Plunge into 'la pura vida' on an action-packed 9 day adventure of pure fun in Costa Rica. You'll hike lush rainforests, mountain bike through jungles, swim in turquoise pools, raft a world-class river, and witness the incredible wildlife of this piece of paradise.
Start - End: San José - San José
Total trip: 9 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 2
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You'll hike lush rainforests, mountain bike through jungles, swim in turquoise pools, raft a world-class river, zip line through the forest canopy, and witness the incredible wildlife of this piece of paradise - this adventure has it all. After the adventure activities, there will still be plenty of time for you to relax in mud baths and natural hot springs! The ultimate way to experience the wonderful way of life in Costa Rica, 'La Pura Vida'. You won't want to leave!
Looking for a family-friendly version of this trip for kids to experience? Check out our specialist sister brand, Austin Adventures, for their Costa Rica Family Vacation.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Hike beneath Arenal’s unmistakable volcanic peak, with lush rainforest and wild Costa Rican landscapes all around you.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Follow the trail through tropical greenery to La Fortuna Waterfall, where rushing water plunges into a jungle-framed pool below.
Rincon de La Vieja National Park
Walk through a wonderfully wild volcanic landscape of steaming vents, tropical forest, and hidden natural wonders.
Mountain-bike ride
Hop on your bike and pedal through Costa Rica’s lush countryside, with fresh air, local scenery, and plenty of fun along the way.
Pacuare River
Paddle into the heart of the rainforest as you ride the rapids of the Pacuare River between steep, jungle-covered canyon walls.
Lake Arenal
Glide across the calm waters of Lake Arenal, soaking up wide-open views of the volcano and surrounding green hills.
Rio Negra Hot Springs
Sink into naturally warm thermal pools surrounded by tropical forest and let your trail-weary muscles unwind.
Swimming waterfall pools
Cool off Costa Rican style with a refreshing swim in clear natural pools beneath tumbling waterfalls.
Surfing Lesson
Paddle out, catch your first wave, and share a few laughs as you learn to surf on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Nosara Beach
Slow the pace at laid-back Nosara, where warm Pacific water, soft sand, and tropical sunsets invite you to linger.
Zip Lining Rainforest Canopy
Fly through the rainforest canopy on a zip line, with treetops below and Costa Rica’s green wilderness stretching around you.
Discover what's in store each day of your adventure in incredible Costa Rica.
Click the map below to explore.
Welcome to San José, Costa Rica’s capital city! Please make your own way to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located walking distance from La Sabana Park and the Museum of Costa Rican Art.
In the evening you’ll meet with your trip leader, along with the rest of the group, for a full trip briefing and a delicious Tico dinner!
This morning we head north to the Pacuare River for a two-day tropical white-water rafting trip, including an overnight at Rios Lodge, nestled in the rainforest on the banks of the Pacuare River. Rated one of the top river rafting locations in the world, we’ll experience the intimate nature as we raft through the rainforest, including two sections of exciting class 3 and 4 rapids with waterfalls along the way.
From the Ecolodge we can enjoy rainforest hikes with naturalist guides, self-guided walks to waterfalls and pools, relaxation in a hammock overlooking the beautiful Pacuare River, and birdwatching. We'll enjoy dinner this evening in the open air, with the stars above us and vibrant sounds from the jungle.
Rafting: Pacuare River (Class III and IV rapids)
Note: You will need to pack an overnight bag for this unique experience. Our packing list recommendations will be sent to you after booking.
After a restful nights sleep in the rainforest we'll head back out onto the river for a full day, taking on more rapids as we raft through the Lower Pacuare Gorge.
After we pack out we’ll continue to La Fortuna, a small town at the foot of Arenal Volcano where we’ll stay for the next two nights. With lush botanic gardens, free-from hot springs, swimming pools and traditional Costa Rican food, Volcano Lodge is the perfect location to relax. This evening we'll dine together at the hotel.
Rafting: Lower Pacuare Gorge
After breakfast, we’ll spend the morning hiking at the base of Arenal Volcano, along the trails made from the 1968 eruption, with amazing views of the volcano and Arenal Lake. Our second hike will take us to La Fortuna 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.
After our morning of adventure, we'll explore the town of La Fortuna, finishing the day with a chance to soak in the local hot springs.
La Fortuna Waterfall Hike: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 216 feet (65 meters) ascent, 216 feet (65 meters) descent
This morning, after a short drive, we'll arrive at Arenal Lake, Costa Rica’s largest and most breathtaking lake. We'll don lifejackets and embark on a kayak tour across the lake. Paddling these calm waters will give us the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife that surrounds the lake such as monkeys, iguanas and a large amount of tropical birds.
After our morning kayak, we'll make our way north towards Rincon de La Vieja, one of the largest and most active volcano in Costa Rica, where we'll stay at the foothills.
