BikeHike Adventures - Costa Rica, Turtles and Trails Biking, Hiking, Rafting, Zip-Lining and Volunteering with Leatherback Sea Turtles

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Costa Rica, Turtles and Trails

Biking, Hiking, Rafting, Zip-Lining and Volunteering with Leatherback Sea Turtles

(9 Days)

This is a special trip designed for active enthusiasts who want to also help in the protection of endangered sea turtles through methods that are sustainable, environmentally responsible and enhance the lives of people who share the habitat. In 9-days, we combine the perfect blend of active thrills with two-days of community service on the Caribbean Coast to Costa Rica. The adventure begins with two-days of whitewater adventure bouncing down the boulder-choked Pacuare River and then biking, hiking, zip-lining and soaking in the steamy hot springs in the Arenal Volcano region. Then we head east to the Caribbean, where the Leatherback and Green sea turtles swim to the shores to lay their eggs. We'll assist the researchers patrolling the beaches for the turtles and gathering and relocating their eggs to protect them from poachers. Each nest is so important in the survival of the species. Approximately 1/1000 hatchlings survives to adulthood and has huge implications for its survival as a species. This trip is highly rewarding and will leave you feeling humbled by nature’s biodiversity.

Trip Highlights

Biking and Hiking near rumbling Arenal Volcano
Volunteering with endangered Leatherback Sea Turtles
A 2- Day Whitewater Rafting Adventure down the Pacuare River

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: San Jose (Arrival)

We'll greet you at the airport and transfer you to a cozy hotel. Here we will go over the trip and answer any questions about the adventure that lies ahead.

Day 2: Arenal Volcano (Mountain Biking)

This morning we transfer north to the town of La Fortuna, the closest town to the rumbling Arenal Volcano. We’ll check into our hotel have lunch and then head out for an afternoon of fat tire adventure on mountain bikes exploring the lush and tropical region. The evening is at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Arenal Volcano (Zip-lining and Hiking)

This morning we’ll start with a hearty breakfast of homegrown Costa Rican coffee, gallo pinto (rice and beans), eggs and fruit and then we’ll transfer to the rain forest. We start with a hike on terra firma and then ascend high up into the forest canopy - a thrilling way to view the natural surroundings. Secured in harnesses, 100 feet off the ground, we'll traverse on a series of cables between the trees, zipping from platform to platform. In the late afternoon, we’ll drive around to the most active side of the Arenal Volcano until we reach the 30-foot wall of lava rock. Here we scramble up on top and walk around - this area is the closest one can get to the volcano. The day concludes soaking in the Titoku’s Hot Springs, while watching lava drip from the cone of Arenal. The springs are naturally heated by the volcano and have a variety of different pools with waterfalls of varying forces. Massage and mud facials are optional and highly recommended. Overnight in a comfortable hotel. (B,D)

Day 4: Arenal - Pacuare River (Whitewater Rafting)

After a hearty and wholesome breakfast we hop in the van and drive to the "put-in" on the Pacuare River. Here we kick off for two days of whitewater adventure tackling (28 km's/15 miles) of class III-IV rapids. The first day is a short paddle, giving us plenty of time to explore this pristine river valley. We takeout midday and have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to relax or hike through the rain forest. There’s a fantastic waterfall nearby where we can sit under the thundering spray to massage any sore muscles. Tonight we overnight at a luxury riverside campsite with tents mounted on wooden platforms facing the river, beautiful manicured gardens, an open-air dining room and kitchen, a washroom with flush toilets and sinks and lots of hammocks in a gazebo to relax in. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Pacuare River – Parismina (Whitewater Rafting)

We have another day of Pacuare adrenaline planned, plunging downstream through a dramatic landscape of rain forest, cascading waterfalls and fertile canyon walls. This section has non-stop rapids that are mightier and faster than yesterdays. We’ll stop along the way to do a side hike up to some natural waterslides. We "take-out" near the town of Siquirres and then head to Caño Blanco by van. From here we catch a ferry to Parismina where we’ll spend the next couple of days volunteering at a Sea Turtle Hatchery to help combat the effects of widespread poaching which is contributing to their threatened extinction. We’ll be working with Leatherback and Green turtles, depending upon the season. Upon arrival into Parasmina, we’ll check into our accommodations, visit the hatchery and then walk into the small town. We’ll return for dinner and a presentation on the turtles and the conservation project. Overnight in a basic lodge. (B,L,D)

Days 6 & 7: Parismina Turtle Hatchery Conservation Program (Volunteering with Sea Turtles)

The next two days we’ll be working alongside with the researchers to help protect the turtles from extinction. Our night duties include patrolling the beaches looking for the nesting leatherback and green turtles. We’ll tag and measure them, record important data and then gather their eggs and relocate them to the hatchery, where they’ll be protected from poachers. We’ll be able to watch them go into their trances and begin laying their eggs. During the days we’ll be hiking through the rain forest, wildlife viewing on canal trips in dugout boats and have time to explore the area and partake in football games with the locals. There are some optional daytime activities available for an additional cost including horseback riding, fishing and coconut workshops. Overnight in the same basic lodge both nights. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Parismina-Cano Negro-San Jose

We’ll have a leisurely breakfast, then catch a boat back to Caño Blanco. Our driver and van will be awaiting us here to transfer us back to San Jose for our final night in Costa Rica. The night is at leisure to enjoy the cosmopolitan life. Overnight at a comfortable hotel. (B)

Day 9: Departure

A BikeHike Adventures representative will transfer you to the international airport for your return flight home. (B)

Apr 24, 2010	-	May 2, 2010
May 22, 2010	-	May 30, 2010


Hotel	Camping
7 Nights	1 Night