Top 13 Things to do in Zanzibar

Posted on December 28, 2017 by Adventures Within Reach

Some of our favorite things to do in Zanzibar!  In no particular order — they are all great!  Start with our 4-Day Best of Zanzibar Trip >>

1) Scuba/Snorkeling

Scuba Diving in Zanzibar

Scuba Diving in Zanzibar

Arguably the best diving is around Mnemba Island off the northeast coast of  Zanzibar.  However, there is also great diving from Stone Town, including some wreck diving.  If your hotel does not have a dive center, there is certainly one nearby!

The snorkeling at these dive sites is also amazing.  Also popular is snorkeling with wild dolphins on the southwest region on the island.

2) Forodhani Park nighttime street market

Forodhani Park nighttime street market

Forodhani Park nighttime street market

This is a fun food market on the water’s edge in Stone Town, an easy walk from any downtown hotel.

It is lively and popular even with locals.  Even if you don’t eat dinner here, it is worth the walk around for the ambiance.

3) Wildlife

Red Colobus Monkeys at Jozani Forest Zanzibar

Red Colobus Monkeys at Jozani Forest Zanzibar

There is some unique wildlife to see on Zanzibar!  The Jozani National Park is the most famous with the endemic Red Colobus Monkeys.  Cheetah’s Rock is a non-profit with a up close experience, but quite pricey.

If you are staying nearby, you can also visit the Zanzibar Butterfly Center, Zanzibar Land Animal (ZALA) Park, and Nungwi Natural Museum.

4) Visit a Spa

Many hotels on the island will offer spa services.  If your does not, check out some of the other great spas in Stone Town like the Mrembo Spa, Cinnamon Spa, or te Spa at the Park Hyatt.

5) Rooftop Dining

Beautiful sun sets on Zanzibar Island

Beautiful sunsets on Zanzibar Island

Many hotels in Stone Town will have a rooftop for a a great sunset view.

The most popular rooftop restaurants for dinner are the Emerson on Hurumzi (make reservations), Tausi Palace, and Maru Maru.

6) Festivals

Schedule your trip to Zanzibar around one of these great festivals:

  • Zanzibar Music Festival (Feb)
  • Zanzibar International Film Festival ZIFF (late June/early July)
  • Zanzibar Jahazi Festival for writers/artists/musicians (late Aug/early Sep)

7) Chumbe Island Coral Park

This is a separate island off the coast near Stone Town.  It is a private nature reserve with a protected coral reef and forest with rare animal breeds and nature trails, including the rare coconut crabs.  You can just do a day tour here, but we recommend at least 2 nights.

8) The Rock Restaurant

The Rock Restaurant

The Rock Restaurant

This is an amazing restaurant built on a rock off the beach in southeast Zanzibar.  They are open for lunch and dinner, serving a great selection of seafood.

You walk to the restaurant at low tide, and take a boat at high tide.  Another amazing location for sunset!

9) Spice Tour

Spice Tour Zanzibar

Spice Tour Zanzibar

This is a must-do for anyone visiting Zanzibar.  The farms are located just northeast of Stone Town.

You go on a walking tour of the farm to see all the spices that are grown, then see a coconut harvesting in action, and finally enjoy local exotic fruits.

10) Stone Town Tour

Stone Town Tour

Stone Town Tour

This tour is a great opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Stone Town.

You will learn about Arab trade influences, religious history, see the slave chambers, and it is a great way to become acquainted with the windy alleys of Stone Town

11) Full Moon Party in Kendwa

This is a fun gathering organized around the full moon every month, typically on a Saturday at the Kendwa Rocks hotel on the northeast coast of Zanzibar.  They have a BBQ grill, acrobats, and live music.

12) Kite Surfing

If you are looking for a new sport, this is mostly offered on the east and southeast coast of the island (Paje perhaps being the hub).

13) Dhow Sunset Cruise

A fun way to spend the late afternoon as the sun sets.  Some hotels will offer this, but it is fairly easy to find tours in Stone Town.

