Itinerary

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart U.S./Fly to Panama City, Panama/Transfer to Resort

Your flight departs from the U.S. for Panama early this morning. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets. Upon arrival, a VBT representative meets you and helps you transfer to your resort. Take the afternoon to settle into your accommodations and to start your exploration.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration

Participate in any number of optional activities today. You may wish to contact the resort prior to travel for information about activities available during your stay. Additional information and tour reservations are available on the resort's website: www.gamboaresort.com/act_teleferico_english.html

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration/Fly from Panama to Costa Rica

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Costa Rica. A VBT representative meets you on arrival in Costa Rica and helps you transfer to Xandari Resort & Spa. Your fellow tour guests join you this morning.

Day 1 of BIKE TOUR Depart U.S./Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica/Warm-up ride/Welcome reception

VBT No-Air Package guests: Meet your VBT Trip Leaders and the rest of the group at Xandari Resort & Spa at 11 a.m. Please contact the hotel if any travel delays or changes occur; the staff will pass the message on to your VBT Trip Leaders.

VBT Air Package guests: Upon arrival at the San Jose airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. VBT's local representative will be holding a VBT sign and will meet you outside the customs area in your arrival terminal. They will help you transfer by minibus (approximately 30-60 minutes) to Xandari Resort & Spa where you begin your trip.

VBT Pre-Trip Extension guests: This morning you will fly from Panama to Costa Rica and join the other guests. Upon arrival at the San Jose airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. VBT's local representative will be holding a VBT sign and will meet you outside the customs area in your arrival terminal. They will help you transfer by minibus (approximately 30 - 60 minutes) to Xandari Resort & Spa where you begin your trip.

Lunch is included today. This afternoon, participate in a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a brief warm-up ride. Get to know your fellow travelers better over a welcome reception and dinner tonight.

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Coffee/Poás Volcano/Doka Estate Coffee

This morning a shuttle transports us to Poás Volcano, which has seen only occasional eruptions since 1828. We have time to explore before cycling down its slopes on smooth paved roads to the charming farm town of Poasito.

Here, we stop to visit a family-owned fruit stand where we'll taste some of Costa Rica's sweetest strawberries and discuss local agricultural practices with the farmers. Then shuttle to Doka Estate Coffee Farm, Costa Rica's largest family-owned coffee plantation. The estate is located in Costa Rica's “Coffee Capital,” Sabanilla de Alajuela. We enjoy a tour of the award-winning farm and mill, learning about the coffee-brewing tradition of chorrear and tasting some of the estate's fresh-roasted coffees.

Return to our resort by bicycle or shuttle, arriving in time for dinner.

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Cycle through northern lowlands to foothills of Arenal Volcano

We begin the day with breakfast, then shuttle to the small farming community of Bajos Rodriguez. From here we cycle through the northern lowlands close to the Arenal Volcano, the only constantly active volcano in Costa Rica. It has been erupting since 1968 and is considered one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. Arenal is also the youngest volcano in Costa Rica; it erupted for the first known time around 7,000 years ago.

We cycle through small towns on paved paths and across rushing rivers to the foothills of Arenal Volcano, which are dotted with yucca, pineapple and papaya farms. After dinner, we can watch Arenal's spectacular show in the distance. You may wish to watch from the lodge's beautiful tropical gardens, while soaking in the open-air Jacuzzi, or from your room or terrace: every room at the lodge has been designed to provide a view of the volcano's towering cone.

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Lake Arenal ride/Soak in Ecotermales Hot Springs

Costa Rica's largest lake, Lake Arenal offers scenic riding and an especially picturesque shore. The lake is a popular destination for windsurfing, fishing, kayaking and boating, as well as shoreline hiking, horseback riding and cycling.

We shuttle from the lodge to the lake, enjoy a relaxing mid-morning boat excursion. From the lake we'll admire rolling fields and forests, and get a different perspective of the towering Arenal Volcano.

Though you might never know by its appearance, Lake Arenal is crucial to Costa Rica's energy production, providing almost 70% of the country's electricity. The Lake Arenal hydroelectric dam, completed in 1979, tripled the lake basin's size to about 33 square miles.

