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Playing in the mist of the falls

Beaches & Rainforest

Example 9 Day Tour
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Spend 9 days exploring all that Costa Rica has to offer, like whitewater rafting, rainforest exploration, horseback riding, and beach activities in the sun-kissed Caribbean. Witness waterfalls and tremendous biodiversity as you go on nature walks through the tropical jungle. Then enjoy some free time at the rainforest-bordered beach, where you can explore the jungle more or snorkel in Costa Rica's largest coral reef. Your journey concludes with two exhilarating days navigating the rapids of the Pacuare River.
White water rafting on the Pacaure RiverGetting ready to take off on a zip line tour!Capuchin monkey with young in Costa RicaA gorgeous Costa Rican sunsetWaterfall in the middle of the Costa Rica jungleExquisite flowers Why not relax after a day in Paradise?You want me to zip line down WHERE? Frog-finding in Costa RicaFeeling the rush of the rapids during a whitewater rafting trip in Costa RicaA monkey looks for her next branchA monkey relaxes in a treeZiplining!Playing in the mist of the falls
Highlights
  • Climb a giant kapok tree to explore the rain forest canopy
  • Relax on the white sand beaches of the Caribbean coast
  • Snorkel and kayak in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean
  • Raft the thrilling whitewater of the Pacuare River
Places Visited
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive San Jose

Arrive San Jose and overnight.

Day 2-3: Rainforest Adventure

  • Hotel
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The morning of day two, head east towards the Caribbean to Selva Bananito Reserve for a few days of jungle discovery and adventure. Included in your stay is an introductory tree-climbing adventure, observation platform tour with rappel or a horseback ride through the farm. While exploring one of Costa Rica’s most pristine rainforests, you’ll have the chance to climb a giant kapok tree and enter the fascinating world of the rainforest canopy. There’s also a horseback ride through the adjacent family farm to learn about organic tropical farming techniques. For the adventurous you will spend a day hiking deep into the jungle to a 70 foot waterfall and then take a dip in it’s cool waters. For those who prefer a more relaxed day, Selva Bananito offers plenty of smaller excursions too. At the end of each day, locally grown food is served by candlelight before you retire to the tranquil retreat of your jungle cabana.

Day 4: Off to the Beach

  • Hotels
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After a morning of rainforest adventures, it's off to the white sand beach of Playa Cocles for some fun in the sun!

Day 5-6: Caribbean Free Days

Surrounded by thick jungle, you might be lucky to wake in the morning to the loud roar of howler monkeys. Look carefully into the canopy surrounding the lodge and you might be treated to the site of these loud tropical creatures. One of your free days you are off to Cahuita National Park for a snorkel tour or sea kayaking tour. With the largest coral reef system in Costa Rica, you will have the chance to see a large array of colorful tropical fish, sting rays and possibly a reef shark or two. Conclude the tour with an hour long hike through the rainforest that borders the beach. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, iguanas and the famed poisonous dart frog. The rest of the time is free for you to arrange activities locally.

For the rest of the free days go snorkeling, sea kayaking, take a rainforest walk, or just hang around the beach and swim in the surf. Your hotel can arrange everything from a trip to a nearby indigenous village to boogie board rentals. You might also choose to just walk along the miles of near deserted beach.

Day Excursions at the beach

Day 7-8: Pacuare River Rafting

  • Hotels
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner
Your adventure begins with an early traditional Costa Rican breakfast, followed by a briefing on safety measures. Then we slash right into our incredible rafting journey. As famous for its spirited waters as it is for its beauty, the Pacuare River doesn't disappoint as we plunge through mountain gorges, run long stretches of powerful rapids and weave our way through a rainforest alive with the sounds of howler monkeys, toucans, sloths and ocelots. Today's rafting trip takes a couple of hours and ends at your riverside lodge. Choose from a variety of activities to fill your afternoon. Take a guided hike to a waterfall in the forest, play dominoes or cards, or just relax. Happy Hour and dinner begins as twilight descends, and the guests can gather to relax and share their experiences. Rest well tonight - in the morning we tackle the river once again!

On day 8 we continue our rafting adventure - putting yesterday's skills and experience to use. We'll tame that river yet! After a buffet breakfast, we'll launch the rafts again for the second day of our river expedition. You may stop to explore side streams that lead to striking waterfalls and pools with a natural waterslide that tempts you to jump right in. A delicious lunch of sandwiches, fruits and juice will be served along the edge of the river. While the guides prepare the food, rafters have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. After lunch you're picked up and transferred to San Jose to complete your Costa Rica travels. Spend the evening enjoying one of San Jose's finer restaurants or just relax in your colonial style hotel.

Day 9: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Transfer to airport for your international flight home.

Accommodations

Selva Bananito Lodge

Pacuare River - Hotels

San Jose - Hotels

Puerto Viejo - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,332

Notes

Select a Date
During peak season dates, rates include an extra night at Selva Bananito Lodge
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi is only available at the main office and it won't reach the lodges.
  • Park Entrance Fee
  • Gear Rental: Snorkeling Gear (snorkel, mask, fins)
  • Arrival Airport Transfer
  • Departure Airport Transfer
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Air-conditioning

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

Costa Rica Travel Guide

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