Active Costa Rica
Seasonal Information
This holiday offers you a range of opportunities that celebrate the rich diversity of Costa Rica’s wildlife and indulge your penchant for adventure as you fly and swing through the forest on zip-lines, enjoy the thrills of white water rafting, hike in the foothills of a volcano and go kayaking in the ocean. This is a full-on active and adventurous holiday, making the very best of your time in this fascinating land.
- San Jose
- Pacaure River
- Boca Tapada
- Arenal Volcano
- Rio Perdido
- Guanacaste Beaches
From crossing hanging bridges over the jungle’s canopy to exhilarating white rafting down the rainforest rivers, Costa Rica is well known for being full of adventure. Explore the best this country has to offer over this 14-day trip, where you can visit unexplored areas and enjoy a truly authentic experience.
After your arrival at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), a representative will meet and greet you and provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need during your trip; itinerary and the main contact information and phone numbers in case further assistance is required. Then, you will be transferred to the San Jose area where you will be staying for your first night in Costa Rica.
Today, you will travel through dense jungle and along the banks of the Pacuare River, where you will climb into a hanging gondola to cross the water – quite an adventure! There is just a 300 meters hike to the Pacuare Lodge. Here you will find a unique jungle oasis nestled in the most remarkable setting. Without the distractions of technology, guests can connect fully to the rhythms and romance of the rainforest and with their own travelling companions. The candlelit rooms make for a cosy, intimate guest experience.
Awaken the following morning to the harmonious melody created by the sounds of the river and the sweet songs of tropical birds. During the morning, you can enjoy one of the available activities (extra cost), hike to the local native community or hike to the nearby waterfall.
For the rest of the day, you are at leisure to enjoy the scenic beauty of the natural surroundings of the Pacuare River or participate in the optional activities offered at the lodge. Thanks to its proximity to the Caribbean lowlands and the high annual rainfall, this area has an extraordinary abundance of rainforests with massive vegetation, providing protection for jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths and numerous species of birds and plants which offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Today is full of adventure and adrenaline. A professional guide and the right equipment will be waiting at the river, and after some safety instructions, you will start on this incredible rafting journey. In the water, you will experience the exhilaration of riding the waves on this wild and scenic river, which passes through picturesque canyons where crystal-clear waterfalls plummet down into the rapidly coursing river below. You may stop to explore side streams that lead to striking waterfalls and pools with a natural waterslide that tempts you to jump. A picnic lunch will be served along the river, and when you reach the end, you can change into dry clothes and head to the drop-off point.
From here, you will receive your car rental to start your journey toward the northern lowlands. Along this route, you will pass through different towns such as Puerto Viejo (Sarapiqui), San Miguel, Venecia and Aguas Zarcas. In addition, along the way you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, which includes amazing views of the mountains and one of the major sources of revenue in the area, the agriculture. Depending on the season, you will observe pineapple, banana and/or sugar cane crops. You will arrive in Boca Tapada late in the afternoon.
The next day, you are at leisure to explore the wonders of this area on your own. A boat tour on the San Carlos River, Walking Tours, horseback riding or a night tour are part of the optional (extra cost) activities in the area.
After breakfast, you will be making your way to the Arenal – Fortuna area, home of the famous Arenal Volcano. The drive from Celeste River to the Arenal Volcano area is relatively short; in fact, you can take it at your own speed to admire the scenery as you go along the different plantations. After this, you will be able to enjoy a two-night stay at a hotel in the Arenal volcano area.
This region is characterised by the countryside of rural towns. The lands are dedicated to agriculture and cattle ranches that become what many people have called the heart of the country. The main attraction of this area is by far the Arenal Volcano, which rises 1,633 meters above sea level, showing off its almost perfect conic shape.
The next day is reserved for you to enjoy the different tourist attractions (at extra cost) that are near the Arenal Volcano. If you want to explore the area in a more exciting way, we recommend the Sky Tram & Sky Trek. This excursion combines the ascent to the top of the mountains by means of a cable car, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Lake Arenal, while the descent is made by means of pulleys attached to transverse cables that go from one mountain to another to give way to adventure and fun. If you prefer a quieter excursion and to admire the natural beauty of the northern plains, we recommend a visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a system of trails immersed in the tropical rainforest where 16 hanging bridges are found. The bridges and trails were built with all types of visitors and their safety in mind. This route is adorned by magnificent views of the imposing Arenal Volcano, and regularly you can find an enormous variety of species such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects.
Today you will leave Arenal behind you and continue to Rio Perdido Lodge, dramatically perched above two converging rivers. This afternoon you’ll have a chance to follow walking trails in the forest, visit the thermal mineral pools or relax with a massage at the spa. Tonight, you can opt to take a guided walk to the thermal river before returning to your cosy bungalow.
The following day is your chance to take the canyon adventure with its mix of wall-mounted platforms, ladders and via ferrata, Tarzan and pendulum swings and zip-lines. It’s high octane adventure, guaranteed to set the pulse racing. You’ll have time to enjoy the thermal pools, hot springs and relaxation decks.
