Experience the adventurous side of Costa Rica on this 6 day journey through some of Costa Rica’s most exciting destinations. Traverse the Braulio Carrillo National Park as you embark on an overnight rafting trip in the Pacuare river. You'll continue down South to the Caribbean Coast, a wonderful place to visit with its laid back attitude, spicy piquant food unique Afro-Caribbean culture, and turquoise blue waters. In this part of the country one also gets the chance to come into contact with many indigenous tribes that have lived in this region for hundreds of years.
One of our local experts in Costa Rica will make this the perfect trip for you!
Speaks: English and Spanish
Welcome to Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth! Upon arrival to San Jose, our local guide will welcome you at the airport for a private transfer to your hotel. Our guide will give you all the tips and recommendations to get the most out of your stay in Costa Rica. Free afternoon and evening to rest after the flight.
Optional activity: Take a city tour or cooking lessons with a local family.
Transportation: Approx. 45 minutes from the airport to your hotel
Accommodation options: Grano de Oro (4 star hotel) or Rosa del Paseo (2 star hotel)
In order to make the most out of your rafting adventure today will start early! You will be picked up in San Jose and head to the exploration center (approx. 2 hours) to have breakfast. From there you will get an orientation lesson and start the adventure of rafting!
The journey will consist of two days of rafting with an overnight stay at one of the suggested lodges. The Pacuare Protected Zone and Pacuare River are located between the coastal lowlands and the country’s highest mountain range and constitute one of the isthmus’ most important protected areas. This area is still inhabited by the Cabecar Indians, whose hut dwellings are spaced far apart over large distances, rather than being clustered, as was true of most native tribes.
Located inside this protected wilderness is a very special jungle getaway. Either of the two suggested lodges are accessible to travelers only through the multi day white-water rafting tours on the Pacuare River. Considered by many experienced rafters to be one of the most scenic rivers in the world, the Pacuare offers an adventurous ride filled with stunning natural beauty and exciting rapids.
Included activities: Class II & III river rafting.
Optional Activities: During the afternoon you can choose from Canopy Adventure into the forest trees, take a guided hike into the rainforest mountains, or simply relax.
Accommodations options: Pacuare Lodge (5 star hotel) or Ave sol River Sanctuary (3 star hotel)
After a hot breakfast, you will have some time on your own to explore the rainforest around the lodge. Then it will be time to launch the rafts again! Rafting becomes even more exciting today as you begin to use the skills and experience gained the day before. Your guides will stop the rafts along the journey and lead you up paths and side streams that open onto pristine waterfalls and natural water slides. Lunch will be served along the river.
Once you reach the final rafting destination you will be picked and driven to the Puerto Viejo area (approx. 4 hours), where you will spend the next 3 days.
You will make a trip through the Caribbean coast which is in Talamanca, an important part of the Caribbean Biological Corridor. This region is home to 65% of the indigenous population of Costa Rica and nine ecological zones.
Included activities: Class III & IV river rafting
Optional activities: Night hike
Transportation: Approx. 4 hours from Pacuare to Puerto Viejo area
Accommodation options: Azania Bungalows (3 star hotel) or Le Cameleon Hotel (4 star hotel)
Today you will have the option to relax at the hotel and beach for the day, or choose one of two exciting activities below.
Option #1: Yorkin Indigenous Community
Visit the BriBri Indigenous Territory, located in the heart of the tropical rainforest in the Talamanca mountains. The tour starts in Bambú, approximately 45 minutes away from Puerto Viejo. Ride along the Yorkín River in an indigenous canoe, watching the exuberant vegetation and the Panamanian mountainside.You will arrive to Yorkín and visit, Stibrawpa, a women’s house lodge with a local guide. Learn about nature, crops and medicinal plants, enjoy a traditional meal. and participate in the chocolate making process. If you’re feeling adventurous spend the night in the community in one of their rainforest bungalows.
__Included activities: F__ull day Yorkin experience.
Option #2: Surfing Lessons
Experience the tranquilo lifestyle of Caribe Sur while learning to ride a wave with a local instructor. Puerto Viejo is known for its waves and has the most famous wave in the Caribe, Salsa Brava. The area has a diversity of beaches from Playa Negra to Cocles to Punta Uva with different waves for all experience levels.
Included activities: Two hour surfing lessons.
Accommodations options: Azania Bungalows (3 star hotel) or Le Cameleon Hotel (4 star hotel),
After breakfast you will be picked up at your hotel and drive to Cahuita National Park.
Cahuita has the largest system of Coral Reefs in Costa Rica, including 6 species of coral, a wide range of colorful tropical fishes and the occasional encounter of a harmless reef shark or stingray. This beach has a horseshoe shape, with the entrance of the park at one end and beautiful Punta Cahuita at the other end. You will start with a scenic 20 minute boat ride to have two snorkeling sessions. Then you get dropped off at the Punta to enjoy a delicious fruit and snacks break at the beach followed by a 1 hour guided hike in this wonderful coastal forest: Monkeys, sloths, birds, poison dart frogs, iguanas and other amazing wildlife sightings are common.
Included activities: Guided half day snorkeling adventure & hike in Cahuita National Park.
Optional activities: Sea Kayaking, Manzanillo hiking, Caribbean cooking lessons.
Transportation: 20 minutes from your hotel to Cahuita National Park.
Accommodations options: Azania Bungalows (3 star hotel) or Le Cameleon Hotel (4 star hotel)
Your amazing trip is coming to an end! Your driver will take you to the airport in San Jose (approx. 4.5 hours) with plenty of time to catch your flight home. We hope you enjoyed your trip and will come visit again soon!
Transportation: Approx. 4.5 hour drive or 1 hour drive to Limón and 30 minute flight to the San José International Airport.
Accommodations
Lodging each night is included in your choice of boutique hotels or ecolodges. Recommendations are included in the day-by-day itinerary
Tours & Activities
Unique experiences available daily. See the day-by-day itinerary for recommended tours and additional options available
Guides
English speaking local & specialized guides during activities
Ground Transportation
Private/Shared Shuttles to get you between destinations (Renting a car is also an option but not as recommended)
Food
Included meals are noted in the itinerary: B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, BL= Boxed Lunch, D= Dinner
24/7 assistance
In country assistance in English during the whole trip
Airport Transfers
Transportation arranged to get you to/from the airport
International Flights
Optional Activities
Not specified meals
Alcoholic drinks
Tips
Travel Insurance
If trip is cancelled:
45+ days in advance - 100% will be refunded
15 - 44 days in advance - 50% will be refunded
8-14 days in advance - 30% will be refunded
0-7 days in advance - 0% will be refunded
High Season Cancellation Policy
If your trip falls during peak season (Easter week or December 20-January 10) the following applies.
If trip is cancelled:
90+ days in advance - 100% will be refunded
45-89 days in advance - 50% will be refunded
14-44 days in advance - 30% will be refunded
0-13 days in advance - 0% will be refunded
Locally Owned Social Enterprise
A local travel agency specializing in connecting travelers to Costa Rica's nature and cultures. Their goal is to create authentic experiences for travelers that contribute to sustainable growth for local communities. The agency offers mid-range bookings and is