Honeymoon

Though gaining in popularity, Costa Rica remains one of the "best kept secrets" of vacation destinations. Though it's only as big as West Virginia, there are few places in the world that compare for the sheer magnitude of its bio-diversity. Twelve major life zones provide refuge for over 10,000 kinds of flowering plants, 850 bird species, 3,000 butterfly species, and 209 mammal species! Active volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests, lowland jungles, the dramatic Pacific coastline, and tranquil Caribbean beaches ramble across seven provinces. Thirty percent of the land is protected by national and private reserves, which harbor more than five percent of the world's plant and animal species.

Equally fantastic are the activities - rafting, scuba diving, jungle hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more. As the perfect complement to this vacation Eden, Costa Ricans (Ticos, as they call themselves) are friendly, peaceful people who welcome you to their country like a long-lost relative. Simultaneously, Costa Rica is known for the multi-ethnic pleasures of its capital, San José, and as a producer of some of the world's best coffee. Most Costa Rican vacations begin and end in the exciting capital, but it's what lies beyond that takes your breath away!

Costa Rica

EC0-NATURE AREAS◦ Manuel Antonio: This is a small town with exquisite scenery and astounding ecological

treasures. There are panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, evergreen vegetation, an exciting mix of comfort and adventure, and popular beaches in Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio was designated as a National Park in 1972, forever preserving its 1,700 acres of land, 136,000 acres of ocean, and the 109 mammal and 187 bird species that inhabit its coasts and forests. This privileged place of virgin forests, lagoons, mangroves, beaches, and 12 small islands is also crucial as a nesting and feeding ground for many sea birds. Venture along the jungle trails and come face to face with toucans, white-faced monkeys, red squirrels, three-toed sloths, and many more!

◦ Monteverde: This Cloud Forest Reserve is a village as well as a biological reserve. The Dry Season is the best time for bird-watching and any time of year visitors can enjoy art and butterfly galleries, orchid gardens, a serpentarium, horseback riding, family restaurants, pubs, craft shops, and more. The Reserve sits on the Continental Divide in the Tilarán Mountain Range and contains 8 life zones that shelter many rare species such as the brilliantly-plumed quetzal birds and the endangered gentle tapir, a relative of the horse. Nature trails let you journey safely and easily through this priceless ecosystem.

◦ Arenal Region: Facing one of the most active volcanoes of Costa Rica, this is a favorite destination for locals and tourists. Lake Arenal provides safe viewpoints of the volcanic fireworks, and the Arenal Reservoir is rich in aquatic resources and wildlife. Hiking and horseback riding are also popular. Take a self-guided tour through the botanical gardens, handicraft markets, greenhouses, rainforest nature trails, river, waterfalls, keep your eyes open for the more than 225 species of birds that populate the region, and don't forget a rejuvenating soak in the Tabacon Hot Springs.

◦ Osa Peninsula:At the top of the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park offers an extraordinary chance to get close the diversity of nature. Beside the lush flora of this rain forest reserve, there are 624 species of mammals birds, reptiles, and amphibians to meet here.

◦ Tortuguero: Great adventures await in the tropical rain forest of Tortuguero National Park. Your boat guide will lead you among a network of canals teeming with life, from howler monkeys to herons and more.

Costa Rica

BEACH AREAS◦ Guanacaste: The largest province in Costa Rica, Guanacaste offers

miles of untouched beaches on the Pacific, and is home to the relaxed beach towns of Flamingo and Tamarindo. You'll also find some of the country's finest resort hotels and best nature parks.

◦ Puntarenas: The closest beach resort to San Jose, Puntarenas features striking and unusual volcanic black sand beaches. A great starting point for day trips to the Monteverde Cloud Forest or the Gulf of Nicoya.

◦ Jaco Beach: Excellent surfing, small native style hotels, restaurants with local flair and low key entertainment are all part of the Jaco Beach experience. The area is an ideal base for exploring the Carara Biological Reserve.

