Adventure in Costa Rica

Duration: 11 Days | 10 Nights
Destination: San José – Pacuare River – Arenal Volcano – Monteverde – Playa Carrillo

Costa Rica at full tilt. Raft into a rainforest lodge on the Pacuare River – ranked among the ten most beautiful rivers in the world – then rappel 140 feet down a waterfall on the country's most extreme canyoning tour. Hike to the El Tigre waterfalls in the Monteverde cloud forest, watch the Arenal Volcano steam above the treeline, and finish with three unhurried nights on the Pacific sand at Playa Carrillo. Private transfers throughout, hand-picked hotels, and enough adrenaline to earn the beach.

Day 1: San José
Arrival transfer
Shuttle service between Juan Santamaría International Airport and the city of San José, delivering you comfortably to your hotel in the heart of the capital.

Hotel Presidente (or similar) – 1 night
Presidente Hotel sits in the heart of the city, within walking distance of San José's museums, theatres and cultural institutions. Rooms are modern and well equipped, with private bathroom, air conditioning, minibar, safe and Wi-Fi. Two restaurants, a rooftop dining room and a bar round out a comfortable first night on the ground. Breakfast included.

Day 2: Pacuare River
Raft in to Pacuare Lodge – 2 nights, full board
The day begins with pick-up from your San José hotel and the drive towards Turrialba, passing through Cartago, Costa Rica's first capital, with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast along the way. At the operations centre the adventure begins in earnest: you enter the lodge by raft.
The descent of the Pacuare River, ranked among the top ten rivers in the world for its scenic beauty, takes about an hour and a half. Main luggage is stored safely and returned at the end of the tour, so you carry only a small day pack. Lunch is served on arrival at the lodge. The afternoon is yours for the nature trails, the facilities, or included activities such as hiking and waterfall visits, weather permitting. Lunch and dinner are included at the lodge.

Day 3: Pacuare River
Cabecar Indigenous Reserve hike
For guests in good walking shape, a trek through primary forest to a Cabecar village high in the mountains. Your hosts introduce you to a traditional way of life, their food and their rustic houses, largely unchanged from earlier times. Several villagers built the first lodge huts, and two of them still hike to and from the lodge each day to work.
Approximately 4 hours. Advanced difficulty. Bring shorts, a t-shirt, cap, repellent, water and sunblock.

Day 4: Arenal Volcano
Raft out and private transfer to La Fortuna
Your departure from the lodge is another rafting run back to the operations centre, from where you transfer to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano, one of the country's great natural landmarks. There are no lava eruptions today, but smoke and ash still vent from the summit. The region is prized for its landscape, its hot springs and Lake Arenal; en route you will pass agricultural plantations, ornamental plant nurseries and cattle farms.

Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience (or similar) – 2 nights
Lush tropical gardens, the sound of waterfalls and views of the Arenal Volcano make Volcano Lodge feel like a hidden pocket of rainforest. Superior rooms have private terraces with partial or full volcano views, blending river stone and ceramic detail with handcrafted Costa Rican furniture and work by local artists. Breakfast and internet access included.

Day 5: Arenal Volcano
Gravity Falls canyoning
Deep in the Costa Rican jungle lies the country's most extreme tour. The Gravity Falls canyoning adventure takes in a 140ft rappel down a rushing waterfall into a deep crystalline pool, five cliff-diving waterfall jumps ranging from five to 25 feet, a canyoning swim through a narrow passage, river tracing and other climbing challenges. It all takes place in an isolated rainforest canyon near the Children's Eternal Rainforest, with professional guides alongside you throughout.
Finish with an all-you-can-eat Costa Rican buffet at the riverside Hunters & Gatherers restaurant, next to the El Salto waterfall swimming hole, before the return to your hotel.
Includes transport, professional guide, high-quality gear and lunch. Approximately 5 hours. Challenging. Bring clothes to get wet in, sturdy water shoes, a change of clothes and a sense of adventure.

Day 6: Monteverde
Private transfer Arenal to Monteverde
A private transfer between two of Costa Rica's most iconic destinations – the Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde cloud forest – in a modern air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver. Approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on road conditions.

