Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure

This morning we’ll journey through coffee plantations, strawberry fields, and lush dairy farms to Poas Volcano National Park. The 2,708 meter (8,885 feet) Poas Volcano is an active and beautiful crater with steam and fumaroles visible on clear days from a specially made refuge we will hike to. The park is home to unusual vegetation, and famous residents such as the Resplendent Quetzal, the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, and the Sooty Thrush.

After lunch we’ll saddle up for a wonderful horseback ride through the park. The horses are trained for all levels of riders from beginner to expert, so you will be able to relax and enjoy the ride! This is a unique way to experience of the Arenal Volcano with plenty of opportunities to see monkeys, sloths, iguanas, butterflies and an array of native birds and flowers, that your guide will point out along the way.

We’ll take a break at a lookout point with the most spectacular view of Arenal Volcano, before heading back to transfer to the hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Horse-back Riding: 2.5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 328 feet (100 meters) ascent, 328 feet (100 meters) descent

Hiking: 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)

Today we’ll enjoy a thrilling circuit starting in an open-air gondola (Sky Tram) through the rain forest to an observation deck with spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. We’ll then enjoy superb views of the rain forest canopy via an exhilarating zipline ride through a system of seven cables. This will be followed up by a walk along a system of hanging bridges to look for birds and animals in the rain forest!

After lunch we’ll hike to the El Silencio Lava Lookout for extraordinary views of the Arenal Volcano. The El Silencio Mirador contains a series of hiking trails within a 555 acres (225 ha) reserve, with over 247 acres (100 ha) of primary rainforest that includes many old-growth trees including the Ceiba, Trumpet Tree, and Guarumo. 

This evening you can relax after all the adventure, at the Ecotermales Hot Spring, a natural hot springs thermal resort boasting rejuvenating mineral waters.
Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers), 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 100 feet (30 meters) ascent 
Zip Lining: 2 hours

This morning’s exhilarating experience is to rappel down a series of four waterfalls and one canyon wall. Your guides will secure you into your safety harness and assist you as you descend through the area’s enchanting gorges and lush rainforest. 

After a delcious lunch, we’ll hike the La Fortuna Waterfalls trail in pristine rainforest in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. The hike takes in beautiful scenery and the majestic 70-meter (230 feet) high La Catarata Waterfall. The walk descends to the base via 480 steps along a forested trail in spectacular surroundings and offering more wildlife viewing opportunities.

End the walk with a refreshing swim in a “natural pool” before we head back to the hotel for dinner.
Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers), 1.5 hours, 530 steps
Canyoning: Rappel 4 x waterfalls

After breakfast we’ll transfer by boat from La Pavona to your lodge in Tortuguero. After checking in and enjoying lunch at Evergreen Lodge, we’ll then leave by boat with kayaks on board.

This afternoon you’ll paddle the park’s back water creeks and lagoons in safety and comfort. You don't need any prior kayaking experience; your guide will be there to offer you instructions and guidance! Kayaking gives you a whole new perspective of the rainforest. From this position you become the river, looking up to a unique view of the rainforest canopy, and scanning the understory of the forest for foragers. In the creek’s silence you may hear a gunshot like crack as the seed pod of the Gavilan tree bursts to disperse its seeds, or hear the call of the Chestnut Mandibled toucan, or the sound of Spider monkeys crashing through the trees.

After two hours of paddling, you and your guide will pack up your gear and return to the lodge. We’ll enjoy a wonderful dinner at the lodge. 
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kayaking: 2 hours

After breakfast at the lodge we’ll boat transfer to the Caribbean village of San Francisco, the gateway to Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge, which spans 81,177 hectares of coastal habitats, including lakes, rivers, herbaceous swamps, flooded forests, and rolling hills. Hiking up Cerro Tortuguero offers a rare glimpse of the fascinating mixed-wildlife ecosystems unique to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Your seasoned local guide will point out several species of Costa Rica wildlife as you hike the well-maintained trail through dense rainforest foliage. Howler, Capuchin, and Spider monkeys, poison dart frogs, sloths, and several types of wild cats are among the hundreds of species residing in the park. Upon arrival at the peak, enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree view of the Caribbean lowlands, vast rainforests, and the complex network of rivers stretching eastward to the Atlantic Ocean. Cerro Tortuguero ecotourism generates important work opportunities and economic benefits for the small communities near the park. Their residents work hand in hand with park administration to promote regional conservation objectives and ensure each visitor is welcomed to an authentic and memorable experience. 

After a typical Costa Rican lunch we’ll enjoy a Tortuguero National Park canal boat tour, through Costa Rica’s "little Amazon".  There are no roads, just a series of rivers and canals or by foot on forest paths. This is one of the best places to observe wildlife in Costa Rica. Keep an eye out for monkeys, iguanas, crested basilisk lizards (they look like miniature dinosaurs!), sloths, lots of water birds, toucans, parrots, parakeets, caiman (cousins of alligators), and possibly crocodiles, as well as colorful tropical forest birds. 

We’ll then head back to the lodge for an authentic Costa Rican dinner.
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers), 1.5 hours, 400 steps to reach summit
Cruise: Tortuguero National Park

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning our boat and road transfer from Guapiles to Pavona Dock. Our afternoon will be spent rafting the exhilarating class II-III rapids of the Pacuare River, ranked one of the Top 10 Rivers to Raft in the World by National Geographic.

We’ll then check into the Tropical Rivers Lodge and meet for dinner in the restaurant.
Accommodation: Tropical Rivers Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rafting: 10 miles (16 kilometers), 2 hours, Class II & III rapids

Start another beautiful morning sipping a cup of coffee while bird watching at the lodge. From here the pace will quickly pick up, as our day is filled with an invigorating white water rafting excursion - the best way to experience Costa Rica! You’ll be rafting the famous Pacuare Gorge on an unforgettable experience down exciting Class III and IV rapids, past cascading waterfalls, and magnificent jungle. Watch for brightly colored tropical birds flying overhead and other exotic wildlife.

Along the way, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch that your guides will prepare. When you reach the take-out point, you'll visit a location where you can freshen up, shower, and change your clothes before heading back to San Jose.

 We’ll enjoy our farewell dinner together reminiscing on all we have experienced on this incredible Costa Rican adventure. Pura Vida!
Accommodation: Xandari Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rafting: 8.5 miles (13.7 kilometers), 2.5 hours, Class III & IV rapids

This morning we’ll say our farewells and head to the airport for private departures.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast