DAY 1

• SAN JOSÉ TO VARA BLANCA

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• Here we Go!
• For your added comfort, an English-speaking assistant will be waiting for you outside of customs with personalized signage. Your representative will guide you to your luggage pickup and provide an ID sticker to help you meet with your private driver.
• A welcome package with your vouchers, a country map, and any other touristic information that may be useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel.
• Enjoy a private transfer from San Jose to your hotel in Vara Blanca. Approximate travel time is one hour and 30 minutes.

DAY 2

• VARA BLANCA

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• Chasing Waterfalls
• Join one of the lodge's guides in a shared tour through the stunning scenery of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. While the main La Paz Waterfall is recognized as one of the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, the most stunning falls are nestled above the La Paz along a steep canyon easily accessed by the lodge's hiking trails. The natural beauty of mixed vegetation along the La Paz River makes these five waterfalls the most scenic in the country. Along the way, keep alert for sightings of flowers, butterflies, orchids, hummingbirds, and elusive creatures endemic to the area. Paved trails and steps with hand railings ensure that most ages and abilities can manage this walk.
• As night settles on Vara Blanca, set out on a shared group tour to observe the brilliantly hued leaf-frogs of Costa Rica. These tiny, colorful creatures have become the mascots of the tropical rainforest, reflecting what locals consider to be the pure and natural essence of Costa Rica. Evening provides the perfect opportunity to spot this nocturnal amphibians, who provide a symphony of sound within the lush cloud forest. Keep alert for the 6 different species of leaf-frogs, including the Blue Sided Leaf Frog, found only in Costa Rica.

DAY 3

• VARA BLANCA TO ARENAL

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• Creative Cuisine
• After breakfast, depart Peace Lodge with your professional driver and private guide for a transfer to Arenal. Enjoy a comfortable ride along the scenic routes of Vara Blanca before heading down the Caribbean slope to reach the lowland rainforest of Sarapiqui. Here, you'll make a stop at La Tirimbina for an enticing treat - an immersive chocolate tour sure to delight the senses. Set out on a guided hike through the property before participating in a hands-on chocolate making session. Learn how to crack open the cocoa fruit, hand grind the beans, and top it off with your favorite ingredients. This fun-for-all-ages experience is peppered with educational and historical tidbits. Savor chocolate samples as you gain insight into this delicious artisan process. La Tirimbina is connected to the Amazilia del Caribe Women’s Association, composed of rural women from Pueblo Nuevo de Guácimo, in Limon Province, which has dedicated itself to the production of hand-made organic chocolates. After your tour, the transfer continues to your accommodations in Arenal.
• Experience the blissful sensation of inviting geothermal waters at The Springs Resort and Spa. A selection of free form, landscaped pools boast stunning views of the volcano while providing soothing respites. With temperatures ranging from 83 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and environments that vary from raging waterfalls to tranquil forest experiences, you'll be able to take the plunge in the pool of your preference. Opt to explore Las Lagunas Pools, an enchanting labyrinth of hot spring lagoons sprawled across two acres of lush landscaping. Discover the flowing pools of Perdido Springs, home to the thrilling Monkey Slide water flume. Immerse yourself in the crystal-blue waters of the famous Ojo del Agua spring, where you can feel the mineral water and bicarbonate bubbles flowing from the depths of the earth beneath you.

DAY 4

• ARENAL

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• Nurtured by Nature
• Embark on the ultimate family-friendly adventure in a showcase of Costa Rica's rich culinary culture and unique biodiversity. Meet your professional driver and English-speaking guide to visit a local wildlife center dedicated to the rehabilitation and protection of the country's beloved animals. Enjoy a comprehensive tour of the facility and learn about the volunteer efforts under way to rescue injured and orphaned animals. Later in the day, discover the world of Costa Rican cooking with Dona Mara, a local Chachagua woman. Here you will be warmly greeted with a refreshing tropical drink before learning how to prepare your own delicious homemade tortillas. Dona Mara will demonstrate how to flatten the masa dough into perfect circles to get them ready for cooking. Your entire family will enjoy getting your hands dirty while mixing the corn masa and water to create the dough. These delicious homemade tortillas will then accompany lunch, cooked over a wood-fire stove. After a fond farewell from Dona Mara's ranch, a private transfer whisks you back to your hotel.

DAY 5

• ARENAL

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• High in the Sky
• Soar through Arenal's skies in a shared zip-lining adventure over the rainforest canopy. In this thrilling family-friendly activity, a series of zip-lines invite you to speed along their labyrinth, soaking in views of stunning scenery beneath your feet. Cruise from one platform to the next, enjoying views that were once reserved exclusively for winged creatures. Divided into three sections, the first circuit features six cables, varying in length from 10 - 360 feet, while the second section offers five cables, varying in length from 130 - 525 feet. At the end of the second section, you'll find the beloved Tarzan Swing, which you can swing from the trees like the fictional jungle-dweller himself. Jump from a platform to a clearing in the forest, flying up to almost 40 meters. This adrenaline-pumping tour invites the whole family to take to the skies for a half-day of incredible aerial delights.

DAY 6

• ARENAL TO PLAYA CONCHAL

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• A Change of Scenery
• Meet your private driver and guide before journeying through the dry forest of Guanacaste. Midway to your beach destination, stop to visit the spectacular Llanos del Cortez Waterfal, located near to the town of Bagaces. Considered one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls, Llanos del Cortez descends into a tranquil pond with a white sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing. After your visit to the waterfall, enjoy time for an included lunch before ending your transfer at Playa Conchal.
• The all-inclusive experience at Westin Reserva Conchal provides the ultimate in convenience, allowing for a worry-free vacation. Your stay includes all meals and drinks, entertainment options, as well as government taxes and service charges. Enjoy access to non-motorized water sports, nightly shows, and the Westin Kids Club®, boasting activities designed to expand kids' horizons.

DAY 7

• PLAYA CONCHAL

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• Hidden Gems
• Indulge in the pura vida life with an exclusive catamaran charter. This luxury charter invites you to experience Guanacaste in a brand new way. Enjoy unforgettable scenic views and bask in the sun's glow. Heed the call of adventure as you explore an underwater wonderland, snorkeling the hidden treasures underneath the surface. Keep alert for possible sighting of nearby whales, dolphins and manta rays, offering the perfect photo opportunity. Unwind in style courtesy of first-rate facilities and the top notch service of your crew in a private and exclusive setting. With BBQ services on board, the crew can create an indulgent meal and even grill a fish if you are lucky enough to catch one.

DAY 8

• PLAYA CONCHAL

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• Beach Bliss
• Spend a day at leisure unwinding on the pristine shores of Playa Conchal. Considered to be one of the most exotic beaches on the Costa Rican Gold Coast, Playa Conchal is home to millions of glimmering white sea shells. Take advantage of the warm and inviting water, ideal for swimming or snorkeling. With some of the clearest waters on the Gold Coast, snorkeling is a must for anyone seeking a unique destination for aquatic activity. With a fantastic array of marine life on display, you'll be able to swim among the many tropical fish that dwell here, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a stingray or two. For the more adventurous, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, and other water sports are on offer. If you get tired of the beach, Playa Conchal is also close to a few national parks and nature reserves made for exploration.

DAY 9

• PLAYA CONCHAL TO LIBERIA
• Until Next Time…
• Meet your driver for a private transfer to the airport in Liberia.

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Peace Lodge

The Springs Resort & Spa

The Westin Reserva Conchal