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Costa Rica's caribbean coast

Holiday Beaches & Rainforest

Example 9 Day Tour
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This is an adventure-packed Costa Rica tour with whitewater rafting, horseback riding, jungle hikes, and optional tree climbs into the rainforest canopy. After spending a few days at a unique rainforest lodge, it's off to a Caribbean beach retreat surrounded by thick tropical forest. This is a great way to see what the best of Costa Rica travel has to offer.  
Rafting in Costa RicaWaterfall rappel in the Costa Rica jungleFriendly SlothPuerto Viejo, the lively Caribbean townStanding beneath the waterfallKayaking the Central Pacific coast in Costa RicaJob well done on the Pacuare River!Frog-finding in Costa RicaZiplining!A gorgeous Costa Rican sunsetWhy not relax after a day in Paradise?Feeling the rush of the rapids during a whitewater rafting trip in Costa RicaWaterfall rappel on Costa Rica tourExquisite flowers White water rafting on the Pacaure RiverA monkey relaxes in a treeWhitewater rafting in Costa RicaWaterfall rappel on Costa Rica tourA monkey looks for her next branchHere comes a big hit! Pacuare River whitewater rafting. whitewater raftingKayaking at the Hatillo MangrovesCosta Rica's caribbean coast
Highlights
  • Climb a giant kapok tree to explore the rain forest canopy
  • Relax on the white sand beaches of the Caribbean coast
  • Snorkel and kayak in the turquoise waters of the Cahuita National Park
  • Raft the thrilling whitewater of the Pacuare River
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 San Jose

Arrive in San Jose and overnight.

Day 2-4: Rainforest Adventure

The morning of day two, head east towards the Caribbean to Selva Bananito Reserve for a few days of jungle discovery and adventure. Included in your stay is an introductory tree-climbing adventure, observation platform tour with rappel, or a horseback ride through the farm. While exploring one of Costa Rica’s most pristine rainforests, have the chance to climb a giant kapok tree and enter the fascinating world of the rainforest canopy. There’s also a horseback ride through the adjacent family farm to learn about organic tropical farming techniques. For the adventurous you can spend a day hiking deep into the jungle to a 70 foot waterfall and then take a dip in its cool waters. For those who prefer a more relaxed day, Selva Bananito offers plenty of smaller excursions too. At the end of each day, locally grown food is served by candlelight before you retire to the tranquil retreat of your jungle cabana.

Day 5: Off to the Beach

After a morning of rainforest adventures, it's off to the white sand beach of Playa Cocles for some fun in the sun!

Day 6-7: Caribbean Free Days

Surrounded by thick jungle, you might be lucky to wake in the morning to the loud roar of howler monkeys. Look carefully into the canopy surrounding the lodge and you might be treated to the sight of these loud tropical creatures. One of your free days you are off to Cahuita National Park for a snorkel tour or sea kayaking tour. With the largest coral reef system in Costa Rica, you have the chance to see a large array of colorful tropical fish, sting rays and possibly a reef shark or two. Conclude the tour with an hour long hike through the rainforest that borders the beach. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, iguanas and the famed poisonous dart frog. The rest of the time is free for you to arrange activities locally.

For the rest of the free days go snorkeling, sea kayaking, take a rainforest walk, or just hang around the beach and swim in the surf. Your hotel can arrange everything from a trip to a nearby indigenous village to boogie board rentals. You might also choose to just walk along the miles of near deserted beach.

Day Excursions at the beach

Day 8: Pacuare River Rafting

This morning you are picked up and head to the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River. One of Costa Rica’s most exciting whitewater trips, the Pacuare plunges through spectacular mountain gorges and passes through virgin rainforest filled with howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, ocelots and more. For younger travelers or those looking for a slower pace, you can opt to raft a tamer river. After lunch make your way back to San Jose to complete your Costa Rica travels. Spend the evening enjoying one of San Jose's finer restaurants or just relax in your colonial style hotel.

Day 9: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

Accommodations

Selva Bananito Lodge

Namuwoki Lodge

Namuwoki Lodge, Pool
Namuwoki Lodge
Namuwoki Lodge

Jade Boutique Hotel

Jade Boutique Hotel
Jade Boutique Hotel
Jade Boutique Hotel

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,211 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi is only available at the main office and it won't reach the lodges.
  • Park Entrance Fee
  • Gear Rental: Snorkeling Gear (snorkel, mask, fins)
  • Arrival Airport Transfer
  • Departure Airport Transfer
  • Gear Rental: Rafting Gear (helmet, life vest, paddles)
  • Transfers to and from San Jose Hotel
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Air-conditioning
  • Optional Excursions - Waterfall rappelling tour is an additional $125 Please let us know if you would like to arrange it.

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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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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