Become immersed in Costa Rica's natural wilds, snorkelling, kayaking and rafting
If you dream of the action and adventure in a green and lush land then this Costa Rica raft kayak and hike small group adventure is for you. Cycle along the Caribbean coastline, paddle the Pacuare River, snorkel in the fabulous company of barracuda, turtles, and reef sharks, and kayak through Tortuguero National Park. How’s that for a thrilling holiday? This is an immersion of outdoor adventure in Costa Rica, one of the world’s greenest countries.
Highlights:
- Reinvigorate with 18 days of action adventure in Costa Rica
- Raft down one of the top ten best rivers in the world, the Pacuare.
- View the pristine rainforests and waterfalls found all along the Pacuare.
- Enjoy the monkeys, toucans, macaws and more in Cahuita National Park
- Kayak around the waterways of Tortuguero National Park looking for sloths, caiman, jaguars, lizards, and fantastic bird life.
- Try canyoneering and rappelling in Quepos
- Visit the Punta Rio Claro national wildlife refuge near the Corcovado National Park
Welcome to San Jose
More than half of Costa Rica’s population resides in San Jose. It’s a lively city with colourful markets, wonderful museums, and an atmosphere that is full of life. Be sure to check out the city’s main plaza for some fun people watching. Visit the artist booths and be on the lookout for spontaneous art fairs. Don’t forget the Gold Museum. They have an incredible collection of indigenous gold art. Wrap up your day with a stop at the outdoor market of Plaza de la Cultura.
Leave the city behind
After San Jose, your first stop will be the Pacuare River. In order to reach your lodge for the evening, you and the group will raft down the river. Rated as one of the top ten rivers, not just for the rapids, but also for the unique beautiful that surrounds it; this will be a rafting trip to remember. Enjoy class three and four rapids and hopefully spot some wildlife along the way.
Next up is Puerto Viejo and a remarkable snorkelling experience. Cahuita National Park is a protected area that is part rainforest, part coral reef. It’s one of the country’s first national parts and the 600 acres of reef will astound you. See how many of the 125 fish species you can spot on your tour.
Tortuguero National Park & beyond
Kayaking takes place in Tortuguero National Park. It is considered the best place for spotting wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Search for sloths, monkeys, jaguars, caiman, lizards, bats, and birdlife. You’ll also get an ecology lesson from your guide about how the lagoons, islets, and wetlands function together to support life in the park.
After the park, enjoy a four day trek down the Savegre River on your way to the Pacific coast. Unbelievable cloud forests, lowland rainforests, and the gorgeous shores of the river will be your companions during these days. This is a remote area that many tourists never see. It’s a great chance to observe rural life while in Costa Rica’s lush country side.
Enquire today to learn more about this Costa Rica raft kayak and hike adventure.
Why We Love This Adventure
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The Pacuare River has been rated as one of the ten top best rivers around the world; not only for its rapids, but also its pristine rainforest surrounds and waterfalls -
Cahuita National Park is home to monkeys, reptiles, toucans and macaws, while its waters contain turtles, barracudas, sea urchins and more than 125 species of fish
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Hop into kayaks and paddle through the waterways of Tortuguero National Park in search of monkeys, sloths, caiman, jaguars, lizards, bats and a gamut of birdlife
Costa Rica is packed with adventure for the active traveller and wildlife lover.
Paddle down the Pacuare River by raft for a night in a rainforest eco lodge. Snorkel in the company of turtles, barracuda and reef sharks in Cahuita National Park. Cycle along the Caribbean coastline to the mellow beach refuge of Puerto Viejo and paddle through the waterways of Tortuguero National Park in search of monkeys, toucans and jaguars. Costa Rica is a country where adventure-seekers thrive.
Itinerary
Here's a snap shot of how your Costa Rica raft kayak and hike adventure will start.
Day 1
Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica! Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 1.
With over half the country's population living within its parameters, San Jose is a bustling city with lively markets, intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere. A good place to start exploring is the main plaza, a fantastic place to get comfy and do some people watching. Artisan booths are common here and you never know when there'll be a spontaneous art fair.
Have a look at the Gold Museum which has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If these cultural gems get you in the mood for a bit of shopping head to the out door market in Plaza de la Cultura or the Central Market where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.
