DAY 1: Arrival

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: Pacuare River – Whitewater Rafting (2-3 hours, 10km)

The first day of your Costa Rican Adventure begins with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the “put in” on the Pacuare River for your two-day whitewater rafting adventure. You will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids, exploring the magnificent river valley. This afternoon you arrive at your comfortable riverside camp, “El Nido del Tigre,” nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river. You can take some time to explore the lush environment first hand, looking for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Day 3: Pacuare River – Whitewater Rafting (3-5 hours, 17km)

Today the Pacuare takes the group through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. You maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and observe intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way you take time out to do some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres you 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. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4: Arenal Volcano – Hiking (half day) and Hot Springs

In the morning we enjoy a picturesque hike through the tropical rainforest. We will be around 2 hours on the Arenal hanging bridges with wonderful panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.  We continue with a visit to the breathtaking Rio Fortuna waterfall which falls 120ft to a large natural swimming pool. The descent is steep through the undergrowth as we become immersed in the spectacular flora and fauna. The falls spill over into smaller gentler pour overs and swim areas which are our natural playground before we begin our ascent. The afternoon may be spent exploring the town of La Fortuna or relaxing in your hotel.  Thanks to the Arenal Volcano’s geothermal activity, there is a number of natural hot springs throughout the area.  They are designed to be very much in tune with their natural environment and offer a fantastic way to relax in the warm and soothing mineral waters while enjoying spectacular scenery in close proximity, that’s why you will be transfer tonight at one of these amazing thermal waters where the entrance and a delicious dinner will be also included. (Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 5 & 6: 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. (See below for optional activities available) (Breakfasts)

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.

Canopy Tour (3 hours) ($69 per person)
The adrenaline of zipping through tropical forest on a series of 14 suspension platforms high above the forest floor. The platforms are connected by steel cables. You spend about 45 minutes zipping on a pulley along the cables, moving from platform to platform using gravity.

Ocean kayaking & Snorkeling (approx.. 4 hours) ($69 per person, lunch or dinner included)
Paddle past islands and inlets where you see numerous marine aviary species and their nesting grounds.En route you stop at a hidden bay to rest and enjoy a snack. Take advantage of the 30 minute pit stop to snorkel on Bisanz beach. Water visibility varies depending on the season. You are most likely to spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish and if you are lucky a sea turtle or two.After heading back to base camp enjoy a homemade meal.

Islas Damas Mangrove Kayak Trip (approx. 4 hours) ($69 per person, lunch or dinner included)
Paddle by sea kayak on protected inland waterways. This is a 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.

Isla Damas Mangrove Boat Trip (4 hours) ($67 per person, lunch or dinner included)
Don’t miss Isla Damas and its wonderful wildlife just because you don’t want to kayak. Treat yourself to boating the estuary with a guide. There is great birding and wonderful vistas on these mangrove canals. We stop on the island to walk along the beach. With the bilingual guide accompanying you to point out wildlife, this is the best option to see a tropical riperian ecosystem — animals and birds, Caimans, Sloths, Crocodiles, Boas, White-face monkeys, egrets, and much more. Lunch or dinner (depending on timing of the trip) included.

Manuel Antonio National Park (2 1/2 hours) ($59 per person)
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.

Catamaran & Snorkeling adventure (4 hours) ($83 per person, lunch or dinner included)
The Ocean King catamaran is brand new. At 100 feet length it has all the amenitie. On board you have snacks, unlimited soft and natural drinks, and alcoholic beverages (8 total – 4 premium drinks and 4 beers). Enjoy the dolphin watching and snorkeling as well.

Surfing lessons (3 hours) ($65 per person)
A 3 hour group surf lesson (with a maximum of three students per instructor). Introduction to surfing fundamentals, paddling skills, surf board positioning, proper-stand-up, riding techniques, etiquette, and maneuvering. If students are kids, we assign no more than 2 per instructor. Your instructor provides the surfing equipment — board length according to your level of experience (soft boards for beginners, etc), leash, and rash guard. Before hitting the waves, your instructor will give a detailed safety talk and demonstrate the first steps of surfing. After the briefing it’s time for warm-up and a bit of “play” – surfing is extremely physical. This will get you pumped! When you feel confident enough, your surfing instructor will accompany you into the waves and will continue to guide you throughout your session. For your hard-earned break, we treat you to fresh fruit and cold drinks then back into the water to catch more waves and practice your newly learned skills. includes transportation back to your hotel — for hard earned R&R.

Day 7: Manuel Antonio/Return to San Jose

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. (Breakfast)

Day 8: Departure

You will be picked up at your hotel in time for your departure from the airport. (Breakfast)

DAY 1: Arrival

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: Pacuare River – Whitewater Rafting (2-3 hours, 10km)

The first day of your Costa Rican Adventure begins with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the “put in” on the Pacuare River for your two-day whitewater rafting adventure. You will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids, exploring the magnificent river valley. This afternoon you arrive at your comfortable riverside camp, “El Nido del Tigre,” nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river. You can take some time to explore the lush environment first hand, looking for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Day 3: Pacuare River – Whitewater Rafting (3-5 hours, 17km)

Today the Pacuare takes the group through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. You maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and observe intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way you take time out to do some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres you 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. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4: Arenal Volcano – Hiking (half day) and Hot Springs

In the morning we enjoy a picturesque hike through the tropical rainforest. We will be around 2 hours on the Arenal hanging bridges with wonderful panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.  We continue with a visit to the breathtaking Rio Fortuna waterfall which falls 120ft to a large natural swimming pool. The descent is steep through the undergrowth as we become immersed in the spectacular flora and fauna. The falls spill over into smaller gentler pour overs and swim areas which are our natural playground before we begin our ascent. The afternoon may be spent exploring the town of La Fortuna or relaxing in your hotel.  Thanks to the Arenal Volcano’s geothermal activity, there is a number of natural hot springs throughout the area.  They are designed to be very much in tune with their natural environment and offer a fantastic way to relax in the warm and soothing mineral waters while enjoying spectacular scenery in close proximity, that’s why you will be transfer tonight at one of these amazing thermal waters where the entrance and a delicious dinner will be also included. (Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 5: Monteverde Cloud Forest – Horseback riding or motorboat

Monteverde is perhaps the world’s most famous cloud forest. A cloud forest is a high altitude rainforest, from 4,500 feet (1,400 meters) to about 6,000 feet (1800 meters) of altitude, with an ecology distinct because each forest is isolated by intervening valleys, even from other cloud forests. Cloud forests exist only in tropical areas. The island-like occurrence of cloud forests makes species evolution almost as singular as Australia, the Galapagos and other aquatic island territories. The cooler atmosphere caused by the altitude creates forests of misty mountains with thriving bromeliads, epiphytes…species you will recognize as house plants that grow to giant cloud forest trees hundreds of feet tall, covered in vines and orchids and supporting hundreds of species of symbiotic plants and animals.

It takes about 4 hours to get to Monteverde, either by horse or boat.

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.

Breakfast is included before you depart. You can choose your own spot for lunch and dinner in Monteverde (meals not included).

Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest

There’s 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, and the famous zip line tour through the canopy. You can pre-book adventures, or, in many instances, your hotel front desk can make the tours once you arrive. (Breakfast)

Day 7: Monteverde / Return to San Jose

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. (Breakfast)

Day 8: Departure

You will be picked up at your hotel in time for your departure from the airport. (Breakfast)