Six o'clock came early but somehow it was easy to get up. Our guide Luis met us right on time and off we went towards the Pacuare River. We soon left the city streets and were climbing the hills towards the volcanic ridges. We stopped for breakfast at a wonderful spot with gear on the lower floor and an open air dining area above. We enjoyed a delicious Costa Rican breakfast while watching tanager's nibbling on bananas and taking in the view of the surrounding hillsides. After breakfast we picked up two more couples and after a short ride we were at the launching spot. We meet Diego, our river raft guide, get our gear on and off we go. For a short time we are able to take in the beautiful forest that lines the river on each side. We are frequently joined by bright butterflies fluttering along next to our raft. Then we hear what we've been waiting for. . . the rapids. Paddling, bouncing, and sliding through the white water, just pure excitement. ''Pura Vida'' Diego says and I think I may be beginning to understand. After several more rapids we stop for lunch and have a delicious meal on the banks of the river. During lunch, we enjoyed watching some local indigenous children who had come down to play in the boats and the river. Water play is indeed universal. We ended our river raft trip by floating through the area called Dos Montagnes (Two Mountains). With sheer cliffs on both sides we paddled under cascading waterfalls and couldn't resist our guide's suggestion to slide out of the raft and have a float. The peacefulness of lying back and gazing up at the sky between the sheer cliffs was a memory in the making.
After rafting, we were dropped at the Guayabo Lodge, our accommodations for the next 2 nights. We had comfy rooms on the third floor. The small balcony had a view of the beautiful valley, and a local church on the hill, and just a glimpse of the top of the Turrialba volcano. I am glad we paid attention to the packing list as it was quite cool in the evening.
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
1 week ago
The company made our adventure trip hassle-free, and a lot of fun! I will definitely be using them again
Carolena F
1 month ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
1 month ago
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
1 month ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.