Pura Vida

San Jose, Costa Rica
$995

Enjoy incredible wildlife with a tour focusing on the rainforest activities that put Costa Rica on the map! This tour is designed to see some of the best main highlights in a short amount of time! Enjoy a two day rafting trip down the beautiful and challenging Pacuare River. Next explore the active Arenal Volcano, the rainforest canopy with a zipline and tram tour, and soak in the natural Hot Springs. A great getaway experience!

Full Itinerary Additional Details
Discovering a remote waterfall on a nature tour of Costa Rica
Discovering a remote waterfall on a nature tour of Costa RicaArenal Volcano

Summary

  • Day 1 : Arrive San Jose
  • Day 2 : Pacuare River Rafting
  • Day 3 : Pacuare Rafting, On to Arenal
  • Day 4 : Rainforest Tram and Canopy
  • Day 5 : Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
  • Day 6 : Return Home
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    Additional Tour Options
  • $1260 - Want time at the beach? Add two days in Manuel Antonio for only $265 more per person!
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Travel Highlights
  • Pacuare River
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Rainforest
  • San Jose
  • Paddling
    PaddlingIncludes paddling activity such as sea kayaking or rafting.
  • Nature Viewing
    Nature ViewingIncludes intentional opportunity to observe flora or fauna with an experienced guide.
  • Zip Line
    Zip LineExplore the forest canopy by zip line or rappel down cliffs or waterfalls.

Details

Day 1 Arrive San Jose lodge

Arrive to San Jose anytime this day and overnight.

Day 2 Pacuare River Rafting lodge

(B,L,D)

Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River in Costa RicaYour 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 Rios Tropicales Lodge. Choose from a variety of activities to fill your afternoon. Go for a hike to a waterfall in the forest, try the zipline canopy tour (additional cost), play dominoes or cards, or just relax.  Rest well tonight - in the morning we tackle the river once again!

Day 3 Pacuare Rafting, On to Arenal lodge

(B,L)

Today continue the 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 inviting 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 about four hours to Arenal Volcano where you will stay at the Arenal Manoa hotel for the evening.

Day 4 Rainforest Tram and Canopy lodge

(B)

Today you enjoy a leisurely morning! Included today is a tour on a rainforest aerial tram! You will be picked up and transferred to the Sky Tram gondolas. Enjoy a slow ride up the mountainside, enjoying amazing views on the way, as well as keeping your eyes out for wildlife! You are accompanied by a bilingual guide who will point out flora and fauna in the ecosystem.  At the top, enjoy magnificent views of volcanoes and Lake Arenal from the observation deck. You can spend some time exploring the top area before descending down to the base. One option is to ride back down the tram, but the more exciting option we will try is the zipline canopy tour. Enjoy a thrilling ride as you zip on cables running across two mountains all the way to the bottom!  Tonight unwind at the Arenal Manoa hotel.

Day 5 Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs lodge

(B,D)

Enjoy a free morning in the area. You can arrange activities locally through your hotel this morning. Enjoy a horseback ride to nearby La Fortuna Waterfall, go for a mountain biking tour, or just relax at the pool!

This afternoon you will be picked up and visit Costa Rica's celebrated Arenal Volcano, beginning with a 90-minute walk along the Silencio Trail. As you move through the forest, watch out for howler monkeys, bright tropical toucans, and listen to the rumbling sounds of the distant volcano. The walk ends with a magnificent view of Arenal, one of the most active volcanoes in the world since its massive eruption in 1968. With a bit of luck, you may see lava plummeting down the mountain's slopes. The tour concludes with a little relaxation in the nearby natural hot springs at dinnertime, as the volcano towers in the distance.  After the hotsprings you return to Arenal Manoa hotel for your final evening in Costa Rica.

Day 6 Return Home

Today you will be picked up in time to make the three hour drive to the San Jose airport for your flight home.

Or, extend your trip with a visit to Monteverde Cloudforest or Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast!

Accommodations:

4 nights comfortable hotel, 1 night river lodge

Single Supplement: $235

Meals Included:

All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation:

minibuses, jeep, and raft

Notes:

The Class level of the river will depend on the current water levels. The rafting trip may be switched to a different river should water levels approach dangerous heights.

Group & Staff:

Min. 2, 12 max; bilingual naturalists and local guides

Personal Budgeting:

Allow $70 for meals not included, $80 optional excursions, $27 international departure tax, gratuities

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations:

Share US$60, Single US$110

Is it for Me?

A short tour focusing on rainforest activities and nature exploration, includes some adrenaline pumping activities like rafting and ziplining.

Arrival / Departure Transfers:

1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person

Set Departures Custom dates available. Contact a trip planner for details.

2009 Dec 25, Dec 30

2010 Jan 4, Jan 9, Feb 14, May 24

Please inquire for tour start dates. New dates available with minimum of 2 people.

Map

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costa rica beaches & rainforestA fabulous adventure with new experiences, new friends, and a colorful new country to explore.
- kim anderson
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Our stay at Rios Tropicales lodge was awesome. We were the only guests in the entire place, so they gave us the best room and did whatever we wanted, whenever. The place was beautiful. We ...
Julie Kirkwood
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