Overview
This trip takes you down the Pacuare River, an exciting yet forgiving whitewater experience. Next, fly to the Osa Peninsula for three nights at the renowned Lapa Rios Ecolodge. Bungalows are situated 350 feet above the ocean and private beach on 1,000 acres of pristine forest accessible by trails. Here you can participate in activities (at additional cost) such as kayaking, birding, horseback riding, swimming with dolphins, night walks, yoga classes, or simply relax by the pool. In Guanacaste you will stay at The Four Seasons, a spectacular property with golf, two beaches and more.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival San Jose
Day 2 Rafting the Pacuare River / Class III-IV
The most beautiful river canyon in the tropics will bewitch the adventuresome beginner and the experienced rafter alike. The Pacuare River cuts through one of those rare pockets of wilderness left on the planet. Early morning pickup at your San Jose hotel. Stop en route for a Costa Rican-style breakfast and then continue on to Tres Equis where, depending on road conditions, you may have to switch to a 4x4 shuttle to take you down to the put in. (Total drive time approx. three hours.) After an orientation and safety talk, proceed down the river. Picnic lunch on the riverbank. Total river time approx. five hours, depending on water level. Afternoon take out in Siquirres followed by an approx. two-hour drive back to Alajuela via Braulio Carrillo National Park. Overnight at hotel Xandari Plantation
Day 3 San Jose/ Osa Peninsula / Lapa Rios Ecolodge
Land transfer to the domestic airport in San Jose (about 30 mins.) where you will board a Costa Rica Adventure Vacation chartered flight** to Puerto Jimenez (45 mins). Upon arrival, a representative from Lapa Rios will pick you up in a 4x4 vehicle. The following three nights will be at Lapa Rios Ecolodge, set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres and overlooking the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean.
Day 4-5 Lapa Rios
Two full days at leisure in Lapa Rios or participating in optional tours (available at additional cost) such as: rainforest hikes, bird watching, kayaking, horseback riding, catch and release sport fishing or yoga classes. Nights at Lapa Rios.
Day 6 Liberia / Four Seasons Nicoya
After breakfast land transfer for 45 minutes to the Puerto Jimenez airstrip where you will board your Costa Rica Adventure Vacation chartered flight to Liberia (1-1/4 hour). A representative from the hotel will guide you to your hotel, The Four Seasons, with two large beaches, world-class fishing, championship golf and access to the rainforest.
Day 7-8 Four Seasons Hotel
Two full days on your own or participating in optional activities (at additional cost). Nights at Four Seasons Hotel.
Day 9 Liberia / Departure
Ground transfer to the Liberia International Airport to board your international flight back home.
"All I can say is WOW!!! What a fantastic adventure. Alavaro aka, "Natural," was an excellent guide. Very eco-oriented and well informed. "Natural" created a fun, friendly easy-going atmosphere from the beginning for this great adventure. Lisa Page and I spent 10 more days in Costa Rica and anyone that asked what to do while there, we always highly recommended Costa Rica Expeditions Pacuare River rafting. Whew whoo!!! Thank you for creating such fantastic memories for us." -Geneva Middlebrook, Calif.