Day 01

Arrival to San José

Welcome to Costa Rica! Once you have passed immigration and customs and stepped out of the airport doors, you will have one of our representatives waiting for you outside with a sign with your name on it. He will drive you to your hotel in San José.

Private Transfer from International Airport to San José

Option A: Presidente Hotel (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Option B: Grano de Oro Hotel (1 Night)
Room Type: Deluxe Patio Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 02 Transfer to Pacuare River, where your rafting adventure will start.

The Río Pacuare, flows approximately 108 kilometres (67 mi) to the Caribbean. It is a popular location for white water rafting and whitewater kayaking. The rainforests that surround the river are home to exotic animal species such as jaguars, monkeys, ocelots, and a very large number of birds. Rated one of the top rivers in the world, you’ll experience the intimate nature of the rainforest as you raft right through it. The warm water, cascading waterfalls, and opulently lush rainforest with its brilliantly colored plants, animals, and birds indulge your senses on every level. Add in two sections of the exciting Class III-IV white water rapids and you have a tropical adventure packed with rich experiences that last long after you’ve returned home.

The Rios Tropicales Lodge, complete with hydro-powered electricity, is a model of ecotourism and comfortable accommodations. From the ecolodge’s remote, riverside location, you can enjoy ziplining through the canopy (additional cost), rainforest hikes with naturalist guides, self-guided walks to waterfalls and pools, relaxing in a hammock overlooking the beautiful Pacuare River, and birdwatching. Dine in the open air with wine and exceptional meals, more stars than you can imagine, and the vibrant sounds of the jungle.

Pacuare Lodge –

Every aspect of the lodge exists in symbiotic harmony with the natural surroundings. From the gracefully towering main house, built in the style and craftsmanship of Caribbean-inspired architecture, to the 20 exquisite, stand-alone suites and villas; the secluded and peaceful riverfront spa; and the remarkable infinity swimming pool emerging from the rainforest to hover over the river’s edge. Each naturally elegant structure is crafted from sustainably sourced woods and other eco-friendly materials.  Guests are encouraged to spend time at the main lodge, relaxing and mingling with other travelers. Hot, locally sourced gourmet coffee is always available at no additional charge, as are freshly baked pastries for teatime. Indulge in a refreshing craft beer from our on-site brewery or sample a tantalizing vintage from the personal cellar featuring over 80 different international wines.

Option A: Ríos Tropicales (2 Nights)
Room Type: Pacuare Deluxe Room
Meals Plan: Meals

Option B: Pacuare Lodge (2 Nights)
Room Type: River Suite
Meals Plan: Meals

Day 03 Free day at the lodge

Pacuare Lodge: The lodge employs resident naturalist guides who can provide information about the plants and animals that inhabit the surrounding forest. You can take it easy, or begin enjoying some of the lodge’s seven outdoor experiences included in the Adventure Package which can take you deeper into the forest, or to the closest communities. Nature lovers may want to start before breakfast with a daybreak birdwatching tour. Other options are to visit the nearby Cabécar Indian palapa, for an introduction to the local indigenous culture, or hike to the closest farming community to experience a bit of rural Costa Rican life. Outdoor adventure options include the Canopy Adventure Tour, which takes you gliding between treetop platforms on cables, or Tropical Canyoning, which combines hiking, rock climbing and rappelling. Hikers have several options to choose from: the Cabécar Indian Hike, a more demanding hike to an isolated indigenous home deep in the forest; or the Ancient Trail and Hidden Waterfall Hike, which heads higher into the mountains to a secret waterfall and takes most of the day. If you’d prefer to relax, visit our Jawa Juu Spa (not included). We harness the rainforest’s natural energy to create a healing environment unlike any other.

Rios Tropicales Lodge

• Full breakfast at the ecolodge
• Choose from a number of activities or just relax in a hammock
• Lunch at the lodge or picnic-style if you’re hiking or touring
• Another delicious dinner

Day 04 Departure by rafting and self drive to Arenal volcano / La Fortuna

After another great breakfast, you’ll depart between 9:00-10:00 am by raft for an exhilarating day of whitewater rafting past gorgeous tropical scenery (approximately 3½ hours over class III-IV rapids). This stretch of the Pacuare River flows through canyons and past waterfalls and virgin rainforest. You’re likely to catch glimpses of varied birds and other wildlife during the quiet stretches. A yummy lunch will be served and you’ll have a chance to change into dry clothes at private facilities by the river take-out.

You receive your rental car and continue to the Arenal volcano. 

The Northern Plains of Costa Rica showcases some very scenic countryside towns. Small agriculture communities and cattle ranches cover rolling hills and deep valleys. The plains, rainforests and rivers make the north central a must-see in any Costa Rica program.  The main attraction is the iconic Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano area is Costa Rica’s premier region of exploration and excitement: Arenal is synonymous to adventure and Eco-discovery, where you can embark in a wide variety of activities. Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting or canyoning, or combine adventure with ecological discovery in a canopy tour. Hike the volcano or explore the rainforest strolling through hanging bridges.

