Have questions? We're here.
Rafting in Costa Rica

Holiday 2016 Pura Vida

Example 6 Day Tour
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Costa Rica trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Enjoy incredible wildlife with a 6-day 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!
A monkey relaxes in a treeGetting ready to take off on a zip line tour!Arenal lava flow seen from Arenal Observatory LodgeHowler Monkey chilling out in the AOL gardenBeautiful sunset over Lake ArenalRafting the SarapiquiArenal VolcanoA caimen basking in the sun during a tour in Costa RicaCoatimundi in the Arenal Observatory Lodge gardenWhite water rafting on the Pacaure RiverTraveler zipline tour during Costa Rica tripYou're never too old to zipline!Agami Heron at nesting site in Pacuare ReserveWhite Water Rafting on the Pacuare River in Costa RicaSpotting Tucans from the balcony!Our first Wet Bar experience!! Arenal ManoaArenal TramCosta Rica Zipline tourExquisite flowers Discovering a remote waterfall on a nature tour of Costa RicaExplore the Pacuare Nature ReserveArenal Volcano Rafting the Pacuare River!White Water Rafting!Hiking in Arenal National ParkPrepared to do some amazing ziplining!Almost to the end-the wind in my face!BOOOOOOM!Shopping in La Fortuna after zipliningCleaning Station (in scuba lingo)Rafting in Costa Rica
Highlights
  • Raft down the beautiful and challenging Pacuare River
  • Search for howler monkeys, toucans, and sloths in the rain forest canopy
  • Explore the Arenal Volcano area on foot, horseback or bike
  • Hike along the old lava flows and see the unique flora and fauna
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive San Jose

Arrive to San Jose anytime this day and overnight.

Day 2: Pacuare River Rafting

  • Hotels
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your adventure begins with an early traditional Costa Rican breakfast, followed by a briefing on safety measures. Then you slash right into your incredible rafting journey. As famous for its spirited waters as it is for its beauty, the Pacuare River doesn't disappoint as you plunge through mountain gorges, run long stretches of powerful rapids, and weave your 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 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 tackle the river once again!

Day 3: Pacuare Rafting | On to Arenal

  • Hotels
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today continue the rafting adventure - putting yesterday's skills and experience to use. Tame that river yet! After a buffet breakfast, launch the rafts again for the second day of your 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 are 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 stay at the Arenal Manoa hotel for the evening.

Day 4: Rainforest Tram and Canopy

Today enjoy a leisurely morning. Included today is a tour on a rainforest aerial tram! You are picked up and transferred to the Sky Tram gondolas. Take 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 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 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

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 are picked up and visit Costa Rica's celebrated Arenal Volcano, beginning with a 90-minute walk near the volcano. 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

  • 1 Breakfast
Today you are 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

Pacuare River - Hotels

San Jose - Hotels

Arenal - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at

Notes

Select a Date
On December 28 departure, includes special holiday dinner on December 31
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • 4 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Excluded
  • Both Arrival and Departure Transfers are excluded.
  • International Flights
  • Meals not Included
  • Airport Departure Tax
  • Optional Excursions

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.

Similar Trips

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

Costa Rica Travel Guide

Favorite Costa Rica All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By