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Plus, enjoy our optional
pre tour to Guatemala -
April 28 - May 3, 2012.
After a few days in Costa Rica, you will know what it feels like to live in paradise. From pristine tropical jungles teeming with exotic vegetation and wildlife, to picturesque volcanoes and waterfalls, Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream. Best of all, it is one of the most peaceful, gay-friendly countries in the world.
Zoom Vacations brings you the best that this fabulous destination has to offer! From whitewater rafting to exploring Costa Rica's tropical delights, this trip has it all! Plus, there is plenty of free time set aside for you to do your own thing. You are sure to return from Costa Rica having fallen in love with it as we have!
• A welcome sunset cocktail party, poolside, set amidst lush rainforest in an old coffee plantation.
• Whitewater rafting excursion through Costa Rica's green plains and rainforest (Level 2, 3 and mild 4)
• Tropical rainforest canopy safari excursion. Zip through the jungle canop on wire an pulleys, as you finally get to see life from a monkey's point of view.
• 5 nights Accommodations at Costa Rica's best properties (based on double occupancy)
• A hearty buffet breakfast daily
• VIP airport transfers
• All private transfers to Zoom Vacations excursions
• Services of a Zoom Vacations Concierge throughout the trip
• Costa Rica gay guide, complete with information on nightlife, restaurants, beaches, shopping, and much more
• Optional San Jose Gay Nightlife excursion
• Optional spa experience.
• All this and more . . . Exclusively for Zoom Vacations travelers
• Optional pre tour to Guatemala - April 28 - May 3, 2012. Click here for more information!
• Plus, you may add extra nights at either end of this vacation, if you wish to extend your stay!
Exploring Costa Rica's Gay nightlife, Tropical Jungles, and Pristine Beaches
Day 1 - Friday, May 4, 2012
Arrive in Costa Rica.
Arrival:
VIP Service with meet and greet and arrival assistance through immigration at the International Airport by our representative. When you arrive in San Jose and get off the plane look for our representative holding a sign with your name on it and identify yourself. Private transfer in deluxe, air-conditioned vehicle with bilingual driver from the Airport to the Xandari Resort & Spa. The 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, and only 20 minutes from the San Jose International Airport. At an elevation of 3900 feet (1200 meters), Xandari enjoys a near–perfect temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year.  Today you may want to book a jet lag rejuvenation spa treatment in the Xandari Spa.
Evening:
Welcome Cocktail Reception
Enjoy mojitos, sangria, and organic freshly prepared tapas, Poolside at the Xandari Resort and Spa.
Late Evening/Nighttime:
Optional San Jose Dinner and Gay Nightlife Excursion
Tonight we drive into town to enjoy the local flavor (we mean dinner) and some gay bar hopping. The music will be fun and the atmosphere festive.
Accommodations: Xandari Resort & Spa, Boutique Hotel
Meals Included: Welcome Cocktails and Tapas
Day 2 - Saturday, May 5, 2012
Costa Rica, in the Valley/Rainforest to Manuel Antonio (Beach)
Buffet Breakfast at leisure in Hotel
 Morning:
3.5 hour scenic drive to the coast
Private transfer in deluxe vehicle with air conditioning and bilingual driver from The Xandari Resort & Spa to Manuel Antonio, enjoying a casual lunch on the way. After a scenic 2.5 hour drive through lush countryside, we arrive at Gaia Resort and Spa, just outside of Quepos.
Afternoon:
Canopy Zip line Safari
After a quick 45 minute drive, we arrive at our first platform. Taking a zip line safari is one of life's greatest thrills, and Costa Rica has arguably the best of them! Today's adventure boasts 14 cables and 24 platforms.
 Late Afternoon:
Check in to Gaia Resort and Spa
This afternoon you will have time to take a walk on the beach, relax by the pool, or even take a cat nap in your beautiful room. Gaia Resort and Spa, one of Costa Rica's best hotels, is situated on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, adjacent to the lush rain forest of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Evening:
Your first Sunset on the coast
The area is known for its often vibrant, orange-pink sunsets, and this evening we will enjoy the views before setting out for dinner.
Accommodations: Gaia Resort and Spa, Five Stars
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 - Sunday, May 6, 2012
Manuel Antonio (Beach)
Buffet Breakfast at leisure in Hotel
 Morning:
Enjoy the Pristine Beaches of Costa Rica
Costa Rica's slogan is "pura vida" which means, "pure life" in Spanish, and one can definitely see the purity and beauty in its beaches.
Afternoon:
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions abound in Manuel Antonio, and include additional whitewater rafting, four wheeling, horseback riding, canopy tours, jungle tours, a butterfly enclosure, and more! Of course, you may just wish to enjoy a day relaxing in Paradise with new friends.
Accommodations: Gaia Resort and Spa, Five Stars
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 - Monday, May 7, 2012
Manuel Antonio (Beach)
Buffet Breakfast at leisure in Hotel
 Morning:
Full day whitewater rafting adventure!
Starting with a 4x4 ride into the "wilds" of Costa Rica's tropical jungle with breathtaking scenery of more remote areas of the Savegre, your journey begins at "Silencio". This is a little local village of thatched roof dwellings where you can enjoy a typical Tico breakfast after a "bumpy road" journey, yet before you paddle down the Savegre. Don't forget to meander through the beautiful flora and fauna of the surrounding African Palm Plantations before you head off into the winding mountains to start the rafting leg of your journey.
