Travel to the world's ultimate eco-adventure destination — Costa Rica! Zipline above the rainforest, swim in crystal waters, view an active volcano and brave river rapids. Give your family the outdoor adventure of a lifetime!

Accommodations & Meals
Itinerary Highlights

Destination Highlights
San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park

2008 Adventure Travel Dates (7 Days/6 Nights)

Accommodations & Meals

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Itinerary Highlights

Places

• La Paz Butterfly Gardens
• Arenal Volcano
• Hidalgo Hot Springs
• Manuel Antonio National Park

Disney Difference

• Rainforest experience
• Zip-line adventure
• Pineapple plantation visit
• Whitewater rafting trip
• Private parties with live entertainment

Junior Adventurer/Family Friendly 

• Junior Adventurer dinner party
• Arts and crafts with locals
• Disney movie night

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View 2008 Terms and Conditions (Adobe PDF)

Download Printable Itinerary (Adobe PDF)

Day 1:
(Due to arrival times, No Meal Included)

Arrive in San José
After you pass through customs, meet an Adventures by Disney representative who will assist with your luggage. Relax as a driver whisks your family away to the nearby resort.

Real Intercontinental Costa Rica Hotel
Your elegant hotel is located outside of San Jose in an upscale area near shopping and entertainment. Unwind and enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including a swimming pool, sauna and gymnasium. If you wish to explore the area, your Adventure Guide can make suggestions.

Dinner at the Resort
Tonight, you and your family are on your own for dinner. Enjoy one of the hotel’s three excellent restaurants or your Adventure Guide can recommend nearby local dining. Get ready - tomorrow you will start your adventure on the path to "pura vida," or the "pure life."

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Day 2:
(Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Welcome Reception and Breakfast
Kick off your week in the tropics with a festive breakfast on a private terrace overlooking the resort. Meet the other adventurous families that share your journey though paradise!

La Paz Waterfall and Butterfly Gardens
Travel to the mysterious rainforest of La Paz, encounter the fluttering splendor of butterfly gardens! Then, hike through blossoming trails and explore an enchanting waterfall.

Lunch at La Paz
Share a family picnic lunch in the midst of the lush rainforest.

Arrive at Hotel Arenal Kioro
Follow the winding road to Arenal - your home in the heart of the rainforest. This lodge offers an electrifying view of one of the world's most active volcanoes, and borders the mystical, untouched rainforest.

Welcome Dinner Celebration
Kick up your heels at a lively feast with traditional dance music and authentic cuisine arranged specially for Adventures by Disney Guests. This celebration will really get you into the rhythm!

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Day 3:
(Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Zip-Line Adventure*
You're the king of the jungle! Strap on a harness, click onto suspended wires, zip-line through treetops and soar across the sky. Adventures by Disney has found the expert guides to make this an awesome adventure to remember. It's the thrill of a lifetime!
*To use the zipline, you must be at least eight years old and under 220 lbs.

Lunch at the Resort
Share the stories of your high-flying adventure in the rainforest over lunch with the group.

Local Arts and Crafts
Learn some traditional crafts from some local artisans. Get the family together and connect with the culture and your creative side - you may even design a keepsake of your own!

Hidalgo Hot Springs
Get whisked away to Hidalgo Hot Springs for a family dinner at these remarkable hot springs. And bring your swimsuits - you may want to take a dip before dinner!

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Day 4:
(Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Sarapiqui White Water Rafting  / Float Trip
Travel through the rainforest to a rollicking river for a wet and wild rafting adventure! Shoot down roaring rapids and bob over gushing waters as a forest full of exotic creatures glides by. Enjoy a rafting adventure in Class 2 rapids; or opt for a serene paddle trip on quieter waters.

Picnic Lunch
Take a break from your whitewater adventure with an unforgettable picnic on the bank of the river.

Pineapple Plantation Tour
Learn to live off the land at a real working plantation! Discover Costa Rica's spirit of environmental respect and meet the people who live and work the earth everyday.

Dinner at the Resort
Toast to your rainforest adventure and swap stories with the family at your leisure. Who'd have thought you'd be shooting down roaring rapids and soaring across the treetops?

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Day 5:
(Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Flight to Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park
Kick back and relax as we check your family out of the resort, handle your luggage and shuttle you to a brief and scenic flight on Twin Otter Aircraft to the captivating Costa Rican coastline.

Lunch at Arenas del Mar Private Beach
Enjoy a picnic lunch exclusive to Adventures by Disney Guests! Grab a seat on the sand, enjoy the ocean view and a family lunch to remember!

Arrive Hotel Arenas del Mar
Paradise found! This tropical resort overlooking the ocean, surrounded by a lush rainforest, has beautiful swimming pools and a luxurious spa. With swimming, walking trails, and bird watching, there is something to enchant every member of your family!

