Arrival and San Jose Walking Tour, Hotel Le Bergerac (506-234-7850 / private baths) Welcome to Costa Rica! A representative from our local tour operator, Horizontes Nature Tours, will meet you upon arrival at Juan Santamar�a International Airport outside the main terminal. You then transfer to our deluxe hotel in San Jose, conveniently located near downtown and features a Jacuzzi and a cozy bar. This afternoon enjoy a guided walking tour of San Jose�s pleasant parks, shopping district and historical sites including the National Theatre, Gold Museum and major government facilities. Tonight we have a welcome orientation dinner with our Costa Rican hosts. * Airport pick-up outside the terminal upon flight arrival. Transfer from airport to San Jose is approximately 30 minutes. * Walking tour of San Jose 2-1/2 hours. Please schedule a flight that arrives by 1:00 p.m. on Day 1 in order to be able to attend the San Jose city tour at 3:00 p.m. Otherwise, you may join us later for the welcome dinner.

Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River, Hotel Le Bergerac (506-234-7850 / private baths) Today we experience whitewater rafting on the world-class Pacuare River. Adventuresome beginners and experienced rafters alike will be in awe of the Pacuare. Arguably one of the most beautiful canyons in all of Central America, the Pacuare has cut a deep canyon through the tropical lowland rainforest, providing an awesome Class III-IV raft trip. Experience the Costa Rican feeling of �pura vida��pure life�as you frolic on the river, spot the flash of the blue morpho butterfly and see an abundance of birds�egrets, herons, vultures, kingfishers and the Montezuma Oropendola. If you are looking for a tamer whitewater experience, the Class II-III Sarapiqui River raft trip can be arranged for any or all members of the group. While we tend to love the Pacuare, the Sarapiqui is also a great experience in yet another beautiful canyon. * Shuttle from San Jose to Tres Equis for put-in on the Pacuare [3 hours] * Pacuare River Rafting [18 miles, Class III-IV rapids] * Sarapiqui River Option $250 additional cost

Transfer to Monteverde, San Luis Community Visit and Hike to Monteverde, Montana Monteverde/private baths (506-645-5046) This morning we transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve region, stopping en route to visit the local community of San Luis, including visiting local artisans, and see how they work and live. Here we share lunch with the women of the community. After, its time to warm up the legs for a great hike up to MonteVerde, along backcountry roads, by small villages and with spectacular views. * Monteverde Transfer [3+ hours] * Hike San Luis to Monteverde [3 � 4 hours; 7 miles; 600 meters]

Hike Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Sky Trek Zipline Canopy Tour or Hike, Evening Wildlife Hike, Montana Monteverde/private baths (506-645-5046) In the morning, we experience the thrill of exploring the surrounding cloud forest on the Sky Trek zipline canopy tour. Our tour, consisting of 11 cables with exciting traverses, is set in the heart of a private cloud forest reserve, and is considered to be the best canopy tour in Costa Rica. With special equipment, slide along ziplines above and through the forest canopy from one platform to another, and experience what it is like to be an eagle. The longest cable is 2,525 feet (nearly a half-mile) long and several are more than 200 feet above the ground. You will never forget the thrill and fun of the Sky Trek experience, which guarantees you more than two miles of secure and comfortable adventure. If the thrills of Sky Trek just aren�t your thing, you can enjoy doing the self-guided Sky Walk. A series of trails and suspension bridges wind through the trees, allowing for a quiet and up-close experience with the flora and fauna of the cloud forest. This afternoon, we explore the renowned Monteverde Reserve, known for the huge variety of life forms it supports and an elaborate system of trails that wind through the park. The area was settled in the 1950s by a group of Quakers who migrated to the area from the U.S. and started dairy farms on the �green mountain�. Monteverde is divided into six life zones, hosting a total of 2,500 species of plants, 100 species of mammals, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, 490 species of butterflies including the iridescent blue morpho, and about 400 species of birds including the revered resplendent quetzal. This evening, a naturalist guide will lead you on a night hike through the clouds of this mystical forest beginning at dusk. Possible sightings include the agouti, coati, kinkajou, porcupine, sloth, anole, motmot, leaf-cutter ants and tarantulas. We then return to our lodge for dinner and a cozy bed, satisfied from the evening�s experience. * Canopy Tour [3 hours] * Monteverde Nature Reserve Hike [3 to 5 miles, 3 hours] * Monteverde Night Walk [1 � 1.5 miles]

