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Rafting in Costa Rica

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Example 6 Day Tour
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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!
Howler Monkey chilling out in the AOL gardenRafting the SarapiquiA caimen basking in the sun during a tour in Costa RicaArenal lava flow seen from Arenal Observatory LodgeCoatimundi in the Arenal Observatory Lodge gardenWhite water rafting on the Pacaure RiverTraveler zipline tour during Costa Rica tripAgami Heron at nesting site in Pacuare ReserveDiscovering a remote waterfall on a nature tour of Costa RicaExplore the Pacuare Nature ReserveGetting ready to take off on a zip line tour!Arenal Volcano 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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in San Jose

Arrive to San Jose anytime this day and overnight.

Day 2: Pacuare River Rafting

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!

Day 3: Pacuare Rafting | On to Arenal

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.

Day 4: Rainforest Tram and Canopy

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.

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 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!

Accommodations

Pacuare River - Hotels

San Jose - Hotels

Arenal - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,751 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Park Entrance Fee
  • Hotspring Entrance Fee
  • Arrival Airport Transfer
  • Departure Airport Transfer
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

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.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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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.
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