Kids Only Dinner / Adult's Dinner
Kids can cut loose at their own private dinner party, with their favorite foods. Meanwhile, adults can unwind over an elegant meal and toast to an enchanting evening in paradise.

Disney Movie Night
Cuddle up with the family and watch a classic Disney film in the heart of the tropics!

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Day 6:
(Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner)

Manuel Antonio National Park Adventure
Hike through ancient forests and search for exotic animals including mischievous monkeys, bizarre birds and giant sloths. This unforgettable guided tour reveals the magical mysteries of the coastal rainforest.

Afternoon Activities at your Leisure
This afternoon is your opportunity to choose from enjoying the amenities at the Parador to shopping in the bustling seaside village of Quepos. Now this is "pura vida"!

Farewell Dinner
Celebrate all the friendships and adventures of your trip over a celebratory dinner. Toast to all your newfound friends and the family memories you will cherish forever. Salud!

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Day 7:
(Meal Included: Breakfast)

Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy your last breakfast in paradise, and say goodbye to your fellow adventurers.

Charter Flight to San José
Fly back to San José via Twin Otter Aircraft to connect with your departing flight and say "adios" until you return to the tropics again!

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Is a passport required for this itinerary?
U.S. citizens will need a valid passport to enter Costa Rica and return to the United States. The passport must be valid six months beyond the intended stay and have 1-2 blank pages remaining. Allow sufficient time to have the application processed if applying for a new passport or renewing an expired passport – refer to www.state.gov for further details. In addition, guests 17 years of age or younger may be required to show additional documentation when traveling with a single parent. Non-U. S. citizens should check with the Costa Rica Consulate at www.costarica-embassy.org for information on documentation requirements.
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Are vaccinations needed to travel to this country?
Vaccinations to travel to the areas of Costa Rica that are a part of the Adventures by Disney itinerary are not required if going to Costa Rica from the U.S. (For extended stays or a stay to other parts of Costa Rica, Guests are advised to consult www.cdc.gov.)  Non-US Citizens should check local requirements on vaccinations for travel to Costa Rica.
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What airport do Guests fly in and out of?
Guests are picked up at San José International Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica on arrival day. Flights may arrive at any point throughout the day. At the end of the adventure, Guests will transfer to San José International Airport (SJO).  Return flights should be scheduled for after 12:30 p.m.
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Are transfers included for arrivals or departures from different locations or at different times from the itinerary?
No. Transfers are only included from the specified arrival/departure airports and hotels.  For Costa Rica, transfers are included from the San José International Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica to the Real InterContinental Hotel on arrival day. On departure day, transfers are included from the Hotel Arenas del Mar back to the San José International Airport (SJO).
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Can the vacation extend beyond the Adventures by Disney itinerary?
Yes, Guests may stay in Costa Rica before or after the itinerary. Extended stays are available at special rates if booked through Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc. in conjunction with a land package and cannot be combined with any other offer. Please contact us for further information.
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How will the group travel between destinations?
Guests will travel by motor coach and chartered twin-otter airplane between destinations.
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What is the climate like?
Throughout the year, the weather in Costa Rica is warm and pleasant, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 70s to 80s, and nighttime temperatures at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. There are occasional rain showers throughout the year, but generally the weather is sunny and warm.
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Are there age, height and weight restrictions for certain activities?
Yes. To zipline, Guests must be at least 8 years old and weigh less than 220 pounds.
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How strenuous are the activities?
While this adventure is not considered physically strenuous, most days will include one or more hours of walking and/or gentle hiking while often in a rainforest environment. Guests should feel comfortable spending time exploring the outdoors. This adventure includes a whitewater rafting activity (Classes I-III), and a canopy ziplining experience (minimum age of 8 years and maximum weight of 225 lbs.). Temperatures may be hot and humid, so wear cool clothing and a hat, and drink plenty of water. While nearly all of the trip’s featured activities are gentle if examined separately, the full range of activities requires a moderate amount of stamina in order to get the most of your vacation.
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What is the basis for the suggested minimum age for this trip?
While Disney welcomes children ages 4 and up at the time of travel, it is recommended that children be at least 6 years old at the time of travel on the Path to Pura Vida trip. This is based on several factors, such as high altitude at destination, number of internal transports between experiences, potential for extreme temperatures in the summer months, and amount of physical activity (e.g., hiking, riding zip lines, white-water rafting) involved. Because each child is different, please contact us to discuss whether this is the right trip for each child being considered.
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What types of meals are served during this itinerary?
Typically, breakfast is served each morning in buffet style and offers a variety of dishes. Dinners and lunches usually include fish, meat, and pasta or rice entrées; vegetables and salad; and desserts and fruit. Some included meals on this trip are served buffet style while others offer a limited-choice menu. Given the nature of group travel, á la carte menu choices may not always be available.  Children-friendly choices are available at all meals. Menu items are subject to change due to the availability and seasonality of foods. In order to offer each Guest a bit of time to enjoy meals amongst themselves, there are some meals that are not included in the itinerary. These meals have been planned in towns or cities where there are plenty of options available.  For questions or concerns about dining at any time during the vacation, the Adventure Guides will be happy to assist.
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Can special dietary needs be accommodated?
Adventures by Disney can accommodate some special dietary needs at no additional charge. Unfortunately, some special dietary needs requested may not be able to be accommodated. Please contact us in advance to advise of special needs prior to departure.
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Is alcohol included?
Alcoholic beverages are typically not included with scheduled meals, however, they may be purchased at the Guests own expense.
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Is this itinerary appropriate for travelers with special needs?
Please note that this vacation includes activities that present certain challenges to Guests with special needs. It is strongly recommended that persons requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing assistance. Neither Adventures by Disney nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist Guests onto transportation vehicles. Please contact us to discuss specific needs.
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What is the language and currency of Costa Rica?
The primary language is Spanish, and English is a second language for many Costa Ricans. The currency is the Costa Rican Colon. U.S. dollars, however, are widely accepted and available at ATM machines. Most hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards or debit cards in addition to travelers checks.  Adventure Guides can help with any currency issues or language barriers.
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Are tips included?

