Costa Rica: Raft, Surf, Kayak & Hike
18 days
from San Jose to San Jose
From
$ 4104
Duration18 days
Become immersed in Costa Rica's natural wilds, rafting, kayaking and rafting. 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.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 18 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: San JosePhysical Grading: Demanding
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Ends in: San JoseAges: 15+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: San Jose
Start place: San Jose
Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm 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.
Day 2: Rafting Pacuare River
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Rafting Pacuare River / Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Hit the river again as you leave the lodge by raft for more unforgettable white water, and maybe some wildlife-spotting along the way. You'll ride the Class 3 and four rapids for around 2 hours, or 14 kilometres. Around 10 am, travel by private vehicle (approximately 2.5 hours) to Puerto Viejo for a taste of Caribbean seaside: reggae bars and palm-fringed beaches.
Meals: B, L
Day 4: Surfing Manzanillo beach / Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Rise early to take the 8 am public bus (20 minutes) to Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, an area that encompasses several rare habitats like a lowland rainforest, a wetland, a coral reef and a mangrove swamp. Spend around two hours exploring alongside your leader and keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, reptiles, toucans and macaws. The Refuge is also the nesting area for several species of turtles, manatees, crocodiles, caimans, tarpons and dolphins. There will be some free time for lunch in Manzanillo town before the surf lesson at 2 pm where you'll spend around two hours in the water. Learn some basic pointers to ride a wave, or if you've done this before, grab a board and hang ten! You will be dropped back at the hotel between 4-5pm.
Meals: B
Day 5: Tortuguero National Park
At 8 am, transfer back to Limon and travel by boat to Tortuguero National Park, one of the best places in Costa Rica for spotting wildlife (approximately 3-4 hours depending on the water level).
Meals: B
Day 6: Kayaking 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.
Meals: B
Day 7: 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.
Meals: B
Day 8: San Jose
Today is a free day for you to explore San Jose.
Meals: B
Day 9: San Gerardo de Dota
Before 9 am, transfer to your lodge near San Gerardo do Dota (approx 2.5 hours). You will make short stop on the way to purchase last-minute suppliers and some snacks for the hikes ahead. There will also be a lunch stop before reaching the accommodation for an afternoon check-in. Huddled up against the Talamanca Mountain is San Gerardo de Dota, a haven for birdwatchers, hikers, and fishing enthusiasts. Perhaps join your leader for a short afternoon stroll or enjoy free time before regrouping for dinner (optional) and a briefing about the hike. In the evening take the time to pack a smaller, lighter bag with only the essentials you require. Your main luggage will be transported to Uvita with access to it on the evening on Day 7.
Meals: B
Day 10: Hiking Savegre River
Leave your main luggage at reception, ready for a 6-7 am departure. Set off on a four-day trek to the Pacific Coast. 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 or 6 hours trekking) to a big wooden house, your accommodation for this evening. You will pass through cattle farms and forest with multiple descends and ascends (Elevation change: 2000 MASL and ends 1600 MASL). 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. Enjoy your afternoon rest before dinner at 7 pm.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Hiking Savegre River
Day two is the most challenging day, where you will hike a total of 16km, taking approximately 7-8 hours (Elevation change: start 1600 MASL and ends 700 MASL). Starting at 6 am, you will ascend for the first couple of hours through fields and by open road until you will reach 2200 metres and be treated to spectacular views. For the second part, you will mainly descend through the forest. This part of the trail can be very challenging if there is rain as the track can become very muddy and slippery. Once you reach the cabin, apply insect repellent to enjoy the afternoon, before dinner at 7 pm. This evening you will hopefully get to try some heart of palm for dinner, a local specialty.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Hiking Savegre River
On day three you will cover approximately 14km, trekking for approximately 6 hours (Elevation change: starting at 700 MASL ending at 840 MASL). Intitally the trek will be relatively flat along open trails before an extended lunch stop with a chance see the Savegre River from a different angle; go for a swim in the cleanest river in Costa Rica and one of the cleanest rivers in the world! Tackle a 4km climb before arriving to the cabin. If you still have energy, perhaps take the trail nearby to the cabin to search for an array of different frog species, returning in time for a 7 pm dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Hiking Savegre River
On the second last day, trek 16 km (approximately 7 hours) to Albergue Los Campesinos (Elevation change: start at 840 MASL to 200 MASL). Starting early (approximately 6:30 am) with a steep climb, expect varied undulation today. Aim to reach the cabin by lunch time and be rewarded by getting the chance to swim in one of the nearby waterfalls or enjoying the hanging bridge in the afternoon. Dinner is at 7 pm.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: Canyoneering, Rappelling & Rafting Quepos / Uvita
This is a day to really get the heart pumping. Your local expert guides will keep you safe and ensure that you have a wonderful time. After breakfast, at 8 am walk to the start point of the Canyoneering trip. Gear up and get ready for a day full of adventure. Take a short hike to your first rappel, which will be down a dry rock face into a canyon, followed by a rappel down a free fall from the cable to a tranquil pond. From here, continue to a further three rappelling opportunities taking a total of approximately 2 hours. Lunch will be served back at the cabin around 11 am. Gather all your items and board 4x4 vehicles, travelling about 45 minutes. At 1 pm hop in a raft to ride down the Rio Naranjo for 2 hours. The river drops down from the mountains and flows through tight rocky canyons that boast world class rapids (Depending on the water level, they are classed as 3 or 4). Finally, drive 1.5 hours to Uvita where you will be reunited with your main luggage and have a free evening.
Meals: B, L
Day 15: Corcovado
At 9 am, travel 2 hours by private vehicle, before boarding a shared boat at 11:30 am to Drake Bay (45 minutes). For 30 years this paradise was conserved by a Costa Rican family before being handed over to the Costa Rican government. Getting to wildlife-rich reserve is part of the adventure. Enjoy the beach on arrival and spend the night at a lodge in the middle of the amazing Corcovado National Park.
Meals: B
Day 16: Corcovado
Enjoy the second largest National Park in Costa Rica. It is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, with 13 different ecosystems in its boundaries – highland cloud forests, lagoons, mangrove swamps and marine habitats just a few.
Meals: B
Day 17: Carara National Park / San Jose
Take the boat at 7:30 am and hit the road towards San Jose (approximately 5 hours total), with a visit to the stunning Carara National Park on the way. The protected area is 4700 hectares including regenerating tropical rainforest-lowland and tropical dry forest. Check-in to your hotel in San Jose and decide a time to regroup for your farewell dinner (optional).
Meals: B
Day 18: San Jose
This trip comes to an end after breakfast today. Please note you are required to comply with any internal check out rules and times set by the hotel.
End place: San Jose
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Pacuare - 2hr. Pacuare River white water rafting - Class 3
- Pacuare - 2hr. Pacuare River white water rafting - Class 3 & 4
- Tortuguero - Canals kayak trip
- Tortuguero - National Park (Entrance Fee)
- Savegre - Savegre Crossing 4-day Hike
- Savegre - Rio Naranjo rafting
- Savegre - Rappeling
- Carara National Park - Entrance
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Transport
Private vehicle, Shared vehicle, Shared boat. Raft -
Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Multishare Cabin (4 nights), Lodge (5 nights)