Today will continue on your wonderful experience driving to Santa Teresa beach in the Nicoya Peninsula. It is one of the World’s five Blue Zones, as recognized by UNESCO, for the healthy lives and longevity presented by its population. In this magical place is Nantipa, the newest Luxury Boutique hotel that has been inaugurated in Costa Rica. Nantipa’s mission is to combine World Class design with authentic Costa Rican hospitality right on one of the country’s top beaches. The vibrant and unique natural setting and the barefoot luxury feel of Santa Teresa provide the perfect setting to deliver unique and memorable experiences.
Spend the next 2 days at your leisure, exploring the area and learning about the local customs. Santa Teresa is an authentic beach town with its own unique culture and style. Many define Santa Teresa as the new home for barefoot luxury, combining world-class surfing conditions, great yoga studios and instructors, superb cuisine and great nature and parks, all in a relaxed atmosphere that depicts Costa Rica’s Pura Vida lifestyle.
Many well-known restaurants featuring cuisine from many regions, along with bakeries, coffee shops, small strip malls and bars are found along the main road and on the beachside, giving guests a wealth of dining, shopping and nightlife alternatives.
After breakfast, it will be time to drive back to the central volcanic mountain range. You will enjoy beautiful landscapes en route to the Central Valley. Delight in the unique combination of comfort and nature surrounded by coffee fields and wonderful views of the Central Valley.
Today, you will be making your way to SJO International Airport where you will drop off the car. Please consider the additional timing to drop off the car and also consider that as per airport regulations, passengers are requested to be at the airport 3 hours before the departure time of their flight for the checking-in process.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
- Self-Driving Program
- Program available all year
- Minimum age of 13 years.
- Minimum participants 2 Adults
- Flexible itinerary
- Minimum Age for Care Rental 25 Years
- Private unescorted transfer from SJO Int’l Airport to San Jose
- One (1) night accommodation at hotel, San José
- Two (2) night regular package Pacuare River.
- Includes: transportation (San Jose – Pacuare River – Siquirres), rafting river equipment, bilingual guide, lodging and daily meals.
- Car rental Suzuki Vitara, full cover insurance, free km, additional driver and GPS
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- Rental days from Day 4 after Pacuare until Day 14 departure day
- Two (2) nights accommodation at Boca Tapda area.
- Two (2) nights accommodation at Arenal Volcano area.
- Two (2) nights accommodation at Bagaces Mountain area.
- Three (3) nights accommodation at Santa Teresa area.
- One (1) night accommodation at Central Valley Mountains area.
- 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners.
- Sales taxes
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips or gratitude
- Souvenirs
- Tours at the destinations that are not listed in the itinerary
- All Flights
- Deposit fee for the car rental
- Suitable for active people
- Children over 13
- Family
- Birdwatchers
There is an ample selection of state-owned and privately held banks in San Jose, and throughout the country. The official currency of Costa Rica is the colon; however, US dollars are widely accepted. US dollars and traveller’s checks can be changed in banks and hotels. Most major credit cards are widely accepted, and cash advances can be obtained at banks around the country and in a variety of places throughout San Jose.
Ninety-seven percent of the national territory has electrical service. The voltage in residential areas is 110B\V 60 HZ (the same as the United States and Canada) is the standard in Costa Rica.
GMT/UTC -6. Costa Rica is in the Central time zone.
Costa Rican cuisine is relatively bland compared to other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, eating and drinking in areas frequented by tourists is generally safe. Costa Rica’s concern for food safety also makes it an ideal location to sample the wide variety of tropical fruits that are available throughout the year. The prices could vary according to the destination and would be between $15 and $30.
Coffee of course! Refrescos or simply frescos are beverages made from fresh fruit (cas, guayaba/guava, sandia/watermelon, mora/blackberry, fresa/strawberry, piña/pineapple, papaya), sugar and either water or milk (depending on the fruit).
Horchata – A cornmeal drink flavoured with cinnamon
Guaro – the national firewater drank by the shot! Café Rica – A locally made coffee liqueur
The Gallo pinto – traditionally served at breakfast, is a mixture of rice and beans with a little cilantro, onion, red pepper thrown in, do not forget to ask for the secret ingredient: Salsa Lizano
Casado, which means married, is the typical lunch in Costa Rica, containing rice and beans with meat, chicken or fish, always served with salad and fried plantain
Arreglados – Puff pastries filled with beef, chicken or cheese
Sopa negra – Black bean soup with a poached egg
Empanadas – Are usually made of a corn dough that can be filled with anything: chicken, beef, beans, pork, potatoes. You can find sweet versions.
Ceviche – Seafood marinated in a lemon, onion, sweet red pepper, garlic and coriander sauce
Potacones – A great snack found on the Caribbean coast. Fried plantains and usually served with refried beans and guacamole.
Flan – A cold caramel custard
Mazamorra – A pudding made from cornstarch
Taxes account for 13% of the purchase and are always included in the final price. In restaurants and hotels, taxes and services are included in the final price; however, if you were happy with the service and would like to leave a gratuity, it would be welcome.
