Day 1: San José
Arrival
Meet and greet at Juan Santamaria International Airport and private transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Costa Rica
Pacuare River Rafting Adventure
Your adventure starts rafting down the Pacuare River through breath-taking canyons and luxuriant vegetation to reach the singular Pacuare Lodge. This protected zone of incomparable beauty covers approximately 25,000 acres extending from the town of Siquirres to the Talamanca Mountain Range. This is the perfect way to explore one of Costa Rica’s most dense rainforests, allowing guests time to fully enjoy a variety of excursions and the area’s stunning natural scenery.
Early morning pick-up at the lobby of your hotel to be transferred to Pacuare river put-in (approx. 2H30). A typical Costa Rican breakfast is included in a local restaurant, in route.
The Pacuare River has its source in the Talamanca Range and flows approximately 108 km to the Caribbean coast. It is a popular location for whitewater rafting, whitewater kayaking and river boarding. The rainforests that surround the river are home to exotic animal species such as jaguars, monkeys, ocelots, and a very large number of birds. The Pacuare River has been recognized as one of the top ten scenic rivers in the world by National Geographic Magazine.
After arriving at the river, Pacuare Lodge’s expert guides will explain safety precautions and provide you with the necessary rafting gear before the rafting adventure begins. Once in the water, you’ll experience sheer exhilaration as you face the challenge of each huge wave, battling surging waters down miles of raging rapids.
On this first day on the river, a journey that takes just over an hour and a half (class II-III rapids), the river passes through scenic canyons where crystal clear waterfalls plummet down into the rapidly coursing river below. Tall trees and dense green vegetation come right down to the water’s edge. The thick undergrowth of this protected area provides shelter for a variety of tropical animals and birds, including some endangered species. As you round the bend, you’ll spy the indigenous-style facilities of the Pacuare Lodge. Here you’ll disembark from your raft and walk up the gently rising steps to the main lodge.
Arrival at Pacuare Lodge is estimated between 12:00 – 1:00 pm.
After lunch, you can take the Sustainability Tour with a naturalist guide, explore the rainforest sliding along cables from tree to tree or simply relax in your private bungalow.
In the evening, dine on gourmet delicacies by candlelight and then visit the upstairs lounge for a drink before leaving to a restful night’s sleep.
Day 3: Costa Rica
Pacuare Lodge
Day to relax or to experience some of the activities available for guests.
Day 4: Arenal
Rafting in Pacuare River – Arenal
Breakfast at the lodge. Departure from the lodge to Arenal area.
In the morning, you will depart by raft for an even more fun-filled day of white water rafting excitement (approximately 31⁄2 hours over class III-IV rapids), including a delicious picnic lunch along the river. At the river take-out, you will have a chance to change clothes before taking the private transfer to Arenal region (approx. 4h30min).
Day 5: Arenal
Private Volcano Hike (B)
Breakfast is included in the hotel.
In the morning, private guided visit to Arenal Volcano National Park.
Day 6: Papagayo
Arenal – Papagayo Peninsula (B)
After a delicious breakfast, private transfer to the Four Seasons Papagayo Peninsula Hotel (3 hours approximately).
Day 7: Papagayo
Four Seasons
Day to relax or to experience some of the activities available for guests.
Day 8:
Papagayo Peninsula – San Jose
Private transfer to Liberia airport to take a local flight back to San Jose.
At arrival, private transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport.
