Costa Rica

Ultimate Adventure Medley

Biking, Hiking, Rafting, Kayaking and Canopy Tour

(10 Days)

For those of you who refuse to be tamed, consider this thrill-filled multi-activity extravaganza. The goal is to traverse across the country on a series of trails, rivers and backcountry roads. We ride knobby tire mountain bikes though fertile farmland into the lush Central Valley, hike to the base of the rumbling Arenal Volcano, then soak in the Tabacon hot springs with front row seats of red hot molten dripping from the cone. In La Fortuna we glide through the rainforest canopy zigzagging across cables safely equipped with harnesses and pulleys. We navigate powerful class 3-4 swells on the Pacuare River. Then finally conclude on the Pacific coast paddling sea kayaks through the gurgling ocean surf. For the physically fit and the hearty adventurer, this trip offers the challenge of a lifetime!

Trip Highlights

• Biking on abandoned whitesand beaches on the Pacific Coast
• 2 Days of whitewater rafting down the Pacuare River
• Hiking and canopy tour at Arenal Volcano

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: Orosi Valley (Mountain Bike)

We begin the day with a two hour drive southeast on the Pan American Highway to the Central Valley of Costa Rica. It’s here we mount our fat tire mountain bikes and begin our adventure. The first leg of the ride is through mountainous and verdant countryside to a small, quaint agricultural town. From here we begin a gradual uphill climb rewarding us with incredible "vistas" of the valley below. At the peak we abandon civilization and trade wide dirt roads for an outrageous stretch of singletrack and mountain paths. We break midday for a picnic lunch beside a refreshing mountain creek with time to absorb the tropical surroundings. Afterwards we continue biking to our night's retreat, a mountain top lodge overlooking a pristine valley. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Pacuare River (Whitewater Rafting)

After a hearty and wholesome breakfast we hop in the van for a 45 minute drive and a 15 minute hike, to the "put-in" on the Pacuare River. Here we kick off for two days of adventure tackling (28 km's/15 miles) of class III-IV rapids. The first day on the river is a short paddle day giving us plenty of time to explore this pristine river valley. Tonight we stay at our comfortable riverside campsite, El Nido del Tigre. This is a luxury campsite with tents mounted on wooden platforms facing the river, beautiful manicured gardens, an open air dining room and kitchen, a washroom with a flush toilet and sink and numerous hammocks strung up to relax in. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Pacuare River (Whitewater Rafting)

The second day on the Pacuare we plunge downstream through a dramatic landscape of virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and carved canyons. This section of continuous rapids will thrill even the seasoned rafter. Along the way we take time-out to do a side hike up to some natural waterslides. We "take-out" near the town of Siquirres and then head towards the town of La Fortuna - closest town to the volcano. (B,L)

Day 5: Arenal Volcano (Hiking, Canopy Touring and Hot Springs)

Up until now we've stayed on terra firma, but it's time to ascend to the rainforest canopy - a thrilling way to view nature. Secured in a harness, 100 feet off the ground, we'll traverse on cables between the trees, viewing the vegetation as a bird. Up high in the rainforest canopy we can observe one of the earth's most complex biosphere and capture images of the different levels of the rainforest canopy. Afterwards we take to the trails on foot, hiking to a 120-foot cascading waterfall. Wading below the powerful rush of water is absolutely thrilling. Late afternoon we drive around to the most active side of the volcano and hike to the old lava flow from the 1992 eruption. The hike is through tropical rainforest until we reach the 30-foot wall of lava rock. Here we scramble up on top of the lava and walk around - this area is the closest one can get to the volcano. The day concludes soaking in the Baldi Hot Springs, sipping pina coladas in the wet bar 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 force. Massage and mud facials are optional. Overnight in a comfortable hotel. (B)

Day 6: Carrillo Beach (Sea Kayaking)

Today we depart for the southwestern Pacific Coast. Our route is around the picturesque Lake Arenal and down to the cattle grazing plains of Guanacaste. This afternoon we paddle down the Nicoya coast exploring the pristine beaches and rugged rocky points. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for sea turtles basking in the turquoise water, flying fish darting through the air, or a glimpse of a playful dolphin. We land our kayaks on the palm fringed white sand beach in time for a cool drink at the Mirador viewpoint. At Playa Carillo the evening is free to play in the surf, walk along the beach or relax by the hotel pool. (B,L)

Day 7: Playa Coyote (Mountain Biking)

Mountain bikes are our means to continue exploring this spectacular coastline. An incredible playground of dirt roads, rolling hills, trails and hard-packed sand beaches await us as we mount up on bikes and head south. We stop frequently in local villages to rest in the shade and refresh ourselves with cool drinks. We settle for the night in a cozy hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Montezuma (Mountain Biking)

After a hearty breakfast we set out for a day of adventurous riding on backroads, beaches and across low water rivers. This route should appeal to all bikers, with awesome mountain biking conditions through an arid forest that leads to the sea. The wildlife commonly encountered en route includes: white-faced and howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans and numerous other exotic species of birds, and if we are lucky, three-toed sloth's lazing high in the palm trees. By late afternoon we reach the laid back community of Montezuma, for our final night on the coast. (B,L)

Day 9: San Jose

This morning is free to spend a few more hours enjoying the surf of the Pacific Coast. Mid-day we transfer to the airport in Tambor for a domestic flight back to San Jose. The evening is free in San Jose.

Day 10: Departure

You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

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