El Establo Mountain Hotel & Private Reserve (or similar) – 2 nights
El Establo blends comfort with nature on a mountainside above Monteverde, with views over the Gulf of Nicoya. The hotel has a restaurant, coffee bar, heated pool, its own trails and private reserve, bilingual guided tours, spa services and 24-hour security. Deluxe rooms are spacious, with two queen beds, private bathroom, mini-refrigerator, TV and Wi-Fi. Breakfast included.

Day 7: Monteverde
El Tigre Waterfall tour
Immerse yourself in the forest with a guide. Discover all four grand waterfalls, cross ten bridges and take a dip in the river pools with no time pressure. The final uphill leg is your choice of horseback or 4x4 safari car. It ends with a typical, generous lunch, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
Includes transfer and lunch. Approximately 3 hours. High intensity. Bring comfortable clothing, long pants, a raincoat, hiking shoes, repellent and sunscreen.

Day 8: Playa Carrillo
Private transfer Monteverde to Carrillo
A private transfer down from the cloud forest to the North Pacific coast of Guanacaste.

Nammbú Beachfront Bungalows (or similar) – 3 nights
Nammbú Beachfront Bungalows sits on the pristine sand of Playa Carrillo, a family-owned hotel that pairs first-class service with a serious commitment to conservation. Bungalows are 50 square metres with two queen beds, balcony or terrace, safe, hair dryer, LCD TV and mini refrigerator. Breakfast included.

Day 9: Playa Carrillo
Day at leisure in Guanacaste
A free day on one of Costa Rica's quietest and most beautiful beaches. Optional tours are available – ask us and we will build them into your quote.

Day 10: Playa Carrillo
Day at leisure in Guanacaste
Another day at your own pace: swim, walk the beach, or head out on an optional excursion into the Nicoya Peninsula.

Day 11: Playa Carrillo / San José
Private transfer Carrillo Beach to San José
A comfortable private transfer back to the capital through the natural beauty of Costa Rica's northern Pacific region, in time for your onward flight.

– End of services –

Tour Price
• Price shown is per person based on twin share accommodation.
• Prices vary based on your month of travel – contact us and we will provide accurate pricing for your specific travel dates.
• Price is based on the hotels shown or similar, with private transfers throughout. Shuttle and 4x4 self-drive options are available at different rates.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions or any unforeseen situation.

Inclusions:
• 01 hotel night in San José
• 02 nights at Pacuare River lodge on a full board basis
• 02 hotel nights at Arenal Volcano
• 02 hotel nights in Monteverde
• 03 hotel nights at Playa Carrillo
• Daily breakfasts
• Lunches and dinners as specified at the Pacuare River lodge
• Lunch on the Gravity Falls and El Tigre Waterfall tours
• Return rafting transfer into and out of the Pacuare lodge
• Gravity Falls canyoning experience with professional guides and equipment
• El Tigre Waterfall guided tour
• Cabecar Indigenous Reserve hike, subject to lodge confirmation
• Private transfers throughout as per the itinerary
• Shared shuttle airport transfer on arrival
• English-speaking guides on all included tours
• Entrance fees for all included activities

Exclusions:
• International and domestic flights
• Activities not indicated in the program
• Meals and beverages not mentioned
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Tips for hotel, restaurant and housekeeping staff
• Mandatory Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners for travel over those dates

Please note:
• Departures daily, year round.
• Children are considered up to 10 years of age. Triple share and child rates are available on request.
• All included activities are subject to minimum operating numbers and are confirmed at the time of booking.
• Hotels listed are those used at the time of writing; comparable properties of the same standard may be substituted.
• Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
• Travel insurance is not included but is strongly recommended.
• The Pacuare River lodge is reached by raft. Main luggage is transported separately and returned at the end of the stay – you will need a small day pack for two nights.
• The Gravity Falls canyoning tour is physically demanding and has minimum age and health requirements. Please tell us of any mobility or medical considerations at the time of enquiry.
• Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, lightweight hiking footwear and river sandals.

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.