Buenos Dias, San Jose! Greeting our first morning in Costa Rica.
Wake up call on the Pacuare!
After an initial night in San Jose, due to a late flight arrival, we started our journey with a bang! We got up EARLY that first morning in Costa Rica to begin our rafting adventure on the Pacuare River.
The Pacuare is one of the top FIVE commercial rafting rivers in the world, so we felt really fortunate to get to experience it. We rafted Class III & IV rapids...over 70 of them throughout the day! It was simultaneously invigorating, FUN, thrilling, and frightening. Despite occasional flashes of fear that overtook my mind, it was by far MY FAVORITE activity from our trip.
We survived the Pacuare! Back at base camp after changing out of our soaked clothes.
Selva Verde - A jungle experience.
After a day of adventure, we were taken to our first "home" of the trip...Selva Verde. This ecolodge is located on a 500 acre reserve, so opportunities to observe wildlife and vegetation abound! We sighted multiple toucans, a giant iguana, and "Jesus Christ" lizards known for being able to run across water. Selva Verde has a suspension bridge over the Sarapiqui River that we swayed down and took in some neat views. Our cabana overlooked the rushing river, and lush green was as far as the eye could see. We were truly deep in the jungle.
The soft roar of the river and the thick canopy overhead gave me a sense of peace. However, when the sun goes down and everything is PITCH BLACK...I mean, darker than any dark I have experienced...it gets a bit interesting. All you hear are the sounds of the surrounding jungle, but you cannot SEE anything anymore. Your headlamp provides enough light to follow the path and catch a glimpse of the lizard scurry across or see the gigantic spider hanging in its web above the walkway. Similar to the Pacuare, extremely fascinating but a bit frightening at the same time. If nothing else, I will be a stronger person after this trip...
Starting out on Selva Verde's suspension bridge
One of the many toucans we sighted.
Selva Verde lobby. They do an excellent job at making your jungle experience comfortable but still authentic.
View of the Sarapiqui River from our room balcony.
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
1 week ago
The company made our adventure trip hassle-free, and a lot of fun! I will definitely be using them again
Carolena F
1 month ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
1 month ago
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
1 month ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.