Costa Rica Active Adventure
13 days, San José to San José
Itinerary
Day 1San José
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check in to the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to explore the city.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2San José/Monteverde
Drive through Costa Rica's beautiful countryside to Monteverde to explore the verdant cloud forest and enjoy the surrounding area.
Today's ride can be a bumpy ride on some unpaved roads, but the views along the way are spectacular.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Monteverde Coffee Plantation Tour
40USD per personNo trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting a coffee plantation. Head to Café Monteverde and learn how this fair trade coffee goes from crop to cup. Pick ripe berries, watch how the beans are separated from the husk, then observe the drying and roasting process. Sample and buy some of these excellent beans. The Santa Elena coffee co-op prides itself on sustainable practices: it recycles processing water, uses coffee pulp for fertilizer, and sends plant fibers and husks to make paper.
Day 3Monteverde
Enjoy a free day for optional activities in and around Monteverde like ziplining, horseback riding, or touring the cloud forest.
Your CEO will let you know about all the activities available and help you pick the best option for you.
Free Time
Spend free time in Monteverde exploring the cloud forest or visiting nearby attractions.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Ziplining
73USD per personBuckle up your harness, don your helmet, and prepare to launch. Glide along cables suspended high above the cloud forest canopy. Dare to let go and reach top speeds as you zip past stunning scenery. Forget your fear as you spot a toucans or exotic orchids in this adrenaline-filled experience. Minimum age: 6.
Hanging Bridges Monteverde
56-60USD per personGet up high to see the tree tops of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest from a bird’s-eye view. Cross a series of hanging bridges to discover what biologists once required (ropes and pulleys) to glimpse the lush, green vista accented by bromeliads, vines, and orchids. Wonder at this wet canopy, home to 90% of all the organisms in the forest, including thousands of species of birds, small animals, amphibians, and insects.
El Trapiche Tour Monteverde
33USD per personStep back in time into El Trapiche (the sugar mill), home of three generations of Costa Rican farmers. Explore plantations of sugar cane, coffee, bananas and cacao. Start with a walk through the farm, learn about coffee and cocoa harvesting processes, ride a Costa Rican ox cart, and finally make artisanal sugar cane candy and liquor. Finish the tour with a fragrant cup of coffee made from beans grown right here on the farm!
Monteverde Horseback Riding
45USD per personEnjoy Monteverde’s breath-giving wilderness by horseback. Spot toucans, bellbirds, and parrots as you ride through private mountain trails along the primary and secondary forest. Meet monkeys, see sloths, and possibly glimpse the Gulf of Nicoya through the clouds. Take photos, inhale the pure air, and let your horse lead you on this memorable meander in misty Monteverde.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Visit
35-50USD per personPull on your poncho and boots and head into the cloud-covered forest, past over-sized ferns and exotic orchids. Harness your inner Tarzan as you imagine swinging from the forest’s giant vines, trudge along 12 km of trails, watch for wildlife and trek to the top of the observation tower. Be sure to stop and listen too. Hear the haunting hollow call of the bellbird and perhaps catch sight of the brilliant green and red resplendent quetzal. Feel good about protecting the preserve and sustaining the quality of local schools through payment of your park fees.
Day 4Monteverde/La Fortuna
Travel through rolling hills and across a lake to La Fortuna, where there is free time to explore.
The town of La Fortuna lies near the base of the Arenal Volcano and is a perfect launch pad to go wild and let the adrenaline flow with a range of adventure sports.
Shared Van
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Shared Van
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Free Time
Free afternoon in La Fortuna. Experience the outdoor adventures, amazing wildlife and natural wonders in this area.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
La Fortuna Waterfall Swim
20USD per personTake a walk, taxi, or horse just outside the town of La Fortuna to the nearby waterfall. Once at the gate, pay a fee then start the descent on rough steps (more than 500 of them!) to get to the base of the falls. The water cascades 65m (200 ft) down the side of the dormant Cerro Chato. Sit on the rocks, get sprayed, watch for iridescent blue morpho butterflies and then plunge into the cool waters. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Day 5La Fortuna
Enjoy a free day in La Fortuna. Opt to go whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, paddleboarding or one of the many other optionals this region has to offer. Spend another day getting your adrenaline pumping, viewing local wildlife, marveling at the Arenal Volcano and getting to know more about La Fortuna's Costa Rica.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in La Fortuna, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like canyoneering, whitewater rafting, and paddleboarding. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning
99USD per personHold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin! Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. Minimum age: 8.
Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour)
65USD per personGrab a long wide board and show those surfer dudes how it’s done without waves on Lake Arenal with the volcano looming above. Tour picks up from the hotel and includes a tour of the west-end of the Lake while you’re getting the hang of the paddle board. Enjoy the amazing view, with chances to spot wild birds like Great Blue Herons or even Howler Monkeys. Learn more about the area while exploring the lake and snack on some tropical fruit before heading back to the hotel. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour
65USD per personTravel north to Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge near the Nicaraguan border. Take a guided tour by covered boat through one of the world’s most important wetlands; home to a vast array of plants, birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals. Keep your eyes peeled and you may see a three-toed sloth or a Jesus Christ lizard. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Extreme Volcano Hike
77USD per personFeel like getting a sweat on? This intense hike cuts through the lush rainforest to the crater of the inactive Cerro Chato Volcano, where there’s now an emerald green lake. Hike back down and enjoy the lush landscape, then cool off in the waterfall of La Fortuna.
Kayak Lake Arenal
65USD per personZip up your life jacket, grab a paddle and get ready to be wowed by beauty in every direction. Admire Arenal Volcano as you kayak the blue-green waters of Lake Arenal, Central America’s second largest lake. Scan the shores for more than 300 species of birds, listen for howler monkeys and fish for sharp-toothed rainbow bass. Take time to float and soak in the stunning scenery of the rolling hills, secret coves and sky that stretches forever.
