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Rafting, hiking, and zip lines among Costa Rica's incredible wonders on and off the beaten path
Hidden Costa Rica
Explore the less traveled side of Costa Rica, as well as the highlights that this ecological gem has to offer. We start with a thrilling two days of world class rafting through a rain-forested canyon before taking a water taxi to Tortuguero National Park, home to abundant wildlife. Next, we journey to the active Volcán Arenal to enjoy waterfalls and hot springs in view of the volcano. We then head off the beaten path to the small town of Bijagua and hiking along the Rio Celeste in Volcán Tenorio National Park. At the end of the 9-day adventure we offer the option to extend your trip to end with a couple of relaxing days on the beach or more adventurous options.
This trip combines wildlife viewing, rafting, hiking, and fast zip lines through the forest canopy mixing in some small and remote lodges that allow us to experience a side of Costa Rica that few tourists see. In short, it's the Costa Rica adventure vacation of a lifetime!
Days 1-3, San José and the rafting the Pacuare River Meet in San José, optional tours of museums, downtown San José, or interpretive trails at InBioParque •Raft a thrilling Class III-IV river through the jungle for two days • Stay in the rustic luxury of the Pacuare Lodge • Transfer to Guapiles en route to Tortuguero
Days 4-5, Tortuguero National Park wildlife watching Wander the walkways of the remote village • Enjoy a simple B&B overlooking the water • Float through the channels and waterways of the park, looking at colorful birds, caimans, and other wildlife
Days 6-8, Arenal, Volcán Tenorio National Park, and Rio Celeste Hike in Volcán Tenorio National Park and the Rio Celeste • Listen for boulders being expelled from Volcán Arenal while soaking in natural hot springs • Fly through the canopy on a harness and zip line
Days 9, Departure Transfer to San José for flight home • Or you can opt to extend your trip for a couple days of relaxing beach time, or an adventure to the Osa Peninsula or other optional trip extensions.
Lodging highlights
The Pacuare Lodge manages to be both rustic and lavish (picture gourmet meals by candlelight in a place where candles aren’t used just to set the mood, they’re used because there’s no electricity). It is an unforgettable place to spend your second night in Costa Rica, in one of their comfortable bungalows in the forest along the river, far away from any towns or people.
Casa Marbella will be a return to the type of lodge we really like. It’s a small, simple B&B run by a Canadian biologist, with a back deck looking out over the water. It’s in town, so we’ll be able to walk everywhere to enjoy the local restaurants, shops, and people.
Arenal Observatory Lodge was originally built in 1987 as a Smithsonian Institute scientific research station. The lodge is located in a private nature reserve within Arenal National Park, protected from lava by the deep gorge of the Agua Caliente River and with commanding views of the volcano. It is about a twenty minute drive from the town of La Fortuna.
La Carolina Lodge is situated on 170 acres, a portion of which is riverfront. The ranch is home to an abundance of indigenous plant and animal life, which can be viewed while walking the grounds or simply relaxing on the deck overlooking the river. La Carolina Lodge is truly a place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
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