Costa Rica Tour

Extensions

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Costa Rica Extensions

Pacuare River Rafting 2-Day

Code: PRR2

US$375 per traveler - Standard Bungalow

A visit to Costa Rica isn't complete without experiencing rafting down the Pacuare River. Famous for its scenic views, the Pacuare is just as celebrated for it class III-IV whitewater rapids. The Pacuare River and the Pacuare Protected Zone are located between the coastal lowlands and the country's highest mountain range. This pristine jungle region, considered one of the most important protected areas in Central America, is still inhabited by the Cabecar Indians. Join us for this beautiful - and wet - Costa Rica extension!

Day 1 (B,L,D)

Your extension begins with an early traditional Costa Rican breakfast, followed by a briefing on safety measures. Then we splash right into our incredible rafting journey. As famous for its spirited waters as it is for its beauty, the Pacuare River doesn't disappoint as we plunge through mountain gorges, run long stretches of powerful rapids and weave our way through a rainforest alive with the sounds of howler monkeys, toucans, sloths and ocelots. Today's rafting trip takes a couple of hours. This afternoon we transfer to the Pacuare Lodge. Choose from a variety of activities to fill your afternoon. Take a guided hike to a waterfall in the forest, play dominoes or cards, or just relax. Happy Hour and dinner begins as twilight descends, and the guests can gather to relax and share their experiences. Rest well tonight - in the morning we tackle the river once again!

Day 2 (B,L)

Today we continue of rafting adventure - putting yesterday's skills and experience to use. We'll tame that river yet! After a buffet breakfast, we'll launch the rafts again for the second day of our river expedition. You may stop to explore side streams that lead to striking waterfalls and pools with a natural waterslide that tempts you to jump right in. A satisfying lunch of sandwiches, fruits and juice will be served along the edge of the river. While the guides prepare the food, rafters have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. At the river take out, you can change into dry clothes in our private restroom facilities before boarding the comfortable minibus for the return drive to San Jose. But we warn you: people that have participated in these Costa Rica tours swear they'll return for more!

Trip length: 18 miles
Difficulty: Class III-IV, moderate-difficult
Minimum age: 12 years.

*Extension begins and ends in San Jose.

Pacuare River Rafting 3-Day

Code: PRR3

Please inquire for rates

*Includes an extra day at the Pacuare Lodge, which offers a number of optional day excursions to further explore this fascinating landscape and its people.

Pacuare Lodge Day Excursions « click here »

Arenal Extension - 3D/2N

Code: AV3

US$375 per person

Costa Rica is home to one of the most studied, and most active volcanoes in the world. Its consistent rumble and bubbling makes for an exciting visit, and calls to the adventurous heart in every traveler. This extension begins with a visit to the tropical La Paz Waterfall Gardens before transferring to the Lomas del Volcan, where we spend our nights in the shadow of the volcano. Explore the wonders and beauty of this region.

Day 1 (L,D)

Arise early and transfer to Arenal. We take advantage of our travels with a detour to the remarkable La Paz Waterfall Garden. Follow the trails, as they weave through four towering falls, and take-in the incredible views of the La Paz River Valley. The park is also home to a variety of species of humming birds, and the world's largest enclosed butterfly observatory, that offers a collection Costa Rica's most brilliant butterflies. We fill our stomachs with a satisfying lunch at the Gardens. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the area. Dinner is at your hotel, Lomas del Volcan, from which you can take in spectacular views of the volcano. Spend the evening swimming in the pool or relaxing in the Jacuzzi, and then head to your bungalow for a good night's sleep.

Day 2 (B,D)

Today you visit Costa Rica's celebrated Arenal Volcano, beginning with a 90-minute walk along the Silencio Trail. As you move through the forest, watch out for howler monkeys, bright tropical toucans, and listen to the rumbling sounds of the distant volcano. The walk ends with a magnificent view of Arenal, one of the most active volcanoes in the world since its massive eruption in 1968. With a bit of luck, you may see lava plummeting down the mountain's slopes. The tour concludes with a little relaxation in the nearby natural hot springs, as the volcano towers in the distance. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening free in the area!

Day 3 (B)

Return to San Jose.

Tortuguero Extension 3D/ 2N

Code: TE3

US$290 per person

Day 1 Arrive Tortuguero (B,L,D)

Early in the morning you'll be picked up from your hotel for the drive to the Atlantic coast, traveling through the lush tropical rainforest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, which is one of the largest in the country. Banana plantations line the highway en route to La Pavona, where you will take a scenic boat ride on the La Suerte River, Tortuguero River, and through the Tortuguero Canals. The boat ride offers lovely views of the Costa Rican forest and mangrove swamps, which are teeming with such exotic wildlife as sloths, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, coatimundis, raccoons, crocodiles, egrets, parrots, and jaguars—just to name a few!

Arriving in the island village of Tortuguero, you'll enjoy lunch at Turtle Beach Lodge, and then a free afternoon to relax and explore on your own. You'll be spending the next two nights at the lodge, which offers optional garden tours, a refreshing turtle-shaped pool, a dugout canoe, and nightly turtle-watching tours.

Day 2 Canal Tour (B, L, D)

Today is a free day to spend as you please – tour the town, visit museums or take a walk through the jungle. You can explore the canals winding through the rainforest, which is home to exotic wildlife, from egrets to crocodiles to monkeys to butterflies. And keep your eyes open for turtles! Tortuguero has many highlights, but it is best known for the four species of sea turtles that nest in the region. Tortuguero's coastline is considered one of the Western Hemisphere's most important nesting sites of the green sea turtle, which can be found by the thousands in the summer months. The baby turtles hatch from July through early November, emerging from their nests to scrabble across the sand to the waiting waters of the Atlantic.

Be sure to take advantage of the miles of beach and jungle trails in Tortuguero National Park, horseback riding, kayaking to a nearby lagoon, or fishing in the Tortuguero River for tarpon, snook, and mackerel.

Day 3 Return San Jose (B,L)

Enjoy a final breakfast in our open air restaurant before catching a boat back to Caño Blanco and transferring on to San Jose.