What could be better than horseback and hiking and climbing trees and wild rafting (the magnificent Pacuare), great food and nature and, of course, rain forests and hiking and rappelling into a jungle canyon and a lava-belching volcano with hot springs and a zip across the canopy tour on ropes and cables and a close-up look at crocodiles and monkeys and exotic birds from a silly little boat.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica. We will meet your flight and gather for the first evening in San Jose (sorry, we can't avoid this since the airlines don't always arrive when promised). The city is dynamic in a very Latin way - lots of people, energy, and a few interesting museums. For early day arrivals (before noon) we'll try to escape the city - perhaps stop in InbioPark or a bird breed-and-release sanctuary between the airport and the city.
Day 2: Costa Rica Tree Climbing. Eat a hearty breakfast, then we're off across the mountains. The destination is a primary forest (primary forest? Forest so ancient that it contains trees in excess of 600 years.) There are very few primary forests left in Costa Rica, because they have to withstand not just man's destruction but also nature's own forces of flood, lightning, and wind. Within the forest is the awesome strangler fig. We'll explain what this is when you see it. And climb it (for those who have no fear of heights, or bats). Inside it. Wow!
Day 3: Costa Rica Nature-filled Exploration. There are a few gentle rivers near Arenal Volcano, full of glorious birds and wildlife - sloth, monkeys, toucans, and caymans (a dead-ringer for a crocodile). We'll explore one of these rivers in our inflatable one and two man kayaks (but remember it is not a crocodile... it just looks like one). These silent boats literally creep up on nature, and, if you are silent, you can often see animals that shy away from humans and noisy powerboats.
Day 4: Horseback through Country Villages and Open High Pastures. What a beautiful way to start the morning - climbing onto the back of a well-trained horse, then traversing fields and through small villages. From the saddle you are in a much better position to observe everything around you - and our horses are very good at watching where they are stepping.
After the horses the hot springs beckon - a private place, with no sign out front. And after dark, if the fireworks are exploding atop the volcano, we can sneak over to the base of the volcano, ascend on a private farm, and watch, with no artificial light or sign of another human being, as Arenal rumbles and glows and spits in front of us. Even if cloudy and you can't see it, the sound of the volcano is earth-shuddering, and you feel a bit like David listening for Goliath to appear.
Day 5: One of Those Famous Costa Rican Canopy Tours! In the morning we start our move to the white water area. As we climb over a mountain range and view the diverse changes in climate. We're stopping en route to take on this popular Costa Rican "sport" - an ascent into the higher branches of the forest with harnesses and zip lines. The cables connect massive trees, and you dangle from the cables, one after another, and zip across from platform to platform.
Day 6: Costa Rica White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River. It's time for a real teamwork expedition - the Pacuare River. On the way to the river we'll stop to visit our friend who knows about the natural inhabitants of this area (especially those you need to look out for). Today you will learn the essential skills of great rafting, then venture down into the canyons, with 8 Class IV rapids and almost nonstop action.
The Pacuare is threatened by plans for a massive hydroelectric project, so we'll enjoy it while we can even as we continue to work to prevent the river's destruction. (Note: In high water conditions, we will change the rafting to a smaller river, either the Pejebeye or the Sarapiquí. In extremely high water conditions we would need to cancel all white water, but this is extremely rare)
Day 7: Canyoning! Ropes, Harnesses, Waterfalls, Wow! Canyoning is all the stuff from the movies - going down waterfalls attached to ropes, trusting your guides, your traveling companions, your harness, and your own adventurous spirit. We'll move from small to bigger to the biggest. And you'll appreciate the hot chocolate to rejuvenate your shaking hands - is it the cold water or the adrenaline? We'll stay on the west side of San José tonight, and see if there is some local dancing or entertainment we can find. Ever tried salsa?
Day 8: In San José in Preparation for Your Return to Civilization. Today, sadly, you have to depart, but you will definitely take with you some great memories and new experiences as well, and probably a few bumps and bruises.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices - $2590 per person, double occupancy. Single occupancy: add $390.
Price Includes:
- Hotels (generally 3 star or better)
- All food (no limits on which restaurant, or any item on the menu), snack food during the day, and an ice chest with bottled soft drinks and water while on the road
- Laundry, and tips for intermediate guides
- Drivers, waiters
Price Excludes:
- Your airline tickets
- Alcoholic beverages
- Your exit visa for Costa Rica ($26 per person)
- The (optional) tip for your principal guide (who shares the tip with all the other major activity guides who come and go during the trip)
By the way, a lot of people decide to add a few days at the beach to recover. We can arrange this for you as well.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Canopy Tours
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