Product Description
Highlights
The Pacuare River has been rated as one of the ten top best rivers around the world; not only for its rapids, but also its pristine rainforest surrounds and waterfalls. Cahuita National Park is home to monkeys, reptiles, toucans and macaws, while its waters contain turtles, barracudas, sea urchins and more than 125 species of fish. Hop into kayaks and paddle through the waterways of Tortuguero National Park in search of monkeys, sloths, caiman, jaguars, lizards, bats and a gamut of birdlife.
Overview
Quench your wanderlust while sating an appetite for adventure on this active trip through one of the world’s greenest countries. Paddle down the Pacuare River by raft for a night in a rainforest eco lodge. Snorkel in the company of turtles, barracuda and reef sharks in Cahuita National Park. Cycle along the Caribbean coastline to the mellow beach refuge of Puerto Viejo and paddle through the waterways of Tortuguero National Park in search of monkeys, toucans and jaguars. Costa Rica is a country where adventure-seekers thrive.
Breakfast Included: 17 Lunches Included: 6 Lunches Included: 5
San Jose
Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica! Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.
With over half the country's population living within its parameters, San Jose is a bustling city with lively markets, intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere. A good place to start exploring is the main plaza, a fantastic place to get comfy and do some people watching. Artisan booths are common here and you never know when there'll be a spontaneous art fair. Have a look at the Gold Museum which has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If these cultural gems get you in the mood for a bit of shopping head to the out door market in Plaza de la Cultura or the Central Market where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.
Rafting Pacuare/Rio Tropicales Lodge
Transfer to Pacuare River. From here you'll hit the rapids of the Pacuare River by raft all the way to your rainforest lodge. The next two days involve some incredible white water rafting down the Pacuare River. This river has been rated as one of the ten top best rivers around the world; not only for its rapids, but also its pristine rainforest surrounds and waterfalls. On arrival at tonight's eco-lodge accommodation you'll have time to either chill out or take a self-guided walk along garden trails.
Puerto Viejo
Hit the river again as you leave the lodge by raft for more unforgettable white water, and maybe some wildelife-spotting along the way. You'll ride the Class 3 and 4 rapids four around 2 hours, or 14 kilometres. Afterwards, travel by local bus (approximately 1.5 hours) to Puerto Viejo for a taste of Caribbean seaside: reggae bars and palm-fringed beaches.
Puerto Viejo
Visit Cahuita National Park, a protected area that encompasses both rainforest and 600 acres of coral reef. One of the first national parks to have been established in Costa Rica, these days Cahuita is managed by members of its nearby local community. Monkeys, reptiles, toucans and macaws can often be spotted in the park's jungle, while its waters are home to turtles, barracudas, sea urchins and more than 125 species of fish. See which critters you can spy during a this 2.5 hour tour that goes to two different parts of the park and factors in some time for snorkelling.
Tortuguero National Park
Transfer back to Limon and travel by boat to Tortuguero National Park (approximately 3-4 hours depending on the water level).
Tortuguero National Park
Accessible only by plane or boat, Tortuguero National Park is regarded as one of the best places in Costa Rica for spotting wildlife. With this in mind, hop into kayaks and set out on a two-hour journey through the park's canals in search of monkeys, sloths, caiman, jaguars, lizards, bats and a gamut of birdlife. Along the way, learn from a local tour leader about how the jungle's islets, lagoons, wetlands and palm forests functions as an ecosystem.
San Jose
Travel by boat to La Pavona (1.5-2 hours depending on water level) and continue by road to San Jose (approximately 3.5 hours). Perhaps head out for a final group dinner and become acquainted with the city's buzzing nigh scene.
San Jose
Today is a free day for you to explore San Jose.
As this is a combination trip, the composition of your group and tour leader may change.
There will be a meeting this afternoon at approximately 6pm at the lobby of the hotel to meet the group and discuss the next section of this Costa Rican adventure in more detail.
San Gerardo de Dota
Transfer to your lodge near San Gerardo do Dota (approx 2.5 hours). Huddled up against the Talamanca Mountain is San Gerardo de Dota, a haven for birdwatchers, hikers, and fishing enthusiasts.
Savegre River Trek
Set off on a four day hike to the Pacific Coast. You will have the chance to pack the smaller, lighter bag you brought with only the essentials you require for the trek. Your main luggage will be transported to the next location after the trek.
Guided mainly by the shores of the Savegre River, trek through cloud forests and lowland rainforests, looking out for Quetzals on the way (Approximately 14 kms - 6 hours trekking) to a big wooden house (multishare accomodation). This is an area few people know about so make the most of the beautifully remote area and the chance to swim in nearby waterfalls. This is the perfect chance to experience authentic Costa Rican rural life, as well be surrounded by the country's rich natural environment.
Savegre River Trek
On day two you will trek a total of 15km - approximately 8 hours. Today you will reach 2200m with some spectacular views. This evening you will hopefully get to try some heart of palm for dinner, a local speciality.
Savegre River Trek
On day three you will cover similar distance to the day before - 15kms trekking for approximately 8 hours. Today you will get to see the Savegre River from a different angle. This is the cleanest river in Costa Rica and one of the cleanest rivers in the world!