Day 2
Transfer to Pacuare River. From here you'll hit the rapids of the Pacuare River by raft all the way to your rainforest lodge. The next two days involve some incredible white water rafting down the Pacuare River. This river has been rated as one of the ten top best rivers around the world; not only for its rapids, but also its pristine rainforest surrounds and waterfalls. On arrival at tonight's eco-lodge accommodation you'll have time to either chill out or take a self-guided walk along garden trails.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
Pacuare - 2hr. Pacuare River white water rafting - Class 3
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Make an enquiry and we'll send you the full 18 day adventure itinerary
We'll send you the full details and activities for each day when you enquire
Notes
Price
From GBP £3030.00What's included
- Pacuare – 2hr. Pacuare River white water rafting – Class 3
- Pacuare – 2hr. Pacuare River white water rafting – Class 3 & 4
Cahuita – Snorkelling tour - Tortuguero – Canals kayak trip
- Savegre – Savegre crossing 4-day hike
- Savegre – Rio Naranjo rafting
For the full list of included activities please make an enquiry and we’ll send full details over to you.
What's Not included
Please request full details
Trip Duration
18 daysStart Location
San Jose, Costa RicaEnd Location
San Jose, Costa RicaMinimum Age
15Average Group Size
Between 1 and 12Accommodation
Cabin (multishare) (4 nights), Hotel (9 nights), Lodge (4 nights)
Meals
Includes:
17 breakfasts,
6 lunches,
5 dinners
Transport
Boat , Bus , Private vehicle
This Trip is Suitable For
This Costa Rica raft kayak and hike trip has a physical rating by the operator of 4 out of 5. Get in touch to find out more about what this means and what to expect.
You’re in for an active trip! Whilst previous experience isn’t essential for getting involved, a good level of fitness will really help you get the most out of this tour. There are certain activities it’s not possible to skip. If you can imagine yourself hiking for two days on the trot or canoeing for a couple of days and setting up camp on the shore; this is the adventure for you.
If you’re already a regular exerciser, it might be an idea to up your game a little. Run those extra laps, cycle the extra mile or swim a few more lengths to make sure you’re on top form. If you’re not exercising so regularly (we’re talking 2-3 times a week here), it’s important to start in the weeks leading up to your departure. Your best bet would be to tackle trip-related activities (yes, that’s cycling and hiking), but anything cardio based will make a huge difference (swimming, running or rowing). Add it to your routine now and you’ll be ready to go in no time
Additional Notes
For the full trip notes please make an enquiry and we’ll send them right away to help you decide if this is the perfect trip for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How active is this trip?This is an active trip – a reasonable level of fitness is required.
What wildlife might we see?When you head out in kayaks to paddle through the waterways of Tortuguero National Park you’ll be looking out for monkeys, sloths, caiman, jaguars, lizards, bats and a gamut of birdlife.
Dates & Availability
- 11 May 2019 – 28 May 2019
- 20 Jul 2019 – 06 Aug 2019
- 17 Aug 2019 – 03 Sep 2019
- 21 Dec 2019 – 07 Jan 2020
- 28 Dec 2019 – 14 Jan 2020
- 01 Feb 2020 – 18 Feb 2020
- 15 Feb 2020 – 03 Mar 2020
- 11 Apr 2020 – 28 Apr 2020
- 09 May 2020 – 26 May 2020
- 18 Jul 2020 – 04 Aug 2020
- 15 Aug 2020 – 01 Sep 2020
- 12 Sep 2020 – 29 Sep 2020
This trip can be tailor made for your perfect travel dates. Please make a booking enquiry for more information.
Tour Operator
We love this operator for the freedom and flexibility they give travellers to get off the tourist trails and really experience local cultures. Their style of small group travel is perfect for solo travellers, couples or small groups of friends and their grassroots style of travel seeks to have a positive impact on the communities they visit.
They use local leaders, local accommodation & transport and support local community projects, ensuring sustainability is at the centre of everything they do.
In addition, they expect their staff and travellers to demonstrate the principles of responsible travel – respecting people, cultures and local environments; in the distribution of wealth; in good will and cross-cultural sharing; and in contributing to sustainable development.
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