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Explore the diversity of Costa Rica’s tropical terrain while taking part in a variety of human powered adventure activities! A healthy spirit of adventure is all you need to enjoy this active multi-day trip. Our guide’s are patient and very willing to show you how to get the most out of each activity. This adventure includes; mountain biking through coffee plantations, whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, hiking and canopy in the Sarapiqui area and exploring the Arenal Volcano area are just some of the highlights of this exciting adventure.
Day 1– Arrival in San Jose
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in San Jose. The evening is free to enjoy the nightlife of the city.
Day 2– Orosi Valley (mountain biking)
(B,L)
Your adventure begins with a drive to the Orosi Valley where we mount our bikes. We will pass through coffee-lined valleys and cloud-lined forests side-by-side. With misty vistas and lush green plants lining the steep hillsides, there is time for breaks to enjoy the views on our way up to a mountain top lodge near Turrialba.
Day 3– Pacuare River (whitewater rafting)
(B,L,D)
We leave the Llodge for the short drive to our rafting “put-in” on the Pacuare River. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids while exploring the magnificent valley and some of the most dramatic scenery only accessible by river. As we pass along the river, we border land inhabited by indigenous people who have occupied this area for centuries. You will see a few of the river crossings they use for access and sometimes get a glimpse of them fishing in the river, or the children playing. In the afternoon, we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp: “El Nido del Tigre” which is nestled between the rainforest and the river. There is plenty of time to settle into the camp and make it your home, exploring the lush environment first hand, looking out for toucans overhead, observing the local iguanas or simply relaxing in a hammock to the rush of the river as it passes on its journey to the Caribbean.
Day 4– Pacuare River (hiking)
(B,L,D)
The day is free to enjoy this unique environment and take some hikes through the rainforest to a waterfall and swimming hole or float down a ‘friendly’ rapid with just a life jacket for support. Your guide will discuss the possibilities with you and will make a plan for the day.
Day 5– Pacuare River (whitewater rafting)
(B,L,D)
Now that the river has become an ‘old friend’, we set out to raft through the virgin rainforest as the river carves its way along the valley, creating spectacular canyons. The rapids today are really exhilarating and so it is an active day with a few rest stops along the way. We take some time to explore side hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes, and have lunch on the shore. We take out at Finca Pacuarito in the heart of a banana plantation and your home for the night. Once showered and rested, take some time to explore either on foot or by mountain bike.
Day 6– Sarapiqui/Arenal (canopy)
(B,L)
We leave Pacuarito after breakfast for our drive to La Fortuna, the closest town to the Arenal Volcano. We are heading for an ecological tropical park near the volcano for our adventure high in the tree canopy. We'll travel on cables that span lengths of 200 to 800 meters; each cable offering a different sensation and experience as we cross canyons, view waterfalls, and glide over tree tops from a spectacular 18 meter tall observation tower. The Fortuna and Pino Blanco waterfalls, along with the majestic Arenal Volcano accompany us on this trek. There is a wide choice of restaurants in the town of La Fortuna for dinner.
Day 7– Arenal Vocano (hiking and hot springs)
(B,L)
There are a variety of hiking and/or biking trails to choose from to fully appreciate the majesty of the Arenal Volcano. Through private trails into the forest and through open pasture land, this is a unique experience; as we are surrounded by a great variety of breathtaking flora and fauna. The exact route will depend upon the group but it will be a full day of hiking or biking, and this will depend upon the weather and the group. We end the day with a soak at the Hot Springs and if the night is clear, we get the chance to see the red glow of the volcano’s molten lava.
Day 8– Arenal/Return to San Jose
(B)
We return to San Jose via the village of Sarchi, famous for its ox cart factories and numerous souvenir shops. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to take in the sights and sounds of San Jose. Overnight is in a hotel in San Jose. We will stop for lunch along the way. There is a wide choice of restaurants to choose from for dinner in San Jose.
Day 9– Departure
(B)
You will be picked up at your hotel in time for your departure from San Jose airport.
