Expedition Summary

 Our “Costa Rica Explorer” trip is a unique combination of Costa Rica’s adventure highlights. We start with a few days of whitewater rafting and rainforest adventure on the Pacuare River. Here we will go on magnificent waterfall hikes, climb into the rainforest canopy, visit the Cabecar Indians and relax in our jungle cabanas right next to the roaring river rapids. We will then switch gears and spend a day at the Arenal Volcano, exploring one of the world’s most active volcanoes ending with a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs at Tabacon. The last few days of the trip are spent relaxing on one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful Pacific Coast beaches, Playa Tambor. Here we have the opportunity to snorkel, horseback ride, sea kayak, golf, play tennis, swim, hike in the rainforest and explore waterfalls, or simply relax at our luxury beach resort. Explore Costa Rica with us on this action-packed and relaxing vacation!

No experience is required for this trip which we classify as “moderate”. For those not comfortable rafting the Class III-IV rapids of the Pacuare River, we can arrange a special guided hike in and out of our rainforest lodge.

April 15: Arrive San José
Arrive in San José. We will be met by our Global Adrenaline trip leader upon arrival who will transfer us to our San José hotel where we spend the evening. Overnight at our San José hotel.

April 16: Whitewater Rafting, Rainforest Adventure and Optional Canopy Tour
Our whitewater rafting company, will pick us up in the morning for our rafting adventure. A note advising the exact pick-up time will be waiting at our San Jose hotel the night before.

Rafting on the Pacuare River. (Costa Rica) On the first day of our journey into the Pacuare Rainforest, we will pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park, stopping for an authentic Costa Rican breakfast before reaching our site of embarkation. Then, once in the water, we will experience the exhilaration of riding the waves on this magnificent river, which courses through a tropical wilderness of dense vegetation and steep gorges that rise majestically above its banks. Dozens of species of mammals and birds abound in this tropical paradise.

Arriving at our overnight destination, we will find our rainforest lodge, a jungle oasis nestled in the middle of an enchanting and captivating rainforest. Surrounded by nature in its purest and most primitive state, this two-story jungle lodge houses rustic but comfortable dining facilities on the first floor, and plenty of relaxing hammocks in an open-air second floor lounge. Imagine being surrounded by the raw beauty of nature, without the blare of radios, the glare of television, or the ringing of telephones!

April 17: Cabecar Indians Tour or El Bajo del Tigre Experience
Today we will have the choice of one of two tours. We may also choose to relax at the lodge and enjoy the beauty of the rainforest.
Option A: Cabecar Indians Tour (Hiking)
Option B: The "El Bajo del Tigre" Experience (Horseback Riding or 4 Wheel Driving)

April 18: Whitewater Rafting and Rainforest Adventure
Exploring the rainforest. (Costa Rica) In the morning, after a hot breakfast, we will have some time on our own to explore the rainforest surrounding the lodge. Then we launch the rafts again for the next day of our trip. Rafting becomes even more exciting today as we begin to use the skills and experience we gained at the beginning of our trip. Our guides will stop the rafts along the journey and lead us up paths and side streams that open onto pristine waterfalls and natural water slides. Here we can swim, splash, and live it up! Lunch will be served along the river.

When we reach our final destination, we will have the opportunity to shower and change before transferring to our rainforest resort. Dinner and overnight at our rainforest resort.

April 19: Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs
After breakfast, we will transfer to the Arenal Volcano. Dormant for centuries, Arenal Volcano exploded in a massive eruption of molten lava and ash in 1968. Since that time, it has continued to belch great clouds of ash and occasional lava. The Arenal Volcano is 5,358 feet high and 4,000 years old and still has a lot of growing to do. It is now one of the world's most active volcanoes and volcanologists from all over the world come here to study this tropical volcano. Arenal Volcano. (Costa Rica)

After visiting the volcano from a safe viewpoint, we will visit the Tabacon Hot Springs. Here, we will enjoy a buffet lunch and a few hours of relaxation in the thermal waters nestled amid the lush tropical vegetation at the base of the Arenal Volcano. The Tabacon River emanates from deep within the heart of the volcano and its naturally heated waters spring forth at about 102 degrees year round. The thermal waters cascade over intriguing rock formations that create inviting waterfalls and pools of warm, smooth water that soaks away every aching muscle. Entrance to Las Fuentes Spa is included in the tour price, where we can soak away all our stress in the many hot water pools. Massages, mud packs and other spa treatments are available at extra cost.

After lunch, we will depart for Playa Tambor on the sunny Pacific Coast for a few days of beach relaxation. The picturesque region opens a doorway to the romance and serenity of flat lands, green mountains and rich foliage. Because of the unique climate, the region boasts a tremendous diversity of terrain from dense rain forests to airy deciduous forests, towering active volcanoes to lush sugarcane fields, and thick lagoons to unburdened beaches. The natural wonders of this region are so astonishing that, for a moment, we will forget the world we have left behind once we have crossed the threshold into nature's playground.

At our beach resort, the opportunities for relaxation and adventure are endless. Two private beaches have over a mile of sand for walking and sunbathing. Venture along the cliffs to the Mirador for a breathtaking panorama of beach and ocean. Then explore the coastline and a sign-posted nature trail on a visit to a nearby cove where we will discover a 40-foot waterfall bursting through a cliff into the natural ocean pool below. Or, take a refreshing dip in our pool during the day or evening. Enjoy a game of tennis during the day or evening on the illuminated courts. Or, do what most other people do...laze amid the beautiful surroundings of the spring-fed swimming pool set in a picture-perfect jungle garden of exotic plants and trees. Dinner and overnight at our luxury beach resort

April 20: Beach Relaxation, Optional Beach Tours

April 21: Beach Relaxation, Transfer to San José
The pool at our beach resort. (Playa Tambor, Costa Rica) Today we will enjoy relaxation on the beach at our luxury beach resort. We will enjoy lunch on our own before we return back to San José in the afternoon. We spend our last evening in San José enjoying our last taste of Costa Rican food and nightlife. Overnight at our San José hotel. 

April 22: Depart for Home
Today we say farewell to Costa Rica, taking home many fond memories of our rainforest and beach adventures. Transfer to the airport for our flights home. Buen viaje (good travels)!