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Copyright 2007
Eastern Mountain Sports

Eastern Mountain Sports Adventures, Treks & Trails
PO Box 446
Bartlett, NH
03812

Adventure Guru
Becky Harrison
Direct Line:
888-755-TREK (8735)
or 603-325-5556

Fax :
1-603-374-1971

E-mail Us

Not responsible for typographical errors. Specifications and prices subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

 

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Sea Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Trekking & Rafting in the Spectacular Pacuare River Valley

A real adventure of biking, trekking, whitewater rafting and sea kayaking through the spectacular Pacuare River Valley to the Caribbean Sea. The journey takes us through typical Costa Rican countryside, small farming communities and lush tropical rainforest. Evenings are spent camping on the banks of the Pacuare or in small villages along the way. A 30 km descent down the class III-IV rapids of the Pacuare River through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons is sure to be a highlight.

Detailed Itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrival You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in San Jose.

DAY 2: Turrialba - Mountain Biking (40km) (B,L,D) The Adventure Begins!!! We drive from San Jose to the small town of La Suiza where we start our mountain bike ride - mostly on gravel roads but with some paved sections. We will pass through several villages and farming communities on our way to Bajo Pacuare where we camp for the night.

DAY 3: Upper Pacuare River - Whitewater Rafting (14km) (B,L,D) The start of our rafting sees us on the upper section of the Pacuare River (Class III and IV rapids). The Pacuare is the most scenic rafting river in Costa Rica and one the world's classic whitewater experiences. The upper section of the Pacuare is not often commercially run and some of the rapids may need to be portaged where there are big rocks blocking a clear view of the rapid. The last 300 meters before the take out are very technical rapids filled with boulders. Overnight camping at San Joaquin.

DAY 4: Pacuare Valley - Hiking/Biking (15km)/Whitewater Rafting (10km) (B,L,D) From camp we set out hiking (approx. three hours) on back roads and through farms before switching to bikes for a two hour ride to the rafting put-in. It is then a short couple of hours rafting to our overnight camp on the banks of the river. The Pacuare River plunges down the Caribbean slopes through a series of spectacular canyons clothed in virgin rainforest. The savage beauty of the surroundings is humbling as we negotiate Class III and IV rapids, meandering through pristine rainforest spotted with waterfalls. Overnight at El Nido del Tigre on the banks of the river.

DAY 5: Pacuare Valley - Free Day (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 6: Pacuare Valley - Whitewater Rafting (17km) (B,L,D) The final 20 km section of rafting features some of the most exciting rapids the Pacuare has to offer. We navigate the river through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons on our way to the Caribbean lowlands. Along the way we take time out to do a side hike to some waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. We end the day at Finca Pacuarito where the river widens losing its rapids making it a perfect starting point for tomorrow’s sea kayaking section.

DAY 7: Pacuare Valley/Return to San Jose (40km) (B,L) The Final Leg. This 40 km paddle takes 5 to 8 hours to complete depending on water flow and the group’s enthusiasm. We start at first light to enjoy the cooler hours of the morning. The Pacuare eases us into the Caribbean lowlands where banana plantations gradually swallow the receding rainforest. As the day goes on the river slows to a tranquil pace as we kayak the last few miles to the mouth of the Pacuare where it meets the Caribbean Sea. After some time to savor our accomplishments, we motorboat to the port of Cano Blanco for our return drive to San Jose

DAY 8: Departure (B) You will be picked up at your hotel in time for your departure from the airport.

PACKING LIST

GENERAL:
You won’t need much in the way of clothing for this trip. Please pack one bag that weights less than 30 pounds.

duffel bag

small day pack

a couple of plastic bags

hat for cover

suntan lotion 30 SPF or higher, waterproof

one long sleeve shirt for sun protection

1 lightweight pair of long pants (zip-offs work well)

3 short sleeve t-shirts or tank tops

CAMPING:

lightweight sleeping bag

sleeping pad/therm-a-rest (optional)

casual cloths

lightweight fleece

lightweight rain jacket

headlamp or flashlight

towel

personal toiletry items- shampoo, soap, lotion, tooth brush/paste, eye care, glasses, person medication, etc…

dry shoes (running or sandals)

MOUNTAIN BIKING:

Padded biking shorts

Techwick top or other wicking t-shirt

lightweight hiking shoes or running shoes

biking gloves

camelback with bladder or water bottle

sunglasses

biking helmet

gel saddle (optional)

HIKING:

lightweight hiking cloths

hiking boots

WHITEWATER RAFTING:

swimwear

shorts

Techwick or quick drying shirt (optional)

sandals or water shoes with straps for rafting

waterproof camera (optional)

EVENING WEAR:
Casual clothes are very acceptable in Costa Rica. It is generally not necessary to dress for restaurants. There are however some expensive restaurants in San Jose where customers may dress a little less casually so check when making a reservation.

LUGGAGE:
During the trip there may be times when some of your luggage will travel separately, while every precaution is made to ensure the safety of your belongings while in our care, for your own peace of mind we ask that you secure all luggage with locks when it is not in your possession.

OTHER TRIP DETAILS
Spending Money

Usually $500 USD will get you through this trip. You will be paying for your several lunches and dinners while in Costa Rica, along with snacks and alcoholic drinks. Check the daily itinerary for which meals are included. A general guide for meals is $25 pp should get you through a day of meals, unless you drink alcohol and soft drinks.

Tipping of Staff
Each person should plan to tip the staff. If you bring at least $100 USD, this should be enough to tip all the staff. Each member of the group will put in the kitty their $100.

Flights to San Jose International Airport, Costa Rica

Costa Rica has only one international airport. This is a modern airport with daily flights from many other counties. Airlines that fly from Boston into San Jose are American Airlines and Delta, each airline stops in another US city before continuing onto Costa Rica. If you can’t book the first date for arrival, it’s better to come earlier. You will be responsible for any changes that incur an increase in cost. If you need assistance with your travel plans, please contact us.

Travel Insurance

EMSTrek offers travel insurance through AIG Travel Guard. These plans offer coverage for trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical, health expenses, lost baggage and more. Plans are based on total cost of the trip and your age. They should be purchased well in advance of your trip for maximum coverage. Please contact your trip coordinator for more information and a quote.

COSTA RICA Visa Procedure

As of this time there is no visa required to visit Costa Rica for US citizens staying 30 – 90 days. You must have a passport, with one empty page and valid for at least 30 days upon departure from Costa Rica.