Itinerary

1. SAN JOSE

   Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival in San Jóse, transfer to your hotel.

2. SAN JOSE I PACUARE RIVER

   This morning visit Pacuare River and experience the sheer exhilaration of white water rafting as you navigate 19 miles of Class III-IV white-water passing colorful canyons and crystal-clear waterfalls. Disembark at Pacuare Lodge, a jungle oasis where modern wooden bungalows with thatched palm roofs are built under the trees to provide both privacy and serenity. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax or join in optional activities. (B,L,D)

3. PACUARE RIVER

   Day 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. Overnight at the Pacuare Lodge. (B,L,D)

4. PACUARE RIVER I ARENAL VOLCANO

   Head out for your second day of river adventuring today. Stop to explore side streams or savor a picnic lunch along the river before running the Pacuare’s hardest pounding rapids. Next, continue by land towards Costa Rica’s Northern Lowlands crossing different mountain towns such as Puerto Viejo (Sarapiqui), San Miguel, Venecia and Aguas Zarcas. Arrive in La Fortuna, located near the foot of Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s greatest highlights. (B,L)

5. ARENAL VOLCANO

   Today, you will experience the Sky Tram, consisting of a slow-paced gondola ride climbing through the rainforest with spectacular views of Arenal Volcano’s southern face and Arenal Lake, as well as the Tilaran Mountain Range. Take the Sky Tram back down or try the fast-paced Sky Trek, a thrilling zip line circuit tour. You will glide via a series of secure cables connecting one mountain to another back down to the base. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

6. ARENAL VOLCANO I MANUEL ANTONIO

   Embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Manuel Antonio, located on the Pacific Coast passing several coastal villages, including the surf town of Jaco and vivacious Quepos, both extremely popular with surfers. Visit beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the icons of ecotourism and a most popular beach destination in Costa Rica. Try the fun canopy tour for a different nature experience, getting an amazing bird’s eye view of life from the top. (B)

7. MANUEL ANTONIO

   After breakfast, depart for a half-day tour of Manuel Antonio National Park with its many trails that will lead you through the wonders of its rainforest, brimming with butterflies, monkeys, snakes, iguanas, sloths and tropical flowers. After your hike, take time to bask on the beach or you can choose a more active past-time—fishing, kayaking, zip-lining, rafting, or parasailing. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B)

8. MANUEL ANTONIO

   Day at leisure. Savor a full Costa Rican breakfast at your hotel and get ready to enjoy the amenities of beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the Pacific Coast and acclaimed as one of the country’s most popular beach destinations. Here you will find spectacular beaches and a tropical rainforest brimming with wildlife. With so many options available, consider such activities as snorkeling, surfing, or join in a canopy tour where you glide from tree to tree along the upper reaches of the forest. (B)

9. MANUEL ANTONIO I SAN JOSE TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)

   After breakfast, transfer to San Jose International Airport for your departure flight. (B)