La Fortuna Waterfall Swim
20USD per personTake a walk, taxi, or horse just outside the town of La Fortuna to the nearby waterfall. Once at the gate, pay a fee then start the descent on rough steps (more than 500 of them!) to get to the base of the falls. The water cascades 65m (200 ft) down the side of the dormant Cerro Chato. Sit on the rocks, get sprayed, watch for iridescent blue morpho butterflies and then plunge into the cool waters. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Day 6La Fortuna
Cycle the area around La Fortuna on a guided half-day biking tour. At night, opt to relax and soak in hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano.
Please note it will be necessary to repack your bags according to the rafting packing list provided for the Pacuare River trip as it is an early departure tomorrow.
Arenal Cycling Trip
Ride on a mixture of rocky dirt and paved roads through small towns, past farms and with mountains in the distance. Total distance is approximately 15 kilometers.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Los Lagos Hot Springs
41USD per personThe natural hot springs at the Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort are fed directly from pristine rainforest springs. Soak in the healing pools, feel your muscles relax as you luxuriate in the warm water heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy the tropical jungle setting and let your senses soar.
Day 7La Fortuna/Pacuare
Enjoy a two-day guided rafting expedition along the Pacuare River, stopping at times to explore on foot, then stay the night in rustic cabins built along the river.
In the morning, transfer from La Fortuna to the put-in point for rafting on the Pacuare River. On this first day, stop down river for a short hike to explore waterfalls, and scenic, hidden canyons. In the evening, stay at a jungle lodge on the banks of the Pacuare River in a scenic, but remote location.
Our accommodation is in a rustic lodge which has multi-share dormitory-style rooms, with shared bathroom facilities.
Pacuare Guided Rafting Expedition – Day 1
Raft down class II-III rapids on the Pacuare River toward our remote jungle lodge. Explore the surrounding rainforest and waterfalls on a network of hiking trails and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the untouched natural environment. Continue paddling past waterfalls and through canyons. Stop for the first of two nights for a well-deserved rest.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Pacuare
Get off the river for the day to explore the jungle by foot.
Pacuare Rainforest Guided Hike
Explore the surrounding rainforest on foot. Hike with local guides to see waterfalls, swim in small streams and learn about the natural environment that is home to the Cabecar indigenous peoples. Relax in a hammock and enjoy the sounds of tropical birds calling above the roar of the rushing river.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 9Pacuare/Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Continue down river to the take-out point, then travel to the Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo.
Pacuare Guided Rafting Expedition – Day 2
Get back on the river for a final morning of rafting Pacuare's class III-IV rapids. Take a long look, jump out for a swim, then paddle to the put out point and head back to base camp.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Take some time by the shore of the Caribbean Sea in Puerto Viejo. There's plenty of activities to enjoy, or take the time simply to relax.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 10Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
The Caribbean is famous for its sun, sand and surf. Pull on a rash guard, grab a big board and get ready to hang ten like a local with an included surf lesson.
The picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is known for its incomparable white- and black-sand beaches surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation. Rent a bike or hire a boat to Manzanillo. Try snorkelling or take it easy and and explore La Isla Botanical Gardens.
Your Hands-On Moment: Surfing Lesson
Grab your swimsuit and get ready to hang ten! Learn how to find and ride the waves with surfing lessons from local experts. Enjoy the fresh sea air, and try to spot local marine life while enjoying the waters.
Free Time
Free time to enjoy the beach and laid-back Afro-Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo. Don't worry, be happy.
Day 11Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Enjoy free time in Puerto Viejo and soak up the sun on the Caribbean. The warm turquoise water is ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, and surfing. Opt to take a boat trip, snorkel the nearby reefs, or cycle down the coast.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Puerto Viejo, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like snorkelling, biking, and hiking in the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Bike Rental
Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
Boogie Boarding
Rent a boogie board and enjoy playing in the surf.
Finca la Isla Botanical Garden Visit
5-10USD per personJust outside the town is a tropical farm, part of which is set aside as a botanical garden. Finca la Isla is a working farm and botanical garden built from the remains of an abandoned cacao plantation. Sample homemade natural chocolate, drink tropical fruit drinks, learn about the production of black pepper and nutmeg, as well as ornamental plants. Shoot some colourful photos and be careful where you walk. Visitors are guaranteed to see the red poison dart frog, along with other frogs, reptiles, toucans and birds.
Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge Hike
65USD per personBeginning at the Cocles River south of Puerto Viejo, the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge extends through beach communities, jungle, marshland, coves and coast all the way to the Sixaola River and the border with Panama. Begin in Manzanillo and wind your way through plantations of cacao, strangler fig and almond trees, look for capuchin and howler monkeys, sloths and raccoons. White sand beaches lead into aquamarine water, filled with 35 species of coral and tropical fish, sea turtles, lobsters and sting rays. Wear light clothing, walking shoes, and bring lots of water and insect repellent.
Kayak in Puerto Viejo
60USD per personPunta Uva is known as one of the world's best 'fun fest' beaches. You decide! Grab a paddle and hop into a kayak for a relaxing trip along a river. Spot a zoo full of wildlife, including monkeys (howler, whiteface, spider), turtles, spiders, sloths, lizards, iguanas, and birds, as well as several medicinal plants and trees, such as the big fig tree, indio desnudo, bread fruit, ylang ylang and more.
Day 12Puerto Viejo de Talamanca/San José
Return to San José and take advantage of a final day to shop for souvenirs (coffee anyone?).
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 13San José
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.