Start with our 4-Day Best of Zanzibar Trip >>

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South America Treks for Every Month of the Year (April, May & June)

Posted on December 26, 2017 by Adventures Within Reach

This post is the second installment of the Adventures Within Reach “Trek a Month South America” overview highlighting our favorite treks each month to help you pick a great adventure for your travel dates. We’ll write 2 more posts, each with 3 months of the best treks for those times of year.

>> Read about top treks for January, February and March! >>

>> Read about top treks for April, May and June! >>

>> Read about top treks for July, August and September! >>

>> Read about top treks for October, November and December! >>

Peru

Luxury Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek

APRIL: 7-Day Luxury Lodge to Lodge Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

A physical challenge worth every ounce of effort! Like Inca royalty, experience the Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu in style. Each day’s impressive trek ends with a hot shower in a cozy lodge, complemented by a massage or a dip in an outdoor jacuzzi, followed by a gourmet Peruvian meal with select wines and all provided with highly personalized service by local staff.

Accompanied by expert Peruvian mountain guides and horse packing crew, this 7-day trekking adventure traverses 15 separate ecosystems along a spectacular ancient Inca Trail route in the heart of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Pass towering snow-capped peaks dominated by Mt. Salkantay, explore villages where locals still maintain age-old traditions and re-discover the mystical beauty of Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca Empire.

This route is an even more spectacular high Andean trek than the popular Inca Trail Trek and the last day passes over a protected remnant of another Inca Trail and ancient Inca city hidden in the cloud forest near Machu Picchu. Small groups of no more than twelve trekkers ensure an intimate experience amidst stunning mountain scenery.

PLEASE NOTE: This trek is with a group of 12 people maximum. Private departures or a private guide may be available upon request.

PRICE: $3885 per person (group departure)

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, Vilcabamba Trek

MAY: 6-Day Vilcabamba Trek: The Search for the Lost City of the Incas

This rugged trek to the remote Vilcabamba ruins is a challenge! You will be able to explore the area that was Hiram Bingham’s goal in the early 1900’s. End the trek with a visit to Machu Picchu!

PRICE: Available Upon Request

Peru

Huayhuash Trek

JUNE: 6-Day Best of the Huayhuash Trek

With new access roads into what is considered the most spectacular mountain scenery of Peru, we have developed this trek into the heart of the mountain range. It offers a new opportunity for those who don’t have the time to do the longer, classic traditional route. A prerequisite however is to be well acclimatized since we gain altitude quickly!

This trek is 5 days of hiking.

There is an excellent transportation service between Lima and Huaraz, with multiple departures daily. Certain times of the year there are also flights in small planes from Lima to Huaraz. Check with us for schedules.

2018 set departures for the group rate are on Saturdays, April through October. You may combine this with the 4-day Cordillera Blanca trek for a 10-day expedition.

Minimum group size is 4 people. Groups of 2 or 3 trekkers have a surcharge of US$225 per person. Single travelers contact us for groups to join.

PRICE: $995 per person (group departure)

Want to join one of these treks? Have questions? Contact us!

Your friendly South America expert,

Gretchen

Posted in Family Travel, Inca Trail, Luxury, Machu Picchu, Peru, South America, Trekking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Galapagos with the Alya Luxury Catamaran

Posted on December 21, 2017 by Adventures Within Reach

This catamaran was introduced in March 2017. The Alia is a luxury-class, 16-passenger catamaran with nine cabins, eight of which have private balconies. All of the cabins are the same, making this an ideal charter for groups.

Prices:

For 2018, the Alia offers cruises starting at

Highlights:

  • One of the newest boats in the Galapagos
  • Spacious sundeck with jacuzzi
  • Private balconies
  • Large suites
  • Sea kayaks, snorkel gear and wet suits included

More on the Luxury Alia Catamaran >>

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Packing for your African Safari

Posted on December 17, 2017 by Adventures Within Reach

Packing Tips for your African SafariPacking for your safari is fairly easy, but it may not be like packing for other trips, so here are some tips!

