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Costa Rica

Overview & Itinerary Lodging & Guides Country Info view all trips to Costa Rica

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.

Download a detailed pdf itinerary

Lodging Highlights

The following are some of the lodges we will enjoy on the Hidden Costa Rica trip:

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, bakery, 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 s short drive from the town of La Fortuna, protected from lava by the deep gorge of the Agua Caliente River and with commanding views of the volcano. Enjoy a walk on one of the many nature trails or the manicured grounds, soak in the hot tub, or view the wildlife from the lodge deck; coatis, noisy howler monkeys, or some of the 600-plus birds species that reside or travel through Costa Rica.

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. Enjoy the wood-fired hot tub, or settle into a leather rocking chair in front of the open hearth on the veranda. La Carolina Lodge is truly a place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica.

Guide Highlights

Greivin Cubero, San Ramon, Costa Rica. Greivin Cubero is an incredible guide and naturalist. Known for his kind disposition and upbeat demeanor, Greivin is a native of the agricultural town of San Ramon on the western edge of the Central Valley of Costa Rica. The study of snakes, spiders, botanicals and volcanic activity are among Greivin’s passions. He is an outdoor adventurer and amateur photographer. Greivin has been working in tourism since 1999, the same year he became a father. He lives with his wife Rodette and their son Noel and their daughter Nira in San Ramon. He is a certified guide by the Costa Rican Tourism Board.

Costa Rica is the ecological gem of Latin America. With almost one-third of its land protected in parks and preserves, this oasis for nature lovers and eco-travelers is a natural wonderland of cloud forests, cascading rivers, exotic animals, uncrowded beaches, towering mountains, and awesome volcanoes that beckon travelers from all over the world. Let us help you see and experience all the highlights while making memorable local connections along the way: exploring the channels and lagoons that compose Tortuguero National Park, home to more than 350 species of birds and a variety of exotic animals; or visiting the town “soda” with your guide who knows everyone in the village because he grew up there.

Perhaps this difference is tied to the fact that Costa Rica abolished its military way back in 1949, saving it from the turmoil and troubles that affected its neighbors for decades, and freeing its people to focus on education, healthcare and caring for their land. Whatever the reason, the relaxed beauty of this place will stick with you.

What makes Costa Rica different?

Much can be written on what makes Costa Rica so unique. Other countries in Central America can claim beautiful landscapes and friendly people, but visit Costa Rica and you’ll find it just feels different. From the open locals that you'll meet in the markets, known as “Ticos", to the fun but always professional guides leading you on your Pacuare River adventure, you’ll find the laid-back “Pura Vida” attitude everywhere.

Land Preservation

Costa Rica figured out early on that its well-being would be closely tied to the land. To this end the country has protected almost one-third of its territory in national parks, preserves and buffer zones, and has established policies encouraging further protection and reclamation of additional land. This enlightened approach to conservation has helped make eco-tourism one of the top three industries in the country. Costa Rica may not be rich in traditional resources like oil or minerals, but it is working to make the most of what it does have—a beautiful landscape. And oh what a landscape it is!