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Visit the lush jungle and stunning waterfalls

Wild Costa Rica

Nicuesa - Example 8 Day Tour
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We start our Costa Rica adventure with a two-day rafting trip on the Pacuare river. This river is as famous for its wild waters as it is for its beauty! Next we'll fly to the tropical landscape of Playa Nicuesa where we will explore one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth. Sample unusual native fruits. Horseback ride along secluded beaches or discover exotic tropical flowers, birds, monkeys, iguanas, three-toed sloths, and multi-colored butterflies. At Playa Nicuesa there is plenty to see and do, and a wonderful combination of optional "structured" activities and free time to wander on your own lets you create your own itinerary at your own pace.
A view from your roomExplore your surroundings on horsebackRafting the Pacuare River in Costa RicaPair of toucans in a tree at Pacuare Kayaking the waters of Costa RicaExquisite flowers Agami Heron at nesting site in Pacuare ReserveBring on the river! Put in point day 1.Taking a swim break while rafting the Pacuare RiverLunch time with a raft serving as our tableFrog-finding in Costa RicaA monkey looks for her next branchOpen-air lobbyLodge accommodationsAll forward! Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare RiverCabin SuiteVisit the lush jungle and stunning waterfalls
Highlights
  • Take an exhilarating two day raft trip down the Pacuare River
  • Overnight at a rustic lodge along the river
  • Follow a naturalist guide through the jungle learning about the flora
  • Take a night walk to see crabs, Kinkajous and bullfrog fishing bats
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 in San Jose and make your way to your hotel for the evening.

Day 2-3: Pacuare Whitewater

  • Hotels
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner
This morning you head east towards the Caribbean and the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River for two days of whitewater rapids, jungle-clad canyons, and spectacular waterfalls. One of Costa Rica's most exciting whitewater vacations, you'll camp along the river tonight. You explore some of Costa Rica's remote rainforest in Braulle National Park, and, of course, plunge through the exhilarating rapids of the Pacaure River. It's back to San Jose at the end of Day 3 in time for dinner on your own and a relaxing evening before tomorrow's flight to the wild Playa Nicuesa area.

Day 4-6: Playa Nicuesa

  • Hotels
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
This morning you fly from San Jose to Playa Nicuesa. Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge offers nature lovers an outstanding opportunity to experience the amazing diversity of life in a lowland tropical rainforest. Located in the quiet southwest corner of Costa Rica. Playa Nicuesa is a nature lodge and biological reserve hosting an abundance of wildlife on its 800 acres. Nicuesa's property includes mostly primary rainforest, smaller sections of secondary rainforest, and open orchards. A naturalist guide and an extensive trail system enable visitors to explore these forests and experience their fascinating sights and sounds first hand.

Take a guided walk through the 300-acre primary rainforest, containing huge trees draped with massive woody vines, diverse bird and wildlife species. Stroll on the wilderness beach that stretches for miles. During their nesting season from late July to November, the sand is decorated with turtle tracks. At low tide, tiny creatures may be spotted in the tide pools. Ride a horse on the beach or in the forest, or take a short walk to the rustic seaside village of Punta Banco and visit the Guaymi Indigenous Crafts shop, which sells handmade items made by Guaymis from the nearby reservation. Take a night walk and discover Costa Rica's wild nightlife! Colorful scarlet and black land crabs emerge from burrows to feed on half-eaten fruits dropped by monkeys during the day. Kinkajous, nocturnal and arboreal cousins of the raccoon, forage for fruits in trees, while bulldog fishing bats may be skimming the stream surface for freshwater shrimp behind the lodge. Or simply relax in a hammock and listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean surf below and the forest's peaceful night chorus outside.

Day 7: Return San Jose

This morning you'll say good-bye to beautiful Playa Nicuesa and fly back to San Jose to complete your Costa Rica travels. Don't forget to watch the almond trees carefully for scarlet macaws. Upon your return to San Jose, you're on your own to explore the city, take a coffee tour, or just relax in your charming hotel. Pura vida!

Day 8: Return home

Catch your flight home or to your continued adventure.

Accommodations

Osa Peninsula - Golfo Dulce - Hotels

Pacuare River - Hotels

San Jose - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,144

Notes

Select a Date
During peak season dates, rates include an extra night at Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Arrival Airport Transfer
  • Departure Airport Transfer
  • Internal Flight: Puerto Jimenez - San Jose
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Internal Flight: San Jose - Nicuesa

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).
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