◦ Tambor: You can play all day in the warm Pacific water of Tambor, set on the Southern end of the Nicoya peninsula. In fact, it's a perfect place to get off the beaten path and onto the beach!

◦ Caribbean Coast/Limon: Experience the Caribbean as it was, and as it should be...pristine beaches, waving palm trees and small quaint hotels. Don't miss the opportunity to explore at the underwater park in Cahuita.

Costa Rica

The tropical weather in San José is usually temperate, with temperatures generally ranging between 70°-85° in the lowlands and 58°-76° in the elevated Central Valley, and San José, Monteverde, and Arenal. The Pacific coast is more arid and is the hottest region, with dry season temperature up in the 90s. Summer is the dry season, running from December to April and winter is the rainy season, running from May to November, though rain tends to fall only in the late afternoon or evening.

Average high temperature in March is 87° F, the average low is 67° F.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in the tourist centers.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica Option OneArenal Area

With a spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano, natural hot and cold springs, four unique dining experiences, and an impressive full service Spa, The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal promises to overwhelm you in every aspect of quality, service and design.

This Costa Rica luxury resort perches one thousand feet above the Arenal Valley on a mountain ridge just six kilometers north of the active volcano but safely outside the government declared danger zone. Our higher altitude relative to other hotels in the area allows for not only incomparable views of the Arenal volcano, the lush valley, and the surrounding towns that sparkle at night, but also access to the area's famous prevailing breezes. In fact, the name Arenal volcano is an indigenous word meaning "Window of the Wind". With an average daytime high temperature of 80 degrees F in the shade and nighttime lows averaging 70 degrees F you are sure to enjoy countless comfortable hours in your balcony hammock al fresco dining, or sipping a frothy tropical cocktail in one of our spring pools.

The Springs Resort and Spa

5 Star Resort No meals included Featured on The

Bachelor in February of 2011

The Springs Resort and Spa

18 free-form, landscaped pools provide great views of the volcano and a multitude of options. With temperatures ranging from 83°F to 103°F and environments that vary from raging waterfalls to tranquil forest, there's a pool for everyone.

The mineral content of the spring water and the health benefits derived from these minerals makes the springs the best mineral hot springs in La Fortuna, Arenal Costa Rica and the great value on the hot springs day tour makes The Springs Resort and Spa a "must see" destination and the premiere hot springs resort in Costa Rica. Also has the best view of the Arenal Volcano from the hot spring pools.

The Springs Resort and Spa

Dining Facilities:◦ Las Ventanas - Enjoy beautiful views and fine dining. The master chef

has created a menu blending the latest fusion concepts and the finest ingredients found on Costa Rica's farms and in its 2 oceans. The menu is a well-balanced combination of beef, seafood, pork, homemade pasta, and vegetarian fare. Open for lunch and fine dining for dinner. Casual dress code and reservations required.

◦ Tres Cascadas - Gourmet buffet restaurant, described as a "tasting" experience, with a menu that changes daily. Fresh fruit juices, tea, and coffee are included. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a casual dress code.

◦ Ginger Sushi - Whether it's for an afternoon snack or late-night dining, enjoy the open-air festive atmosphere at Ginger Sushi, where fish arrives fresh daily straight from Costa Rica's fertile fishing grounds. Located on the Game Lounge level. Open for afternoon snacks and dinner.

◦ Treetops Grill - Poolside, cliff-side, or tree-canopy dining all in one place! Plus, you'll enjoy great food from the grill and some Jimmy Buffet music. Bathing attire is not only permitted, it is suggested. Open for lunch through late afternoon.

◦ Rancho Club Rio - Located 1 mile below the resort on the Arenal River front. Enjoy snacks and beverages in a beautiful atmosphere surrounded by nature. Open morning through afternoon. Shuttle to and from the river depart hourly from the lobby.

◦ Room Service - Yes, daily during limited hours.

