Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Costa Rica. After clearing immigrations and customs follow to the exit and take the transfer to the hotel, less than 30 minutes away.
Check in to the Barcelo San Jose.
Class III Rafting to the Rios Tropicales Lodge
You’ll depart San Jose early in the morning, traveling east towards the Caribbean and crossing the amazing Braulio Carrillo National Park. You will arrive at the Rios Tropicales Operations Center for a hearty Tico traditional Costa Rican breakfast, and with time to change into clothing for rafting, and shop for any last minute needs in the handy outfitters store. You’ll then depart for the private rafting put-in point on the Pacuare River in San Martin. Here, your professional river guides will load your gear into dry bags, prepare all the rafting equipment, give you complete safety and paddle instruction. The first day’s Class III rapids welcome you to the Pacuare gorge’s charm as you raft deep in the heart of primary rainforest. While your guides prepare a hearty picnic lunch on the riverbank, you’ll enjoy a walk through the jungle to an enchanting waterfall and pool to swim. Before you know it, you’ll arrive at the unique Rios Tropicales Lodge where you can spend the afternoon relaxing, hiking or soaking in the waterfalls and pools.
Nestled in the jungle on a 2,000-acre Private Reserve, the Lodge offers you all the comforts you need in “Cabecar Indian” style bungalows. Private single and double rooms are spacious and completely equipped with fresh linens, comfortable pillows and beds and modern, clean bathrooms and hot water showers, thanks to the self-sufficient mini-hydro-plant that generates all the lodges’s electricity. You’ll have the chance to settle into your room and enjoy the surroundings at sunset before your freshly prepared dinner with candlelight and wine is served. MEALS BLD
Rainforest canopy tours, hikes, relaxing and more! Don’t worry about wake-up time. The beauty of the light through the forest, the sound of toucans and the smell of delicious Costa Rican coffee will get you going. This day is designed to enjoy the Lodge and its natural surroundings. Experience the wonders of the rainforest canopy on the zip line with four distinctive platforms blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. In addition to the canopy tour, you can choose a variety of hikes – a 4-5 hour hike high into the Pacuare Reserve; a 2-3 hour hike to nearby waterfalls and pools, or short walks near the Lodge. The spacious property offers limitless places to get away from it all and just relax and enjoy nature. Just a short walk from the dining area, you’ll find the relaxing hammock hut, a perfect spot to catch up on your reading or simply relax and take in the stunning beauty of this amazing retreat. Experience a side of the Pacuare few people know! MEAL BLD
Class IV Rafting on Lower Pacuare After yet another serving of Costa Rica’s tastiest coffee and a hearty breakfast, we will pack up and load the rafts in preparation for paddling down the Pacuare gorge past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. A snack stop by the riverside lets you explore more waterfalls and natural waterslides. An adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montanas and many more, will have you cheering ecstatically.Your transportation will be waiting to take you to the Arenal Volcano area after having lunch at the Operations Center just a few miles up the road. We will have a hearty hot lunch waiting on us upon arrival. Showers, changing rooms, cold and hot drinks, snacks, a bar, and souvenirs are all available. Late afternoon arrival in La Fortuna and check in at the Montana de Fuego Hotel & Spa MEALS BL
A morning to relax or perhaps treat yourself to the lava rocks massage at the hotel’s spa.
