Hidden Costa Rica

Whitewater raft, hike, and zip line among Costa Rica's incredible wonders on and off-the-beaten-path to view wildlife and an active volcano

Explore the less traveled side of Costa Rica, as well as the highlights that this ecological gem has to offer. Start with a thrilling two days of world class rafting through the pristine rainforest and canyon of the Pacuare River before taking a water taxi to Tortuguero Island and National Park, home to abundant wildlife where we hope to see all four types of monkeys native to Central America. Next, we journey to the active Volcán Arenal to enjoy waterfalls and hot springs in the shadow of the volcano, and soar through the jungle canopy and across deep canyons by zip line. 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, whitewater rafting, hiking, and speedy zip lines with some of our favorite intimate 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 the thrilling Class III-IV rapids of the Pacuare 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 Tortuguero village (no roads in the village) • Enjoy the view from the deck of our B&B overlooking the river channel • Stroll across the island to play in the surf of the Atlantic • Float through the waterways and narrow channels of the park, looking at colorful birds, caimans, and other wildlife Days 6-8, Arenal, Volcán Tenorio National Park, and Rio Celeste Listen for boulders being expelled from Volcán Arenal while soaking in natural hot springs • Zip line through the forest canopy and across canyons with Lake Arenal as a backdrop • Hike in Volcán Tenorio National Park and the Rio Celeste 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....more