Day 2 ≈ Overnight Whitewater Rafting, Pacuare River

After a delicious breakfast, we will prepare for our river journey to the Pacuare River. On the way to the river we will visit the Serpentarium. The Serpentarium is a center for snake research and education in Costa Rica. Here we will listen to a brief talk on tropical snake identification and learn about other reptiles species. We continue on the way to the Pacuare River, which has been recognized as one of the top five most beautiful rivers around the world in the National Geographic magazine. The overnight trip on the Pacuare river is very beautiful. You will be able to spend more time on the river and at the jungle lodge, where you can take pleasure of exotic birds and wildlife. For this trip we will descend 21 miles down river. The trip starts at eight hundred meters above the sea level and finishes at forty meters. The first day we will raft 10 miles and have two river hikes with a river lunch before we get to the campsite. After some great hikes and wonderful rapids, you will arrive at our remote campsite created along a mountain overlooking the Pacuare River. There are 15 cabins spaced at a comfortable distance from each other to allow breathtaking panoramic views. The Pacuare lodge is a wonderful place to enjoy the view of the surrounding tropical environment. A 20 person bar with a balcony and hammocks to sit back and relax in. Full shower and bathroom facilities are available, with nearby hiking trails and riverside beaches. After settling into camp, you are free to go swimming, explore the jungle or just sit back in a hammock and relax. We will enjoy happy hour with free drinks and snacks. Dinner is prepared by your river guides.

Day 3 ≈ Jungle lodge, Whitewater Rafting, Caribbean coast- Puerto Viejo beach

After breakfast at our jungle lodge, we will pack our belongings and continue our river journey. We will leave the lodge and enjoy a wonderful morning along the Pacuare River, observing and listening to the many species of birds and wildlife. We will have one more river hike to a wonderful waterfall where you can swim and enjoy the jungle in this tropical paradise. After the hike, our rafting trip continues down the most challenging sections of the Pacuare River with 3 class IV drops. This spectacular river canyon and virgin rainforest is breathtaking, creating one unforgettable experience. There will be many opportunities for swimming or relaxing next to the river before we take out. Lunch is prepared, riverside, by your guides. After lunch we will continue our river descent in class II/III rapids with many play spots to enjoy the nice, warm water before we get to the take out. This evening we will drive to the Caribbean coast to spend the next two days on the beach. We will stop in a nice restaurant to enjoy a delicious tropical Costa Rican dinner before we arrive to Puerto Viejo beach.

Day 4 ≈ Puerto Viejo beach- Snorkeling & sea kayaking tour

Today we are staying next to the beach at Suerre Hotel. The hotel provides air conditioned rooms, cable TV, a private white sandy beach, with hammocks next to the beach, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, tennis court, beach volleyball, game room, restaurant and bar service. Today we will spend the day relaxing and having a lot of fun on the beach. After breakfast we will go to the beach where you can take pleasure in swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking all day long. Lunch is prepared by your guides on the beach, cool drinks and tropical fruits will be available. Tonight we will go to town to visit a nice restaurant for a delicious Caribbean dinner.

Day 5 ≈ Gandoca National Park, Puerto Viejo beach-snorkeling & sea kayaking

We will enjoy a healthy breakfast before we take the sightseeing boat tour on the Caribbean to visit the Gandoca National Park. It is here where you can see many different types of tropical plants and wildlife. After our visit to the Gandoca National Park, we will go to the beach to relax and have fun! Sea kayaks and snorkeling equipment will be available. Lunch is prepared by your guides on the beach. There will be cool drinks and tropical fruits available. This evening you will enjoy a delicious and authentic Costa Rican dinner. After dinner we can go sightseeing to visit souvenir stores in town.


Day 6 ≈ Sarapiqui River- Open air sightseeing boat tour & waterfall/hike

After a delicious tropical breakfast, we begin to prepare for our new adventure. Today we will travel to the Sarapiqui River where we will enjoy an open air sightseeing boat tour. Along the way, our captain will point out many different animals such as crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, turtles, sloths, and many different birds. Some birds you might see on this trip include: king fishers, toucans, sun birds, tiger birds, blue herrings, hawks, and many more. After our tour, we have two options. We can go to the beautiful Sarapiqui River to enjoy the nice, warm water. Here you can take pleasure in swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the wildlife and beautiful vegetation. Or, we can take a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. At the waterfall, you can take pleasure in swimming, bird watching, or even jump off the waterfall! Lunch is prepared by your guides. Tonight we will relax and enjoy a delicious Costa Rican dinner.

Day 7 ≈ La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano & Tabacon Hot Springs

Today after a refreshing breakfast, we will visit the Arenal Volcano- one of the most active volcanoes in the country. You will experience the panoramic views of the surrounding land, rumbling and erupting ash around the crater. After our visit to the Arenal Volcano National Park, we will enjoy an authentic Costa Rican lunch. This afternoon, we will go sightseeing in town for a few hours before we go to Tabacón Hot Springs. It is here where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the evening soaking, relaxing and having fun in this beautiful place.

Day 8 ≈ Waterfall hike, Arenal Volcano, Zarcero & San Jose

Today we will enjoy a healthy typical "Tico" breakfast (Gallo Pinto). We begin the day with a hike to a beautiful waterfall over 150 feet high. Here you can take pleasure in swimming, bird watching, wildlife and beautiful vegetation. After this activity, we will visit the best vantage point of Arenal Volcano National Park. Here you can take some pictures of this natural paradise.

During the afternoon, we travel back to the Central Valley to enjoy one of the most beautiful drives on the country. Along the way to the Central Valley, we will stop in the town of Zarcero for sightseeing at the famous local park. We continue our journey to the Central valley in Alajuela and San Jose. Tonight, we are lodging close enough to the airport to transfer for early flights. This evening we will celebrate our fantastic week together during our last dinner.

Day 9 ≈ Juan Santamaria International Airport, Drop off and Departure

We enjoy a healthy breakfast and then transfer to the airport to say our good-byes! (SJO) Drop off.

Ask about our group and family discounts!

*Not included: Airfare to San Jose – Costa Rica, alcoholic beverages, optional guide gratuities, and items of personal nature (souvenirs and telephone calls)

Costa Rica Adventures provides group and family discounts! Contact us for more information.

*This is a sample itinerary. The activities and locations may be subject to change due to a number of reasons beyond our control (weather, water levels, safety conditions, etc.)