arenal Volcano and is filled with wildlife including monkeys, toucans, coati and a large variety of bird species. Conclude the tour at the Springs Resort - soak in the hot mineral baths and enjoy! After a soothing soak in the hot springs, enjoy a lovely dinner at The Springs Resort, prepared in a colonial style rustic kitchen. Enjoy the local cuisine - a true authentic experience. Return to your hotel in the evening after a delicious dinner (included in the tour cost).

  Accommodation: Arenal Springs Resort
• • Hummingbird
  • Ziplining in the cloudforest
  • Hotel Fondavela, Monteverde

  Day 3: Arenal - Monteverde

  Meet your driver for a private transfer to Lake Arenal. Board a motor boat and cross the lake while observing scenic views of the Arenal Volcano (45 mins). Private vehicle transfer to your hotel in Monteverde.

  You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the tour start point to the Skytram and Zip Canopy Tour. The Sky Tram is a high technology cableway that travels above the Monteverde Cloudforest, 2000 meters above sea level. Enjoy fantastic views from the top of the rainforest canopy. Conclude the tour with a Zip Canopy Adventure! Travel through the primary Costa Rican tropical jungle on suspension cables as you move through the jungle canopy with your bilingual guides and safety spotters from platform to platform (this is a shared, group tour). Morning/Afternoon Departures; Duration 3.5 Hours (approximately)

  Accommodation: Fonda Vela

  The Hotel Fonda Vela is located in beautiful Monteverde, famous for its rare and gorgeous cloud forest and friendly community. The climate is refreshing, often referred to as "eternal spring". The views of the Gulf of Nicoya from the hotel's 1,400 meter (4,200 foot) elevation are spectacular. Monteverde is an ideal destination for relaxing and enjoying the wonders of the tropics. A visit of at least two nights or more in Monteverde is recommended. Experience Hotel Fonda Vela's natural approach to life -- with style! Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, the buildings are an attractive part of the lush, tropical mountainside. The rooms are cozy, yet elegant, spacious and comfortable. Each room is designed with the environment in mind. For example, large windows help to bring the outdoors inside. The Fonda Vela was built with the idea of being a nurturing experience, environmentally, culturally and spiritually. The guests play an important part in fulfilling this dream.

• • Cloudforest Reserve Tour

  Day 4: Monteverde

  You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the Monteverde Cloud forest. Explore the enchanted Monteverde Cloud forest with a set of expert eyes during this privately guided walk. Explore different trails in search of birds and mammals and discuss the amazing diversity of plants. Half day excursion (4 hrs).

  Accommodation: Fonda Vela
• • Costa Rica Manuel Antonio Beach
  • Byblos Resort & Casino

  Day 5: Monteverde - Manuel Antonio

  Meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in Manuel Antonio.

  Accommodation: Byblos Resort & Casino

  A lovely boutique hotel located on the central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in Manuel Antonio, one of the most beautiful coastal national parks in the country. Surrounded by the rain forest at the top of the hill, Byblos offers opportunities for adventure-sport travelers and relaxation seekers alike. Affordable and convenient hotel accommodations and activities are offered.

• • Villa Vanilla

  Day 6: Manuel Antonio

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the tour start point. Vanilla Spice Tour: Located in the small pueblo of Villanueva (about a 35-minute drive from Quepos), Villa Vanilla is a spice farm and tropical laboratory for sustainable agriculture. Vanilla, cacao, black pepper and cinnamon are cultivated on the 150 acre farm. Visitors can also stock up on organic vanilla beans, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and hot chocolate – all grown on the farm. Morning/Afternoon Departures; Duration 3 Hours (approximately)

  Accommodation: Byblos Resort & Casino
• • Panama City
  • Radisson Decapolis, Panama City

  Day 7: Manuel Antonio - San José - Panama City

  Meet your driver for a private transfer to San José.

  Enjoy your flight from San Jose to Panama City. The flight duration is approximately two hours.

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, and English speaking professional driver.

  Accommodation: Radisson Decapolis

  The Radisson Decapolis Hotel combines exclusivity and boutique grandeur in the middle of Panama City. The 240 rooms are decorated with subtle luxuries, from unique art pieces to etched glass partitions. Rooms feature either ocean views or city views, and all offer air conditioning, high-speed Internet access, and room safe. Dine at the hotel restaurants, which serve everything from fusion gourmet to traditional sushi. The Radisson Decapolis is also home to a popular martini bar, which is in demand by hotel visitors and locals alike. Other pastimes include time spent at the gymnasium, massage room, Turkish bath, and beauty salon. The hotel is situated in the business zone, which allows for easy access to all the exciting areas of town.