Transfer to Guanacaste, Horseback Riding / Mud Baths, Hacienda Guachipelin (506-384-2049 / private baths / fans) This morning, we take a scenic drive from the cloud forests down through the semi-arid, cattle country of Guanacaste before arriving at Hacienda Guachipelin, near the flanks of Rincon de la Vieja, another of Costa Rica�s active volcanoes. This afternoon, we switch to horseback and ride with the local �sabaneros�. Our ride takes us along the river canyon and through pastureland to the hidden thermal hot springs and mud baths. Get ready for a special treat and lots of laughs. You�d pay dearly for this treatment at your local spa! Time pending, for those looking for an action-packed day, today is it! Try another exhilarating and very unique canyon adventure and zipline tour. The hacienda�s canopy tour traverses above the Rio Colorado in a narrow canyon and includes an exciting �free� rappel down to the river and a safe but exhilarating climb back up the canyon wall. You�re always double-tethered so it�s a great chance to try some things you may never have done before. Highly recommended! But you can instead spend some quiet time at the hacienda�s pool if you so desire. Our evening\'s lodging, Hacienda Guachipelin, is a down-to-earth, comfortably rustic working ranch catering to nature lovers and adventure travelers that features authentic home-cooked meals, buffet style! The evening dinner is enjoyed in an open-air restaurant where you can gaze at stars or distant thunderstorms as you dine on local cuisine. * Scenic drive from Monteverde to Rincon de la Vieja [3-1/2 hour shuttle] * Horseback riding and mud bath [2-1/2 hours] * Zipline tour, rappelling and climbing [2 hours]; optional tour with added cost of $45

Hiking Rincon de la Vieja National Park or Hiking & Mountain Biking, Hacienda Guachipelin (506-384-2049 / private baths / fans) Today we explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park on foot. This is one of Costa Rica\'s richest, most varied, and least known national parks, and is an excellent example of the transition from dry forest to tropical humid forest and rainforest. The centerpiece of the park is a broad massif formed by two volcanoes, with nine craters that melded about a million years ago. The park is also a watershed for 32 rivers and home to 300 species of birds including guans, curassows, and magpie jays, as well as collared peccaries, coatis, anteaters, agoutis, two-toed sloths and three species of monkeys (mantled howler, white-faced Capuchin, and golden spider). You�ll also see bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles in this area of geothermal activity. Here, you can choose between the shorter loop hike and biking, or a longer steeper hike. For the latter, we depart from the park ranger�s station toward the volcano hiking up to 800 meters in elevation gain, passing through the most diverse environments, from tropical dry forest to the �ghost forest� � the result of volcanic activity and previous eruptions. We�ll shoot for going all the way to one of the craters (conditions pending), as the last � mile is on a narrow, windy trail. For the bikers, this afternoon the fat tire fun begins! Our mountain bike ride features the beauty of Costa Rica\'s natural wonders as we travel through dry tropical lowland forests and pasturelands set in the foothills of the spectacular Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Though the ride is a bit technical in parts, as we ride on a bumpy dirt road and a bit of single track (don�t worry you can take your time or walk parts if needed!), the ride is well worth it. En route we stop for a dip or two in natural pools at the base of beautiful waterfalls. Continuing our ride, we pass through the strange yet beautiful oak forests unique to this area. Alternatively, if you feel like something a bit less technical, take a stroll on your own around the hacienda grounds, perhaps out to the La Victoria Waterfall, or just relax by the pool and soak up the sun. Note: Please tell us when making your reservation, which activity you prefer on Day 6, the short hike and biking or the long hike. * Short Hike in Rincon de la Vieja [3 Hours, 3 miles, approximately 500-foot elevation gain/loss] * Mountain biking and swimming [3+ hours] * Long Hike in Rincon de la Vieja [7-8 hours; 10 miles; +800meters]

