Costa Rica Explorer Tour
9 Days and 8 Nights
This nine-day Costa Rica Explorer itinerary has been designed for nature lovers and adrenaline seekers alike! We’ve melded incredible natural encounters with just the right amount of thrill!
This itinerary combines a variety of activities including river rafting, zip lining above the forest canopy, sea kayaking, and exploring hanging bridges – all of this highlighted with incredible wildlife viewing during the day and evenings in nature at comfortable lodgings.
Highlights
- White-water rafting down the Pacuare River
- Rainforest canopy tour
- Arenal Volcano's scenic landscape
- Look for the largest concentration of crocodiles
- Manuel Antonio beaches and rainforest animals
- Small groups
- CRST has the best guides!
Itinerary
SAN JOSÉ
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica!
Upon your arrival in San José, Costa Rica, and after passing through immigration you will be met by a member of the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) who will give you a sticker with your name and the Costa Rica Sun Tours logo that will facilitate our representative to identify you after you exit the airport building. After clearing immigration and customs, exit the airport terminal and look for a Costa Rica Sun Tours representative who will be waiting for you holding a sign with Costa Rica Sun Tours logo and your name on it. He/she will greet you and present you with land portion vouchers and transfer you to your hotel in San Jose.
Early this evening, join your guide for an orientation briefing with an overview of the following days’ activities, and ask questions to prepare for the trip.
Enjoy a delicious dinner (not included) at the hotel restaurant or ask the guide during the briefing for a close by option for dinning out.
EXPERT TIPS
Before leaving home make sure you packed your passports, medicines, medical prescriptions and anything you will need during your trip.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
SJO Airport Pick Up
INCLUDED
- Private arrival transfer San José Intl. Airport.
- Orientation briefing 06:00pm.
- One night lodging at Hotel Park Inn San José, breakfast and taxes included.
EXCLUDED
- International airline tickets and entree fees to Costa Rica.
- Incidentals like: laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
PACUARE RIVER
Early this morning our local bilingual guide will meet you at your hotel for a shared land transfer to Turrialba. From here, you’ll jump right into the adventure! After changing into your rafting clothes and attending a safety briefing, you’ll hit the water. Today is wet, wonderfu, full of adrenaline and fun on the Pacuare River as you run the first section with class II-III rapids. Surrounded by lush forest, it’s almost hard to believe you’ve only just begun!
This afternoon after you are settled at the river lodge enjoy a hot cup of coffee or another drink admiring the beauty of the forest that surrounds the lodge and hearing the relaxing sound of the Pacuare river from the comfort of a hammock.
EXPERT TIPS
Don’t forget to check your room before leaving the hotel to not leave any belongings behind in closets, drawers, etc.
Bring:
- Rubber-soled shoes that can get wet (Tevas, tennis shoes, booties or similar).
- Swimsuit / swim trunks.
- T-shirt and shorts of a quick-drying material. Long sleeve t-shirts are very useful if you get cold easily on the water or want more sun protection.
- Water-resistant sunscreen lotion (SPF 15 or higher).
- Sun hat or bandana.
- Bug Repellent.
- Croakies or straps to secure glasses.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Pacuare River
INCLUDED
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Shared land transfer San José – Turrialba.
- Local bilingual professional river guides.
- Two nights lodging at Rios Tropicales Lodge, taxes included.
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like: laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
PACUARE RIVER
Today is your’s to enjoy around the lodge as you please. We recommend that you wake up early to enjoy the beautiful views of the river and the forest while observing the many different birds flying and singing all about. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing or perhaps exploring the grounds around the lodge or you have the option to sign up for any of the great tours available at the lodge (extra cost associated with optional tours).
Some of the great day tours available at the lodge are:
RAINFOREST RESTORATION TOURS
Hike up to the top of the Pacuare Gorge from the lodge plant a tree as part of our reforestation project at our 2470-acre rainforest reserve, the largest private reserve in Costa Rica. Our local communities, Costa Rican vacationers, and international vacationers together participate in and support our ongoing tree-planting campaigns.
RAINFOREST HIKE TOUR
You will be amazed at the variety of plants, flowers and trees that you will be able to identify in the rainforest, thanks to the in-depth training of all Rios head guides. Your bilingual guide will point these out, along with wildlife or birds you come across. Bring binoculars and cameras!
RAINFOREST ADVENTURE LOOP
Our half-hour Adventure Loop includes hiking through the rainforest, rappelling down the face of a waterfall and then three ziplines high over the river. You start right from the lodge and head into the Pacuare River Gorge. With views of the river, you’ll hike to the base of Wake-Up Falls.
