5 - 14 guests
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Read more about the Active Range
Price
USD $5799/per adult
Next available departure
21 Jul - 29 Jul
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
There's no better way to turn off your busy life and take a deep dive into the peaceful culture and pristine landscapes of Costa Rica than on our 9-day Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure. Starting in San José, you'll embrace the Pura Vida (pure life) over the next nine days as you hike, raft, and kayak through the Tortuguero National Park and the Cahuita National Park. Listen to bird melodies as you float down the Pacuare River, take a snorkeling tour amongst colorful corals and hike in beautiful National Parks of the Caribbean. By evening, relax with a cold drink in hand at premium eco-lodges. Each day brings new discoveries and a deeper love for the Pura Vida culture on our Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure.
This trip is operated by Active Adventures.
Day 1
Arrive at the San José International Airport and transfer to your hotel for the evening. Once you arrive, you are free to explore San José and enjoy a delectable local meal on your own.
Bougainvillea Hotel, San José
Day 2
After breakfast and a brief trip orientation with your guide, we’ll make our way to Tortuguero. After a private transfer through the Costa Rican countryside to San José to La Pavona Dock (3h) we will continue by boat to Tortuguero and our accommodations for the next two nights. After lunch at the lodge, kayak the canals of Tortuguero National Park to a soundtrack of exotic birdsong, watching for manatees, caimans, crocodiles, and turtles. Return to the lodge where a buffet dinner will be waiting in the lodge’s restaurant.
Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Kayaking: Easy, varying lengths
Day 3
Opt to start the day bright and early with a birding walk. If you're more inclined to sleep in, meet your traveling companions for breakfast at the lodge. Today is all about Tortuguero National Park, beginning with the Cerro Tortuguero Hike, a trek along a well-maintained trail, an out-and-back hike through dense rainforest foliage to the top of the hill. Though the summit is only 390 ft (119 m) above sea level, the climb up through the jungle is worth it for the breathtaking 360-degree views of the Caribbean lowlands encircling the hill with their vast, complex network of rivers fanning out to the horizon. Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Center, home to the largest green turtle rookery in the western hemisphere. Break for lunch at Miss Junnie's restaurant and take in the authentic Caribbean atmosphere and entrées while watching a variety of birds in the adjacent gardens. Wander the streets of the village, taking in the brightly painted buildings and grab a cup of freshly made juice while checking out the shops. The rest of the day will be taken up by a boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National park before returning to our lodgings for another delectable dinner
Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 2.1 kilometers (1.25miles)
Day 4
Enjoy a quick breakfast at the Lodge before beginning our boat and then road transfer to Tropical River. Our afternoon will be spent paddling the exhilarating class III-IV rapids of the Pacuare River, ranked one of the Top 10 Rivers to Raft in the World by National Geographic. Check into the Tropical River Lodge and meet for dinner in the restaurant.
Tropical River Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Rafting: Pacuare River Rafting: Moderate, Class III & IV rapids
Day 5
Today boasts another beautiful morning of bird watching while sipping a cup of coffee. The pace quickly picks up from there, as our day is filled with an invigorating white water rafting excursion, the best way to experience Costa Rica. Wind down from an exciting morning on our transfer to the Caribbean coast. Check in to our accommodations for the evening and then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort or similar, Puerto Viejo (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Rafting: Pacuare River Rafting: Class III & IV rapids, moderate
Day 6
Explore Cahuita National Park and all it has to offer. Marvel at the colorful corals, sea fans, and countless species of tropical reef fish on a snorkeling tour and hike through Cahuita National Park. After lunch, we’ll head out to Puerto Vargas Station, part of the Cahuita National Park's northern border. Our hike this afternoon includes several vegetation types typically found in the lowlands rainforest and Caribbean coastlines, and we’ll be on the lookout for white-faced monkeys, sloths, iguanas, hermits, amazing blue butterflies, crabs and birds. Afterwards, we’ll head back to enjoy a local cooking class and dinner tonight.
Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort or similar, Puerto Viejo (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Diving/Snorkeling: Varying lengths, easy
Hiking: Varying lengths, easy
Day 7
Today is an exhilarating journey through the jungle treetops! The Canopy Tour consists of 9 aerial platforms and 13 ground platforms, connected by several cables or zip lines that will take you to the heart of the canopy´s jungle! Expert local guides will teach you about the flora and fauna of the primary forest, and the use of these plants by the indigenous people. Once you reach the seventh platform, you will not touch the ground again until the end of the route, so you will cross and watch the jungle as birds and monkeys do. After lunch, we’ll head out for a walk in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge. This wildlife refuge protects more than 4,500 hectares of marine habitats, 15 kilometers of rainforest coastline, and is a well-known nesting area for several species of sea turtles. With its incredible forests, lagoons, coral reefs and white sand beaches, it is one of the most isolated and exotic places on the entire South Caribbean coast. Tonight you'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort or similar, Puerto Viejo (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 8 kilometers (5 miles), 1-2 hours
Day 8
This morning we’ll spend time relaxing at the resort pool or take advantage of the walkable beach access from the hotel. Then we’ll start making our way back to San Jose, stopping off to venture through the Pierella Ecological Garden, a breeding ground for butterflies and a refuge for many species that live in their natural environment. We’ll enjoy lunch here to before continuing onto San Jose where we’ll drop you at the hotel. Tonight, we get together for a farewell dinner and toast to a wonderful trip: Pura Vida!
Bougainvillea Hotel, San José (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9
After breakfast you will be dropped off at the San José Airport at least 3 hours prior to your international flight.
No Accommodation (Breakfast)
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By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
We're proud of our Kiwi roots and you’ll love our professional, warm and relaxed style of hosting. Plus, we’re always here to help with planning, travel, bookings... even hiking boot recommendations!
As soon as your trip starts, we've got everything covered – top notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With our small groups of typically no more than 14 (up to 18 max), you'll get to know our team, your fellow travellers, and have the flexibility and freedom to do as much (or as little!) as you like. It’s all about going at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy a special experience, authentic local knowledge and an adventure like no other.
We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.