Breakfast in San Jose, all meals while out of city on trip. 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 4 Dinners
You’ll be staying in quality hotels and lodges, along with one night at our private rainforest tented lodge.
Accommodations (double)
Transportation per itinerary
Meals where indicated (B,L,D)
Experienced bilingual certified guides
All equipment for biking, rafting & camping
All activities
Flights to and from San Jose
Travel insurance or trip cancellation
As You will not be carrying your luggage, duffels may be more convenient than backpacks. Make sure you bring a smaller daypack, as when you are on the river your main luggage will not go to the camp. You should be sure to have sunglasses and a hat (optional) every day and make sure you pack a rain jacket. For those flying back from the beach to San Jose, remember there are weight restrictions on local flights, maximum 25lbs.
Whitewater Rafting the Pacuare River
For the rafting trip you should pack a small day pack containing:
1. Towel
2. Set of dry clothes for the evening. It is generally not cold at the camp but you may want to bring a long sleeved shirt and/or pants as protection from insects.
3. Toiletries
4. Sunscreen
5. Bug repellent
6. Dry shoes/sandals to wear around the camp
7. Sunglasses
8. Headlamp
9. Lightweight rain jacket (green season only)
You may want to wear your rafting clothes under your traveling clothes although there are facilities for changing when you arrive at the river put-in. Some suggestions for the rafting section are:
1. Swimwear
2. Shorts
3. Polypro shirt (optional)
4. River shoes/Teva Sandals or an old pair of running shoes
5. Waterproof camera (optional)
You will be supplied with:
1. Life Jacket
2. Helmet
3. Paddle
Your main luggage will travel with you to the river and then transported to the take-out, so make sure you have everything with you for the rafting section as you will not see your main luggage at the camp. Your daypack will be put into dry-bags and transported to the camp by raft.
You will get wet in the raft, so if you have quick drying clothes you may be more comfortable. Cotton t-shirts once wet will remain wet and can make you feel cold.
The weather on the river can be unpredictable. When it is sunny it is very hot and you will need to be sure to wear sunscreen. You will be paddling in the raft and so are unlikely to be cold whilst running the rapids but there are a few calm sections where, if it is raining, it can get chilly.
Once at the camp you can change into your dry clothes but if you go on a hike it is advisable to wear your rafting clothes. The hikes are in the rainforest and sometimes up waterfalls to swimming holes so once again you will get wet. If you are not sure-footed while hiking, perhaps sandals are not the best option for you so consider river shoes or an old pair of running shoes.
In the evening you will have your dry clothes to change into.
Hiking in Arenal
Your luggage will be with you at the hotel. Hiking clothes are really a matter of choice, but for Costa Rica lightweight breathable, quick drying clothes are the best. Heavy hiking boots are not necessary. When hiking to the La Fortuna Waterfall the descent is well marked. It is possible to swim in the pool at the bottom but you should keep your shoes on, so it would be advisable to wear the same wet shoes as you wore on the rafting section. You can put your hiking boots in the vehicle to change into. For the afternoon hike you should wear your hiking boots. Depending upon the weather it may be good idea to pack a rain jacket. You may want to carry a bum bag for essential items such as sunscreen and some cash.
Later in the afternoon you will visit Tabacon Hot Springs. These are outdoor pools heated by the lava from the Arenal Volcano. You should take swimwear and a set of dry casual clothes to change into for dinner. You will be provided with a towel.
General
Duffel Bag
Small Day Pack
A couple of plastic bags
Whitewater Rafting
Swimwear
Shorts
Polypro shirt (optional)
River shoes/teva sandals/running shoes
Waterproof camera (optional)
Tent Camp
Set of dry clothes (long pants & long sleeved shirt optional)
ToiletriesSunscreen
Bug repellent
Dry shoes/sandals
Lightweight rain jacket (optional)
Headlamp
Sunglasses
Sleeping Clothes
Hiking
Lightweight hiking clothes
Hiking boots
Lightweight rain jacket (green season only/optional)
Bum bag (optional)
Evenings Casual Clothes
Beachwear
Your choice
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