HORSEBACK RIDING & LOCAL COMMUNITY TOURS
Tours from our lodge to Bajo Del Tigre are available by hiking up the main trail and then riding horseback to this local community. Once there, community members will introduce you to their agricultural way of life. You’ll tour their sustainable farming projects, hear about what sustainable development means to them and their community.
You can also ride horseback all the way to Terciopelos farm, which is part of our reserve. There you can participate in our reforestation project by planting one or more trees and catch tilapia for lunch at our sustainable tilapia fishery (seasonal).
For those guests in sufficiently good shape, we can arrange a trek through the forest to visit an indigenous Cabecar Indian Village. They will introduce you to their traditional way of life, which continues today largely unchanged from earlier times. Several members of this village were the builders of our first lodge huts, and two village members continue to work with us here at the lodge, hiking to and from their village each day.
EXPERT TIPS
- Bring: comfortable clothing, closed shoes, mosquito repellent, hat, sunglasses, sun block and camera.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
- Free day to relax or explore the area
INCLUDED
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like: laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy a leisurely morning in this beautiful paradise before you set back out on the water. Around mid-morning you continue rafting the Pacuare River, stepping it up a notch through class II-IV rapids. This part of the rafting trip is very scenic, fun and full of adrenaline you will enjoy it to the max.
After a morning of fun, enjoy lunch at the operations center of Rios Tropicales in Siquirres before a driver takes you to the Arenal area.
We highly recommend you to relax at the hot springs for a while before dinner time (not included), definitely it will help you a lot to have a very well deserved rest.
EXPERT TIPS
- Don’t forget to check your room before leaving the hotel to not leave any belongings behind in closets, drawers, etc.
Bring:
- Rubber-soled shoes that can get wet (Tevas, tennis shoes, booties or similar).
- Swimsuit / swim trunks.
- T-shirt and shorts of a quick-drying material. Long sleeve t-shirts are very useful if you get cold easily on the water or want more sun protection.
- Water-resistant sunscreen lotion (SPF 15 or higher).
- Sun hat or bandana.
- Bug Repellent.
- Croakies or straps to secure glasses.
- Change of clothes, including shoes, for after your tour.
- Towel for changing/showers after the trip.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Pacuare River
INCLUDED
- Breakfast and lunch.
- Shared land transfer Siquirres – Arenal.
- Two nights lodging at Arenal Springs Resort, taxes included.
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like: laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Another day in paradise, filled with fun and adventure. Today you will meet your private bilingual host-driver, all selected for their driving skills, knowledge of the country, and orientation towards customer service. This service offers you more flexibility in travel time as you can request stops to photograph gorgeous scenery, view wildlife, visit nice local restaurants, meet local people, or take coffee breaks and stretch when you need it.
Your first adventure will be at Arenal Sky Park where you will have the opportunity to observe the canopy forest from two different ways.
The Sky Tram gondolas rise smoothly through the Rain Forest, offering up endless views during their mountainous ascent. On tour, your host-driver will point out distinctive characteristics of the flora and fauna and other interesting facts of the area. Our Sky Tram travels up the mountains to arrive to a wide observation platform on the highest point of the reserve, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano, Lake, and the surrounding forests. From this point you will start riding down a unique zip line circuit that stretches across canyons, going from one mountain to another, and in between treetops. It truly is an exhilarating adventure of zip lining down the mountains.
Later after lunch, your driver-host will take you to Arenal Hanging Bridges another wonderful and educational experience. During this rain forest walk you will discover the marvelous secrets hidden in this wildlife sanctuary and you will acquire vast knowledge of the fauna inhabiting the reserve and will be able to watch several species from the forest canopy, undergrowth, and floor.
EXPERT TIPS
- Bring: comfortable clothing, closed shoes (sneakers or walking shoes), mosquito repellent, hat, sunglasses, sun block and camera.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
- Costa Rica Sky Adventures Arenal Sky Tram Aerial Tramway
- Costa Rica Sky Adventures Arenal Sky Trek Zipline
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
INCLUDED
- Breakfast and lunch.
- Three days of private bilingual Host-Driver services and AC vehicle.
- Entrance fees to: Arenal Sky Adventures Park and Mistico Hanging Bridges
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like: laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
MANUEL ANTONIO
This morning, after another fresh Costa Rican breakfast, your host-driver will take you to your next destination located along the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, this will be a very scenic drive passing small towns and villages in the mountains and then along the Pacific coast. .
En route you will stop at Agujitas beach where you can choose to explore the ocean by kayak or outrigger canoe – each activity in the company of local professional instructors who will guide you as you explore along the coast, if weather permitting you will snorkel on a nice and secure spot .
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is another option for the more adventurous and fit , SUP can be challenging and tiring for some, a comfortable kayak will accompany all tours as a backup should it be needed.
Once you finish the tour and you have change to dry clothes you will continue traveling to your hotel in Manuel Antonio, you will be arriving there late afternoon. After this fun day you can enjoy a very tasteful meal at the hotel restaurant (not included) or if you prefer your host-driver can give you some recommendations for very good and nice places to eat.
EXPERT TIPS
- Don’t forget to check your room before leaving the hotel to not leave any belongings behind in closets, drawers, etc.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Kayak Jaco Outrigger Canoe and Snorkeling Tour
INCLUDED
- Breakfast and lunch.
- Kayak or Stand Up Paddle equipment and local professional guides.
- Three nights lodging at Hotel Si Como No, taxes included.
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like: laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
MANUEL ANTONIO
This morning enjoy an early breakfast in order to be ready to visit the very famous Manuel Antonio National Park. We highly recommend you to visit it early in the morning – first, because wildlife is more active during the first hours as they are looking for food, and also to avoid the heat you will feel rising around mid-morning. During your park exploration with your host-driver he will be looking for sloths, iguanas, the rare and adorable squirrel monkeys, white-faced monkeys and millions of colorful little crabs., definitely an unforgettable experience, everybody will enjoy this visit.
After exploring the park trails and observing some of the myriad wildlife of the park your guide will take you a beach for a refreshing swim and even a little relaxation under the share of the trees.
Later you will enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the fine restaurants of the area. Then around mid-afternoon your guide will say goodbye, he will return to San Jose.
EXPERT TIPS
- Bring: comfortable clothing, closed shoes (sneakers or walking shoes), swimsuit, mosquito repellent, hat, sunglasses, sun block, camera, sandals and towel.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Manuel Antonio National Park
INCLUDED
- Breakfast and lunch.
- National park entrance fee.
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like: laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
MANUEL ANTONIO
Today enjoy some well-earned free time. You might like to relax by the pool or take a stroll into the beach. If you prefer to continue exploring and enjoying the many beauties of the area the following activities can be arranged at an extra cost:
DAMAS ISLAND MANGROVE BOAT TOUR
This is a unique experience with nature and wildlife you can experience only in Damas Mangrove. Let our “interactive” tropical rainforest and delicate mangrove ecosystem knock you out of your seat in your boat – literally. This adventure of Costa Rican natural history – its exotic flora and fauna — is highly recommended for any naturalist, young or old, who wants to experience the pulse of the mangrove ecosystem.
SUNSET CATAMARAN TOUR
Enjoy amazing views of the Manuel Antonio National Park on board our catamaran. Enjoy great company and recreational fun during this half-day excursion. The tour includes a freestyle diving or snorkeling adventure in a beautiful and secluded bay known as Playa Biesanz.
JUNGLE NIGHT WALK
Experience the magic of the most exotic nocturnal creatures on the jungle night walk at the wild life refuge of Si Como No. Visitors will have the opportunity to see local reptiles, toads, insects and tree frogs, while immersed in the raucous symphony that fills the night air of this tropical jungle sanctuary. This is a living research laboratory directed by renowned biologist and amphibian expert Jimmy Mata.
QUEPOS CULTURAL HISTORY AND SOCIAL CITY TOUR
During this tour you will learn about the Quepoa people, the original inhabitants of Quepos, unfortunately you will notice there are only a few remaining values of their culture. You also will learn about our Educational System, National Park System, Social Security, religion and local customs.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Free day to relax or explore Manuel Antonio
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like: laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
END OF ITINERARY
Well it is time to say goodbye to Costa Rica , we will provide you with a private land transfer from your hotel in Manuel Antonio to San José Intl. Airport (approximately 3-hour drive).
Airlines recommend to check in 3 hours before your flight departure.
EXPERT TIPS
- Don’t forget to check your room before leaving the hotel to not leave any belongings behind in closets, drawers, etc.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Private land transfer from your hotel in Manuel Antonio to San José International Airport.
EXCLUDED
- Incidentals like: laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, spa services, tours, meals not specified on the itinerary.