We cycle back along the lake's scenic northern shore. This afternoon, we visit the exclusive and beautiful Ecotermales Natural Hot Springs. Here, we take a soak in any of its six pools or two water cascades, surrounded by lush native trees and plants. Dinner tonight is on your own, at the lodge or one of several area restaurants.

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Morning ride/Peñas Blancas River wildlife safari

Today, we cycle to a boat launch for a peaceful river-rafting safari on the Peñas Blancas River, where we'll be on the lookout for some of Costa Rica's diverse wildlife. The crystal-clear waters of the Peñas Blancas are fed by surrounding cloud forests in adjacent Monteverde. We'll drift by lush rainforest, volcanic hot springs and cascading waterfalls.

We always find this to be a mesmerizing journey. The sights and sounds of the natural world embrace us as we float through the rainforest. Our river guide points out examples of Costa Rica's abundant and varied creatures such as lizards, sloths, monkeys, toucans, herons and kingfishers, as well as native plants. This is an ideal opportunity to photograph wildlife, plants, and even butterflies up close. Before we return to land, you'll understand more fully that Costa Rica's landscape and wildlife are among the most biodiverse on Earth — and so valued that more than a quarter of the country's land has been set aside for conservation.

Later in the day, we take a shuttle to the Los Angeles Cloud Forest and the conservation-focused Villa Blanca Resort, one of the elite “Green Hotels of Costa Rica.” Villa Blanca strives for absolute guest comfort while maintaining the highest standards of respect for its natural surroundings. Villa Blanca was given a “5-leaf” rating by the Certification Board of Sustainable Tourism, their highest score. Tonight, we enjoy a satisfying dinner at El Sendero, the resort's restaurant.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Los Angeles Cloud Forest hike and bird-watching

After an early breakfast, we join expert naturalists on a guided bird-watching expedition through the Los Angeles Cloud Forest. Costa Rica is home to an estimated 840 bird species, so we will be treated to a variety of unusual sightings, such as the brown pelican, toucan and macaw. We might even spot the elusive resplendent quetzal.

In the late morning, we will ride to San Ramon to visit this small farming city. San Ramon is set amidst a dramatic landscape of mountains, and is a close-knit place with strong community ties. We will take advantage of the slow relaxed pace of life here while we have lunch and visit the local museum – the Historical Museum of San Ramon. Learn about the indigenous ancestors of San Ramon and their customs, from colonization and development during the 19th century to the city it is today. This evening we gather for a festive farewell dinner at our resort.

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Visit the Ara Project/Depart for U.S./Begin optional Pacific Coast extension

On our last day at Villa Blanca we will enjoy the thrill of a canopy tour operation. Late morning we will check out and head back to the Central Valley, stopping for lunch on the way. After lunch we will visit the Ara Project, a privately run wildlife rescue center in Alajuela. The center uses all its proceeds to rescue, rehabilitate and breed native species, and to educate people about Costa Rica's endangered birds, especially the beautiful scarlet macaw.

After visiting the Ara Project, we will transfer to the San Jose airport for your late afternoon flight back to the U.S.

VBT No-Air Package and Air Package guests: We will assist you to the San Jose airport, and you'll fly back to the U.S. late this afternoon. Flight departures from San Jose airport prior to 5 p.m. are not recommended; those departing earlier must make transfer arrangements from the last hotel at their own expense.

VBT Post-Trip Extension guests: If you have chosen the optional Post-Trip Extension, you will fly from San Jose to Quepos on the Pacific Coast. Upon landing in Quepos you will transfer to your hotel overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park. VBT provides you with a destination information packet to help you explore on your own. It includes information and recommendations for your independent stay at the Si Como No Resort & Spa.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Pacific Coast

You have the day to relax and enjoy the beauty of this unique place. Numerous options exist for activities, including guided excursions to Manuel Antonio National Park, horseback riding, rafting, sea kayaking, and hiking. Or you may choose to just relax and enjoy the serenity of the resort's location.

