Mountains, Beaches & Rivers | Trip Itinerary

Trip Highlights:

• Two-day Whitewater Rafting, Pacuare River
• Mountain biking
• Sea Kayaking in the Golfo Dulce
• Mixture of hotels, camping and cabins
• Overnight rainforest tent camp – El Nido del Tigre

 ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival
Our local representative will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Our representative will go over your trip and answer any questions you may have. Evening free to explore San Jose.

Day 2 – Pacuare River (Rafting)
This morning, we will pick you up after breakfast to begin the trip with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the “put in” on the Pacuare River. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids while exploring this magnificent river valley. This afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, “El Nido del Tigre.” Nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river. (B, L, D)

Day 3 – Pacuare River (Rafting)
Today the Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. Along the way we take time out to do a side hike to some waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres. We take-out in the heart of banana plantation country at Finca Pacuarito, where we rest for the night. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Santa María de Dota (Mountain Biking)
We drive up to Cerro de la Muerte at an altitude of 2330 meters, high on the Continental Divide. A 20 km section of mountain biking mostly downhill on dirt roads brings us to the coffee growing community of Santa Maria de Dota. We spend the night in family run cabins just outside of town. An evening walk for some local color is a must with time to reflect on the day’s adventure. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Pacific Slopes to Manuel Antonio National Park (Mountain Biking)
Our second day of mountain biking (60km) takes us through the sparsely populated and incredibly scenic Pacific slopes. Our adventure is a raucous and exhilarating downhill ride to the coastal plain, through a remote area of thick forest and isolated farms. Once out of the hills, we cross the river at Paso Real and push on biking all the way to the white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio. We arrive in time for a well deserved dunking in the hotel pool or a plunge in the surf at the local beach. (B, L)

Day 6 – Manuel Antonio (relaxation)
Free day on your own. The area is very established and offers a great variety of restaurants, bars and activities. Optional activities include: zip lining, horseback riding, guided hikes in the park, scuba diving, surfing lessons, ocean fishing, sea kayaking, kayaking in Isla Damas Mangrove, ATV's, jet sky, etc. or just relaxing on the exceptional beaches of the park. (B)

Day 7 – Golfo Dulce/Osa Península (Sea Kayaking)
This morning we continue south by van along the Pacific coast to our sea kayaking put-in, Rincon de la Osa, located on the banks of the Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula. The reflection of the rainforest meeting the calm waters of the gulf is a perfect setting for our 15 km sea kayak along this beautiful coastline. We reach our camp in the late afternoon. (B, L, D)

Day 8 – Golfo Dulce/Osa Península (Sea Kayaking)
Back on the water! An hour into the paddle we reach the mouth of the Esquinas River – here we head up stream to explore this wildlife rich estuary. There is an opportunity to set up ropes for an assisted climb up one of the coconut palms and to snorkel a reef in front of the beach before getting back in the kayaks and making for our camp for the night. (B, L, D)

Day 9 – Crossing the Gulf (Sea Kayaking) / Return to San Jose
An early morning departure allows for a spectacular and relaxing paddle along the lush coastline to the port town of Golfito. The 16km paddle takes around 3-4 hours with several stops for pictures and snacks. We arrive in Golfito by mid-morning and drive back to San Jose. The evening may be spent taking in the sights and sounds of San Jose. (B)
Note: A local flight from Golfito to San Jose is also an option for an additional charge.

Day 10 – Departure
Our local representative will drive you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner