view more photos from this trip
Rafting, hiking, zip lines, and beach time among Costa Rica's highlight regions 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. Starting 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 volcano 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, Volcan Tenorio National Park, and hiking along the Rio Celeste in Volcan Tenorio National Park. Finally, we end with a relaxing two days on the Pacific coast beaches of Tamarindo.
This trip combines wildlife viewing, rafting, hiking, relaxing beach time, and fast zip lines through the forest canopy mixing in some small community-run 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 Jose and the rafting the Pacuare River Meet in San Jose, optional tours of museums, downtown San Jose, or interpretive trails at InBioParque •Raft a thrilling Class III-IV river through 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, Volcan Tenorio National Park, and Rio Celeste Hike Volcan Tenorio National Park and the Rio Celeste • Listen for boulders being expelled from Arenal Volcano while soaking in natural hot springs • Fly through the canopy on a harness and zip line
Days 9-11, Tamarindo Snorkel, surf, sea kayak, or simply enjoy ocean views relaxing on the beach in front of your lodge in sleepy Tamarindo on the Pacific • Transfer to Liberia for flight home
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 river-front. 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 .
Laguna del Cocodrillo Hotel on the north end of Tamarindo, is the ideal place to end the trip, with its views over a beautiful beach and the Pacific Ocean. Options are available to kayak, snorkel, surf, sail or do nothing. The lodge is on the beach, and walking to town on the beach is easy and beautiful. is another small, community run lodge. On a clear day, the active Arenal Volcano looms immediately to the west of the lodge and its landscaped grounds and butterfly farm. The lodge offers easy access to hiking a nearby waterfall and soaking in hot springs, along with a glimpse of life in the local community.
. . . . . .
View the full itinerary (pdf)