• • Panama Canal - Miraflores Locks

  Day 8: Panama City

  Your English speaking guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a private tour to Panama City and the Miraflores Locks. You will start the tour with a 30 minutes drive to Miraflores to see the huge vessels passing the Panama Canal. The busiest hours are from 9am to 10am and from 2pm to 5pm, so you will be able to see many ships getting lifted or lowered 16 meters in two distinct steps. You will enjoy the view on the Locks from a sheltered terrace and listen to the explanations of your guide. To complete the visit of the Canal you will visit the Museum and Visitor Center at Miraflores which gives you a good idea on the construction of the Canal – a masterpiece of engineering. You will also learn about the history of the canal and its significance for Panama and the entire world trade as well as on the current expansion project. After the visit to the Canal you continue with your guide to the Amador Causeway, a road that connects three Islands in the Pacific Ocean and offers magnificent views on the Canal on one side and on the skyline of Panama City on the other side. The tour continues to the Casco Viejo, Panama City’s colonial quarter. At the Casco Viejo you feel set back in time as you admire the lovely colonial houses, the narrow roads and the impressive churches. You will get a good idea about Panama’s history by driving or walking through the main attractions of this quarter.

  Accommodation: Radisson Decapolis
• • Toucan at Soberania National Park

  Day 9: Panama City

  Leisure time in Panama City. Be sure to pre-book your local excursions through Kensington Tours to ensure that you make the most of your time in Panama. Optionals include: City Tour, Panama Canal Tour, Panama Canal Cruise, Soberania National Park Tour, Shopping Tour, Rapelling at the Chagres River, Embera Indian Reserve, Train tour and more!).

  Accommodation: Radisson Decapolis

• Day 10: Panama City

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, and English speaking professional driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Epic Wines

  Pinot Noir found its fame in Burgundy, where it is the primary grape used for red wines, but it is also a major component in the production of most fine quality Champagne and California sparkling wines. Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult grapes to grow, but it is also one of the very best when it is done properly. It has very specific needs for its growing conditions - if it receives too little heat in the growing season, its wines are thin and pale, but if the growing season is too warm, the wines have an overripe, cooked flavour.

• City Walks

  Stroll the vibrant cobbled streets and romantic corners of the Marais district, a place where austere walls camouflage grandiose palaces and lush gardens amidst the bustle of contemporary life. One of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods and home to such infamous characters as Victor Hugo, make sure to peek though doorways into elaborate ancient courtyards for a step back in time. Explore the unique shops, peruse the contemporary art galleries and sip a leisurely café au lait in the perfect beauty of the Place des Vosge.

• Foodie Haven

  Every region in France is known for special dishes -- Burgundy for its escargots plucked off the grapevines; Périgord for its truffles and foie gras; Normandy for its soft, rich cheeses, Calvados, and cream sauces; Brittany for its fresh seafood and oysters; and Alsace for its sauerkraut and wines. Today, Parisian restaurants represent almost every region of France. You can go on a complete culinary tour of the country without leaving the city.

• • Arenal Springs Resort

  Arenal Springs Resort

  The hotel Arenal Springs offers the perfect combination between relaxation, comfort, and exuberant tropical scenery, as well as the best view of the Arenal Volcano from any vantage point in the premises. Located at only 2 and-a-half hours from San José, the hotel Arenal Springs offers the perfect combination between relaxation, comfort, and exuberant tropical scenery, as well as the best view of the Arenal Volcano from any vantage point in the premises.

  • More information
• • Hotel Fondavela, Monteverde
  • Room at Hotel Fondavela, Monteverde

  Fonda Vela

  The Hotel Fonda Vela is located in beautiful Monteverde, famous for its rare and gorgeous cloud forest and friendly community. The climate is refreshing, often referred to as "eternal spring". The views of the Gulf of Nicoya from the hotel's 1,400 meter (4,200 foot) elevation are spectacular. Monteverde is an ideal destination for relaxing and enjoying the wonders of the tropics. A visit of at least two nights or more in Monteverde is recommended. Experience Hotel Fonda Vela's natural approach to life -- with style! Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, the buildings are an attractive part of the lush, tropical mountainside. The rooms are cozy, yet elegant, spacious and comfortable. Each room is designed with the environment in mind. For example, large windows help to bring the outdoors inside. The Fonda Vela was built with the idea of being a nurturing experience, environmentally, culturally and spiritually. The guests play an important part in fulfilling this dream.

  • More information
• • Byblos Resort & Casino

  Byblos Resort & Casino

  A lovely boutique hotel located on the central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in Manuel Antonio, one of the most beautiful coastal national parks in the country. Surrounded by the rain forest at the top of the hill, Byblos offers opportunities for adventure-sport travelers and relaxation seekers alike. Affordable and convenient hotel accommodations and activities are offered.

  • More information
• • Radisson Decapolis, Panama City
  • Radisson Decapolis Pool

  Radisson Decapolis

  The Radisson Decapolis Hotel combines exclusivity and boutique grandeur in the middle of Panama City. The 240 rooms are decorated with subtle luxuries, from unique art pieces to etched glass partitions. Rooms feature either ocean views or city views, and all offer air conditioning, high-speed Internet access, and room safe. Dine at the hotel restaurants, which serve everything from fusion gourmet to traditional sushi. The Radisson Decapolis is also home to a popular martini bar, which is in demand by hotel visitors and locals alike. Other pastimes include time spent at the gymnasium, massage room, Turkish bath, and beauty salon. The hotel is situated in the business zone, which allows for easy access to all the exciting areas of town.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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