Wild Costa Rica

Arrive in San Jose and make your way to your hotel for the evening.

This morning, you head east toward the Caribbean and the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River for two days of whitewater rapids, jungle-filled canyons, and spectacular waterfalls. One of Costa Rica's most exciting whitewater vacations, you'll camp along the river tonight. You will explore some of Costa Rica's remote rainforest and plunge through the exhilarating rapids of the Pacuare River. It's back to San Jose at the end of Day 3 in time for dinner on your own and a relaxing evening before tomorrow's flight to the wild Playa Nicuesa area.

This morning you will fly from San Jose to Playa Nicuesa. Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge offers nature lovers an outstanding opportunity to experience the amazing diversity of life in a lowland tropical rainforest. Located in the quiet southwest corner of Costa Rica, Playa Nicuesa is a nature lodge and private reserve that hosts an abundance of wildlife on its 165 acres that seamlessly borders the Piedras Blancas National Park.Nicuesa's property consists mostly of primary rainforest, with smaller sections of secondary rainforest and open orchards. A naturalist guide and an extensive trail system allow visitors to explore these forests and experience their fascinating sights and sounds firsthand.

Take a guided walk through the primary rainforest, which features giant trees draped with vines and a variety of bird and animal species. Stroll the wilderness beach or jump off the dock into the calm 80-degree F waters of Golfo Dulce. At low tide, you may see tiny creatures in the tide pools. Take a night hike and discover Costa Rica's wild nightlife! Colorful scarlet and black land crabs emerge from their burrows to feed on half-eaten fruit dropped by monkeys during the day. Kinkajous, nocturnal and arboreal cousins of the raccoon, forage for fruit in the trees, while bulldog fishing bats may be skimming the surface of the creek behind the lodge in search of freshwater shrimp. Or simply relax in a hammock and listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean surf below and the peaceful nighttime chorus of the forest outside.

This morning you'll say good-bye to beautiful Playa Nicuesa and fly back to San Jose to complete your Costa Rica travels. As you go, don't forget to watch the almond trees carefully for scarlet macaws. Upon your return to San Jose, you're on your own to explore the city, take a coffee tour, or just relax in your charming hotel. Pura vida!

Catch your flight home or go to your continued adventure.