Pura Vida - Apr 21, 2012

Day 1 Arrive San Jose

Day 2 Pacuare River Rafting (B,L,D)

Our 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 (B,L,D)

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 Canopy and Tram (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 Hot Springs and Arenal Volcano (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 your hotel for your final evening in Costa Rica.

Day 6 Return Home (B)

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!