An ideal trip for those who want a little adventure, beautiful sights and some time to just plain kick back on the beach! Enjoy the excitement of whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, hiking and soothing hot springs at Arenal Volcano, Choose from the palm-fringed beaches on the Pacific Coast, or the bio-diverse Monteverde Cloud Forest. From one side of Costa Rica to the other, an exciting and fun way to get a good taste of this diverse country and enjoy some relaxing holiday time.
Day 1– Arrival
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in San Jose.
Day 2– Pacuare River (whitewater rafting)
(B,L,D)
The adventure begins with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the “put in” on the Pacuare River for our two-day whitewater rafting adventure. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids exploring the magnificent river valley. This afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, “El Nido del Tigre.” Nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river, take time to explore the lush environment first hand looking out for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river.
Day 3– Pacuare River (whitewater rafting)
(B,L)
Today the Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and point out the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time out to do some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres we drive to the small town of La Fortuna, the closest town to Arenal Volcano. There is a wide choice of restaurants to choose from in La Fortuna for dinner.
Day 4– Arenal Volcano (hiking and hot springs)
(B,L,D)
In the morning we enjoy a beautiful hike through the tropical rainforest, walking for 2 hours on the Arenal hanging bridges with wonderful panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. We will continue with a visit to the breathtaking Rio Fortuna waterfall. We are immersed in the spectacular flora and fauna as we descend through the undergrowth to the base of this 120ft waterfall we take time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool. After lunch we take a guided hike through rainforest trails to the main observation viewpoint for the volcano. If the weather is clear it is often possible to see fireworks, molten lava and gas eruptions from the volcano. Late afternoon we relax in the mineral hot springs of Tabacon before having dinner at the Spa. Dinner is at Tabacon Hot Springs.
From here you can choose from two options
A) Manuel Antonio Beach
B) Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 5 & 6- Manuel Antonio Beach (see list of optional activities below)
(B)
Manuel Antonio Beach The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is a treasure chest of natural beauty. Rainforest dramatically meets beach and the sea and Manuel Antonio is a great place to relax and enjoy the beach or the National Park. You will often be awakened by the local monkeys – howler, white-faced and squirrel are the most common in the area, as well as iguanas and land crabs. You will find many options for lunch, either on the beach itself or in the town and there are some unique restaurants to explore for dinner.
Day 7 – Manuel Antonio/Return to San Jose
(B)
The morning is free to spend a few more hours enjoying the beach. After lunch, you will be transferred back to San Jose (25 minute local flight is also an option at an additional charge). The evening may be spent taking in the sights and sounds of San Jose.
Day 8– Departure
(B)
You will be picked up at your hotel in time for your departure from the airport.
Day 5- Monteverde Cloud Forest Option (horseback riding or motorboat)
You have a choice of transportation for your journey to Monteverde:
(B)
a- Horseback riding between the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde offers the best views of the volcano and lush mountains. Your luggage will either accompany you by packhorse or be transported by boat (weather dependent). If you are looking for a little adventure and a chance to get around in Costa Rica without having to take a bus or taxi then this is the way to go! The journey takes approximately 4 hours. or
b- For those not comfortable with a horseback ride, take a 30 minute boat ride across the picturesque Lake Arenal to the town of Río Chiquito on the south side of the Lake from where you will be transported by car to your hotel in Monteverde. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.
**Please make your mode of travel preference clear (options a or b) at the time of reserving your trip**
Day 6– Monteverde Cloud Forest
(B)
There are a variety of optional activities in Monteverde: guided or solo hike through Monteverde or Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Canopy Tour, a walk around the galleries and coffee houses of Santa Elena, Don Juan Coffee Tour, horseback riding.
Day 7– Monteverde/Return to San Jose
(B)
You have some time this morning to continue to enjoy the Cloud Forest and have lunch before your pick up for the return journey to San Jose. The evening is free to enjoy the nightlife and restaurants of San Jose.
Day 8– Departure
(B)
You will be picked up at your hotel in time for your departure from the airport.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT MANUEL ANTONIO
For those who want to make the most their time at the beach and be active, choose from the following optional activities. Simply add the price of your choice to the total price of the Costa Rican Adventure and all the bookings will be made in advance.
1. Canopy Tour (3 hours) ($65, breakfast or lunch included)
The excitement of exploring the tropical canopy through a series of 14 suspension platforms situated high above the forest floor. The platforms are connected by steel cables specifically designed to slide across using a pulley system to give you a birdseye view of the rainforest below. Breakfast or lunch (depending on timing of the trip) included.
2. Islas Damas Mangrove Kayak Trip (approx. 4 hours) ($65, lunch included)
Paddle by sea kayak on protected inland waterways, which is the perfect place to learn this magical way of exploring coastal mangroves in search of wildlife such as Caimans, Sloths, Crocodiles, Boas, White-faced monkeys, egrets, and much more. Lunch at a local seafood restaurant.
3. Isla Damas Mangrove Boat Trip(4 hours) ($60, lunch or dinner included)
Don’t miss Isla Damas and its wonderful wildlife just because you don’t want to kayak. Treat yourself to a tour by boating the estuary with a guide. There is great birding and wonderful vistas on these mangrove canals. We make a stop on the island to walk along the beach. The trip is an excellent chance to see animals and birds, Caimans, Sloths, Crocodiles, Boas, White-face monkeys, egrets, and much more. Lunch or dinner (depending on timing of the trip) included.
4. Manuel Antonio National Park (21/2 hours) ($44)
Get the most out of your visit to Manuel Antonio National Park with an experienced naturalist guide. Learn about the history of the park, flora, fauna, bugs and wildlife. Includes snacks and refreshments and guests may remain in the park for as long as you wish after the tour has finished.
5. Dolphin Watch (Half Day) ($70)
Marvel at the mysterious islands with their jagged rock formation, towering cliffs and nesting grounds with numerous species of marine birds and their young. Listen to the blowholes whistle with each surge of the waves. Help us count the various types of dolphins and whales that frolic just beyond the islands. Learn about the National Park and the history of Quepoa Indians. For the afternoon trip, witness those unforgettable offshore sunsets, taking a moment to relax and enjoy another beautiful afternoon in paradise.
You’ll be staying in quality hotels and lodges, one night will be at our private rainforest tented lodge.
Breakfast in San Jose, all meals while out of city on trip. 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Accomodations (double)
Transportation per itinerary
Meals where indicated
Experienceed bilingual certified guides
All equipment for biking, rafting & camping
All Activities (except Manuel Antonio beach)
Flights to and from San Jose
Travel insurance and 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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