As a general rule of thumb, plan to dress in layers.  I recommend lightweight hiking pants or zip-off pants.  Wear a short-sleeve shirt with a lightweight long-sleeve shirt on top.  It can be cool/cold in the mornings and evenings, so a light jacket and/or rain jacket are good to layer with.  Any closed-toe shoes are fine.  Remember it will be dusty, so everything will get dirty.  For women, I recommend a sports bra for the bumpy roads.

The general rule of thumb is to wear clothes that are in muted colors — khaki, forest green, gray, brown, etc.  Bright colors can distract the animals, and also everything looks pretty dusty by the end of the day anyway.  White socks will not stay white!

When you get to your safari lodge or camp at night, most people take a shower first thing to get the dust off.  You will want to have a clean set of clothes to change into for dinner.  Safaris are not high-fashion, so casual-nice clothes are appropriate.

You will want to pack light, so bring 2-3 sets of clothes for getting dirty during the day, and 3-4 interchangeable outfits for the evenings, depending on the length of your safari.  Keep your clean clothes clean — once you wear something on safari, you probably won’t want to wear it at dinner.

If you have any internal flights on your safari, there will be a strict weight limit for your flight — often 15kg/35lb in soft-sided luggage.  Be sure to check your luggage beforehand so that you do get charged extra, or have to leave your luggage behind!

When you head out in the safari vehicle for the day, you will want to bring a daypack with the items you need for that day.  These include a camera, water, sunscreen, hat, notebook and pen.  People in the same safari vehicle can also pool some items, so everyone does not need everything.

You will also want to bring a reference book on the animals and wildlife checklist to mark off what you have seen.

The AWR Gear Store is a great options for getting all your safari gear in one place:

See More Packing Advice:

 

Posted in Kenya, Safari, South Africa, Tanzania | Leave a comment

South America Treks for Every Month of the Year (January, February & March)

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Adventures Within Reach

Not everyone can take off on an epic international trip anytime they want; many of us have unique demands made on us from work, family, and other realms of our lives so we have to travel when we can, not always when we want.  Additionally, many of us want to be active in our travels, seeking both a physical challenge and a refreshing break from our everyday lives. With these two points in mind, we’ve created an Adventures Within Reach “Trek a Month South America” overview highlighting our favorite treks each month to help you pick a great adventure for your travel dates. We’ll write a total of 4 posts, each with 3 months of the best treks for those times of year!

>> Read about top treks for January, February and March! >>

>> Read about top treks for April, May and June! >>

>> Read about top treks for July, August and September! >>

>> Read about top treks for October, November and December! >>

Patagonia

Dientes Trek, Patagonia, Chile

JANUARY: 6-Day The Dientes Trek

Experience what has been called the best trek in Patagonia on this nature-lover’s paradise trek! Walk through the Dientes de Navarino massif at the far end of South America, trekking along rural roads through and alongside forests, peat bogs, valleys, ponds, lakes, and rivers. At the hike’s summit, take in stunning views of the Beagle Channel, the cities of Puerto Williams in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina, Nassau Bay, the Wollaston archipelago, and the mythical archipelago of Cape Horn.

Where: Navarino Island in Tierra del Fuego, Chile.

Distance: 53.3 km (33 miles)

Time: 6 days/5 nights is the recommended amount of time to truly enjoy the trek, but some people choose to do it in 5 days/4 nights. Some people choose to extend it to 7 days.

Difficulty: Demanding – best for experienced trekkers. This trek tests your stamina and calls for long days of rough hiking on uneven terrain in virtually untouched territory. But the landscape and solitude makes the struggle well worth it.

When to go: Mid-December to mid-March. This falls during Patagonian summer, but the weather can still be unpredictable, with strong possibilities of high winds, rain, and chilly temperatures.

