Costa Rica Adventure Tours and Packages

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Mountains, beaches and rivers

Day 1 Arrival in Costa Rica. After welcoming you at San José airport your guide will bring you to a comfortable hotel in the city and take time to answer any questions, meet the group and prepare for your multi-activity adventure trip. The evening is free to explore San José.

Day 2 The first day begins with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the “put in” on the Pacuare River for our two-day whitewater rafting adventure. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids exploring the magnificent river valley. This afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, “El Nido del Tigre.” Nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river, take time to explore the lush environment first hand, looking out for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Today the Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and point out the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time out to do a side hike to some waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres, we drive up into the Talamancan mountain range to a mountain top lodge and our resting place for the night. (B, L, D)

Day 4 We drive up to Cerro de la Muerte at an altitude of 2330 meters, high on the Continental Divide. A 20 km section of mountain biking mostly downhill on dirt roads brings us to the coffee growing community of Santa Maria de Dota. We spend the night in family run cabins just outside of town. An evening walk for some local color is a must with time to reflect on the day’s adventure. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Our second day of mountain biking (60km) takes us through the sparsely populated and incredibly scenic Pacific slopes. Our adventure is a raucous and exhilarating downhill ride to the coastal plain, through a remote area of thick forest and isolated farms. Once out of the hills, we cross the river at Paso Real and push on biking all the way to the white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio. We arrive in time for a well deserved dunking in the hotel pool or a plunge in the surf at the local beach. (B, L)

Day 6 After breakfast we will travel on suspension cables from platform to platform while enjoying the moist tropical forest teaming with wildlife. You will have the opportunity to see many different types of animals, birds and plants during this ride through the canopy of the primary and secondary forest. The afternoon may be spent visiting the National Park of Manuel Antonio and relaxing on the exceptional beaches of the park. This area is very established and offers a great variety of restaurants, bars and activities. Optional activities include horseback riding on the beach, guided hikes in the park, snorkeling, ocean fishing, sea kayaking, exploring the area on rental scooters, body surfing, boogie boarding, etc. (B)

Day 7 This morning our adventure continues south by van along the Pacific coast to our sea kayaking “put-in”, Rincón de la Osa, located on the banks of the Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula. After some time to settle into our cabins and a hearty lunch we spend the afternoon getting accustomed to the sea kayaks and exploring a nearby river estuary. (B, L, D)

Day 8 We start off the day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast made by our host Doña Cecilia. After getting the support boat loaded up we begin our exploration of the Gulf. This part of our sea kayaking adventure is 15kms along this wild and beautiful coastline. The reflection of the rainforest meeting the calm waters of the gulf is a perfect setting for sea kayaking. There is plenty of time to snorkel, fish, or just relax enjoy the area. Lunch is on an island so there is plenty of opportunity for a swim before heading on to our camp for the night. From the camp there are several hiking trails, and one that leads to a waterfall where a swim in freshwater is very welcome. After dinner star gazing on the beach is highly recommended. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Back on the water! After a relaxing breakfast we continue our journey sea kayaking along this incredible coastline. An hour into the paddle we reach the mouth of the Esquinas River – here we head up stream to explore this wildlife rich estuary. Today’s lunch spot is a natural playground. A long lunch break gives us time to set up ropes for an assisted climb up one of the coconut palms for those with some extra energy – the reward at the top is some delicious coconut juice. Snorkeling a reef in front of the beach is also possible. A short paddle in our sea kayak completes our adventure for the day and takes us to our 2nd camp. Here we settle in for another night of sleeping to the sounds of the rainforest. (B, L, D)

Day 10 An early morning departure allows for spectacular sea kayaking across the Gulf. The 18km crossing takes 3-4 hours with several stops for pictures and snacks. We arrive in Puerto Jiménez by mid-morning. Our sea kayak adventure complete, after a refreshing shower and some time to relax we load up into 4x4 taxis for a 2 hour drive back to the Cabins in Rincón de la Osa. The rest of the afternoon is spent packing for our trekking through Corcovado. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Trekking across the Osa Peninsula to the Pacific coast is our goal for the next few days. The adventure begins with an early morning drive to the trailhead where we gear up and begin this incredible hike into the wilds of Corcovado National Park. This first day involves a 4-hour hike from the coast on dirt roads going past small family run fincas and into the tropical rainforest of the park and onto the ranger station, Los Patos. Expect to have wet feet because there are over 15 river crossings during the hike. Camping tonight is at the ranger station. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Today’s Trek to Sirena Ranger Station takes between 5 & 7 hours. The first part of the trail undulates steeply through the hilly forest 2 or 3 hours before it finally flattens out near swampy Corcovado Lagoon. This area is one of the best places to see wildlife in Costa Rica. The station and our camp for the night is located between the Claro and Sirena rivers and has several trails that are ideal for animal viewing without having to carry your pack. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Completing our trekking adventure today takes us to the coast and along the beach to Carate. En route we will encounter crossings of several challenging rocky headlands. It is common to see Jaguar prints on the beach and if you are extremely lucky you may even get a glimpse of one in the distance. At Carate 4x4 taxis will be waiting to take us to Puerto Jiménez for our last night on the Peninsula. (B, L, D)

Day 14 There is time this morning for a welcome relaxing break in this spectacular area before we board our local flight back to San José. The local flight will be flying low enough to get excellent views of the typography of the countryside and is your last chance before landing in the city once again. (B, L)

Day 15 A representative will drive you to the airport for your return flight home and sad farewells at the end of this incredible adventure. (B)

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