• Adventures by Disney has taken care of certain tips and gratuities for all included meals and activities such as tips for porters, housekeepers, drivers, activity providers, local experts, and dining room staff for included meals.
• On Your Own Dining Gratuities: When eating at a restaurant, a gratuity is usually included in the bill.  However, Guests who feel they have received exceptional service, may leave an additional gratuity. Many choose to simply “round up.”
• Adventure Guide Gratuities: Gratuities for Adventures Guides are not included. For Guests who feel that their Adventure Guides have provided excellent service, the following discretionary gratuity is suggested : Per Guest/Per Adventure guide/Per Day - $5-$8 USD.  Adventure Guides accept local currency, U.S. dollars, and travelers’ checks.

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What if Adventures by Disney cancels the adventure prior to departure?
Adventures by Disney reserves the right to cancel or reschedule an adventure at any time for any reason, such as if there are too few Guests or if the quality of the trip or the safety of the Guests would, in Disney’s opinion, be compromised, such as from unforeseen circumstances (acts of God) or other circumstances beyond Adventures by Disney's control.

• If air is purchased through Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc., Disney will attempt to re-book for another departure of the same adventure during the same season, subject to availability, and Disney will bear any resulting airline re-booking charges. If unable to re-book on another departure, a full refund of all payments that had been made to Disney for the canceled adventure will be issued, including land package, airfare and Vacation Protection Plan (unless you have filed a claim), which refund shall constitute a full settlement.
• If air is not purchased through Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc., and Disney cancels an adventure prior to its scheduled start date, Disney will attempt to re-book for another departure of the same adventure during the same season, subject to availability; however, the Guest will bear any resulting airline re-booking charges. If unable to re-book on another departure, Disney’s sole obligation is to refund payment received for the land portion and Vacation Protection Plan (unless you have filed a claim), which refund shall constitute a full settlement. Disney assumes no responsibility for any losses incurred by you on account of non-refundable air tickets or otherwise.

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¹ Value, Standard and Peak dates are identified on prior page.
² Valid for bookings made more than 120 days prior to departure.  The number of packages available at these rates is limited. Not valid with any other offer.
³ Based on double, triple or quad occupancy. Single supplement applies. Subject to availability, eligible parties of 4 may be booked as a quad or two doubles.
⁴ Child rate applies to Guests under 12 when accompanied by an adult in the same room. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

All prices are listed in USD.  Airfare to and from destination is not included. Please call for assistance in purchasing flights.

Notes on Accommodations: (subject to availability)

• Parties of three in San José are accommodated in one room with a rollaway and one king bed or two double beds.
• Parties of three in Arenal are accommodated in one room with two queen beds and day bed.
• Parties of three in Quepos will be accommodated in one room with a king bed and queen sofa bed.
• Parties of four booked as a quad:
  • In San José, quads are accommodated in one room with two double beds.
  • In Arenal, quads are accommodated in one room with two queen beds and a day bed.
  • In Quepos, quads are accommodated in a two-bedroom apartment with each bedroom having one king bed and a queen sofa bed.
• Parties of four booked as two doubles:
  • In San José, accommodations consist of two rooms, each having either two queen beds or one king bed.
  • In Arenal, accommodations consist of two rooms, each having two queen beds.
  • In Quepos, accommodations consist of two rooms, each having one king bed.
• Connecting rooms and rollaways may be requested in San José only.
• Pre- and post-dates are available. Please contact us for more details.
  

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