Destination: Costa Rica

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Primary Airport/Gateway: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José

Flight Routing from Atlanta: Direct flights available on Delta (4 hours). Alternative connections through Houston, Miami, or Fort Lauderdale (5-7 hours total). SJO airport modern and accessible with wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms. Smaller domestic airports (Liberia) have basic accessibility.

Airport to Hotel Transportation: SJO to San José city center (20 min, $25-30 taxi). To Arenal (3 hours, $120-150 shuttle or $200 private). To Manuel Antonio (3.5 hours by shuttle). To Caribbean coast (4-5 hours). Pre-book accessible shuttles through hotels or Interbus company. Many eco-lodges include transfers. Consider domestic flights for longer distances.

Public Transportation Overview: Public buses available but not accessible and very basic. Most travelers use shared shuttles (Interbus, Grayline) - some accessible with advance notice. Rental cars possible but roads challenging (4WD needed for many areas). Best option: pre-book private accessible transfers between destinations or domestic flights (San José to Liberia/Tamarindo).

Private Transportation Options: Private accessible van with driver can be hired for multi-day trips. Most reliable way to tour multiple regions. Driver helps navigate accessibility challenges. [Expedia Ground Transport Link]

Luxury Transportation Options: Private luxury accessible vehicle with bilingual driver-guide for entire trip, includes all transfers and day tours, expert in accessible routes and lodges. [Expedia Premium Transport Link]

Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation #1 - Name: Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa (Arenal)

Mid-Range Hotel #1 - Price Per Night: As low as $240/night

Mid-Range Hotel #1 - Special Features: Natural hot springs resort at base of Arenal Volcano, accessible rooms with volcano views, accessible hot spring pools and river (wheelchairs available for water), accessible thermal waterfall, paved pathways through gardens, on-site restaurants, spa services, incredible natural setting with world-class accessibility.

Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation #2 - Name: Hotel Parador Resort & Spa (Manuel Antonio)

Mid-Range Hotel #2 - Price Per Night: As low as $180/night

Mid-Range Hotel #2 - Special Features: Hilltop location with Pacific Ocean views, accessible rooms, multiple pools with ramps, accessible restaurant with incredible views, close to Manuel Antonio National Park, staff very helpful with accessibility, beautiful tropical grounds with paved paths, wildlife often visible from hotel.

14-Night Stay Estimated Total: Around $2,940 for mid-range hotels (Note: Costa Rica eco-lodges generally higher than beach destinations)

Activity #1: Arenal Volcano hot springs - multiple resorts offer day passes, accessible pools at varying temperatures, natural thermal waters incredibly therapeutic, surrounded by rainforest, some have accessible waterfalls and lounging areas, Tabacon most accessible

Activity #2: Manuel Antonio National Park - Costa Rica's most visited park, accessible trails to beaches (some sections), incredible wildlife (sloths, monkeys, iguanas), pristine beaches, park rangers helpful with accessibility, hire guide who knows accessible routes, 2-3 hours ideal

Activity #3: Wildlife watching from accessible platforms - many lodges have accessible wildlife viewing decks, see sloths, toucans, monkeys, birds from comfort, guided naturalist tours adapted for mobility needs, binoculars provided, early morning and late afternoon best

Activity #4: Coffee plantation tour - many farms have accessible tours, learn coffee production from bean to cup, tastings, beautiful mountain settings, cultural experience, can often customize tour pace and accessibility needs

Activity #5: Hanging bridges canopy walk - some parks offer accessible sections of hanging bridges through rainforest canopy (check specific locations), incredible perspective on rainforest, Mistico Arenal has relatively accessible options, alternative: ground-level nature walks

Activity #6: Beach time at accessible resorts - Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, or Guanacaste beaches, some resorts have beach wheelchairs, calm waters, beautiful sunsets, beachfront dining, turtle nesting season (July-October) incredible

Physical Accessibility:

• Accessible hot springs resorts with pool lifts and aquatic wheelchairs
• Wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers and emergency systems
• Accessible hot spring pools at multiple temperatures
• Beach wheelchairs at major resort beaches
• Accessible wildlife viewing platforms and decks
• Modified rainforest trails with paved sections

Sensory Accommodations:

• Quiet nature observation areas
• Sound-dampened spa facilities
• Sensory-friendly wildlife tours

Mobility Support:

• Accessible vehicles for park tours
• Wheelchairs available at national parks
• Beach access mats at select beaches
• Accessible canopy walkways (select locations)

Medical Support:

• Modern hospitals in San José with international standards
• Medical evacuation services available
• English-speaking medical staff

• Don Rufino - La Fortuna, accessible, excellent steaks and local dishes [Expedia Dining Link]
• El Avion - Manuel Antonio, airplane restaurant, accessible, sunset views [Expedia Dining Link]
• Restaurante Las Brasitas - San José, accessible, traditional Costa Rican, locals' favorite [Expedia Dining Link]
• Most eco-lodges have excellent on-site restaurants - often only option due to remote locations

Rise early (6am) for best wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures. Morning activity or tour (3-4 hours). Lunch 12-1pm. Afternoon rest during hottest hours (siesta at hotel or pool). Late afternoon gentle activity or hotel relaxation. Dinner 6-7pm. Costa Rica goes to bed early. Plan 1 major activity per day - pace is slower. Afternoon rains common in green season (brief, then clears). Many lodges remote - plan to eat at hotels.

If you're looking for adventure, look no further than Everybody Travels. From hiking and biking to rafting and zip-lining, we offer a range of adventure activities that will get your adrenaline pumping. Get ready to explore the great outdoors.

• Hospital Clínica Bíblica - San José, Calle Central, Phone: +506 2522-1000, International accreditation, English-speaking, Accessible, Best medical facility
• CIMA Hospital - Escazú (San José suburb), Phone: +506 2208-1000, Modern, English-speaking staff, Accessible, Emergency 24/7
• Hospital La Católica - San José, Phone: +506 2246-3000, Good quality, Some English, Accessible

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