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 top highlights in a short amount of time. Enjoy a challenging 2-day whitewater rafting trip down the beautiful Pacuare River. Then explore the active Arenal Volcano, the rainforest canopy with a zip line and tram tour, and a soak in the natural hot springs. This is a great getaway experience!
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
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.
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 zip line canopy tour (additional cost), play dominoes or cards, or just relax. Rest well tonight - in the morning you tackle the river once again!
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 your hotel for the evening.
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. Enjoy 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 points 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 we will try 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 your hotel.
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 will be 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!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Jess was terrific and patiently guided us to make what we feel will be a wonderful family adventure.
David Herr
1 month ago
Jessica was extremely helpful and generous with her time. She was very responsive to our questions and comments and in a very timely fashion. She worked with us in partnership to plan a trip specifically for us and our wants and needs.
Linda Coleman
1 month ago
Shannon has been a real pleasure to work with. Responsive, quick to come back with answers and alternatives, and very knowledgable. Everything you want in a travel planner!
S Dunn
5 months ago
Just as she did last time we booked with Adventure Life, Franny really listened to what we wanted for our trip and went the extra mile to help us build the perfect itinerary.
Michelle Resnick
6 months ago
What made our Costa Rica experience great was the wonderful places we stayed and transportation to get to our different areas to visit was excellent! The white water rafting and the snorkeling & dolphin watching were really fun!