PRICE: $3000 per person (based on 2 people), $1725 per person (3 people+ )

Torres del Paine

Traditional W-Trek in Torres del Paine, Patagonia

FEBRUARY: 5-Day Patagonia: Traditional W Trek in Torres del Paine

Experience the traditional W-Trek in Torres del Paine based from cozy refugios all along the way. The name “W” comes from the formation of a perfect W with the coming together of the paths that surround the southern sector of Torres del Paine national park. The principal attractions of the W Circuit are: Base Torres, Franc’s Valley and Grey Glacier.

GROUP DEPARTURE DATES:

  • JAN 15-27, 2018
  • FEB 12-24, 2018
  • MAR 19-31, 2018

PRICE: $1550 per person (group departures)

Patagonia

Cerro Torre. Patagonia

MARCH: 7-Day Los Glaciares National Park: Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre Trek

From north to south, trek to the basecamps of Mt. Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre, camping at each and trekking to Paso del Viento with views of the second largest icecap outside the polar regions! Experience classic Argentine Patagonia landscapes – steep granite spires towering over vast glaciers, cerulean lakes, rivers and forests.

  • Season: October to March
  • 5 days backpacking trek, 7 days total
  • Difficulty: Intermediate – Must be physically fit; 6-8 hours trekking/day
  • Requires backpacking experience (carrying 40-45 lbs/18-20 kgs backpack; sections of steep trail and scree, river crossings by zip-line and/or wading)
  • Group size: 4 to 8 guests

DEPARTURE DATES 2018:

  • Jan 4-10
  • Jan 28-Feb 3
  • Feb 25- Mar 3
  • Mar 25-31

PRICE: $1395 per person (group departure)

Interested in one of these treks ? Contact us!

Your friendly South America expert,

Gretchen

Posted in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Family Travel, Patagonia, Peru, South America, Trekking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Choosing the Right Neighborhood in Buenos Aires For You

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Adventures Within Reach

Visiting Buenos Aires (or as the locals refer to it: “Capital” or, as the expats call it: “BA” )? Overwhelmed or not sure where to stay in the city? Many of our travelers have had the same question. I lived on and off between Argentina and the US for almost 8 years and during part of that time I went to college in Buenos Aires. I have lived in numerous barrios, neighborhoods, around the city and have recently come up with a short list of the best places to make your base while exploring “The Paris of the South”.

RECOLETA: Up-scale neighborhood where many designer clothing shops are, high-end restaurants, long boulevards that remind visitors or Paris, great plazas/parks (Plaza Frances is where most college students hang out. On Sundays there is market there and often small music or art performances are going on). This is of course also the neighborhood where the famous Recoleta cemetery is (Evita’s grave/mausoleum is here). Our city tour will take guests here briefly however, if you have time and want to come back, it is a nice place to bring a picnic and wander around. This neighborhood has a few subway connections but best to take a remis/taxi when going out of the neighborhood if trying to move more quickly.

Recoleta

Recoleta

Recoleta

 

PALERMO: This is the chic, hip, SOHO (they even have a part of Palermo called “Palermo Soho”) neighborhood of BA. There are loads of small unique shops, art galleries, traditional old houses and buildings, more up-scale shopping, and recently microbreweries and burger joints have exploded everywhere here. The heart of the neighborhood is Plaza Serano where on Sundays there is an artist market and all the nearby streets are closed off. There are great restaurants all over this neighborhood (cheap to high-end). There are several subway stations that service this neighborhood and lots of buses as well as taxis/remises. From here you can walk to the Botanical Gardens and Parque Palermo which are huge parks and nice to enjoy during the afternoon.

Palermo

Palermo

Palermo

 

SAN TELMO: This is a bohemian neighborhood and is the heart of Tango in the city. This neighborhood feels like artistic parts of Paris and is the oldest neighborhood in the city. All the famous Argentine writers have stories that take place in San Telmo. This neighborhood has numerous small cafes, great restaurants and local bars. Shopping is mostly local art, antiques and up and coming clothing designers with small shops. On Sundays there is the famous San Telmo antiques market that goes down Dorrego street and ends in Plaza Dorrego. Almost any given night in Plaza Dorrego there are local musicians playing and tango dancers in the street. Parque Lezama, a beautiful park to relax in, is within walking distance. You can also rent bikes from the company Orange Bicycle and ride over to the Reserva Ecologica (ecological reserve) (You can of course visit this reserve from the other neighborhoods too but you need to drive). The food carts next to the Reserva Ecologica, along what is called, La Costanera, make the most famous Choripan (grilled sausage sandwiches in fresh baguette) sandwiches. There is one subway that serves San Telmo but best to take remis or taxis if trying to move around quickly.

