Sea Kayaking, Rafting, & Rainforest Hikes

Calling all water sports enthusiasts—our Adventures in Costa Rica trip is for you! Sea kayak past volcanoes, paddle jungle waterways, and raft the Río Pacuare to a Robinson Crusoe-like jungle lodge!

Activities

5 days easy to moderate sea kayaking (no previous experience required); 2 days rafting (Class III/IV rapids); easy to moderate hikes

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Raft the Río Pacuare, considered by many to be one of the top 10 most beautiful whitewater rivers in the world!
• Sea kayak in Tortuguero National Park, exploring secluded channels that larger boats can't visit-we're the only U.S. company that offers this experience!
• Enjoy close encounters with a variety of wildlife: sea turtles, monkeys, iguanas, and more!
• Hike near Arenal Volcano, kayak in Lake Arenal, and enjoy a spectacular twilight safari on the Peñas Blancas River!

2010 PRICES
$1,995 per person (4-16 members)
$400 single supplement

Duration: 8 days Start Location: San José End Location: San José Best time to go: January - April, June - July, December

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in San José, Costa Rica.

  Arrive in San José, Costa Rica.

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  Day 2 : Tortuguero National Park

  Drive 2½ hours to the put-in on the Río Suerte for a two- to three-hour paddle by sea kayak to the confluence of the Río Penitencia. Here we can board a motorboat that will take us to Mawamba Lodge (if you wish, you can paddle the additional two hours to the lodge). Mawamba is a wonderful lodge located on the beach in Tortuguero National Park. Awalk on thebeach or on nature trails, a swim in the pool, and cocktails on the sunset deck await us. You can also walk with a guide to the Caribbean Conservation Center, which was established to save and protect the local sea turtles.
  
   

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  Day 3 : Tortuguero National Park

  Optional early morning search for sea turtles with the guide (best viewing is during the July and August trips). After breakfast we take a motorboat loaded with our kayaks and head to a secondary channel in the national park.  We board the kayaks and paddle through a narrow waterway to look for wildlife. After lunch back at Mawamba, we can paddle to some more areas only accessible by kayak, or simply relax at the pool.

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  Day 4 : Pacuare River

  Early morning sea turtle viewing. After breakfast we take a boat to Matina (1½-hour ride), then drive about two hours to our put-in on the beautiful but endangered Pacuare River (it’s threatened by a proposed hydroelectric plant). Once at the river we paddle downstream about eight miles to our riverside accommodation, a rustic, thatched-roof jungle lodge. This is a good opportunity to get familiar with the steep, technical drops typical of the Pacuare. Along its course lie several densely vegetated gorges sheltering many animals, including sloths, river otters, and anteaters, and an incredible variety of birds—toucans, egrets, herons, kingfishers, sunbirds, and trogons.

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  Day 5 : Pacuare River

  This morning, enjoy a four-platform canopy tour through the forest of our Private Reserve. Hike on a trail high above the rainforest canopy for sweeping view of the river corridor below. Then continue our whitewater rafting adventure, entering the lush, magical gorge of the Pacuare. The rapids become more powerful and technical in nature, and we’ll power through “Bobo,” “Huacas Arriba,” “Huacas Abajo,” “Cimarrones,” and “Dos Montañas” rapids. Gorgeous waterfalls tumble into the river, and we might even be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of some of the exotic birds and animals inhabiting the jungle area. We take out near the town of Siquirres and drive 2 ½ hours to the beautiful Arenal volcano area. Late in the afternoon, Ecotermales hot springs awaits—relax and enjoy the hot, mineral pools with temperatures that go from 90-150°F.  Dinner will be served at the hot springs restaurant.

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  Day 6 : Arenal and the Peñas Blancas River

  After breakfast, we’ll hike the surroundings of the Arenal Volcano, enjoying the beauty of primary and secondary forests, where you will be able to see a wide variety of wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans.  This hike lasts about 3 hours. We’ll drive to a local restaurant for lunch, followed by a free afternoon to enjoy and relax at the hotel.

   

  Late afternoon (around 4:00 p.m.), you will experience the ultimate river trip and truly one of a kind: the Twilight River Safari. As the sun is just starting to set, you will raft and enjoy the mystic way the light disappears from the sky at dusk, leaving you in the peaceful darkness of the jungle. This is one of the best ways to experience Costa Rica, as more than 60% of the mammals here are nocturnal! Our specially designed lighting system will make this a magical journey.  At the end of our float, the Hidalgo family will be waiting for us to enjoy a delicious, traditional Costa Rican dinner at their home. 

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  Day 7 : Arenal

  After breakfast you will embark in first class touring kayaks and enjoy a day paddling in the lake’s calm waters while the beauty and energy of this amazing volcano penetrates your soul.  After lunch in town, we’ll say goodbye to the powerful mountain and drive back to San Jose. Farewell dinner with the group.

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  Day 8 : Depart

  Depart San José, or join our extension to Corcovado National Park.

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  Alta Hotel

  Small, special, intimate, The Alta Hotel consists of only 23 units: 16 double rooms, 6 suites, and 1 Master suite. The beautifully sculpted hotel cascades down the hill (Alto de Las Palomas) providing exquisite views of San Jose and the surrounding volcanoes and valley. The carved look melds different styles --- Spanish-Moorish medieval, countryside elegant  --- into one graceful structure.  The vaulted ceilings in the Paseo and wide stone stairway lead castle-like from the reclusive guest rooms to La Luz Restaurant.

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  Mawamba Lodge

  Tortuguero

  Nestled in the lush rainforest, this is the ideal hideaway for nature lovers and the perfect place to discover the wonders of the Tortuguero National Park. The lodge features lush gardens and rustic accommodations, along with regular visits from brightly colored exotic birds.

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  Rios Tropicales Lodge

  San Jose

  Let the sound of the Pacuare River lull you to sleep at this sustainable eco-lodge. This evening’s lodge offers a haven for relaxation and immersion in tropical sights and sounds. The lodge features open air gathering pavilions with thatched roofs and comfortable hammocks swinging in a gentle breeze. Guests enjoy ample viewing decks for watching the toucans fly overhead and the roaring river below.

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  Mountain Paradise Lodge

  La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park

  The Mountain Paradise Lodge sits at the base of Volcan Arenal, and features spectacular views. If you’re lucky, you may even get a glimpse of lava in the evening! This hotel’s lovely setting, pool, and jacuzzi allow guests to truly enjoy the relaxed pace of the Arenal region.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File