Outrigger Canoeing, Snorkeling and Beach Activities at Playa Pan de Azucar, Ocotal Beach Resort(506-670-0321/ private baths) This morning we travel down from the mountains and arrive at Ocotal Beach Resort. Upon arrival, we explore the coastline in traditional outrigger canoes. Propelled by team paddling power, we head out to a secluded beach and even have the chance to do a little snorkeling. The late afternoon is yours to enjoy napping in a hammock, or you can rent a boogie board and play in the breakers at the hotel�s beach. This evening we will dine in a large open-air restaurant, where our chefs prepare fresh seafood, beef, chicken, fresh vegetables and fruits as we watch the sun melt over the horizon. * Outrigger / snorkeling tour [3 hours]; Note: Snorkel and mask provided

Free Day, Optional Activities or Beach time, Hotel Sugar Beach (506-654-4242 / private /separate baths) Today is yours to enjoy as you please. There are plenty of optional recreational activities, such as horseback riding, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. We recommend a trip into nearby Tamarindo, which offers plenty of shops, cafes, nightlife, and a huge, wide beach with great surf and plenty of options to rent a surf board, body board, and/or take surf lessons. Alternatively, relax and enjoy a morning swim at the pool or some more reading time at the private beach. Optional Activities available at additional cost. * Miravalles Cloudforest Adventure (Full day, $89, Includes transportation, guide, lunch). Experience an incredible natural history walk and waterfalls tour to a transitional private Cloud Forest reserve. Enjoy a 20 minute horseback or tractor pulled cart ride to the starting point. Bring: backpack, camera, binoculars, long pants, swimsuit, change of clothes, hiking shoes/boots. * Palo Verde Nature Cruise and Liberia City Tour (Full day, $75, Includes transportation, guide, lunch). After a guided scenic drive through Sabanero (cowboy) Country to the put-in location, enjoy a 2-hour cruise on the Tempisque / Bebedero rivers - the nearest access to world famous Palo Verde National Park � and home to hundreds of migrating water bird species. Among other creatures, you might see monkeys, scarlet macaws, iguanas, crocs, caimans and occasionally smaller mammals on the river banks. Time pending, enjoy a visit to Guaitil Indigenous Artisans Village or Liberia Historical city. Bring: camera, binoculars, shorts, hat, sunblock. * Rio Colorado Rafting (Class III, Full day, $79, Includes transportation, guide, lunch). At just 8 km away from Liberia city, the beginner paddler will be delighted with this wet and wild experience, combined with lush riverside scenery. Tours are run on inflatable whitewater kayaks. Bring sun block, swimsuit, change of clothes, strap-on sandals or shoes that can get wet, towel. * Santa Rosa National Park History/Cultural Tour (Full day, $65, Includes: transportation, guide, lunch). Our first national park, this 49,515-hectare preserve is famous for its 10 distinct habitats, including mangrove swamp, savanna and oak forest, home of more than 250 bird species and 115 mammals. Learn with our naturalist guide the importance of this ecosystem as well as about the history of La Casona - the nation\'s most cherished historic monument. The old hacienda-turned-museum alone is well worth the visit. On the way back enjoy a visit to Liberia city to learn more about the history of Guanacaste. Bring camera, binoculars, long pants, sun block, insect repellent, hiking shoes/boots. * Corobici River Floating Expedition (Full day, $85, Includes transportation, guide, lunch). A great experience for nature lovers! This floating adventure on rubber rafts on the Corobici River allows visitors to observe the lush riverside bordered by Ceibo Mahogany and Guanacaste trees. This is an excellent opportunity for birdwatching and other wildlife observation. Bring sun block, swimsuit, change of clothes, strap-on sandals or shoes that can get wet, towel. * Horseback Riding (Half day, $65, Includes transportation, guide) * Transfers to Tamarindo Beach: From Sugar Beach: $12 per person, one way, shuttle bus. From Ocotal: $25 per person one way, shuttle bus. Taxis are easily arranged directly at the hotel at lower prices, negotiate with the driver. Surfboard and boogie (body) board rentals and surf lessons available in Tamarindo, along with a great beach, shops, cafes, etc.

Daniel Oduber (Liberia) International Airport or Tamarindo Airport Transfer, Trip Conclusion This morning we will provide a local transfer to the Daniel Oduber (Liberia) International Airport for your flight back to the US or to San Jose for your connecting flight, and say �hasta luego�, until we meet again on another incredible Singles Travel International Adventure! Itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of our local operators without compensation. Singles Travel International is not responsible for the consequences of any changes.