Costa Rica Explorer

Early this morning, be picked up by the guide at your hotel in San José for a journey into the Caribbean lowlands. There will be a stop for breakfast en route at a typical Costa Rican restaurant. After an orientation and safety talk by the bilingual river guide, raft down the exhilarating Pacuare River, one of the planet’s top whitewater rivers. Raft through pristine rainforest environment, heart-pumping class III and IV rapids, and scenic canyons with crystal clear waterfalls. Arrive mid-afternoon at the riverside Pacuare Lodge or the Pacuare River Camp with time to relax and enjoy a rainforest hike or swim in the falls.

Get a different perspective of the rainforest while literally flying through the tree top canopy. Face the exotic beauty of the rainforest head on, feeling the adrenaline of dramatic views, rappelling down towering trees and zipping along cables from tree to tree while descending through the jungle toward the Pacuare Lodge for a final thrilling rappel that leaves you just steps away from the main lodge! Safely anchored with a harness, relax and enjoy the unique ride.

After a delicious buffet breakfast, prepare to paddle down the Pacuare gorge for approximately 3.5 hours. The second section of the river is truly the most spectacular. At the take-out you can change clothes and have lunch. Your local driver will meet you for a 4-hour transfer to Arenal.

Hike with your bilingual naturalist guide through the forests of the Arenal Volcano National Park. On the trail, enjoy spotting a large variety of wildlife and view the volcano from a safe vantage point while the guide explains its fascinating history and points out the volcano’s current activity.

Later visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, suspended bridges and trails through a beautiful yet complex rainforest. On this canopy adventure, possibly encounter a variety of wildlife, including toucans, motmots, trogons, poison dart frogs, howler monkeys, spider monkeys and white-faced capuchin monkeys. Then for some relaxing time, enjoy the hot springs at Ecotermales. This family-run hot springs features four volcanically heated pools ranging from 91 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The facility offers separate changing rooms for women and men, each equipped with hot showers, lockers and toilets. The subtle landscape includes regenerating forest and beautiful tropical plants.

Today drive from Arenal to the beaches of Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio is a community of beach homes, hotels and restaurants, surrounded by lush rainforests on a mountain top overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Manuel Antonio National Park. The rainforest is home to a variety of wildlife that is easily seen including sloths, monkeys and birds. The temperature of the ocean is great for swimming and many water sports. The region offers numerous activities such as boating, river rafting, snorkeling, diving, canopy tours and more.

Today enjoy a half-day tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the country’s smallest but most famous parks because of its unique mix of beaches and forest trails. The rest of the day is yours to explore more or relax back in town.

While in Manuel Antonio take advantage of the activities offered in the area (added cost) such as ocean and river kayaking, world-class sport fishing, horseback riding, canopy tours, sunset sailing, Isla Damas Estuary Tour, Rain Maker Reserve, whitewater rafting or simply relaxing on the beautiful beaches or at the hotel.

This day be picked up at your hotel for a transfer to the International Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose. Check in must be at least 3 hours prior to the departure time. Driving time from Manuel Antonio to the International Juan Santamaria airport is approximately 2.5 hours, plus any stops along the way.

Note: Your departing flight must leave San Jose no earlier than 12:00pm in order to make the connection from Manuel Antonio. If your departing flight leaves before noon, then arrangements will be made for you to overnight in San Jose on day 8.