We'll settle into Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, our unique accommodation for the next two nights and the home of Rio Negro Hot Springs and mud baths where we'll spend the afternoon. Rich in minerals, the thermal waters have rejuvenating and therapeutic properties that have been appreciated for centuries by people around the world. Beautiful and relaxing, the volcanic hot springs bubble up on the Rio Negro, naturally heated by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.
Kayaking: 2 hours
Today we’ll hike in Rincon de La Vieja National Park to make our way to La Cangreja Waterfall. Along the trail we may spot wildlife such as white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys and spider monkeys, coatis, armadillos, agoutis, iguanas, and birds such as the bobo bird or the emerald tucancillo. A bubbling white-water flow comes out from among the green forest, and the 120-foot tall La Cangreja Waterfall forms a transparent pool of blue water at its base. Copper minerals coming from the volcano dissolve in the water, giving the water a heavenly blue color. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch at the waterfall before returning along the scenic trail.
Afterward we'll hike to view Las Pailas (The Cauldrons) of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a spectacular show off the awesome power of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Hiking through pristine dry tropical forest, we'll be in the company of spider monkeys, armadillos, and iguanas.
In the afternoon we'll head back to Hacienda Guachipelin and receive a dose of adrenaline on our zip line tour. Flying through the trees on cables, rappel, rock climb, swing like Tarzan, and cross hanging bridges over the White River Canyon below.
La Cangreja Waterfall Hike: 5.9 miles (9.5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,076 feet (328 meters) ascent, 1,076 feet (328 meters) descent
Las Pailas Hike: 2.5 miles (3.5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Our morning hike takes us to Las Chorreras Waterfall, a beautiful place where we can relax in nature and swim in a pool formed by a tropical waterfall. A small canyon of volcanic rock surrounds the falls and the pool, creating an intimate and private tropical oasis for a refreshing dip.
In the afternoon we’ll drive to Nosara Beach, known for its lush beaches, Nosara is a popular destination among surfers, yogis, families and nature lovers. It is a place of tranquility, natural beauty, consistent waves all year long. Take the afternoon to explore and relax before we gather for dinner tonight.
Hiking: 1.8 miles (3 kilometers), 1 hour
After breakfast we embark on a one-of-a-kind Costa Rican adventure, spending the morning away from the crowds on mountain bikes. The ride today will provide excellent views of the cliffs above the beach, while also giving us time to stop and enjoy the lush jungle around us.
After lunch we'll head back to Nosara Beach for surfing lessons. With over 40 years of providing lessons and one of the world’s most consistent beach breaks, everyone from beginners to advanced surfers will enjoy this unique opportunity to get out into the water.
Biking: 12.4 miles (20 kilometers), 2-3 hours
This morning we'll transfer back to San Jose in time for afternoon flight departures, or you can choose to stay on in Nosara and explore more of Costa Rica!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
Find out more about your adventure of a lifetime to Costa Rica by reading our Frequently Asked Questions.
On the first day of the trip we'll meet you at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 6pm for dinner with your fellow adventurers. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in San Jose, though you must make your own way to the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the pre-designated time.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Juan Santamaría International Airport in time for flights below or anywhere in Central San Jose around 2:30pm.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in San Jose at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from San Jose after 4pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Costa Rica. We prefer to stay in unique and comfortable hotels, with history and balance between infrastructure and nature.
Our selection of hotels is a piece of paradise in Costa Rica, brought alive by vibrant art, sculpture, attentive design, green thumbed gardeners and the local community that surrounds them. From The Rios Lodge situated beside the beautiful Pacuare River, in the middle of the rainforest, to Lagarta Lodge, an elegant boutique hotel with expansive sandy beaches, its own private nature reserve with magnificent mangrove trees and lush woods along the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
You'll experience the tradition of the past by staying in one of the oldest haciendas in Central America, Hacienda Guachipelin, founded in 1880 now set to the delight its guests with warmth, harmony and a lot of adventure for everyone.
While there are laundry facilities at all locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry a one time during your trip. The best time will be during your stay in Hacienda Guachipelin.
Occasionally, your accommodations may differ from those featured, but they’ll always be hand-picked by our expert team with care. We’ll send your final accommodation list a month before your trip begins, so you’ll know exactly where you’re staying before you set off.
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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. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance, you can find details here.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here.
Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.
We believe the best journeys don’t just take you places, they inspire you and ignite your spirit. Our unique and thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you'll experience the very best of each destination.
Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.
We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility. No matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.
Traveling solo, as a pair, or as part of a group? No worries, you'll be comfortable on our trips. Every trip is personalized with care by our team so everyone feels supported and free to enjoy their unforgettable adventure.
Imagine a vacation that's fully guided, and everything is taken care of and included in the trip price — all accommodations, activities, transport on-trip, most meals, and more! Effortless and value-packed.