The Springs Resort and Spa

Cocktail Lounges or Bars:◦ Heliconia Bar - Located on the fourth floor, this bar is perfect for an afternoon

cocktail or relaxing drink before or after dinner. The seating presents a magnificent view of the volcano and listen to mellow Latin jazz music in a casual elegance setting.

◦ La Laguna Bar - Located in the center of the largest pool, this swim-up bar boasts 12 dry and 30 wet seats. Spending a few hours at this bar, which has great views of the Arenal Volcano, is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna.

◦ Rancho Club Rio - Located 1 mile below the resort on the Arenal River front. Enjoy your favorite drinks during the day.

◦ Los Perdido Bar - Located at the nexus of the trails within Perdido Springs (Lost Springs), this is a rustic palm-thatched jungle bar surrounded by hot spring waterfalls and gardens. This is a great place to watch the adventurous take a ride down the water flume, the Monkey Slide, located at the nexus of the trails within the Perdido Springs.

◦ Game Bar - Located on the Game Lounge level, this bar is not only for sushi, but is a great place to watch sports on satellite television, and perhaps play a game of pool, darts, or backgammon. Enjoy happy hour cocktails on the Sunset Terrace, located just steps away from the bar.

The Springs Resort and Spa

Alta Vista Guest Room◦ Each Vista Guest Room features a private balcony

with hammock and rocking chairs, located on the second floor and features 18-foot vaulted ceilings for even more extraordinary views of Arenal Volcano. In addition, the room offers hardwood floors, luxurious marbled bathrooms with whirlpool bathtub and multiple-head showers, central air conditioning, 37-inch flat-screen satellite television, surround sound stereo with CD/DVD player and IPOD/MP3/USB connectivity, telephone, wireless Internet access, wet bar, safe, minibar refrigerator, and coffee maker.

The Springs Resort and Spa

The Springs Resort and Spa Honeymoon Vista and Honeymoon

Vista Plus◦ These ultra special guest rooms offer guests the

ability to enjoy a hot mineral spring experience in the privacy of their own lushly landscaped garden terrace. With the touch of a switch hot spring water flows with pressure into the jets of the Jacuzzi allowing for a soothing massage of your lower back and legs. The overflowing water then cascades over the infinity border edge and out of the Jacuzzi.

Arenal 4 in 1 Combo Tour◦ Experience 4 spectacular activities during this full-day tour. First choose between the

hanging bridges walk or a river safari float. The hanging bridges walk is made up of 15 bridges that make up a 2-mile circuit in the rainforest. The safari float takes you leisurely down the Peñas Blancas River. Both areas are full of tropical flora and fauna. Next up is a walking tour at the majestic waterfall La Fortuna, a gorgeous 200-foot waterfall. After, your walk, a typical Costa Rican lunch will be served at a local restaurant in La Fortuna. After lunch depart for the Arenal Volcano National park and take a hike through the natural and geological history of the Arenal Volcano. Finally finish the day relaxing in the hot springs of your choice and then enjoy a delicious dinner.

Arenal Bridges Tour◦ Nature lovers will love the views from the 15 bridges that conform a 2-mile circuit amid

the rainforest. The bridges are made of aluminum, galvanized steel, and concrete to ensure maximum security as well as paving blocks to prevent slipping. A naturalist will guide you through a fascinating, colorful tropical rainforest world through natural history. The views of the volcano from the hanging bridges over the forest make for an unforgettable experience.

Arenal Volcano Hike Tour◦ Enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a gentle hike along the base

of this marvelous volcano, which was one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes from its initial eruption in 1968 until the end of 2010. This hike begins on one of the trails close to the volcano. The trail will take you through the forest over where in 1968, lava has flowed and the area, and is now in the process of regeneration. The hike lasts approximately 2 ½ hours.

Activities from The Springs Resort

*Additional fees apply

Caño Negro Rio Frío Tour◦ This tour is perfect for nature lovers! First, you'll take a 1½-hour drive through the scenic

countryside of Costa Rica and then board a boat for a tour along the Frío River winding through canyons. During the boat ride, you will learn about the ecological history and see various species or wildlife, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. On the way back, you'll enjoy an authentic Costa Rican experience with lunch at a traditional style restaurant.

