Splash into your Costa Rica adventure rafting on the wild waters of the Pacuare River. Next, explore the country's tropical plantations, with a casual bike tour through CATIE, the celebrated agricultural research center. Learn about local vegetation and sample fresh coffee beans and exotic fruits. Follow that with a hike into the cloud forest of the Savegre Reserve. And finally, finish your trip at the jungle lodge, whose ocean views and miles of isolated beaches are unparalleled.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive San Jose. Overnight
Day 2: Pacuare River Rafting (L,D)
Begin your Costa Rica adventures with Class III-IV whitewater rafting down the Pacuare River. As famous for its spirited waters as it is for its beauty, the Pacuare River doesn't disappoint as you plunge through mountain gorges, run long stretches of powerful rapids and weave your way through a rainforest alive with the sounds of howler monkeys, toucans, sloths and ocelots. That evening you'll travel to the Turrialba Valley and spend the night at the relaxing Guayabo Lodge.
The lodge offers wonderful views of the Turrialba Volcano and the rest of the valley. One of the most important regions in Costa Rica, the valley supplies much of the country's drinking water and is home to a spectacular variety of animals, including over 550 different species of exotic birds. A quick briefing by a biking outfitter helps prepare us for our cycling adventure in the morning.
Day 3: Biking tour of CATIE (B,L,D)
Today, slow things down a bit with a casual bike tour through Costa Rica's world-renowned agricultural research center, CATIE. Learn about planting techniques unique to the region and get to know the texture, smells, and tastes of the local agriculture. Sample shade-grown coffee, cocoa, bananas, macadamia, mango, avocado and sugarcane from the field. The comfortable four-hour ride develops over easy country roads, gravel paths, and farm trails. As you coast along, keep an eye out for the wildlife that - like the intuitive traveler - is attracted to the plantation's diverse fruits and flowers.
The biking trip finishes with a visit to the Tropical Botanical Garden, which offers a collection of some of the world's most important tropical plant species. The afternoon is yours to unwind or take in any of the extra activities available in the area including horseback riding, a visit to the Turrialba Volcano or the Guayabo Archaeological Site.
Day 4: Turrialba to Savegre (B,D)
Relax this morning and enjoy the wonderful Turrialba climate. For the energetic, an optional excursion of hiking or horseback riding can be arranged the night before. After lunch, you'll say good-bye to the valley and head south toward San Gerard de Dota. The drive takes you into paramo at Cerro de la Muerte - paramo is a high altitude grassland ecosystem. Near the highest point of the highway, you'll descend into lush cloudforest following the Savegre River to one of Costa Rica's best examples of sustainable tourism. The Savegre Mountain Lodge is owned and run by the Chacon family - pioneers in ecotourism. Settle in this afternoon and enjoy your Costa Rica vacation in the pure mountain air, savoring the hospitality of this family-run lodge.
Day 5: Hike at Savegre Reserve (B,L,D)
Today you will have the opportunity to explore this remarkable region, hiking the reserve's incredible landscape while making your way through the famous oak forest and epiphyte vegetation. Made of up 400 hectares of forest, 80% of which are virgin, the Savegre Reserve is used as a living research laboratory by institutions from around the world. Here, you're more likely than any other place in Costa Rica to spot the famed Resplendent Quetzal - its bright red and green feathers make it a favorite of both the novice and experienced birdwatcher. You return to the lodge in time for a hearty lunch. The afternoon is yours to take an optional excursion. Zip line through the canopy. Take a horseback ride, Try your luck at trout fishing, or just take advantage of the spectacular view!
Day 6-7: On to Golfo Dulce (B,L,D)
This morning you will be picked up and transferred the 4 hours further south to Golfito. Here you will board a boat to take you to the small rainforest lodge along Playa Nicuesa. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is a 165-acre private owner-operated preserve nestled within the awesome blue-green waters of the Golfo Dulce along the Pacific Coast. The lush rainforest of the 14,000 hectare Piedras Blancas National Park and unspoiled remote beaches on the Golfo Dulce are the rewards for the long trip to this remote part of the country! Your time here will be flexible to arrange activities as you like! Here you will enjoy multiple activity options in the rainforest and the ocean. Both land and water based adventures and activities are offered locally. Most may be self guided, or you may be led by in-house nature guides upon request. Included in your stay are unlimited self guided hikes on preserve, use of kayaks, windsurfers, snorkeling and fishing gear.
Day 8: Return San Jose (B)
This morning you will take a boat back to Golfito for your return flight to San Jose (or extend your stay with another night along the Pacific Coast). Spend your last night here in the beautiful country!
Day 9: Return Home
Accommodations: 2 nights comfortable hotels, 5 nights comfortable lodge, 1 night country inn
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: minibuses, jeep, river boat
A fairly active itinerary that introduces you to a variety of Costa Rica's tropical highlights.
Weekly departures
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
For additional night at Playa Nicuesa, add $200 per person
Single Supplement: US$315
US$205 Triple Room Discount
US$120 Quadruple Room Discount
US$585 Child discount (11 or younger) sharing with 2 adults - triple/quad room discounts not applicable.
Note: Internal return flight to San Jose: Add $130 per person
Personal Budgeting: Allow $60 for meals not included, $150 optional excursions, $27 international departure tax, gratuities
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$55, Single US$90
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Rainforest
Ecotourism
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