Costa Rica

Whitewater Rafting, Sea Kayaking and Tropical Fun

Dec 26-Jan 3, 2008-2009

Day 1, Friday December 26, 2008, Arrival in San José, Costa Rica.

Arrival in San José, Costa Rica. Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel. Lodging at the Aeropuerto Hotel.

Day 2, Saturday December 27, 2008, Sarapiquí River and Fortuna

Drive to and raft the Sarapiqui River. This stunning rainforest river is an excellent choice for a first rafting trip in Costa Rica. The lush vegetation and thick tree canopy along the narrow, winding river are home to toucans, cormorants, kingfishers, howler monkeys, hummingbirds and much more.

After being picked up in the early morning from Aeropuerto Hotel, you will drive by private, comfortable, air-conditioned bus to a local restaurant for a delicious, typical Costa Rican breakfast. On the way to the river, you'll pass by majestic La Paz waterfall and rolling, verdant fields of coffee, papayas and ferns.

Upon arrival to Sarapiquí River, your friendly and professional guides will outfit you with lifejackets, helmets and paddles and give you a safety orientation for the river. Rafting down the Sarapiquí, you can expect beautiful, clear water flowing down from Poás Volcano. You'll have fun going through exciting rapids interspersed with tranquil pools, and taking in the stunning tropical forest scenery. During the trip, you will stop to enjoy some fruits, water and swimming.

After finishing rafting, you'll enjoy the relaxing beauty of Tirimbina restaurant and lodge, where you can shower and change your clothes. After rafting, drive to La Fortuna where we check into the Lavas Tacotal Hotel located at the base of Arenal Volcano.

Day 3, Sunday December 28, 2008, Fortuna

During the morning, you are going to take a real Arenal Canopy Tour, which is one of the vogue attractions in Costa Rica for many tourists. When you arrive at the canopy, they will give you all the necessary equipment. Then you continue with a short hike through the forest where a guide gives an informative narration about the forests, plants, and trees that prevail in this kind of tropical area. Sometimes it is possible to see several species of animals, such as white faced and howler monkeys, rodents, and a great diversity of birds, as well as an enormous variety of orchids and canopy plant life. On each platform, you also have a chance to observe the forest from different angles and to photograph the beautiful landscapes.

In the afternoon, you will have time to relax at the Baldi Hot Springs. This Tourist Center surrounded by tropical gardens includes 10 originating mineral water swimming pools some with swim up bars.

Lodging will again be at the Lavas Tacotal Hotel where you can view lava (when conditions are clear) eruptions at the summit of Arenal Volcano.

Day 4, Monday December 29, 2008, Fortuna and Tortuguero

After breakfast, you will drive to Matina to go to Tortuguero in kayaks.

You will travel thru banana plantations until we reach our starting point in the Tortuguero National Park Station on the Tortuguero River. Guides will begin the briefing to become familiarized with your boats, gear and safety issues. Starting at the boundary of the National Park on the Tortuguero River, the Amazon of Costa Rica, will be the unique experience. You will paddle the meandering river in this lush forest with amazing flora and fauna. Late afternoon, you will arrival at Mawamba lodge, welcome cocktail and dinner here tonight.

Day 5, Tuesday December 30, 2008, Tortuguero

After a great breakfast, we will be shuttled by boat about 25 miles towards the Colorado River, passing thru Penitencia Canal until we arrive at Samay Laguna. Here we will board our kayaks for a three to four hour exploration of this area. The “magical” entrance to Laguna Nueve and a brief visit to the beach will be today’s highlight. Wonderful clean water and total solitude will be part of the experience. Lunch will be served at the site. Late afternoon, return to Mawamba lodge.

Day 6, Wednesday December 31, 2008, Tortuguero and Pacuare

Early this morning, you will get back to Matina by boat and then, drive to Pacuare River.

On the Rio Pacuare 3 days, you’ll enjoy one of the most amazing rainforest experiences possible – breathtaking beauty far removed from civilization’s rush and heart-pounding excitement. It is certain to be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica.
The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. This tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids.

Once at the river, your friendly and professional guides will load your gear into dry bags, prepare the equipment, give you complete safety, and paddle instruction. The first day’s Class III rapids welcome you to the Pacuare gorge’s charm as you raft deep in the heart of primary rainforest. While your guides prepare you a hearty picnic lunch on the riverbank, you will be led through the jungle to an enchanting waterfall and pool to swim. Before you know it, you will arrive at the award-winning Rios Tropicales Lodge where you can spend the afternoon relaxing, hiking or soaking in our waterfall and pools. Nestled in the jungle on our 1,000-acre private reserve, the lodge offers you all the comforts you need in “Cabecar Indian” style bungalows. Private single and double rooms are spacious with clean linen, and there are modern bathrooms and showers. Electricity is generated by a self-sufficient hydro-plant. Happy Hour will put you in the mood for a tropical evening, followed by a luscious candlelight dinner with wine served by your guides and a new years celebration at midnight.

Day 7, Thursday January 1, 2009, Pacuare

Do not worry about wake-up time. The beauty of the light through the forest, the sound of toucans and the smell of coffee will get you going. This day is designed to enjoy the lodge surroundings. You can choose a variety of hikes – a 4-5 hour hike high to the Pacuare Reserve, a 2-3 hour hike to nearby waterfalls and pools, or short walks near the lodge – or just relax in a hammock and enjoy nature. Experience a side of the Pacuare few people know!

Day 8, Friday January 2, 2009, Pacuare

After a hearty breakfast and loading the rafts, you will prepare to paddle down the Pacuare gorge past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. A snack stop by the riverside let you explore more waterfalls and natural waterslides. An adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montañas and many more, will have you cheering ecstatically. Hot lunch will be served at our Operations Center. Showers, changing rooms, cold and hot drinks and snacks are available.

Then, you will drive back to San Jose and check into the Aeropuerto Hotel followed by our traditional farewell dinner..

Day 9, Saturday January 3, 2009, Return Home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.