One Day Monteverde Tour◦ A fabulous day of beautiful scenery and nature. The tour starts with a 30-minute drive aboard

a microbus to the Arenal Lake Dam. Then you'll board a very comfortable and safe pontoon boat for a 30- to 40-minute ride to Rio Chiquito, a small town on the other side of the lake. Arenal Lake is the largest and most important lake in Costa Rica. During the boat ride you will see resident and migratory birds, great views of the Arenal Volcano, and perhaps some animals in the surrounding areas. Next, you'll take a 1 ½-hour drive to Monteverde. Once in Monteverde, you'll take an exceptional hike where you'll experience different species of birds, rich beds of moss, flowers, lichen, and bromeliads. Visit a frog pond or the serpentarium to see some of the wildlife in the area and complete the journey to the famous cloud forest. After the hike, lunch will be served before you head back to your hotel.

Sky Tram & Sky Trek Tour◦ Visit the Arenal Reserve, which is located between the rain forest and the Monteverde cloud

forest. Experience spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake from the Sky Tram or the Sky Trek or take a hike through the trails full of flora and fauna. The Sky Tram is a 15-minute aerial tram tour through the rain forest to the Miguel Angel observatory where you will have spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the Tilarán mountain range. Then take the Sky Trek, which takes about 1 ½ hours and is a 3280-foot long zip line system allowing you to enjoy the rain forest and its beautiful views in a fun, easy, and safe ride.

Activities from The Springs Resort

*Additional fees apply

Costa Rica Option Two

5 Star Eco-lodge A visit to the Pacuare Lodge is a journey to a magical place where the beauty

and diversity of tropical nature delight the senses, authentic Costa Rican hospitality makes you feel like part of the family and the outdoor adventures range from exhilarating to sublime. Getting there is half the adventure, since most guests stay at the Pacuare Lodge as part of a multi-day rafting tour on the Pacuare River, though it can be visited without rafting. In addition to rafting, you can enjoy horseback riding, bird watching, canyoning, a rainforest canopy tour, or a trek to a Cabecar Indian community. The lodge’s comfortable bungalows and elegant suites are nestled between a pristine wilderness reserve and the Pacuare River Costa Rica’s most spectacular white water route. It is surrounded by tropical rainforest where colorful birds and butterflies flit through exuberant foliage and the songs of toucans and oropendolas complement the soothing sound of flowing water. The Pacuare Lodge is truly unique a jungle lodge where gourmet dinners are accompanied by candlelight and a wine list, and where adventure travel activities are complemented by a spa, honeymoon packages and suites with private pools. It is also an exemplary ecolodge that conserves 300 hectares (740 acres) of rainforest, and is committed to mitigating tourism’s impact through eco-friendly accommodations and projects that benefit local communities.

PACUARE LODGE

Pacuare Lodge offers guests the unique opportunity to white water raft into and out of the resort.

Pacuare Lodge can also be accessed by van then ATV then a river gondola and finally a 300 meter hike.

The Pacuare Protected Zone◦ In the Caribbean region of Costa Rica there is a protected zone of incomparable beauty

that begins near the town of Siquirres and covers approximately 25,000 acres as it descends down the Talamanca Mountain Range.

◦ This is the area known as Pacuare, which constitutes one of the most important protected areas in the region. Its proximity to the lowlands and its high annual rainfall combine to nurture the complex life systems whose abundance makes for extraordinary scenic beauty.

◦ Located within this zone, the Pacuare River forms the northern border of Central America’s most important network of national parks and reserves and offers some of the finest white water in Latin America. Officially designated a “Wild and Scenic River,” the water flows deep inside remarkable primordial rainforest, coursing through a wilderness of dense vegetation that covers the sides of steep gorges rising above the riverbanks. The rainforest’s thick undergrowth provides shelter to jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and numerous other species of mammals and birds.

