Travel to Costa Rica: River & Rainforest Adventure

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River & Rainforest Adventure

			DAYS: 9 GRADE: II define PRICE: From $1638 per person (Includes Local Air) * Also available on private basis. * HIGHLIGHTS: Savegre Cloud Forest Reserve Chirripo Highlands Corcovado National Park Corcovado Tent Lodge Pacuare River rafting ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges Deluxe Camp MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Explore Costa Rica's undiscovered wildlands on this active, natural history adventure. We hike through 600-year-old highland cloud forests near Mt. Chirripo, habitat of the Resplendent Quetzal, where we stay as guests of the Chacon family at their Savegre Mountain Lodge, a private farm and forest reserve. The Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp, set between lush rain forests and pristine tropical beaches of the Osa Peninsula, is our base to venture into Corcovado National Park, where we also ascend the canopy tree platform. We conclude our adventure with a two-day white water rafting trip down the Pacuare River. This adventure is for the active wilderness traveler.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE SAN JOSE
Arrive at San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport. Reception after passing through customs and transfer in to overnight at a San Jose area hotel. [Meals on own]

Spotting pairs of Scarlet Macaws is a highlight at Corcovado.

DAY 2 :  CORCOVADO RAINFOREST CANOPY PLATFORM
Meet other travelers in your group before you depart for the early morning flight to Carate. Flight time is approximately one hour and your departure time is dependent on low tide in order for you to make your way across the beach. Upon arrival in Carate, Corcovado Lodge staff will accompany you on the 30-45 minute walk along the beach to the Lodge. (Luggage will be transported by ox cart.) Today you ascend into the rainforest canopy. The 3 hour tour starts with a safety talk given at the Lodge by your Platform Guide. The adventure begins with a one-hour guided hike through the Corcovado Lodge Private Nature Reserve to the Canopy Platform. The Platform is located in a Guapinol tree 115 feet above the forest floor from where you have the opportunity to view the rain forest from a seldom seen perspective. White hawks, howler monkeys, anole lizards and pygmy squirrels may be sighted. Overnight Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp [BLD]

	Stay in canvas tents a breath away from the Pacific Ocean.

DAY 3 :  SALSIPUEDES BAY HIKE
Begin the 6 hour round trip hike to Salsipuedes Bay. Walking into Corcovado National Park, you'll pass through primary and secondary forests, a small stretch of mangrove and along the beach. This walk is renown for opportunities to see large flocks of Scarlet macaws feeding in almond trees. Overnight Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp [BLD]

DAY 4 :  CORCOVADO
Today is open to hike on your own, horseback ride (at your own risk), enjoy the beach, or just relax in a hammock under a palm tree overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Overnight Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp [BLD]

DAY 5 :  SAVEGRE VALLEY
Morning stroll back to the Carate airstrip for the return flight to San Jos. After lunch, we depart for the 3 hour drive on the Pan-American Highway heading south to the Chirripo Highlands and Savegre Mountain Lodge. Stay as guests of the Chacon family in the quaint cabins on their farm and nature reserve. The peach and apple orchards are surrounded by one of the most rich cloud forest habitats in the Americas. This afternoon is free to relax or join one of the many half day excursions of the area (not included). Be prepared with a lightweight jacket for the cool climate. Savegre Mountain Lodge or similar [BLD]

DAY 6 :  CERRO DE LA MUERTE
A hearty, early breakfast prepares us for the Cerro de la Muerte hike. Accompanied by a local guide, we hike 5 to 6 hours down the mountain back to Savegre Mountain Lodge. We pass through sub-alpine paramo and the famed Oak forests of Savegre Valley watching birds and other wildlife along the way. Savegre Mountain Lodge or similar [BLD]

Feel the thrill of the Pacuare River on a two day rafting trip.

DAY 7 :  PACUARE RIVER RAFTING
Early morning departure from Savegre Mountain Lodge to a local restaurant. Here you will be met by your river guides. Spend the next two days rafting along the thrilling Pacuare River. Your professional guides will instruct you in safety procedures and paddling techniques before challenging the rapids. This class III-IV river is one of the most scenic and remote river environments in Costa Rica. Overnight at the El Nido del Tigre Camp or similar [BLD]

DAY 8 :  PACUARE RIVER
Awaken to the soothing sounds of the Pacuare River canyon and the smells of a delicious breakfast prepared by your river guides. The rapids today will be interspersed with side trips to swimming holes and waterfalls, and you'll have a picnic lunch on the river's edge. River time: approximately 4 hours. Mid-afternoon take out. Return to San Jose (2 hours driving time) for a farewell dinner. Overnight at a San Jose area hotel [BLD]

DAY 9 :  DEPART SAN JOSE
Depart for the airport approximately two hours before your scheduled international flight. [Meals on own]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

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