Paketresa
Self-drive Adventure in Costa Rica
Meet and greet at Juan Santamaria International airport and private transfer to your hotel in San Jose.
Overnight: Hotel Park Inn
The Pacuare River has been recognized as one of the top five most beautiful raftable rivers of the world by National Geographic Magazine. It flows approximately 108 km to the Caribbean through a protected zone of incomparable beauty, extending from the town of Siquirres to the Talamanca Mountain Range. The rainforest that surround the river is home to exotic animal species such as jaguars, monkeys, ocelots, and a very large number of different types of birds.
This adventure begins rafting down the Pacuare River through breathtaking canyons and luxuriant vegetation.
This exciting adventure begins with an early morning pick-up at the lobby of your hotel in San José to take you to Rios Tropicales Operations Center, in Siquirres, where a typical Costa Rican breakfast will be served. After changing into the rafting gear, you will be drived to the private rafting put-in on the banks of the Pacuare River. A guide will give the necessary instruction on padding and how to enjoy a safety adventure.
From here, you and your group will launch your raft and begin to paddle 19 miles deep into the heart of one of Costa Rica’s most impressive primary rainforests. You will pass through densely vegetated rainforest gorges, admire cascading waterfalls, relax in serene pools and experience pounding rapids.
Halfway down the river, a stop is made for a tasty, delicious pic nic lunch, served on an overturned raft. Arrival to Rios Tropicales Lodge is expected during the early afternoon. This first part of the rafting adventure will take 2 hours approx.
Dinner is included in the lodge.
Overnight: Rios Tropicales Lodge
In the morning, you will awaken to the harmonious melody of the rushing river and the sweet songs of tropical birds. After a delicious buffet breakfast, the rafts will be launched again for the final day of this river expedition. Rafting the second part of the Pacuare River is even more thrilling as you experience a mix of class III and class IV rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron and Dos Montañas. This morning ends with the satisfaction of having conquered one of the wildest and most scenic rivers in the world.
The take-out is near Rios Tropicales Operations Center where lunch is included.
Pick up your rented car (Hyundai Tucson 2WD or similar, manual transmission) at Rios Tropicales Operation Center, where you will have the time to change clothes before driving to Sarapiqui area.
Overnight: Selva Verde Lodge
After breakfast, drive to Hacienda Pozo Azul where you will enjoy an exciting horse ride. Lunch included in Pozo Azul’s restaurant.
Overnight: Selva Verde Lodge
After breakfast, drive to Arenal area in San Carlos.
Overnight: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
After breakfast, drive to the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges for a Natural History Walk.
After this educational hike, drive to Rincon de la Vieja Volcano
Overnight: Hacienda Guachipelin
Canyon Canopy Tour
This tour starts with a short walk from the hotel’s Adventure Center to the first canopy platform where this exciting experience into a canyon and over a turbulent river takes place. Several activities are included: rappelling, rock climbing, zip line, Tarzan swings, via ferrata and hanging bridges, all set in the majestic canyon made by the erosion of the Río Blanco during millions of years.
Tubing in Río Negro
Another fun and exciting adventure tour in Rincón de la Vieja is the Rio Negro Tubing. We will head out from Hacienda Guachipelín by horseback and after riding 45 minutes through the forest, we arrive at changing rooms where we will get ready for the river tubing adventure. We will have a short briefing about safety on the river. Then it is just a short walk to the foot of the Victoria Waterfall, where the tubing adventure begins. You will have the time of your life bouncing down Rio Negro’s crystal clear and fun rapids in your individual rafting “tube”. Guides will be riding down with you to ensure your safety.
Overnight: Hacienda Guachipelin
Breakfast. Drive to the North Pacific Coast to enjoy a three-day stay relaxing in beautiful Potrero Beach.
Overnight: Bahía del Sol Beachfront Hotel and Suites
Day at leisure to enjoy the beach and the falicities of the hotel.
Overnight: Bahía del Sol Beachfront Hotel and Suites
Day at leisure to enjoy the beach and the falicities of the hotel.
Overnight: Bahía del Sol Beachfront Hotel and Suites
After breakfast, drive back to San Jose. Drop off car at the hotel in San Jose.
Overnight: Hotel Park Inn
Highlights
Important facts
- Country:
- Costa Rica
- Start destination:
- San José
- Final Destination:
- San José
- Duration:
- 12
- Number of participants:
- 2-9
- Included:
Private arrival and departure transfers with English speaking assistance
Daily breakfast
Meals as specified during stay at Rios Tropicales Ecolodge & Hacienda Guachipelin.
2 nights in Hotel Park Inn
1 night in Rios Tropicales Ecolodge
2 nights in Selva Verde Lodge
1 night in Hotel Arenal Springs
2 nights in Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín
3 nights in Bahía del Sol Beachfront Hotel and Suites
Hotel taxes
Activities and tours as specified in the above itinerary
Car rental (Hyundai Tucson 2WD or similar, manual transmission) from day 3 to 11.- Not included:
Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
Optional tours or ground services not specified in the above itinerary
Tips to tour guides & drivers
Personal and/or medical expenses
Insurance option for car rental
Costa Rica departure tax (US$29,00 per person)
Air tickets to/from Costa Rica