Day six - countryside

We got up and drove to Londres, a very small town with no tourism. We then hiked into the Campesino Reserve, a many-mile adventure on a small wondering path through the Costa Rica countryside. We met up with a gentleman named Visae, who has never been to a city and speaks no English. He is a groundskeeper for a plot of land. He walked with us. Kenzie and I got to practice Spanish. He took us to the land of his boss, where he served us fresh lemonade and lychees from his yard. 

We were all so sweaty, and the walk went on for hours--up, down, around. Waterfalls, rivers, the occasional cow and lots of leafcutter ants that we avoided stepping on. We eventually ended up at a cooperative-run waterfall park where we hiked down to a beautiful waterfall where we swam and let the water beat down on our sore muscles. 

Jackie and Fernando swam with us. 

We had lunch in a hut in the woods then walked across what was perhaps the scariest part of our trip--a wobbly suspension bridge. None of us knew it was coming so we found ourselves quite surprised! Cindy pointed out after the fact that it was constructed from aluminum ladders and some of the net below wasn't in tip-top shape. 

We hiked back up to the top, and we're very happy to see a 4x4 car waiting to take us back to the bus. 

Day five - Manual Antonio

We stayed three nights at the beautiful Hotel Mariposa in Quepos. 

We got up and went to the amazing Manuel Antonio National Park, which is packed with wild species. We saw sloths, titi monkeys, white faced monkeys, raccoons, deer, coatis, a boa constrictor, crab that live in the woods, lizards and a lot more.

We swam in the park, then drove outside the park for surf lessons. The kids and I all got up--we had great instructors. 

Day Four - Travel Arenal to Manuel Antonial

We got up early today because Jackie, our guide, had a surprise for us. She said the cooks at the hotel we were staying in had seen this animal show up almost every day. We were all up and ready by 7am and bummer the animal did not show. Here is what it looked like. 

Ocelot and her baby. I guess she showed up the next day. (Picture sent to us by Fernando when he did the next tour. )

Fernando had also spotted a viper snake the night before and it was still there. 

Insert picture. 

We then had breakfast, checked out and we were on our way to Manual Antonio Park with some stops along the way. 

Lunch was in a small town where a lady started cooking for the tourists who would come by looking at the Macaw birds. We were not disappointed. As we were eating lunch, the birds were dropping almonds on the rooftop. Curiosity got the best of Mason and he went out from under the roof to see what was going on. An almond hit the roof and then hit him square in the head. We all got a good laugh out of that one...well maybe not Mason. After lunch we spotted several beautiful macaw birds. 

Insert pictures

Before heading back on the road again, Jackie and Fernando suggested playing soccer with the local kids. 

Frog walk

At the EcoTerminales spa we went on a night walk, looking for frogs. Headlamps and flashlights on, Jackie led us to find tree frogs (with red eyes), poison dart frogs and a few other miscellaneous critters. The air was dark and thick with humidity, as we tiptoed through the trail. Such a fun night!

Day Three - water

We took our family bus to the edge of a road and then got in a 4x4 vehicle, and drove another vet bumpy half hour toward the volcano.

Once again we geared up, then we started hiking! All of the sudden we found ourselfves at the top of a waterfall, and one at a time we rappeled down. We had five total rappels, including one "monkey drop" which was literally a free fall off a rope. 

We hiked and hiked back up. Then we went to the La Fortuna waterfall, hiked down to the base of the waterfall and enjoyed a lovely swim. 

On the way back up the 500-stair climb, a howler monkey came to say hello. He showed off climbing through the branches no more than 15 feet from us. 

And then, as if we weren't quite wet enough, we headed to the EcoTerminales  hot springs. This was like a natural spa, with beautiful pools heated by the volcano. Every 15 minutes we had to go in the cold pool to regulate our body temperature. There were monkeys, toucans and an iguana in the woods surrounding us. It soothed our sore muscles.

Coatis and howlers

The first day we (our driver Fernando) spotted howler monkeys in a tree. We stopped then a family of coatis came up to us, probably 30 in total. 

Day two - Pura Vida - Ziplining

We got up early and headed to the base of the Arenal volcano. Along the way we stopped at farm for lunch, made tortillas, learned about the plants of Costa Rica, and milked a cow. Ermi cried when it was time to milk the cow. We thought "oh boy, if this is scary, we are going to have a rough vacation."

But, we kept going. At one point Ermi said "Ermi doesn't cry for Ziplining." So we geared up, then rode the tram to the top of the zip line course. 

And, doing what any good parents would do, we sent our kids first on a rope hundreds of feet above the rain forest, then we joined them. 

Mason took a video of his race with his sister.

https://www.facebook.com/julie.averill/posts/10154381810133522

What a thrilling adventure! Ermi wanted to go again! He looked so little holding onto the bar and getting tossed down the line over the huge forest. We had seven rides for a total of 1.7 miles. 

We stayed two nights at the Arenal Observatory. 

Costa Rica itinerary

We signed up for an REI Adventure in Costa Rica. 

Here is our itinerary:

Day 1: Pura Vida! Welcome to San Jose where our adventure begins.