 The Savegre River provides Class II, III and some IV rapids that are manageable in sturdy rafts that accommodate 2 to 6 people comfortably. Our guides stop at locally known swimming spots and breathtaking waterfalls, if the rafters want a break from paddling, and there is always time to enjoy the abundant variety of wildlife along the river. On most trips, rafters will observe egrets, osprey, toucans, parrots, kingfishers, cormorants, and many other species local to this protected area of the tropical rain forest. After a steady 13 mile trip down the river, we wind our way back to the little village of "Silencio" where a gladly awaited hot lunch "Tico Style" and local refreshments are waiting. Once fed, happy and well-traveled, our now experienced Savegre River rafters spend a leisurely trip home driving back to Manuel Antonio, to savor the experiences of your day just past.
Evening:
Tonight you are encouraged to explore Manuel Antonio's many sensational restaurants and bars.
Accommodations: Gaia Resort and Spa, Five Stars
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5 - Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Manuel Antonio to Costa Rica, in the Valley/Rainforest
Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel
 Morning:
3.5 hour scenic drive to San Jose
Private transfer in deluxe vehicle with air condition and bilingual driver to The Xandari Resort & Spa.
Afternoon:
Light Jungle Hike.
This evening, we take you on a short hike over more than 4km of trails through natural tropical jungle with river views and five waterfalls, one over 40ft. long
Evening:
Farewell Cocktails
Tonight, we celebrate our last night together (and last sensational sunsets) with evening cocktails in one of Manuel Antonio's most beautiful settings.
Accommodations: Xandari Resort & Spa, Boutique Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Evening Cocktails
Day 6 - Wednesday, May 9, 2012
San Jose to San Jose International
Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel
Morning
transfer to the airport for the flights home.
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast
Xandari Resort and Spa, San Jose
 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, and only 20 minutes from the San Jose International Airport. At an elevation of 3900 feet (1200 meters), Xandari enjoys a near–perfect temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year.
Each spacious villa, surrounded by gardens, has a large view terrace for enjoying the sunset and lights of the valley at night, plus a walled–in terrace for privacy and solitude.
 A favorite feature of past Zoom travelers of Xandari is its spa village, set in a tropical garden and includes 5 private palm–roofed jalapas with jacuzzis and a picturesque view of the Central Valley. Enjoy a massage, mud wrap, facial, and various exotic body treatments with a distinctive Costa Rican flavor.
Their indoor/outdoor restaurant features a healthy continental and Costa Rican menu. Many of the fruits and vegetables are from their own organic greenhouse, orchard and gardens. Dine in intimate and elegant simplicity while enjoying a panoramic view of the Central Valley.
The 2009 Travel and Leisure World's Best Awards placed the Xandari Hotel and Spa in the Top Ten of ALL South and Central America Resorts. It is the ONLY hotel in Central America that placed!
Gaia Resort and Spa, Manuel Antonio
 Gaia Hotel and Reserve - Located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, is an adults only luxury boutique beach 5 star hotel and resort and a member of "Small Luxury Hotels of the World". Imagine a tropical getaway that offers sublime luxury in a spectacularly exotic locale. This is Gaia. The Gaia Hotel achieves an ideal blend of modern amenities and natural scenery. Nestled in the magnificent coastal forests of Costa Rica, the hotel's well-appointed, terraced suites and villas offer views of lush and pristine wild surroundings that are beyond compare.
 The pool area includes two pools at different levels, connected via a cascading waterfall. Also included in the pool area is a whirlpool, a snack bar, a bar and table dining in the water. The entire pool area offers breathtaking views of the Manuel Antonio area, the volcanic mountain range and the Pacific coastline.
Gaia also offers more conveniences than the guest could need, including an on-site restaurant, room service 24/7, spa, gym, and pool, plus the availability of a myriad of personal services. Gaia presents to the guest all that is desirable in an eco-friendly environment.
Frequently asked questions, specific to our trip to Costa Rica.
Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
If you are a United States citizen and/or are traveling from the United States, you will not need a visa to travel to Costa Rica
Into which airport do I need to fly?
You need to fly into the San Jose International Airport (SJO).
What day should I depart my home country?
You must depart your home country for arrival into San Jose on May 4th. Our welcome party is that night at 7:00 PM.
Can Zoom book extra days for me at the beginning or end of this trip?
Absolutely! Simply let us know the amount of days you need at the beginning and/or end of the trip, and we will book the nights you need (additional room night charges will apply).
If I am traveling as a single, does Zoom offer a roommate pairing program?
Absolutely! Before the trip, we will get to know all of our travelers, and we will use what we know about you to make the best pairing possible.
May I travel as a single without a roommate?
Absolutely, you may travel as a single and pay a single supplement, which varies depending on your time of booking.
What is the fitness level required for this trip?
This trip is easily accessible to a variety of fitness levels. None of our included activities require a high degree of athletic skill. However, your optional activities will give you the opportunity to make your vacation as active and/or adventuresome as you choose.
Is it easy to do this trip back-to-back with the Guatemala trip?
Our Costa Rica and Guatemala trips are perfect compliments to one another. You get the tropical, eco-tourism experience with Costa Rica, coupled with the historic, architectural, cultural, and culinary delights of Guatemala. Plus, San Jose, Costa Rica is a short two hour flight to Guatemala City.
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