Option A: Arenal Volcano Inn (2 Nights)
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Option B: Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens (2 Nights)
Room Type: Casita Deluxe
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 05

The Ultimate Waterfall Rappel

Live an exciting 4×4 ride on a mountain road to a typical rancho style house. We put your gear on, give you a short safety and rappelling explanation and then follows a short trek on a beautiful rainforest trail to the first waterfall rappel where you will descend into to canyon! After rappelling down the first waterfall you will climb up the side of the canyon wall. Then zip line across the canyon and rappel down to the canyon floor again. Later we continue on short trails from waterfall to waterfall through the canyon.

Included: 4 rappels (3 waterfalls and one rock wall), Monkey Drop (zip line and rappel), Rock Climb, Hiking on beautiful trails in the canyon between rappel, Professionally trained bi lingual guides, Waterproof Jackets, Delicious Costa Rican Lunch (Vegetarian option available), High quality gear used in canyoneering and rock climbing, Photographer (Photos for purchase after tour) and transportation.

Day 06 Self-drive to Monteverde

A startling haven for all that is living and natural, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve promises a journey that will make you one with nature–at a whole new level. Located in the Cordillera de Tilarán, Monteverde is one of the top ecotourism destinations the world over, being one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuary and nature reserve in the world. It is actually home to some of the most endangered species in the planet. Its elevation is from 600 meters to 1800 meters above sea level in some isolated areas. It currently houses about 2,000 plant & tree species, 400 bird species, 100 species of mammals and around 1,200 amphibians and reptiles as well as hundreds of unique fern and orchid species. Birds are one of the main attractions in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as a lot of them would migrate there and a variety of species are for everyone to see alive and freely hovering.

Option A: Poco a Poca Hotel & Spa (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Bromelias Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Option B: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Room Type: Forest View Downstairs Room
Meals Plan: A la Carte Breakfast

Day 07 Canopy + Hanging Bridges

Today you will enjoy a combo tour at the Selvatura Park in Monteverde. You will participate in an adventurous canopy tour (zip lining) where you will be flying through 12 cables and 18 platforms with an optional Tarzan Swing at the end of the adventure. Selvatura Park is one of the longest canopy tours in Costa Rica. It is also the only canopy tour located inside the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The canopy takes usually around 2,5 and 3 hours and can be done by adventurers starting at the age of 4. It is a safe adventure for everyone although restrictions may apply. After the canopy tour you will walk on eight different bridges which are called the Selvatura Tree Top Walkways. The lengths vary between 150 feet (50 meters) and 510 feet (170 meters) and some are up to 180 feet (60 meters) high. The walkways consist of a 1.9 mile (approximately 3 kilometer) trail that leads you through the Monteverde Cloud Forest.  The duration of the hike usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Included: Bilingual Guide, equipment and transportation

Day 0 Self-drive to Quepos/Manuel Antonio

A place of swaying palms and playful monkeys, sparkling blue water and a riot of tropical birds, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is the country’s smallest and most popular national park. It’s a truly lovely place; the clearly marked trail system winds through rainforest-backed white-sand beaches and rocky headlands, the wildlife (iguanas, sloths, monkeys) is plentiful, and the views across the bay to the pristine outer islands are gorgeous. Manuel Antonio National Park combines the rainforest with breathtaking white-sand beaches, among the most beautiful in Costa Rica. The Manuel Antonio Region has received plenty of coverage in travel magazines, earning it the distinction of one of the 10 most beautiful places in the world! Manuel Antonio’s humid tropical forest remains green year-round. The town itself is spread out across a hilly and curving road. Along this main road, near the top of the hill, are the area’s most luxurious hotels and fine-dining restaurants, surrounded by rain forest with amazing views of the beaches and offshore islands. From Manuel Antonio you can experience whitewater rafting, guided rainforest waterfall walks, horseback riding, snorkeling and sports fishing.

***Note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays

Option A: Playa Espadilla Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Option B: Si Como No Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 09 Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling

This Manuel Antonio tour is the perfect choice for those interested in getting wet and seeing nature! You will paddle a kayak for approximately 2 ½ hours (roundtrip), during your nautical journey you will navigate past islands where you can observe uncountable marine birds and their nesting grounds. Half way through your trip, you will stop at a beautiful hidden bay – Biesanz Bay – to rest and enjoy a refreshing snack. During the 30-minute stop, you can snorkel on this secluded coastline or just have a rest. Water visibility depends on the season. You are most likely to spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish and if you are lucky a sea turtle or too! This challenging Manuel Antonio tours allows you to discover stunning examples of nature, above and below the ocean’s surface; from pelicans to flying fish, you can see it all! Upon returning to the pier, you’ll head back to base camp to enjoy a little conversation over a delicious homemade meal.

Included: Transportation, equipment, bilingual guides, beverages and lunch or dinner.

Day 10 Self-drive to San José. Drop off car at your hotel.

Option A: Holiday Inn Express San jose Forum (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Option B: Grano de Oro Hotel (1 Night)
Room Type: Deluxe Patio Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 11

Departure from San José to the International Airport

A privately driven vehicle will provide you with a transfer from your hotel to San José Airport today. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.