Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrive to San Jose International Airport Juan Santamaria. Welcome to San Jose! Transfer to Arenal.

Our exciting multi-sport tour begins immediately, as we travel from the Juan Santamaria International Airport to the Arenal Hotel. Situated by the Arenal Volcano, our hotel is an excellent location for observing the constantly erupting Arenal Volcano. Weather permitting, we may view one of its pyrotechnic shows. The hotel grounds feature abundant wildlife and a swimming pool for you to relax in. This evening we visit the famous Tabacon Hot Springs (Baldi Hot Springs) and enjoy a soak in one of its many pools. Located in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano, the Tabacon region is a wonderland of gardens, paths, steams and pools: five thermal and one with cool water plus a whirlpool. Mud facials and professional massage are available as an option for an additional cost. (L, D)
(Shorts or swimsuit and dry set of clothes, shorts & T-shirt to change into.)

Transfer times: From San Jose to La Fortuna 3 hours.

Activity level: Easy.

Day 2:

White Water Rafting Pacuare River, Hike Arenal Volcano National Park.

After breakfast we head to the Rio Sarapiqui for a wonderful Class III-IV White Water Rafting trip. After a brief introduction to paddling, we launch our rafts down the mighty Sarapiqui River. We traverse eight miles of remote and scenic waters that course through a wilderness of dense vegetation that completely covers the riverbank. The numerous rapids are interspersed with stretches of calm, tranquil water providing an opportunity to enjoy the surrounding tropical beauty. Arenal is one of the world's most active volcanoes, thundering and blowing since 1968. Arenal is located in the Tilaran Mountains and dominates the background of today's tour. We explore its National Park, and hike its trails through the forest to a safe viewing observatory from which you may see the majestic volcano's fireworks. (B, L, D) (Rubber-soled sandals or Tevas, shorts or swimsuit, cap, towel, and dry set of clothes, shorts & T-shirt to change into.)

Transfer times: From La Fortuna to rafting base - 2 hour 30 minutes. From rafting to La Fortuna - 2 hour 30 minutes.

Activity level: Easy to moderately easy.

Day 3:

Hike La Fortuna Waterfall.

After breakfast we will transfer to the La Fortuna Waterfall for our morning hike. This slightly challenging hike will take us down the slopes of the La Fortuna Canyon to the base of this breathtaking waterfall. After our descent, we will relax or even take a swim in the pool at the base of the fall. In the afternoon, we transfer to the Hotel in Monteverde. The hotel is styled after a Swiss chalet with views of the slopes of the Tilaran Mountains and Gulf of Nicoya. It is not uncommon to see monkeys and quetzals from the hotel's balconies! (B, L, D)

(Hiking boots, shorts, T-shirt, camera with fast film, binoculars.)

Transfer times: From La Fortuna to Monteverde 3 hours.

Activity level: Moderate.

Day 4:

Canopy Tour and Hiking Monteverde Nature Reserve.

Today, we experience the thrill of exploring the surrounding forest canopy. Our tour consists of ten platforms, twelve traverses and a rappel set in the heart of a cloud forest reserve, is the original site of the first Canopy Tour in Costa Rica. We begin with a hike through the cloud forest, then climb a rope ladder through the middle of a huge strangler fig. Once we are in the canopy, we slide from platform to platform enjoying splendid views of this multi-layered canopy. Assisted by expert guides, we then rappel back to the forest floor. The platforms vary in height from 20 meters to 33 meters above the forest floor. In the afternoon we will enjoy a hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, founded in the 1950's by a group of Quakers who migrated to the area from Alabama. The Reserve is world famous for the huge variety of life forms it supports. An elaborate system of trails winds through the Park inviting visit!

 

The Reserve is divided into six life zones, hosting a total of 2,500 species of plants, 100 species of mammals, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians including the endemic Golden toad (sapo dorado), 490 species of butterflies, including the blue morpho, and about 400 species of birds, including the quetzal.. (B, L, D)

(Hiking boots, shorts or light long trousers, T-shirt, camera with fast film, binoculars.)

Transfer times: None.

Activity level: Easy.

Day 5:

Hiking Santa Elena Nature Reserve, Hacienda Guachipelin.

In the morning, we visit the Santa Elena Reserve that was modeled after the larger, more ambitious Monteverde Cloud Forest project. It features several miles of well-maintained trails that lead us through the heart of a working, high-altitude rain forest. On a clear day, you may observe views of the Caribbean lowlands and the Arenal volcano. The Santa Elena Reserve was created in 1992 as a learning experience for Costa Rican and Canadian high school students working to prove that education, productivity and international relations can go hand in hand. In the afternoon we transfer to the Hacienda Guachipelin, at the base of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. (B, L, D)

(Hiking boots, shorts or light long trousers, T-shirt, camera with fast film, binoculars.)

Transfer times: From Monteverde to Hacienda Guachipelin 3 hours 30 minutes.

Activity level: Easy.

Day 6:

Mountain Biking Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Hacienda Guachipelin.

After breakfast we enjoy a quick mountain bike orientation, then the fat tire fun begins! Our ride today features the beauty of Costa Rica's natural wonders as we ascend through pristine forests set in the foothills of the spectacular Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. En route we will have an opportunity to enjoy a dip in a natural pool of a beautiful waterfall, on bike we will pass through the strange yet beautiful forests unique to this area. Lunch is in a clearing by small canyon formed by the union of two rivers, again we will be able to refresh our tired bodies by bathing in a natural pool. In the late afternoon we return to the hacienda. (B, L, D)

(Biking shorts, biking or tennis shoes, biking T-shirt. For the waterfall and river visits, shorts or swimsuit, towel.)

Transfer time: None.

Activity level: Easy.


Day 7:

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Kazm Canyon Tour.

After breakfast, prepare yourself for an amazing adrenaline filled experience on the Kazm Canyon Canopy Tour. We begin on a zip line that is set on the edge of a cliff that slides on suspended ropes through the canyon. The first two traverses into the Kazm Canyon are done by rope, where the tour changes radically. We find ourselves on platforms that are set on ledges inside the canyon. With a total of 10 platforms, 3 wall climbs, and what has been christened "The Tarzan Swing", this canopy tour also features the longest traverse ever at an amazing 70 meters. Do not forget to bring you camera for those "once in a lifetime shots"! For those that do not wish to experience the canopy tour, an optional hike may be possible. After lunch, we will depart for our return to San Jose. (B, L, D)

(Hiking boots, shorts or light long trousers, T-shirt, camera with fast film, binoculars.)

Transfer times: From Hacienda Guachipelin to San Jose 4 hours 30 minutes.

Activity level: Easy.

Day 8:

End of your multi-sport adventure in Costa Rica.

Transfer from San Jose to the International Airport. After a hearty breakfast, we will continue on to the Juan Santamaria Airport or your hotel in San Jose, if you are staying an additional night(s). (B)

(Scheduled departures should be arranged no earlier than 12:00 a.m. Remember that you should always arrive approximately two hours before your international flight’s scheduled departure time).

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