San Telmo

San Telmo

San Telmo

 

Have more questions about these areas of Buenos Aires? Want to book your next adventure to Argentina? Contact us!

Your friendly Argentina expert,

Gretchen

Posted in Argentina, Family Travel, Patagonia, South America | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Galapagos Cruise vs. Island Hopping

Posted on December 9, 2017 by Adventures Within Reach

Galapagos island hopping land tours

Trying to decide between a cruise/boat experience in the Galapagos, or and island-hopping tour? Here are some pro’s and con’s to help you decide!

See all Galapagos Island Hopping Land Tours >>

Galapagos with Natural ParadiseCRUISE

  • Can get to some remote islands
  • Don’t have to pack and unpack
  • With same guides and guests (make friends)
  • Cruises get to places with larger populations of birdlife, and visit more islands so you see more subspecies
  • Required if you want to do a scuba diving trip to Wolf and Darwin Islands

Galapagos Island Hopping Land TourISLAND-HOPPING

  • Can start on any day and for any number of days (typically 4 to 8 days)
  • Hotel rooms are bigger and don’t rock-and-roll at night
  • Can choose accommodations
  • Can customize the itinerary
  • Group or private tours
  • Better snorkeling – Kicker Rock and Los Tunneles not available to cruises
  • Can visit towns with local people, see island life, enjoy diverse food options
  • Easier to do occasional scuba diving
  • You can buy your own flights to the Galapagos

Galapagos Multi-sportMulti-Sport Activities

  • Hiking
  • Sea kayaking
  • Snorkeling
  • Biking
  • Horseback riding
  • Scuba diving
  • Stand-up paddleboarding
  • Surfing

See all Galapagos Island Hopping Land Tours >>

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New Trip – 9-Day Colombia Great Outdoors Adventure

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Adventures Within Reach

Situated at the crossroads of epic natural wonders, and with a culture and history all its own, Santander is the perfect location for our new 9-Day Colombia Great Outdoors Adventure. There is truly no shortage of activities to get your heart racing:

  • Rushing rivers
  • Rugged mountains
  • Deep canyons
  • Exciting caves

This may be the most diverse adventure tour we offer anywhere, with a wide variety of experiences and places in just 9 days.  Despite its excitement level, this is a moderate adventure suitable for any adult and older child in good health and you can start this trip any day of the year. Our itinerary gets you into the splendor of the area’s incredible landscapes and deep into the culture of a rich agricultural tradition.

Day 1: Arrive Bogotá and overnight

Arrive Bogotá anytime.

Day 2: Free day in central Bogotá

Today, you will enjoy leisure time to take in the myriad sights and experiences of fascinating big-city Bogotá.

Panoramic View of Bogota

Panoramic View of Bogotá

Day 3: Transfer to airport, fly to Bucaramanga, transfer to San Gil

San Gil Colombia

San Gil

This morning after breakfast, we will transfer you to the Bogotá airport, where you will catch a flight to Bucaramanga where you will be met by your driver and transferred to San Gil. The balance of the day is at your leisure to relax and enjoy a quiet evening in San Gil.

