Classic Costa Rica Adventure

Welcome to Costa Rica! We'll meet with your guide this morning for a trip orientation over breakfast. Our first stop on our adventure is a hike through a lush tropical rainforest ending with lunch at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Afterwards, we will make our way to Arenal Vida Campesina Organic Farm to learn about traditional Costa Rican farming and the growing of coffee, followed by an authentic locally sourced dinner. 
Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge, La Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we'll meet with our river guide before a short drive to to the Balsa River, where our whitewater rafting experience awaits us! This adventure is perfect for all ages and provides two experiences of exhilarating white water action on this beautiful tropical river.

After getting off the river, we'll enjoy lunch before our afternoon hike to the Fortuna River waterfall. Part of the Arenal Volcano National Park, the waterfall tumbles amidst a biological reserve of 210 acres of transition premontane tropical wet forest.  The waterfall itself was formed by the old lava flow of the Cerro Chato volcano. We'll hike along the path to the 70-meter-high waterfall, and have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Fortuna River, in one of the two natural pools.

We'll return to the lodge to enjoywith plenty of time to enjoy the hot springs before dinner together.  
Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge, La Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 216 feet (65 meters) ascent, 216 feet (65 meters) descent

Start the day early with an optional bird walk through the surrounding forest, where you could spot tanagers, parrots, toucans, honeycreepers, and Oropendolas. After breakfast back at the hotel, we'll take a short drive to the Arenal Conservation Area where we'll mount our horses, and ride off into the picturesque hills of Arenal Volcano, through cattle fields, and beautiful primary forest along the way. We'll visit the lagoon crater, and take in impressive views of the Arenal Volcano, dense forests, and the vast Arenal Lake. Afterward, we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Our next activity, is zip lining through the Arenal Conservation Area, which will take us high into the trees, flying above canyons, mountains, farmlands, and lush rainforests. We'll glide down ten separate cables, stopping for the popular Tarzan Swing along the way!

After a full day of adventuring, we'll return to the lodge to relax at the hot springs before dinner. 
Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge, La Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we'll explore the Danaus Nature Reserve enjoying the diverse local fauna on a guided nature hike. The reserve is home to an impressive variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and colorful birds. Savor the sweet smell of orchids and ferns, keeping an eye out for resident sloths, iguanas, basilisks, bats, frogs, and butterflies.

In the afternoon we'll make our way to Hermosa Beach on the Pacific Coast, stopping for lunch on the way. We'll then check into our accommodation for the next two nights, Fuego del Sol Beachfront Hotel, surrounded by tropical forests and endless waves. You're on your own for dinner this evening-  ask your guide for their favorite restaurant recommendations!
Accommodation: Fuego del Sol, Playa Hermosa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 2 hours

This morning we'll head out to a private reserve for a hike along the river, encountering waterfalls, as well as plenty of swimming opportunities, along the way. The trail is inhabited by wildlife, and leads us to the top of the El Encanto Waterfall, falling 180 feet (55 meters) down to the rainforest canyon below.

Our adventure continues on a zip line tour, soaring over rainforest canopies, rivers, and the beautiful valley below. With over 1.2 miles (2,000 meters) and eight platforms, we'll encounter breathtaking mountain and ocean views.

After a hearty lunch, we're back to the coast for an afternoon on an Outrigger Canoe at Playa Agujas. The canoes are more efficient than kayaks, and we'll glide past spectacular cliffs filled with frigate birds and pelicans. We can then snorkel from the beach, or perhaps do some monkey and bird watching while relaxing on the beach.

After a full day of adventure, we'll get back to the hotel in time for a sunset dinner. 
Accommodation: Fuego del Sol, Playa Hermosa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 2 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, it is a two-hour trip to the San Jose airport to make your post-trip connections home or continue your Costa Rica adventure. 
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast