Costa Rica Adventure Tours and Packages

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Paddles and Pedals

Explore the diversity of Costa Rica’s tropical terrain while challenging yourself with a variety of human-powered adventure activities. A healthy spirit of adventure is all you need to enjoy this active multi-day trip. Starting with exhilarating whitewater rafting through tropical rainforest on the Pacuare River,we travel to Arenal Volcano to hike in the majesty of this active Volcano, sea kayaking on Lake Arenal and along the rugged Pacific coastline before finally mountain biking down the Nicoya Peninsula on dirt roads and hard packed beach sand - all the way to the beach town of Mal País

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 some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” in the heart of banana plantation country sees the end of our whitewater rafting adventure and we drive to the Arenal Volcano (approx. 4 hours) for a change of activity. (B, L,D)

Day 4 Activities today will depend on the weather and the group. If the weather is clear we can kayak across Lake Arenal at the base of the volcano. Sea kayaking in the shadow of the volcano to the far side of the lake takes approximately 3 hours and gives us unique views of the volcano. From there the bike ride back to La Fortuna gives another perspective to the majestic volcano. On days that are not so clear the sea kayaking portion can be substituted for hiking. One of the hiking routes takes us to the active side of the volcano and to a lava flow from a major 1992 eruption. We hike through tropical rainforest until we reach a wall of lava rock where we scramble up on top of the lava to appreciate the power and size of Arenal. This is the safest, closest place to the active volcano. There are also routes to the 120ft La Fortuna Waterfall with a chance for a refreshing swim in its natural pool. We end the day with a visit to the Hot Springs. The waters are heated by the lava from the volcano which is a welcome relaxation after the activities of the first few days. (B, L, D).
We hike through tropical rainforest until we reach a wall of lava rock where we scramble up on top of the lava to appreciate the power and size of Arenal. This is the safest, closest place to the active volcano. There are also routes to the 120ft La Fortuna Waterfall with a chance for a refreshing swim in its natural pool. We end the day with a visit to the Hot Springs. The waters are heated by the lava from the volcano which is a welcome relaxation after the activities of the first few days. (B, L, D).


Day 5 This morning our adventure moves from inland to the Pacific Coast (approx. 5 hour drive). Depending on timing, we either bike the last part of the journey along the coastline to the town of Samara which is a great place to complete our travels and base ourselves for the next few days. In the afternoon we will kayak in the Pacific Ocean, making our way out to the deserted island of Isla Chora where we stop for some snorkeling. (B, L)

Day 6/7 The next two days will be a mixture of different activities. The Pacific Ocean along this coastline is perfect for sea kayaking, the surrounding area has brilliant and challenging mountain biking routes. In addition the snorkeling just off the coastline is worth checking out. You will have the choice of activities with the group or if you prefer to spend some quality personal time, our mountain bikes will be available for you to take your own relaxed route. Your guide will be available to discuss the possibilities according to the weather and personal choice. For those who would like to experience the freedom of zip lines through the canopy of the rainforest, just mention this to us either before you arrive in Costa Rica or early on during your trip and we can make arrangements for you. (Price for the canopy is not included). For those who want to end their trip with some relaxation, Samara is a very laid back town with the perfect atmosphere to just chill out, enjoy the beach, the hotel and some of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever see. (B, L)

Day 8 You will be picked up from your hotel for the short transfer to Carrillo for your local flight back to San Jose (*see Note below). The afternoon and/or evening are free to take in the sights and sounds of San José. (B)

Day 8 After a hearty breakfast the last active day of our adventure is some great mountain biking on country roads, beaches and across rivers. En-route, the animal life commonly seen includes a variety of monkeys, several types of small reptiles and rodents, birds, aquatic life and the occasional snake. By early afternoon we are at your hotel in laid-back Mal País, which is a perfect spot for your final night on the Pacific Coast. (B, L)

Day 9 You will be picked up at your hotel in time for your departure from the airport. (B)

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