Day 4: Biking to Barichara and Suarez Canyon

Suarez Canyon Bike Tour

Suarez Canyon Bike Tour

Start things off with an incredible full day of biking. This route is the best rated in all of Colombia, combining downhill and cross country riding through farmland, colonial towns, and up and down an epic canyon. Our top-of-the-line dual suspension Konas are put to good use as we descend 2,000 meters from the town of San Gil to the colonial city of Barichara. Go back in time by exploring the 15th-century architecture and get some culture by learning about the history of the area. Stop for a drink and then soldier on to the rim of Suarez Canyon. Speed things up and fly down the steepest part of the canyon, reaching the bottom after a 1,000-meter vertical descent. Take a 4×4 up to the other side of the canyon and enjoy lunch with a view. Traverse rushing streams as we cross the gorge headed north. Cold beers await you and your friends in celebration of a great start to the adventure.

Day 5: Waterfall rappel and cave adventure

We will spend the morning on a 4 km hike through lush forest to the top of an 180-meter waterfall. You will take in the scenery with a naturalist guide explaining the unique flora and fauna, before harnessing up and rappelling back down. Making your way down the falls just meters from the rushing water is an exhilarating experience. You will swim in the natural pools at the bottom and gaze up at the powerful river system.

Rappelling Down a Waterfall Colombia

Rappelling Down a Waterfall

After lunch, we will head underground for a subterranean adventure. Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave) is a mysterious limestone cave system, complete with long echoes and bats flying overhead. We will don hard hats and hold up a torch to light our way through the darkness. We will learn about life underground while weaving between stalactites and stalagmites. We will swim out into the daylight via an underground river exit. From here, we return to San Gil and overnight.

Day 6: Paragliding Chicamocha Gorge, explore Curiti, and swim Pescarderito

Chicamocha Gorge was recently converted into one of Colombia’s National Parks. With its sweeping canyon walls and wide open spaces, it is not hard to see why. After a full lesson, you can take the leap and paraglide through the canyon, soaring like an eagle over farmland in the valley. Enjoy a chilled-out lunch and allow your heart rate to settle before heading to nearby Curiti for an afternoon devoted to Colombian culture. This colonial town produces premium fique (agave) products. We will learn about the manufacturing techniques and do some shopping for yourself or someone back home.

Relaxing bye the river in Colombia

Relaxing by the River

We will finish the day off with a swim in Pescaderito, a scenic river with plenty of natural slides and high boulders for epic cliff jumping into the water. Afterward, we will return to San Gil and overnight.

 

Day 7: Rafting the Suarez River

Suarez River Rafting Colombia

Suarez River Rafting

You have not really experienced the adventure of Santander without doing a little whitewater rafting. The Suarez River, only an hour from San Gil, is one of the top high-volume runs in the country, with thrilling rapids and huge waves. Our run starts out with Class III rapids and ends with Class V. Rafters have been known to experience waves the size of the ocean, depending on the weather and the water levels. In the case of wipeouts, there are plenty of pool-drop portions of the river that make for a safe environment and easy recoveries. With tired bodies and pumping hearts, we will settle back on dry land for a big lunch and an afternoon spent relaxing by the river.

Day 8: Hiking to Guane via the Royal Road / Free afternoon in colonial Barichara

Hiking the Royal Road to Guane, Colombia

Hiking the Royal Road to Guane

Today, we will enjoy adventure hiking through some of the area’s most incredible scenery and explore one of the region’s historical and architectural gems. We will hike along the Royal Road, a route so historic it was declared a National Monument. You will stroll through the best of the Colombian countryside, with lots of chances to spot rare birds.

Guane Colombia

Guane

Arriving in Guane is like stepping back in time. Although the original inhabitants are nowhere to be found, the remains of their culture indicate a truly majestic past. Learn all you can at the anthropology museum and marvel at the evolution of the town from prehispanic, to colonial, to modern times. Your guide will assist you in making your way back to Barichara, a photogenic colonial town. You will have the afternoon free to wander this cute if sleepy, little town with amazing stone slabs paving its roads.

Day 9: Transfer to Bucaramanga, depart or extend

After an early breakfast, we will transfer you to Bucaramanga airport, where you are free to depart (fly to Bogotá and onward) or extend to Cartagena or elsewhere.