Our trip begins today in San Jose, Costa Rica. Depart your home city for San Jose, arriving by 5pm today. A group orientation is held at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby. Meals on your own.

Day 2: Take a zip-line rainforest tour and enjoy a special family farm visit.

This morning we leave San Jose heading north toward Arenal Volcano. Along the way we have a typical lunch at a locally owned farm and have an opportunity to learn a bit about the life of the resident people. Here we have the chance to milk a cow and make hot tortillas in the local tradition. After lunch we spend the afternoon zipping across the canopy of the rainforest, beginning with a 20 minute tram ride to the highest point within the Arenal Reserve from which the views of the volcano and the lake are unsurpassed. Next, it's on with the harnesses and helmets as we get ready to fly above the treetops on a series of cabled zip-lines. All in all, there are roughly 1.7 miles of lines that criss-cross from platform to platform. While the ride is thrilling, it also provides a panoramic view of the marvelous scenery and biodiversity for which Costa Rica is renowned. We continue our drive to our lodging at Arenal where we spend the next two nights. Arenal is an active volcano that has been regularly spewing lava and smoke plumes since a series of eruptions occurred in 1968 and daily rumblings are not unusual. Enjoy a dip in the pool before dinner. All meals included.

Sky tram – zip-line: 2 hours. Driving: 3.5 hours

Day 3: Rappel down a canyon waterfall and soak in thermal hot springs.

A day of high adventure awaits us! After an early breakfast, we're off to something that is sure to delight the kids and thrill the adults: a morning of "canyoning". We transfer from the hotel to a canyon that lies deep in the tropical rainforest and is best explored through a series of rappels and short hikes. Our hike along these canyon trails lead to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica – ones not frequently visited by the casual traveler. After a thorough introduction to technique and equipment, we rappel down several waterfalls into crystal clear, knee deep pools as we move through the canyon. Helmets on and on-belay! Tropical birds, monkeys and thousands of different plants and colorful flowers abound. This is truly a magical experience for the whole family - it's a kid friendly activity, no experience is required. After lunch it’s more time in the jungle with a hike and swim at La Fortuna Waterfall. Then, we're off to the nearby hot springs for a final relaxing soak. Overnight back at Arenal. All meals included.

Canyoning: 2.5 hours, some hiking included over rolling terrain with some elevation gain
Additional hiking: 1 hour; Driving: 2 hours 

Day 4: Travel from Arenal Volcano to Manuel Antonio.

This morning we can get up early for an optional birding walk around the grounds of our hotel or we can choose to just sleep in. After breakfast we leave the volcanic highlands behind for our long drive out to the Pacific Coast (roughly 4.5 hours). This is mainly a travel day but we’ll make a couple of stops along the way including crocodile watching at Carara National Park and being treated to a typical Tico lunch in a Costa Rican home. We’ll arrive to our lovely Manuel Antonio hotel, which has impressive views of the Pacific, in time for a nice afternoon dip in the pool. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant. All meals included.

Driving: 4.5 hours

Day 5: A visit to Manuel Antonio Park, then surf lessons in the afternoon.

Miles of white sandy beach bordered by lush forest loaded with wildlife is just the barest description of Manuel Antonio National Park. This small park is one of Costa Rica’s most popular parks and for good reason. Not only is the setting idyllic, the jungle itself is home to sloths, iguanas, squirrel monkeys, coatimundi, agouti and over 180 species of birds. The kids will love exploring the jungle trails with our naturalist guide as well as swimming in the warm, protected waters. Enjoy and relax! In the afternoon we’re back on the water with surf lessons for the whole family. We’ll be outfitted with surfboards, given instruction and demonstration, and then time to try out our new skilll. Breakfast, lunch included; dinner on your own.

Hiking: 2.5 hours, jungle trails + beach time; Surf lessons: 2-3 hours

Day 6: Hike, swim, and explore in the community-owned Campesinos Reserve.

This morning, a 45-minute drive transports us to the small town of Londres where we make a short stop before beginning our hike in the gorgeous Campesinos Reserve. The reserve, located in a picturesque mountain range between the Naranjo and Savegre Rivers, is managed by a local Costa Rican family. Upon reaching Campesinos, we have an opportunity to swim in a natural pool at the base of a spectacular waterfall and explore a former vanilla plantation bordering the reserve. After lunch, we continue hiking toward the Savegre River, where we cross a bridge over the fast-flowing river en route to the end of the trail and our waiting vehicle. Return to our hotel tonight for our farewell dinner. All meals included.

Hiking: 3.5 hours. Driving: 1.5 hours

Day 7: Relish the splendors of Manuel Antonio before returning to San Jose.

There are many options for this “free” morning: sleep in, go on a self-guided walk of Manuel Antonio’s trails, take a hike from the hotel down to the beach or enjoy one last dip in the hotel pool. This afternoon we board our minibus for the final drive back to San Jose where we celebrate our week’s adventure with our traveling companions and newfound friends. All meals included.

Driving: 3 hours

Day 8: Our Costa Rica Family Adventure ends.

Morning transfer to the international airport for flights home. Breakfast included.