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Depart for home

Enjoy the tranquility of the resort and beach this morning. Transfer from Manuel Antonio to the airport in San Jose this afternoon, for your flight to the U.S.

Please note: VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder.” VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Adventure Costa Rica! 2011

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Panama 2011 - 2 nights for only $395

Immerse yourself in Panama’s wonders, both natural and man made. Visit the locks and understand the Panama Canal’s role in history. Hike into primary rainforests within nearby Soberanía National Park. Kayak the Chagres River, spotting iguanas, caimans, and birds.

Your base for independent exploration is a comfortable resort located on the edge of Gatun Lake in the heart of a lush rainforest. The resort offers Panama’s only aerial tram as well as several restaurants, a full service spa, and facilities for arranging local activities.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $225.

Post-Trip Extension

Manuel Antonio National Park 2011 - 2 nights for only $445

Relax and unwind in the tropical luxury of the Si Como No Resort & Spa, in peaceful Manuel Antonio National Park, where the rainforest meets the beach. Manuel Antonio may be small, but it is considered Costa Rica's most stunning national preserve. The park offers three pristine beaches, a magnificent setting with a view to the islands offshore, lush rainforest with a network of good trails, and wildlife at every turn. You are almost guaranteed a close-up visit with sloths, coatimundis, scarlet macaws and monkeys. See it all, or just kick back and relax.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $245.

Accommodations

Xandari Resort & Spa

Xandari Resort & Spa is a tropical paradise of 22 individually designed villas nestled on a 40 acre plantation overlooking the Central Valley of Costa Rica. At an elevation of 3900 feet (1200 meters), Xandari enjoys a near–perfect temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year.
Spa. Enjoy a massage, mud wrap, facial, and various exotic body treatments with a distinctive Costa Rican flavor. Xandari Resort & Spa was named by World Travel Award as Costa Rica’s Leading Spa Resort.
Dining. An indoor/outdoor restaurant features a healthy continental and Costa Rican menu. Many of the fruits and vegetables are from the resort’s organic greenhouse, orchard and gardens. Dine in intimate and elegant simplicity while enjoying a panoramic view of the Central Valley.
Swimming. Swim in one of the resort’s two 60ft. long lap pools and sunbathe on the pool terraces
Gardens and Trails. Hike over 4 kilometers of private scenic trails to intimate river vistas and dramatic waterfalls. Visit our orchid house and greenhouse.

Lost Iguana Resort

A premier retreat nestled in the jungle, the Lost Iguana Resort boasts rooms with large private balconies overlooking the Arenal Volcano and Arenal River Gorge. All rooms are spacious and well-appointed with first-class furnishings, artwork and full amenities (including air-conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, pillow-top mattresses with 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, safe-deposit boxes, coffee service and more).

Villa Blanca

The Villa Blanca experience begins with the unique personality of your private accommodations. Each charming “casita” overlooks 3,000 acres of dairy pastures and pristine tropical cloud forest. Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Spa includes 35 individual well-appointed and completely renovated casitas. On the main hilltop is the Hacienda House, where you can snack on fresh baked breads and pastries at El Cafe del Bosque or play a game of chess or billiards in El Mirador de Los Angeles salon. The charming restaurant, El Sendero, offers fine country-style dining.

Si Como No

Located in Manuel Antonio, a veritable treasure-chest of natural beauty, Si Como No is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, inviting soft sand beaches and nearby rivers well suited for rafting. The hotel enhances its guests’ experience by offering a full array of activities, including guided excursions into Manuel Antonio National Park, mangrove and ocean kayaking, horseback riding, tours to its nearby butterfly and private nature refuge (“Fincas Naturales”), world-class sportfishing, and white-water rafting tours. The hotel’s 58 rooms are distributed within 10 separate terraces located on 10 acres of protected tropical forest. Each room has well-appointed bathrooms and fully stocked minibars. Most rooms also have private balconies, direct-dial telephones and energy-efficient air-conditioning.

Rating Level

Moderate

This tour offers a combination of rolling terrain mixed with moderate hills. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance. Ideal for energetic beginners to experienced cyclists.