The colourful toucan is an icon of South and Central America
The colourful toucan is an icon of South and Central America
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Cheeky capuchin monkey  | Sophie Panton
Coffee beans  | Michele Eckersley

Costa Rican Adventure

Raft, hike and unwind at your leisure


 4 reviews

8 Days from

$1760 USD

Trip Code: CRS
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Optional Manuel Antonio National Park hike Day 5-6
$100 USD
Optional Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling with lunch included Day 5-6
$110 USD
Optional Islas Damas Mangrove Kayak Trip with lunch or dinner included Day 5-6
$110 USD
Optional Isla Damas Mangrove Boat Trip with lunch or dinner included Day 5-6
$120 USD
Optional Catamaran & Snorkeling Adventure with an early lunch or dinner included Day 5-6
$110 USD
Optional Surfing lesson Day 5-6
$120 USD
Optional Canopy Tour with lunch or dinner included Day 5-6
$130 USD
Costa Rican Adventure Single Supplement
$480 USD
Costa Rican Adventure Single Supplement - High / Green Season (all dates, except Easter, Xmas, NYE)
$480 USD
Costa Rican Adventure Single Supplement - 2025 Easter, Xmas, NYE Peak Season
$590 USD

Duration

  • 8 Days

Activities

  • 8 days adventure touring

Accommodation

  • 6 nights hotels
  • 1 night eco camp

Meals

  • 2 Dinners
  • 2 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

3 / 10

Introductory

Trip highlights

  • Raft the Pacuare River, in a superb natural rainforest region
  • Encounter exotic wildlife
  • Discover the Arenal Volcano area and incredible hanging bridges
  • Rejuvenate by soaking in natural hot springs
  • Enjoy a choice of days in Monteverde Cloud Forest or Manuel Antonio National Park

Overview

This flexible itinerary is ideal for travellers looking for a bit of an adventure, mixed with time to take in the sights and relax on the palm fringed beaches. We start our journey in San Jose before heading to the Pacuare River for two days of gentle whitewater rafting through this superb natural rainforest region. We then continue to Arenal Volcano where we enjoy a hike exploring the rich flora and fauna of this tropical rainforest. We will also incorporate some time to rejuvenate in the many natural hot springs. Finally you can choose between the Monteverde Cloud Forest or exploring the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park and it’s excellent Pacific Coast Beaches. Both areas offer a selection of optional activities which allow you to do as much or as little as you like.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

A representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the Sleep Inn Hotel in San Jose, (or similar). You will receive an itinerary that includes the initial pick up times and telephone numbers for the following day. Please check with hotel reception at check in. You will be rafting tomorrow, so you may want to prepare a dry day pack to carry with you as access to your main luggage will be limited and transferred to the Pacuare River Lodge to rendezvous with later in the day.

Meals: Nil

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS…with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the “put in” on the Pacuare River for our two-day whitewater rafting adventure. We will run a total of 10 kilometers of Class II-III rapids today exploring the magnificent river valley. By afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, El Nido de Tigre (or similar) which nestles between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river. This area of rainforest is maintained as much as possible in its natural state. From the center of the camp, trails radiate out to secreted areas of rainforest, take time to explore the lush environment first hand looking out for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river.

Meals: B,L,D

Today the Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We will run a total of 25 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids. We maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and point out the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time out to do some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres we drive to the small town of La Fortuna, the closest town to the Arenal Volcano. There is a wide choice of restaurants to choose from in La Fortuna for dinner.

Meals: B,L

In the morning we enjoy a picturesque walk through the tropical rainforest. We will be around 2 hours on the Arenal hanging bridges, one of the highlights in this area. Here we'll have wonderful panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. We continue with a visit to the breathtaking Rio Fortuna waterfall which falls 120ft to a large natural swimming pool. The descent is steep and we take the stair set down to the waterfall as we become immersed in the spectacular flora and fauna. The falls spill over into smaller gentler pour overs and swim areas which are our natural playground before we begin our ascent. The afternoon may be spent exploring the town of La Fortuna or relaxing in your hotel. Thanks to the Arenal Volcano’s geothermal activity, there is a number of natural hot springs throughout the area. They are designed to be very much in tune with their natural environment and offer a fantastic way to relax in the warm and soothing mineral waters while enjoying spectacular scenery in close proximity, that’s why you will be transfer tonight at one of these amazing thermal waters where the entrance and a delicious dinner will be also included.