Deep inside the Pacuare Protected Zone, perched on the banks of this enchanting river, lies the singular Pacuare Lodge. Visitors to the lodge can enjoy a truly memorable Pacuare Adventureas they soak up the natural beauty and tranquility of this magical jungle hideaway

PACUARE LODGE

Culinary Experience◦ The kitchen staff at Pacuare Lodge is made up of

locals who bring their traditional cooking and culinary passion to the kitchen.

◦ The ingredients are fresh and local◦ Private dinners can be set up by the river◦ The Nest is a unique feature- a platform 60 feet in

the trees where you can enjoy a private meal

PACUARE LODGE

Turtle shaped pool!

PACUARE LODGE

Linda Vista Honeymoon Suite◦ This charming bungalow is perched on a lushly forested ridge with a

view of the Pacuare River and rainforest. It has an elegant décor that complements its exuberant natural surroundings, with polished hardwood floors and sloping cane ceilings, while its screened windows and sliding doors let in plenty of light and tropical breezes.

◦ The suite is spacious (230 square meters), and offers a level of luxury that belies its remote location. It is sumptuously furnished, with couches, armchairs and a king-sized canopy bed complete with a Simmons Beauty Rest mattress and 300-thread Egyptian cotton sheets. The airy bathroom has both an indoor and al fresco shower that overlooks the forest, and the entire suite opens onto a wooden deck with a private dipping pool fed by spring water.

◦ You’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the river and jungle at night, and in the morning, you’ll awake to a symphony of birdsong.

◦ The Linda Vista Honeymoon Suite has a room safe, bathrobes and a telephone to communicate with the main building, as well as an Eco-Concierge to help with tour reservations, general information and specific needs.

PACUARE LODGE

Canopy Honeymoon Suite◦ The bungalow has a high, thatched roof, plantation teak floors and

wide screened windows that let the breeze through and provide a 180-degree rainforest view. It is elegantly furnished and holds a king-size, canopy bed. The adjacent covered deck has a hammock and a rattan sofa, whereas the entire suite opens onto a sundeck with a small stone swimming pool fed by spring water.

◦ A private suspension bridge leads from the deck to a platform high in a massive rainforest tree that affords a vertiginous view of the Pacuare River and surrounding jungle. On any given morning or evening, you can spot dozens of bird species in the nearby treetops from that aerial perch.

◦ Tropical greenery surrounds the suite and a tiny stream flows through a channel behind it, so the soothing sound of running water complements the birdsong and tree frog chirps. The spacious bathroom has a solar heated shower and hand-painted ceramic sinks set in a marble counter, whereas the nearby alfresco shower is ensconced in luxuriant vegetation and seems to cascade out of the mountainside.

PACUARE LODGE

Notes:◦ All meals are included◦ Drinks and alcohol are not included◦ The lodge has minimal electricity. No electricity in

the rooms. You can charge in the reception area. The lodge does have wi-fi in the reception area

◦ There are luggage restrictions due to the difficulty of getting to the lode

◦ Pacuare Lodge is secluded so only excursions near the resort are available

◦ Adventure and romance packages are available

Pacuare Canopy Adventure TourA unique tour in Costa Rica along a series of transverse cables with the highest rappel of the Original Canopy Tour in Costa Rica.

Pacuare River Inflatable Duckies TourThe Pacuare Lodge’s newest outdoor adventure lets you paddle down a relatively calm stretch of the Pacuare River in an inflatable kayak. You’ll enjoy gorgeous riparian scenery, spot some of the local birdlife, and paddle through class-II rapids.

Pacuare Lodge Tropical Canyon TourThis tour lets you experience the adventure sport of canyoning, or canyoneering, which combines hiking, climbing and rappelling.

Day Break Activity Tour Enjoy the spread of color and life throughout the forest as you observe a variety of native plant and animal species begin their day in the rainforest.

