This peaceful nation is blessed with gorgeous beaches, volcanic mountains and dense, tropical forests supporting a bird and animal kingdom more varied than any country on earth. We’ll see monkeys, crocodiles, orchids, butterflies, turtles, toucans, iguanas and scarlet macaws. The wide range of habitats makes Costa Rica a perfect destination for adventure travelers. We’ll raft exciting white water on two pristine rivers, horse ride through rain forest, swim in waterfalls, bike around Lake Arenal, soak in hot pools and maybe even see lava flowing from Arenal volcano. Staying in quaint family-owned haciendas and rain forest lodges we’ll meet the conservation-conscious locals who delight in sharing their friendly country with us.
Deanna B, VA "This was my first adventure trip and I enjoyed every minute – from the beautiful resorts to the howling monkeys, watching the baby turtles run to the ocean, the volcano Arenal and especially rafting the Pacuare. Thank you for a truly memorable experience."
Saturday
Most flights from US arrive 9.45pm at San Jose Airport. Meet & transfer to luxurious hotel.
Sunday
Sleep-in! Breakfast at hotel. Drive southwest to the Pacific Coast to for an easy hike at the Carara Biological Reserve. We’ll observe scarlet macaws in the nesting grounds but we’re also likely to see coatimundis, caimans and many other birds. Lunch at an outdoor restaurant. Our guide will take us on a short tour of San Jose before an early afternoon return to our hotel where we can relax before dinner.
Monday
Travel by van to a nature-lovers resort two hours north of San Jose. Relax in the pool or hot tub prior to lunch. In the afternoon ride horses along a jungle track to a wonderful series of waterfalls or “cascades.” Swim in the warm water pools then ride back to the resort. Maybe you’ll enjoy a hot tub prior to dinner.
Tuesday
Spend a wonderful morning white water rafting Class II and III rapids on the Sarapiqui River. A picnic lunch will be prepared while we relax. A two-hour drive in the afternoon brings us to our resort at the volcano Arenal. Soak in one of the best natural hot springs in the world before dinner and listen to the booming of the nearby volcano. We may see orange lava at night.
Wednesday
This morning we bike ride around the shore of Lake Arenal observing the birds and monkeys on a road little traveled. The terrain is undulating and mildly challenging. There is a sag wagon for anyone needing a break. Lunch in Arenal before driving back to our hotel in San Jose where you’ll have free time to shop and explore.
Thursday
Bus to the Pacuare River for one of the finest white-water rafting days in the world. The rapids are class III – IV and are constant and exhilarating. The rainforest is pristine and waterfalls tumble down lush banks. A generous lunch is prepared for us at riverside. Off the river by 3pm our van will take us to the Caribbean Coast where we’ll stay in cute haciendas. Dinner will be at a local Caribbean restaurant.
Friday
Board a boat for a four-hour cruise north along the canals of Tortuguero National Park. Our guide will stop along the way to view crocodiles, monkeys, sloths and flamingos. Relax in the pool to cool off. Walk to the nearby ocean to see the baby turtles hatching and racing for the sea. Celebrate our journey through Costa Rica with a farewell dinner at our lodge. You’ll sleep soundly despite the wonderful and unusual sounds of the rainforest.
Saturday
Early flight back to San Jose to a regional airport. Transport will deliver us to the international airport where the trip ends. Check in for our flights home (departure tax is $26).