Later this afternoon you’ll be picked up from your hotel for the most populat “must -do” tour of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano Hike at Dusk & Tabacon Hot Springs Tour with deluxe buffet dinner. This is a tour you’ll never forget! Make your way to the active side of the Arenal Volcano to observe the tumbling lava rocks and spewing gases. As the evening approaches and your sense of hearing heighten, the hike takes on a surreal quality due to the amazing sounds the volcano makes in the distance. As you experience this tour, your well-trained bilingual guide will teach you a great deal about the activity and history of the volcano. Next, head for a bit of rest and relaxation at the beautiful Tabacon Resort! The indescribable hot springs and exotic tropical gardens will soothe your body and soul. When the sun sets, the show begins with the grace of clear skies permitting, and the sight of redhot lava boulders rolling down the volcano as you soak in the springs, will stun you. Revel in the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters. Tabacon is nestled at the base of mighty Arenal with a view of the Volcano towering in the background. Here, thermo-mineral springs flowing from Arenal run at a soothing 102 F through a maze of pools, waterfalls and exotic tropical gardens. You’ll love exploring the springs many nooks pulsating with these magic hot waters! Latter, a truly fabulous buffet is offered in the open air restaurant. Transfer back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep. Meals BD
After breakfast, depart with your shared scheduled shuttle transfer to the gorgeous Central Pacific Coast and to the treasure of white sand beaches housed in Manuel Antonio National Park (park closed Mondays). Check in to the Hotel California or El Karahe. Meals: B
Early this morning after breakfast get ready for our visit to Manuel Antonio National Park (Park close Mondays)
Manuel Antonio National Park, it’s absolutely unforgettable. Take a leisurely hike with a highly trained, well-educated Costa Rican naturalist guide through exotic, bio-diverse tropical rain forest preserved in this 34 year old national treasure, Manuel Antonio National Park.
Watch sloths and numerous species of monkeys travel through the tree canopy, track nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of monkeys or iguanas resting in the tropical rain forest, and listen to the songs of the various birds as they chirp above your group, curiously. And if we are lucky, we might spot one of the only 1,000 remaining endangered Mono Titi or squirrel monkey, which live in only one location in the world, here in Manuel Antonio National Park’s biological corridor.
So much can be seen here in a span of just 2 w1/2 hours! Hike through the trails and enjoy unspoiled, un-crowded, pristine beaches after your guided trip. Then there is time free for independent activities. You can explore on your own, go to a seaside restaurant for (lunch not included) or return to your hotel for relaxation. Meals: B
Morning transfer to the San Jose International Airport for your return flight to the U.S. Meals: B
Includes:
- 1 nights in San Jose deluxe hotel with buffet breakfast daily, Barcelo San Jose
- 2 nights Pacuare River, Rios Tropicales Lodge in private room
- 2 nights in Arenal Volcano breakfast daily, Montana de Fuego Hotel
- 3 nights in Manuel Antonio breakfast daily, Hotel El Karahe or Hotel California
- 14 Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- 2 days of Class III & IV world class white water rafting
- Arenal Volcano National Park Hike at El Silencio Trail & Tabacon Hot Mineral Springs with buffet dinner
- Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour
- Canopy Tour in Pacuare
- All transportation within Costa Rica
- Private Departure transfer to San Jose International Airport (SJO)
- Services of SLT local representatives
- SLT guaranteed tour performance warranty
- SLT $1 Million Insurance Protection Plan
Excludes:
- 13% Costa Rica Government tax (VAT)
- Optional Tours
BARCELO SAN JOSE
What makes the Barcelo San Jose so special is a particular paradise. While it’s location defines the 254 room deluxe hotel as a city hotel, being just 15 minutes from the San Jose International Airport and 10 minutes to downtown San Jose, arriving guests quickly realize they’ve found a bit of Eden in the city.
It’s lovely outdoor spaces including pools and gardens planted with indigenous native Costa Rican tree species coupled with outstanding attention to guests
and it’s recognized commitment to the environment (evident by its Sustainability Certificate displayed in the lobby) make the Barcelo San Jose Hotel our favorite.
An outstanding buffet breakfast is included daily and features Costa Rican favorites, European specialties and all the things you would expect from a grand buffet. Enjoy well appointed guest rooms with views of the Central Valley.
Barceló San José Hotel offers spacious and bright rooms renovated in 2013, with classic and elegant style. With the comfort of our guests in mind, all of the rooms include a 32” LCD TV, free Wi-Fi and a free electronic safe with capacity for laptop computers.