Massage TreatmentsExperience the energy of a tropical paradise with our deep tissue Therapeutic Rainforest Massage

The One World Expedition “Plant a tree program”Actively support the “Bajo del Tigre” elementary school and at the same time contribute to reforestation by participating in the The One World Expedition “Plant a tree program”.

Horseback RidingTo begin this tour, you will hike approximately 300 meters from the lodge back to the gondola pass over the Pacuare River—an experience in itself! When you reach the other side of the river, the horses will be waiting, along with a horseman from the region.

Cabecar Indians TourHike the same trails the Cabecar Indians have for centuries, and personally visit with a Zutkia, or Cabecar medicine man to learn about the traditions and customs that are at the foundation of the Cabecar’s relationship with nature.

Excursions from Pacaure Lodge

Costa Rica Option ThreeJaco

4 star boutique hotel Inspired by French-colonial architecture, with a

hint of tropical flair, and the style of Victorian homes still found in San Jose; this impressive property expresses a truly unique combination of a mountain and seaside resort. Perched 1,150 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the spectacular 360-degree panoramic view sweeps over the gulf islands of the Nicoya Peninsula, the crescent beaches of Jaco, Herradura, and Punta Leona, and the majestic rainforest covered mountains.

VILLA CALETAS

Hillside Infinity Pool◦ Lunch, dinner and cocktails available by the pool

VILLA CALETAS

One mile from the hotel, guests can enjoy Caletas beach, an hourly transfer will take you back and forth starting at 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm, or even better if you have your own 4x4, you can go at any time to this wild and very private pebble beach, equipped with sun beds, showers, restrooms and refreshing drinks out of El Pelicano snack bar to relax under the sun or the cool shade.

VILLA CALETAS

Two restaurants, one overlooking the ocean Full service spa Fitness center Hiking trails

VILLA CALETAS

Suite◦ Separate living and bedroom◦ Private plunge pool◦ Close to main hotel area

VILLA CALETAS

Link to excursions from Villa Caletas http://

issuu.com/managervillacaletas/docs/tour_y_actividades_villa_caletas_ma

VILLA CALETAS

Costa Rica Option FourGuanacaste

RIU Palace 4.5 Star Resort All-Inclusive From pools to their "Renova Spa", this new hotel has

everything you need for maximum comfort during your stay. The quality of the cuisine offered at the different restaurants of the hotel is exceptional thanks to their chefs, who prepare a variety of dishes, from classic to the most exotic. Being on a privileged environment, the hotel offers a variety of activities on the beautiful beaches such as diving or fishing in the Pacific waters, ecotourism in the volcanic areas, and during the day several programs of entertainment for all ages, whether in family or friends.

RIU Palace Four swimming pools Swim-up bar Jacuzzis Windsurfing, pedaloes, snorkeling

equipment, kayaking One introductory scuba diving lesson in the

pool Daytime and evening entertainment and

shows

RIU Palace 24 hour room service Arenal - Main restaurant with a terrace. Buffet style,

serving international and local cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Kystal - Fusion restaurant, offering a la carte dining for dinner.

Tokio - Japanese a la carte restaurant open for dinner L'’Anfora - Italian a la carte restaurant open for dinner. Papagayo - Poolside a la carte grill and steakhouse open

for dinner. Capuchino - Patisserie and ice cream parlor Daiquiri - Lobby bar Tico Tico - Lounge bar with terrace Flora - Plaza bar Coconut - Pool bar with swim-up bar Lounge - 24-hour all-inclusive service

RIU Palace Suite Jacuzzi Ocean View

◦ Features an integrated lounge with sofa, a whirlpool on the balcony or terrace with ocean views, satellite TV, minibar, liquor dispenser, coffee maker, electronic in-room laptop-size safe, bathroom amenities, use of bathrobes, hair dryer, telephone, and turn-down service.

◦ King bed◦ 7 Nights $5,343

Change Your Latitude Travel

Erin Peters(888) 831-4826

erin@changeyourlatitudetravel.com

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