Costa Rica

A Costa Rican Adventure - Options A and B

Whitewater Rafting, Horseback Riding and Hiking

(8 Days)

Slide Show

This 8-day jaunt is an ideal mix of activity and relaxation. There are two days of rafting, bouncing down exciting rapids on the Pacuare River, then time to soak in the steamy hot springs near the erupting Arenal Volcano. The final three days have two separate options: 1) either free time at the pacific coastal village of Manuel Antonio with options to try a canopy tour, ride horses, mountain bike, sea kayak, dolphin watch or simply relax on the white sand beaches or 2) saddling up on horses on a journey into the Monteverde Cloudforest. In Monteverde there's free time to try the original canopy tour and hike through the cloudforest in search of the rare and beautiful quetzal bird that inhabits the park.

Trip Highlights

• 2 Days whitewater rafting down the Pacuare River
• Soaking in hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano
• Free time at Manuel Antonio Beach or Monteverde Cloud Forest

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: San Jose (Arrival)

A BikeHike Adventures representative will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Here we will go over the trip and answer any questions or concerns. Overnight at a comfortable hotel.

Day 2: Pacuare River (Whitewater Rafting)

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 adventure. We will run a total of 27km/17 miles 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: Pacuare River (Whitewater Rafting)

Today is the most challenging of the 2-days, with a series of class IV rapids. The adrenaline rush will thrill you as we pass forests of primary and secondary growth, canyon walls dripping with flows of rushing water, and if we're lucky, monkeys swinging through the trees . Along the way we take time-out to do a side hike up to some natural water slides. "Taking out" near the town of Siquirres, we drive to the small town of La Fortuna, the closest town to Arenal Volcano. Overnight at a comfortable hotel. (B,L)

Day 4: Arenal Volcano (Hiking and Hot Springs)

We begin the day with a hike to a spectacular 120-foot waterfall. If we're lucky and have a clear day there will be plenty of volcanic activity to see as we refresh with a dip in the pool below the huge cascade. From here, we drive around to the active side of the volcano and hike to the lava flow from the last major eruption in 1992. The hike begins through a tropical rainforest until we reach a wall of lava rock. We have the chance to walk on top of the lava to appreciate the power of an active volcano. The evening concludes soaking in the steaming hot springs of Tabacon with views of the red lava dripping from the cone. Overnight at a comfortable hotel. (B,L,D)

Days 5-6: Manuel Antonio Beach

Today we leave Arenal and cross the country to the Pacific Coast which is a treasure chest of natural beauty. Rainforest dramatically meets the beach and the sea, and Manuel Antonio is a great place to relax and enjoy the beach or the National Park. Howler, White-face and Squirrel monkeys, basilisks, iguanas and land crabs are among the frequent visitors. Either take a few days to relax at the pool or on the beach or if you feel energetic, choose from some of the optional activities. (B)

Day 7: Manuel Antonio Beach/ San Jose

The morning is free to spend a few more hours enjoying the white sand beaches of the Pacific. Mid afternoon we transfer back to San Jose by van and check into our hotel. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the Costa Rican city life. (B)

Day 8: Departure

You will be transferred to the airport to meet your international flight home. (B)

Option B

Days 5-6: Monteverde Cloudforest (Horseback and Hike)

This morning we saddle up our horses and depart for a four hour trail ride to the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve. Founded in the 1950s by a group of Quakers, Monteverde is world famous for the huge variety of life forms it supports, and for the elaborate system of trails that wind through the park. The Reserve hosts a total of 2,500 species of plants, 100 species of mammals, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, 490 species of butterflies, and about 400 species of birds. You are free to spend the afternoon hiking through the forest. The next day is free to return to the park, visit the Santa Elena Rainforest or try your hands at the Original Canopy Tour traversing through the forest. Overnight at The Villa Verde Hotel or similar. (B on day 6)

Day 7: Monteverde Cloudforest - San Jose

We have another half day to enjoy the Monteverde region and then midday transfer back to a comfortable hotel in San Jose. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to enjoy the bustling city life of this progressive Central American nation. (B)

Day 8: Departure

You will be transferred to the airport to meet your international flight home. (B)

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