July 3rd
Arrive at Edmonton International Airport at 6:45am
MX 875 Edmonton to Mexico City 0845 1505
Dinner on own at Mexico City Airport
MX 387 Mexico City to San Jose 2100 2300
Arrival private transfer from Juan Santamaria International Airport to Hotel in San José.
Hotel El Vesuvio
July 4th
Continental breakfast at hotel.
Land private transfer from San José to Quepos via Poas Volcano.
Poás Volcano National Park:
The Poás is one of the most spectacular volcanoes of the country with its enormous crater a hole of a kilometer in diameter and 314 meters deep. In the bottom, a steaming, round lake will astound you when you see it.
July 5th – July 8th
Travel to Matapalo, Quepos where you will begin your volunteer project.
Proyecto Matapalo - Basic room
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinners included at the project for your entire stay.
MATAPALO BEACH SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECT
Matapalo beach is located in the southern side of the country, in Puntarenas province, 1 kilometer west from Matapalo town; but it’s over 200 kilometers from San José. You will find there a enormous biodiversity, including plants, fungus, insects, crustaceous, mollusks, birds, mammals and reptiles, where we include the sea turtles: Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and sometimes the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricatta) and Black sea Turtle from the Pacifico (Chelonia mydas); all of them are endangered species. The nearest communities to Matapalo are Dominical and Quepos, and both of them have and provide the basic services. You can also visit some nearby Protected Areas like Barú Wildlife Refugee, Ballena Marine National Park. In the project’s premises you will find a rustic house with electricity and shared bathrooms; the shared rooms have a fan and closets for proper storage of your belongings. In less than 0.5 kilometers from the ASVO station, you will find a supermarket, Internet access and restaurants that serve national and international food. In the project, you will get a meal four times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack); it’s a Costa Rican typical meal, with rice, beans, pastas and basic grains, meat, vegetables and fruits.
July 9th
Breakfast included at the project.
Pick up for Naranjo River Rafting Tour – Drop off in Manuel Antonio.
River Rafting at Naranjo class III with lunch included:
Naranjo River flows through mountains, jungle gorges, farmlands and palm plantations. The river’s course is steep and challenging, perfect for adventure seekers in search of an adrenaline rush. Halfway through the course you can take advantage of the pit stop to catch your breath and admire the view. Towards the end of the river, the waters calm down and you can take in the sights while cruising over the last few rapids. Upon completing the 1 hour and 45 minute portion of this Manuel Antonio tour you will be served a tasty lunch made with fresh local ingredients. Transportation back to your hotel will be provided by your tour operator. This Manuel Antonio tour is only available in rainy season (May to December). This river boasts class 3 rapids all year long, during rainy season it also boasts some class 4 rapids. Participants must be at least 8 years old.
Dinner on your own
Overnight at Hotel Villa Teca in Manuel Antonio
July 10th
Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Morning visit to Manuel Antonio National Park:
The natural trails in the park will take you to the interior of the forest to observe the variety of flora and fauna, including white-faced capuchin monkeys, raccoons, species of rodents and birds. You will also have time to take a dip in the warm waters of the Pacific.
Land private transfer from Manuel Antonio to Arenal.
Lunch on own.
Check – in.
Evening visit to Baldi Hot Springs with dinner:
Pools with different temperatures from 35 C° to 65 C°. 310.000 fts. Of minerals and hot springs swimming pools. 10 different pools, with different temperatures coming from the individual hot springs. Come and enjoy the relaxing thermal waters, with one of the most beautiful Arenal Volcano panoramic views. In Baldi Hot Springs, the tranquility and relaxation are your better company.
Overnight at Hotel San Bosco in La Fortuna
July 11th
Typical breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Arenal Volcano National Park:
Few sites in Costa Rica inspire more respect and admiration than the Arenal Volcano. Sometimes lava can be seen flowing from its interior and, if Mother Nature permits, you will have the pleasure of seeing a spectacular eruption. However, often the peak will be covered by clouds.
Lunch on own
Afternoon canopy tour at Arenal Paraíso:
This adrenaline experience begins with a short walk to the first platform where our guides will meticulously check all the equipment. The latter is of the highest quality and is made by the best manufacturers for total enjoyment and absolute safety. Following this inspection our guides will give short but very important instructions on how to slide properly along the cables.
Dinner on own
Land transfer from Arenal to San Jose (Duration 3 hours Aprox)
July 12th
Typical breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for departure back to Edmonton.
MX 386Y 12JUL San Jose - Mexico City 0730 1135
MX 874Y 12JUL Mexico City - Edmonton 1510 1955
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