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Costa Rica. Pacuare Costa Rica Adventure

Day 1: San Jose

Arrive at San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport and transfer to the charming Hotel Grano de Oro, a renovated stately mansion built at the turn of the century and updated with the comforts and amenities of a modern hotel. Hotel Grano de Oro is located on a quiet street near many fine restaurants, theaters and shops. Enjoy a tropical beverage in their open-air jacuzzi and be sure to try the chocolate cake!


Hotel Grano de Oro

Day 2: Pacuare River Rafting - Class III Rapids

Today you’ll float one of the most scenic tropical rivers in the world and venture into the primeval rainforest to your home for the next two days: the Pacuare Lodge. After an early morning pick-up stop for an authentic Costa Rican-style breakfast at a family run restaurant overlooking the lovely Orosi Valley.
Designated “Wild and Scenic,” the Pacuare River flows deep into an ancient and protected rainforest, winding its way through scenic canyons full of dense green vegetation and home to jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and numerous other species of mammals and birds. After a review of safety precautions embark on your rafting adventure (approx. 1.5 hours). The river alternates between the thrill and exhilaration of Class II-III white water rapids and the peace and serenity of placid green water as you pass tumbling waterfalls and listen to the calls of exotic rainforest wildlife.
Perched on the banks of the turquoise river and enveloped by the rainforest, the palm-thatched, open-air bungalows of Pacuare Lodge are designed to blend into its natural surroundings with minimal impact while providing touches of luxurious natural comforts. The open-air restaurant features delicious gourmet cuisine and guests can relax in the cozy open-air lounge on wicker sofas and hammocks while recounting the adventures of the day. Completely off the grid, the charm and romance of the lodge is enhanced by its thatched bungalows tucked into the tropical foliage featuring plush couches, arm chairs and a king-sized canopy bed, bathrooms with solar- heated indoor and outdoor showers, and a large private deck with hammocks complete with a dipping pool fed by spring water. Overnight at Pacuare Lodge.

Pacuare Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Pacuare Reserve

After being soothed to sleep by the sounds of the gurgling river and thousands of tree frogs, you awake to a symphony of bird song as the jungle comes to life in the morning. Enjoy a delicious breakfast of home-made bread, tropical fruits, yogurt, eggs, pancakes, cereal and juice and coffee. After breakfast, choose from a number of optional adventurous activities (at additional cost) including hiking to the Cabecar Indigenous Private Reserve, zip lining, horseback riding, canyoneering, river kayaking or, if you’d rather relax, a therapeutic massage. Overnight at Pacuare Lodge.

Pacuare Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Pacuare River Rafting Class IV Rapids

Today’s rafting adventure (approx. 3.5 hours) is interspersed with stops for a picnic lunch and to hike and explore side streams leading to spectacular waterfalls and crystalline pools for swimming. Take in the beauty of the densely vegetated, tropical river canyon while paddling the calm sections of the river. Feel the rush of adrenaline and sheer exhilaration as you face the challenge of each large wave and battle the surging Class III-IV rapids with names like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarrones, and Two Mountains! Your Pacuare rafting adventure ends with the triumph of having descended one of the most wild and scenic tropical rivers in the world. At the river take-out, you’ll be met by your naturalist guide and change into dry clothes for the scenic 3.5 hour drive to Arenal. Overnight at Arenal Nayara.

Arenal Nayara

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Arenal Volcano - Hanging Bridges, Vida Campesina & Hotsprings

Grab your camera, binoculars and water bottle for a morning exploring the rainforest canopy led by your guide on a series of hanging bridges winding through the old growth forest surrounding the Arenal Volcano. Look for an abundance of wildlife, including up to 250 species of birds and animals including the white hawk, great curassow, rufous motmot as well as howler monkeys, coatimundis, sloth and white-collared peccary. In the afternoon, visit the family-owned organic farm Arenal Vida Campesina for a typical Tico lunch and to experience the daily life of a Costa Rican farmer. This day of adventure and cultural interaction concludes at La Fortuna Hotsprings, a piece of paradise owned by Dona Mireya and her family. There are five creek-fed pools which are always the perfect temperature for relaxing as the sun sets, after which we are treated to a delicious home-style meals served in a rustic wooden rancho. Overnight at Arenal Nayara.

Arenal Nayara

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: North Pacific Beach - Nature tour en route

Today head to the beach!  A private land transfer takes you to the north Pacific coast, known for its abundant sunshine, wide sandy beaches, great surf and spectacular sunsets.  En route a nature tour is included (depending on weather guide might choose a  hike or boat tour).  You have two beach and hotel options to choose from depending on your preferences and availability: Hotel Capitan Suizo at Tamarindo beach or Latitude 10 Resort Hotel at Santa Teresa beach.  Total driving distance to the beach is approximately 4-5 hours with a stop to enjoy a nature tour. 


Hotel Capitan Suizo, Latitude 10 Resort, Santa Teresa

Breakfast

Days 7 & 8: North Pacific Beach

Feel free to sleep in late or rise early to catch the early morning surf as the next two days are yours to enjoy at your leisure. If you’re looking for more adventure, there are a plethora of active pursuits available including snorkeling and kayaking tours, surf lessons and hiking in several coastal national parks (optional activities at additional cost). Or you may prefer to simply relax, rejuvenate and spend the day lounging on the beach, swimming in the pool and soaking in the Costa Rican sun. (For family adventures, a 2 hour surfing lesson is included for each child). Overnight at Hotel Capitan Suizo or Latitude 10 Resort.

Hotel Capitan Suizo, Latitude 10 Resort, Santa Teresa

Breakfast

Day 9: Departure or Extend Your Trip

Invigorated and relaxed after your Costa Rica adventure tour, gaze at the vast Pacific Ocean before boarding short flight back to San Jose for your international departure or extend your Costa Rica vacation.
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Scheduled Departure Dates
Ask about your dates!

Departures available on request
Call 1.800.345.4453 or click here to request more information.

    1/12 - 1/20/2013

    2/16 - 2/24/2013

    2/23 - 3/3/2013

    3/2 - 3/10/2013

    3/23 - 3/31/2013

    3/30 - 4/7/2013

    4/6 - 4/14/2013

    4/13 - 4/21/2013

    4/20 - 4/28/2013

    5/11 - 5/19/2013

    5/25 - 6/2/2013

    6/1 - 6/9/2013

    6/15 - 6/23/2013

    6/22 - 6/30/2013

Dates listed are current scheduled departures only, other departure dates are available.

Contact us for details!