PACUARE LODGE
If you close your eyes and imagine what a genuine “Eco-Lodge” deep in the rainforest could be like, you might think of beautiful tropical gardens framing native wood Lodge rooms, open air gathering pavilions with thatched roofs and comfortable hammocks swinging in a gentle breeze, ample viewing decks for watching the toucans fly overhead and the river dance along its rapids.
Good imagination! This is exactly what you will experience at our Rios Tropicales Lodge. It is the first “Eco-Lodge” built on the Pacuare River and the only one powered with hydro-generated electricity for a clean sustainable energy source.
Our 2000 Acre Private Rainforest Reserve
Rios Tropicales Lodge is located on our 2000 acre private reserve at the mouth of the Pacuare Gorge, inside the Pacuare Protected Zone. Our Private rReserve borders the indigenous Cabecar Indian Reserve and contains more than 40 miles of hiking trails and numerous waterfalls, streams, and pools. There are two ways to access our Lodge, via rafting in on the Pacuare River, or hiking in along a trail. The various accommodations are set on the mountainside at varying slope heights, affording fantastic views of the river and the dense rainforest surroundings.
MONTAÑA DE FUEGO:
Just on the foot of the Arenal Volcano stands Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa, a hotel inspired by its great natural environment, surrounded by 35 hectares of tropical forest on our private reserve enriched by an exuberant vegetation and diverse fauna.
Montaña de Fuego Resort&Spa offers the ultimate holiday experience to those seeking the pinnacle of tropical Costa Rica adventure. Nowhere else in La Fortuna there is a resort with this natural space, fun & culture.
The hotel’s location relative to the Arenal Volcano National Park route makes MDF the perfect place from which to explore Costa Rica’s rich heritage, diverse flora and fauna, and opportunities for extreme adventure. MDF provides easy access to all the essential attractions.
Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa has received the Fordor’s Choice Award for several consecutive years, distinguished by Fodor’s Travel as the best hotel in La Fortuna de San Carlos Region.
MANUEL ANTONIO HOTELS:
KARAHE:
Karahe Hotel is located just in front of the beautiful beach of Manuel Antonio in the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, a place known by providing an experience that goes beyond a room in a beach hotel. Our food, location, personnel, and 30 years of providing quality service in Manuel Antonio, makes us the ideal place to unplugged from the routine and enjoy a personal connection with nature.
Our beautiful gardens are the home of hundreds of exotic species, because Karahe is located very close to a national park where you can observe species such as squirrel, white face and howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, hummingbirds, agoutis and others. In addition to been located just 1 kilometer from the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can enjoy one of the top ten famous beaches in the whole world.
CALIFORNIA HOTEL:
Hotel California is the best value ocean view hotel in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica. Set on a mountain and surrounded by jungle, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
River Dificulty:
Moderate. Class III-IV Rapids
Class III rafting: Rapids with high irregular waves; narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering.
Class IV rafting: Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters.
Rafting Distance: 14 miles
River time: From 3-1/2 to 5 hours – depending on water level.
Who Can Go?
Anyone in normal healthy physical condition.
Swimming experience is required.
Some rafting experience is recommended.
Min. age: 14 years. Contact us directly for options for younger kids.
Recommended Gear:
This list represents what you will need on the river. Space on the raft is limited. Therefore, it is important not to bring any extra equipment – Rios Tropicales Lodge offers all the sleeping comfort you would need, private rooms, mattresses, sheets, pillows and blankets are provided.
- River Wear Rubber soled shoes (tennis or similar).
- Shorts and a T-Shirt or a Swimsuit Windbreaker (Optional).
- Sunscreen Lotion (Optional).
- Sun Hat or Bandana (Optional).
- Personal Toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Personal medications.
- Long light pants Shoes (2 pairs, one to get wet and one dry).
- Long sleeved shirt Sweater or Sweat shirt.
- Towel.
- Extra pairs of socks.
- Insect repellent (1).