9-Day Colombia Great Outdoors Adventure >>

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Full Moon or New Moon for your Kilimanjaro Trek or Tanzania Safari

Posted on December 5, 2017 by Adventures Within Reach

Climb Kilimanjaro on a full moon

Summiting on or soon after a full moon is very beautiful and helps illuminate the landscape on summit day on Kilimanjaro without using headlamps.  Nighttime photos on Kilimanjaro and on safari are beautiful with the moon in the sky.

However, it is also very bright for sleeping and stars are not as visible.  If you want to get a time-lapse photo of the stars, a new moon is a better option.

To summit on a full moon, you will want to start a 6-day trek 4 days before the full moon (3 days before if doing a 5-day trek, 5 days before a 7-day trek, 6 days for an 8-day trek).

Full Moon and New Moon Dates for 2018 >>

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9-Day Costa Rica Adventure For Couples

Posted on December 3, 2017 by Adventures Within Reach

This 9-day Costa Rica Adventure for Couples is specially designed for active romantic couples seeking more beach time but wanting a great experience in the country’s legendary rainforest too. Corcovado is the country’s premier wildlife reserve. In Manuel Antonio National Park, enjoy white sand beaches and clean Pacific waters set against a background of the deep green tropical jungle, where hikes reveal howler, squirrel, and white-faced monkeys, sloths, toucans, and more. In Arenal, enjoy Costa Rica’s most dramatic scenery and the nation’s adventure hub among hot springs and more.

Listed rates are based on green season travel from May 1 through November 30. If traveling in the high season between January 8 to April 30, just add $200/person.

Best times to go: Generally December through March, with April through November often seeing some rain in the afternoons, but mornings generally sunny and dry. The rainiest month is usually October.

Day 1: Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica

Arrive in San Jose where the arrival manager meets you and transfers you to your San Jose hotel.

Day 2: Fly to Corcovado

Breakfast at your San Jose hotel. This morning, transfer to the local airport for your flight to Corcovado. On arrival, transfer directly to your lodge, the Aguila de Osa Inn. Check in at the front desk, with the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy the comfortable facilities of the hotel and your lush surroundings.

Day 3: Corcovado National Park

Breakfast at the lodge. This morning, enjoy a full day guided tour in the phenomenal National Park of Corcovado, Costa Rica’s premier wildlife reserve and one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

Day 4: Corcovado – boat tour to Isla del Caño

Breakfast at the lodge. Today day, enjoy a boat tour to idyllic Isla del Caño.

Day 5: Transfer to Manuel Antonio

This morning, you’ll take a boat to Palmar Sur, where we’ll arrange a private van to take you the rest of the way (by van) to the beaches of Manuel Antonio. The balance of the day is free to take in the great views and enjoy some blissful R&R.

Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park

This morning enjoy a naturalist-guided hike in famous Manuel Antonio National Park. This is a fantastic opportunity to see white-faced monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, and much more. The park has several trails that lead you to several magnificent wilderness beaches so bring a day pack with a picnic lunch and your beach gear and enjoy more time in the park at your leisure. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 7: Travel to Arenal Volcano

Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Arenal Volcano. Overnight in La Fortuna, the gateway to the volcano, at the Hotel Manoa, which has attractive hot springs on-site and gorgeous views of the volcano right from the pool.

Day 8: Zipline at Arenal

Today, we’ll head to Sky Trek in Arenal to experience Costa Rica’s premier zip line. Your tour will start with a ride on an open-air gondola from the ground to the heights where you’ll be dropped off at the observation area (with fantastic views). From here, you start riding down on a series of breathtaking zip line tracks stretching across canyons and in between treetops, zip lining down the mountainside, ultimately returning you to the starting point. This is the most thrilling zip line in the country! The balance of the day is free at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s hot springs or enjoy an optional tour.

Day 9: Depart San Jose International

After breakfast private transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport in time for your flight home. Plan a departure from around 1:30 pm and later, otherwise plan to have an overnight in San Jose and depart the following day (anytime would be OK).

See All Costa Rica Tours >>

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