Meals: B,D

Free time to explore Manuel Antonio and the National Park. It takes about five hours to get to the National Park. The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is a treasure chest of natural beauty. In Manuel Antonio the rainforest dramatically meets the Pacific Ocean as it bows down to greet the white sandy beaches. It is a great place to relax or to explore the National Park. You will often be awakened by the local monkeys – howler, white-faced and squirrel are the most common in the area, as well as iguanas and land crabs. To make the most of your time at the beach, you can book the following optional activities (additional cost): Canopy Tour, Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling, Islas Damas Mangrove Kayak Trip or Boat Trip, Catamaran & Snorkeling Adventure, Surfing lessons. Speak with our Reservations staff for details and pricing.

Meals: B

The morning is free to spend a few more hours enjoying the beach. In the afternoon, you will be transferred by road back to San Jose. The evening may be spent taking in the sights and sounds of San Jose.

Meals: B

This morning you will be transferred to San Jose airport after breakfast where the trip concludes.

Meals: B

Expand all | Collapse all

You will be met on arrival at San Jose’s international airport and taken to your hotel.

Meals: Nil

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS…with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the “put in” on the Pacuare River for our two-day whitewater rafting adventure. We will run a total of 10 kilometers of Class II-III rapids today exploring the magnificent river valley. By afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, El Nido de Tigre (or similar) which nestles between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river. This area of rainforest is maintained as much as possible in its natural state. From the center of the camp, trails radiate out to secreted areas of rainforest, take time to explore the lush environment first hand looking out for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river.

Meals: B,L,D

Today the Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We will run a total of 25 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids. We maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and point out the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time out to do some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres we drive to the small town of La Fortuna, the closest town to the Arenal Volcano. There is a wide choice of restaurants to choose from in La Fortuna for dinner.

Meals: B,L

In the morning we enjoy a picturesque walk through the tropical rainforest. We will be around 2 hours on the Arenal hanging bridges, one of the highlights in this area. Here we'll have wonderful panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. We continue with a visit to the breathtaking Rio Fortuna waterfall which falls 120ft to a large natural swimming pool. The descent is steep and we take the stair set down to the waterfall as we become immersed in the spectacular flora and fauna. The falls spill over into smaller gentler pour overs and swim areas which are our natural playground before we begin our ascent. The afternoon may be spent exploring the town of La Fortuna or relaxing in your hotel. Thanks to the Arenal Volcano’s geothermal activity, there is a number of natural hot springs throughout the area. They are designed to be very much in tune with their natural environment and offer a fantastic way to relax in the warm and soothing mineral waters while enjoying spectacular scenery in close proximity, that’s why you will be transfer tonight at one of these amazing thermal waters where the entrance and a delicious dinner will be also included.

Meals: B,D

Monteverede is one of the world's most famous cloud forests. It takes about four hours to get to Monteverde by car/boat/car. You will be transferred by car to Arenal Lake, then take a 30 minute boat ride across the picturesque Lake Arenal to the town of Río Chiquito on the south side of the lake from where you will be transported by car to your hotel in Monteverde. Breakfast is included before you depart. You can choose your own spot for lunch and dinner in Monteverde.

Meals: B

There are a variety of optional activities in Monteverde: guided or solo hike through Monteverde or Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Canopy Tour, a walk around the galleries and coffee houses of Santa Elena, Don Juan Coffee Tour, horseback riding, etc. Most activities can be booked by your hotel or you can pre-book them through World Expeditions.

Meals: B

There is time this morning to continue to enjoy the Cloud Forest before your pick up for the return journey to San Jose. The evening is free to enjoy the nightlife and restaurants of San Jose.

Meals: B

This morning you will be transferred to San Jose airport after breakfast where the trip concludes.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • Accommodation on a twin-share basis
  • 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Internal transport
  • Expert local guide
  • Airport Transfers on Day 1 and Day 8
  • Group rafting equipment

Not included

  • Drinks of any kind (e.g. bottled water, soft drinks, beers etc)
  • Items of a personal nature ie laundry, phone calls
  • International airfares and airport taxes
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Optional activities on Days 5, 6 & 7

About your guide

For groups smaller than 6 people, a local leader will join you on each section of the trip from days 1 to 4. For groups of 6 or more people, a local leader will travel with you from the start of day 1 to day 4. On days 5-7 you will be without a guide and free to do as much or as little as you like depending on the option you take. Our guides are bilingual and many of our departures are conducted in English as well as Spanish or another second language.

Reviews (4)



Responsible travel

Extra trip info

Guaranteeing A Great Costa Rica Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Thoughtful Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975