from $1,725* per person | 11 Days | Year-round |
Boutique accommodations
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Exertion level: 4
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Operator: Adventure Life Journeys |
12 people max
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This 9-day Costa Rica vacation is perfect for the traveler who is short on time, but big on adventure. We start our travels at the Arenal Volcano, followed by the beautiful Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve in search of capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws, and two and three-toed sloths. The day before heading to the lively town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio, we climb into the rainforest canopy for a high adrenaline adventure along the zip lines and rope traverses of Monteverde. Day 7 finds us enjoying the whitewater of the Rio Savegre - Class III rapids all morning long! An exciting itinerary that introduces you to the best of Costa Rica.
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Locations visited/nearby
Arenal Volcano
, Monteverde
, Manuel Antonio
, La Cusinga Lodge
, Whitewater Rafting, Costa Rica, Central America
2 testimonials about this trip
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Reviewer: M. Ashley
located in
Richmond,
TX
Feb, 2006
Our tour guide and driver were excellent. We could not have asked for better. They continually went above and beyond their duties to ensure we were getting the maximum from our trip. They were polite, on time and knowledgeable about the area. We would have missed many details and sightings of animals, flora, fauna, etc., without their watchful eyes. Our guide was very organized and detail oriented. Whenever we took additional excursions, he always talked to the guides of that group and handled the arrangements for us. Upon arrival at our destination, they were always there waiting for us with a warm smile and wave. He also would call to the excursion leaders to notify we were en route and to ensure the local guides would be there upon our arrival. Everything flowed very smoothly and in a timely manner, which I credit our guide for. We learned a lot from him regarding the area and its resources. Our driver was excellent and very careful. He maintained the van keeping it spotless which was difficult with us continually getting in out with our muddy and sandy shoes. These two worked very well together as a team. We cannot say enough good things about them. You have two people who are a great asset to your organization. They helped make our trip and enjoyable and memorable trip.
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Reviewer: R. Gamblin
located in
Lodi,
CA
Jan, 2005
We greatly enjoyed our Costa Rican adventure! We've taken several vacations in Central America and the Caribbean in the past few years and this was by far the best! Costa Rica is such a beautiful country! And so easy! Our guide and driver took care of everything for us. They were a real pleasure to be with. The guide was able to answer virtually all of our zillions of questions, and our driver, was full of jokes and is an excellent wildlife spotter. We'd recommend Adventure Life to anyone.
Thanks for your help in arranging this wonderful experience. We're ready to return next year!
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Reviewer: S. Cook
located in
Santa Barbara,
CA
USA
Adventure Life is one of the few organizations in the world that get what matters most - customers. Your staff and services were excellent and of quality. It is clear that everyone at Adventure Life loves what they do and do what they love.
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
- May accommodate certain types of disabilities. Contact the operator for more information.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive San Jose
Overnight
Days 2-3 Arenal Volcano (2B,L,2D)
This morning we're off to Arenal Observatory Lodge. Dormant for centuries, Arenal Volcano exploded in a massive eruption of molten lava and ash in 1968. Since that time, it has continued to belch great clouds of ash and occasional lava. It is now one of the world's most active volcanoes and volcanologists from all over the world come here to study this tropical volcano. You'll spend the night at the Arenal Observatory Lodge where the Smithsonian Institute has set up its research facilities. The dining hall offers spectacular views of the conical volcano, and the lodge's 870 acres, bordered by Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve and Arenal National Park, provide miles of trails through pristine forest. Our drive to Arenal takes a few hours and we stop en route for lunch on the way. On day 3, enjoy some freetime in the Arenal area. There are lots of optional excursions available in this area. You can go mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding or even take a hike in the miles of trails in the area. You could also visit Ecotermales Hot Springs in the evening. Your guide is on hand to help you plan your day as you wish!
Days 4-5 Monteverde Cloudforest (2B)
This morning we'll hike into the national park to see old lava flows and enjoy the unique flora. Mid-morning we leave Arenal, driving around Costa Rica's Lake Arenal to the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloudforests on the continent. Founded in 1972, the Reserve encompasses six different ecological life zones and protects more than 100 mammal species, 400 bird species, and upwards of 1,500 plant species. In our explorations we'll keep watch for one of the area's most famed residents, the Resplendant Quetzal. On the morning of Day 5, we'll be fitted into special gear to fly from platform to platform high above the ground, and try the famous Tarzan Swing drop! For the less adventurous, there's a nearby sky walk suspended in the canopy that's great for birding and learning more about the local ecology (please let us know ahead of time if you prefer this option). This afternoon we hike through the reserve, viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees.
Day 6 Monteverde - Manuel Antonio (B)
We leave in the morning to make the 4-5 hour drive to Quepos where we'll stay in a hotel near Manuel Antonio. In the afternoon, spend some hours exploring the popular Manuel Antonio National park and then we'll say good-bye to our guide this evening.
Day 7 Whitewater Rafting (B,L)
This morning we rise and head to the Class II-III whitewater of the Savegre River (or we try class III on the Naranjo during green season). Plunge through jungle clad gorges and float past cascading waterfalls. Along the way enjoy the variety of bird life such as egrets, osprey, kingfishers, cormorants, parrots and more. After the river trip, we return to Quepos.
Day 8 Quepos (B)
This morning spend your time as you like. There is no guide service today, so you are free to explore Quepos at your own pace. Walk along the expansive white beaches of nearby Manuel Antonio Park, or explore the lush vegetation, alive with 109 species of mammal and over 184 species of birds. Late this afternoon transfer back to San Jose, or if your international flight does not depart until late on Day 9, spend tonight relaxing in Quepos.
Day 9 San Jose/Return Home (B)
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