Beaches & Rainforest

Day 1 Arrive San Jose

Overnight.

Days 2 - 3 Rainforest Adventure (2B,2L,2D)

The morning of day two, head east towards the Caribbean to Selva Bananito Reserve for a few days of jungle discovery and adventure.  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 horseback riding through the adjacent family farm to learn about organic tropical farming techniques. For the adventurous you can 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 (B,L,D)

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

Days 5-6 Caribbean Free Days (B)

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. The days are yours to enjoy. 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 sea kayak and boogie board rentals. You might also choose to just walk along the miles of near deserted beach.

Day Excursions at the beach »

Days 7-8 Pacuare River Rafting (2B,2L,D)

 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. This afternoon we transfer to the Pacuare 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! Pacuare Lodge Day Excursions

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 (B)