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Costa Rica
Classic tours / multisport
/ watersport / mountain
bike / self drive / special places
Costa Rica Ultimate Adventure Medley,
By Bike, Raft, Sea Kayak, Rope & Foot (10-days)
For those of you who refuse to be tamed,
consider this action-packed adventure. The goal is to traverse across
the country on a series of trails, rivers and backcountry roads.
We ride knobby tire mountain bikes though fertile farmland in the
lush Central Valley, hike to the base of the rumbling Arenal Volcano
then soak in the Tabacon hotsprings with front row seats of red
hot lava dripping from the cone. In La Fortuna we glide through
the rainforest canopy zig zagging across cables safely equipped
with harnesses and pulleys, We navigate six person rafts down class
3-4 rapids on the raging Pacuare River and conclude on the whitesand
beaches of the pacific coast paddling sea kayaks through the ocean
surf. For the physically fit and the hearty adventurer, this trip
will offer the challenge of a lifetime!
Day 1: San Jose (Arrival) We'll
greet you at the airport and transferred to a cozy hotel. Here we
will go over the trip and answer any questions about the adventure
that lies ahead.
Day 2: Orosi Valley (Mountain Biking)
We begin the day with a two hour drive southeast on the Pan American
Highway to the Central Valley of Costa Rica. It’s here we mount
our fat tire mountain bikes and begin our adventure. The first leg
of the ride is through mountainous and verdant countryside to a
small, quaint agricultural town. From here we begin a gradual uphill
climb rewarding us with incredible "vistas" of the valley
below. At the peak we abandon civilization and trade wide dirt roads
for an outrageous stretch of singletrack and mountain paths. We
break midday for a picnic lunch beside a refreshing mountain creek
with time to absorb the tropical surroundings. Afterwards we continue
biking to our night's retreat, a mountain top lodge overlooking
a pristine valley. (B,L)
Day 3: Pacuare River (Whitewater
Rafting) After a hearty and wholesome breakfast we hop in the
van for a 45 minute drive and a 15 minute hike, to the "put-in"
on the Pacuare River. Here we kick off for two days of adventure
tackling (28 kms/15 miles) of class III-IV rapids. The first day
on the river is a short paddle day giving us plenty of time to explore
this pristine river valley. Tonight we stay at our comfortable riverside
campsite, El Nido del Tigre. This is a luxury campsite with tents
mounted on wooden platforms facing the river, beautiful manicured
gardens, an open air dining room and kitchen, a washroom with a
flush toilet and sink and numerous hammocks strung up to relax in.
(B,L,D)
Day 4: Pacuare River (Whitewater
Rafting) The second day on the Pacuare we plunge downstream
through a dramatic landscape of virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls
and carved canyons. This section of continuous rapids will thrill
even the seasoned rafter. Along the way we take time-out to do a
side hike up to some natural waterslides. We "take-out"
near the town of Siquirres and then head towards the town of La
Fortuna - closest town to the volcano. (B,L)
Day 5: Arenal Volcano (Hiking, Canopy
Touring and Hot Springs) Up until now we've stayed on terra
firma, but it's time to ascend to the rainforest canopy -a thrilling
way to view nature. Secured in a harness, 100 feet off the ground,
we'll traverse on cables between the trees, viewing the vegetation
as a bird. Up high in the rainforest canopy we can observe one of
the earth's most complex biosphere and capture images of the different
levels of the rainforest canopy. Afterwards we take to the trails
on foot, hiking to a 120-foot cascading waterfall. Wading below
the powerful rush of water is absolutely thrilling. Late afternoon
we drive around to the most active side of the volcano and hike
to the old lava flow from 1992 eruption. The hike is through tropical
rainforest until we reach the 30-foot wall of lava rock. Here we
scramble up on top of the lava and walk around - this area is the
closest one can get to the volcano. The day concludes soaking in
the Tabacon Hot Springs, sipping pina coladas in the wet bar while
watching lava drip from the cone of Arenal. The springs are naturally
heated by the volcano and have a variety of different pools with
waterfalls of varying force. Massage and mud facials are optional.
Overnight in a comfortable hotel. (B,D)
Day 6: Carrillo Beach (Sea Kayaking)
Today we depart for the southwestern Pacific Coast. Our route
is around the picturesque Lake Arenal and down to the cattle grazing
plains of Guanacaste. This afternoon we paddle down the Nicoya coast
exploring the pristine beaches and rugged rocky points. Keep your
eyes peeled along the way for sea turtles basking in the turquoise
water, flying fish darting through the air, or a glimpse of a playful
dolphin. We land our kayaks on the palm fringed white sand beach
in time for a cool drink at the Mirador viewpoint. At Playa Carillo
the evening is free to play in the surf, walk along the beach or
relax by the hotel pool. (B,L)
Day 7: Playa Coyote (Mountain Biking)
Mountain bikes are our means to continue exploring this spectacular
coastline. An incredible playground of dirt roads, rolling hills,
trails and hard-packed sand beaches await us as we mount up on bikes
and head south. We stop frequently in local villages to rest in
the shade and refresh ourselves with cool drinks. We settle for
the night in a cozy hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Mal Pais (Mountain Biking)
After a hearty breakfast we set out for a day of adventurous riding
on backroads, beaches and across low water rivers. This route should
appeal to all bikers, with awesome mountain biking conditions through
an arid forest that leads to the sea. The wildlife commonly encountered
en route includes: white-faced and howler monkeys, scarlet macaws,
toucans and numerous other exotic species of birds, and if we are
lucky, three-toed sloths lazing high in the palm trees. By late
afternoon we reach the laid back community of Montezuma, for our
final night on the coast. (B,L)
Day 9: San Jose This morning
is free to spend a few more hours enjoying the surf of the Pacific
Coast. Mid-day we transfer to the airport in Tambor for a domestic
flight back to San Jose. The evening is free in San Jose.
Day 10: Departure You will be
transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
Trip Includes: All accommodation
(twin shared), airport transfers, meals as indicated (b-breakfast,
l-lunch, d-dinner) internal transportation, 21-speed mountain bikes,
self bailing rafts, camping gear and veteran guides.
Not Included: Departure taxes,
gratuities, meals not included and items of personal nature.
2005 Departures 2005 - 2006
: January 21-30, February 11-20, March 11-20, April 15-24, May 14-23,
June 17-26, July 15-24, August 12-21, September 16-25, October 14-23,
November 18-27, December 16-25, January 20-29
Price: $1999 US Land Only
Peak Season: $2099 US Land Only (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter)
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