Travel to Costa Rica: Costa Rica Sports Adventure

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Costa Rica Sports Adventure

			DAYS: 7 GRADE: III define PRICE: From $1798 per person (Includes Local Air) HIGHLIGHTS: Mountain biking near Arenal Volcano Boat canal tours and kayaking in Tortuguero National Park Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Explore Costa Rica's wild lands and small towns on this active, outdoor adventure. Ride top-of-the-line mountain bikes on country roads in the shadow of Arenal Volcano, paddle stable kayaks through the jungle waterways of Tortuguero National Park, and raft the wild and scenic Pacuare River. Age limit of 12 on this adventure.

DAY 1 :  SAN JOSE
Reception upon arrival at San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport, assistance through immigration and customs. Transfer to overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea or similar. [Meals on own]

DAY 2 :  TILAJARI
Drive four hours through Costa Rica's scenic mountains and rich agricultural lands to Tilajari. After settling in and having lunch we go out for first our bike ride. The area around Tilajari and Arenal Volcano is recognized for having some of the best conditions for biking in the world. This afternoon's 20.4-mile ride traverses over flat to easy rolling countryside. Overnight Tilajari Resort. [BLD]

Exploring the back roads of Costa Rica by mountain bike.

DAY 3 :  ARENAL
Our second day of land cycling takes us from the base of Arenal Volcano (1625' elevation) back down to Tilajari Resort (210' elevation). Although we climb up a few short, steep hills, this 33.5-mile ride is characterized by its exhilarating decent. If we catch a glimpse of Arenal out of the clouds, the views are spectacular on this route. At the half-way point we stop for a soak in Dona Mireya's natural hot springs where our hostess prepares a fresh, typical Costa Rican lunch. Overnight Tilajari Resort. [BLD]

DAY 4 :  TORTUGUERO

This day is the least active because we will travel from Arenal to the North Atlantic Coast. After an early breakfast, drive for about five hours to the Cano Blanco dock near Siquirres, passing through banana plantations and coffee fields. In Cano Blanco, we meet the boat and Tortuguero Guide for the 1.5 hour ride to Tortuguero. We arrive at Tortuga Lodge in time for a dip in the award-winning pool before dinner. Overnight at Tortuga Lodge. [BLD]

	Kayaks allow you to enter small canals and other places where motorsboats cannot go.

DAY 5 :  TORTUGUERO
Journey into the lowland, flooded rain forests of Tortuguero National Park. Originally intended to protect a major nesting beach of the Atlantic green sea turtle, Tortuguero National Park now protects one of the largest areas of tropical rain forest in Central America. These forests are habitat for the endangered Great green macaw, White-faced, Howler and Spider monkeys, Chestnut mandibled toucan, the Slatey-tailed trogon, and many more species. Travel by motor boats up small creeks as we venture deep in this flooded forest for an active day of adventure with canoes or kayaks. Choose your vessel and explore the jungle wilderness. After a picnic lunch we return to the lodge any time from early to late afternoon. Relax poolside or in a hammock before dinner. Overnight at Tortuga Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 6 :  DELUXE PACUARE RIVER RAFTING TRIP
This morning, depart early from Tortuga Lodge by boat to Limon (2.5 hours). Your van will be waiting to take you to the putin of the Pacuare river.The adrenaline will be racingas you tackle the exhilarating Class III and IV Pacuare River white water. Not only will you be in for a wild ride but you will be awed by the beautiful gorges, serene pools, rushing waterfalls and variety of wildlife in this primary rainforest. The Pacuare River is often rated as a top five rafting river for its combination of exuberant scenery and exciting rapids. Your expert guides will give you a thorough safety talk and paddling instruction before the boats are launched. This is a safe and fun trip for all, as long as you bring your spirit of adventure and don't mind getting a bit wet. Water level permitting, a guide will lead you on a hike up one of the many creeks that spill into the Pacuare. Upon your return, find a gourmet lunch prepared by your guides turned white-gloved waiters. Float and paddle downriver to the take-out in the Caribbean town of Siquirres where towels and a victory cocktail await. This wild and scenic river is fun for the adventuresome beginner and experienced rafter alike. Drive back to San Jose where you'll receive a complimentary photo CD of your trip. Farewell dinner and overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea or similar. [BLD]

DAY 7 :  RETURN TO USA OR BEGIN EXTENSION
Depart for the airport approximately two hours before your international flight or begin trip extension. [Meals on your own]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Grettel Calderon 1(800)345-4453