Few spots in the world offer the extraordinary natural and scenic diversity of Costa Rica. And few trips capture the essence of this coastal paradise as well as our variety-packed 8-day multi-sport tour. Explore wildlife-rich cloud forests in Monteverde and Rincon de la Vieja. View smoldering volcanoes and soak in natural hot springs in Arenal National Park. Raft exciting whitewater and mountain bike through remote river valleys.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive San Jose Airport. Transfer to Arenal
Welcome to San Jose! 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 Water 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. Transfer times: from San Jose to La Fortuna 3 hours. Activity level: easy. Includes: (L), (D).
Day 2 - Whitewater Rafting, Rio Sarapiqui, Hike Arenal Volcano
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. Transfer times: from La Fortuna to Put-in 1 hour 30 minutes. From Pull-out to La Fortuna 1 hour 30 minutes. Activity level: easy to moderately easy. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3 - Hike La Fortuna Waterfall
After breakfast we will transfer to the La Fortuna Waterfall for our morning hike. This challenging hike will take us down the slopes of the La Fortuna Canyon to the base of this 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! Transfer times: from La Fortuna to Monteverde 3 hours. Activity level: moderate. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
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, like the blue morpho, and about 400 species of birds, like the quetzal. Transfer times: none. Activity level: easy. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
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. Transfer times: from Monteverde to Hacienda Guachipelin 3 hours 30 minutes. Activity level: easy. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
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. Transfer time: none. Activity level: easy. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7 - 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. Transfer times: from Hacienda Guachipelin to Sann Jose 4 hours 30 minutes. Activity level: easy. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8 - End of your multi-sport adventure in Costa Rica
Transfer to San Jose 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). Includes: (B).
Testimonials:
"Like most who book a trip via the net, I had some trepidation. However, Steve and his group had a great response rate to my questions and their solutions, ideas, and candor preceding the trip were top notch, so we went for it. We arrived in CR with high expectations and they were met and exceeded at every turn. Our jungle tour with Mike Boston was the highlight - four days of hiking, learning, and amazement - but the white water trip (we took the two day and the mid-trip accommodations were incredible) was terrific too". Don Andrews
"The attention to detail was perfect - these guys are professionals! It takes an enormous amount of work to make all the details work, and this was done seamlessly. I highly recommend Banana Adventures to anyone who wants to get the most out of their Costa Rica vacation". Liz Warren
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
- 2 Nights at La Fortuna;
- 2 Nights at Monteverde;
- 2 Night at Liberia;
- 1 Night at San Jose;
- Meals as described in itinerary;
- Ground transportation in air-conditioned vehicle with driver;
- All equipment used, & support vehicle during bike tour;
- Bilingual Guide;
- All tours listed;
- Insurances;
- 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.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Multi-activity
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
| Check out these similar vacation offers: |
|
|
