Highlights
- Enjoy adventure sports in Arenal Volcano National Park
- Brave class II/III rapids on a whitewater rafting adventure
- Hike to cascading waterfalls in the remote Bajos del Toro region
- Venture into Corcovado National Park, the most biodiverse area in Costa Rica
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Costa Rica - Transfer to Arenal and Luxurious Hot Springs | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | Full-Day Exclusive Whitewater Rafting Trip on the Balsa River | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Private Transfer from Arenal to Bajos del Toro | Bajos del Toro |
| Day 4 | Grand Safari on the Tárcoles River | Uvita |
| Day 5 | Private Guided Hike in Corcovado National Park | Uvita |
| Day 6 | Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica - Transfer to Arenal and Luxurious Hot Springs
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), in the capital of San José, the driver of your private car service will meet you. Rather than stay in the city, you'll immediately kick off your grand Costa Rica luxury adventure with a three-hour drive northwest to Arenal Volcano National Park. This is a scenic journey that passes through rainforest-blanketed mountains with howler monkeys swinging from the trees and the calls of toucans and macaws carrying through the air.
You'll arrive in the town of La Fortuna, the gateway to excursions within Arenal Volcano National Park. You won't miss the namesake volcano, as it stands an impressive 5,479 feet (1,670 meters) high and overlooks La Fortuna. You'll likely be tired from your long journey, so the only thing remaining on today's itinerary is total relaxation, which is waiting for you at the natural hot springs on the property of your luxury hotel.
For dinner, you can either enjoy gourmet room service or hit the town. Despite its small size, there are over 100 restaurants in La Fortuna, and you can find everything from fine dining to sushi to steakhouses serving perfectly grilled meat.
Day 2: Full-Day Exclusive Whitewater Rafting Trip on the Balsa River
Running through the Arenal area is the Río Balsa, one of the funnest rivers to ride in the entire region. The fact that it features class II and III rapids mean that it is just wild enough to be exciting while also being safe enough for the whole family (min. age is 8 y/o). In the morning you'll embark on a full-day whitewater adventure on the Balsa, which includes a stop for lunch. It's also something of a safari in that you'll be able to spot many exotic animals on the banks of the river as you travel down it.
You'll meet the English speaking rafting guides in the morning at the river put-in, which is located 30 minutes from La Fortuna. Then, after a safety talk and paddling instructions, you'll grab your helmet and life vest and be underway. Expect a fun ride as you paddle through rolling rapids with names like Morning Coffee and Rock around the Croc. There will be stops in tranquil river pools for swimming, and throughout the trip you'll be able to spot exotic wildlife in the jungles along the banks of the river.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Private Transfer from Arenal to Bajos del Toro
In the mid-morning, you'll embark on a two-hour private transfer from La Fortuna southeast to the small reserve of Bajos del Toro. Famous for its beautiful waterfalls and rivers, it makes a great day trip for those who want to get off the tourist trail and experience real, rugged Costa Rican wilderness. But it isn't all roughing it; in the afternoon you'll enjoy a private guided tour of the town of Los Bajos, a thriving rural community with rich traditions and beautiful landscapes.
This guided excursion also pays a visit to the private garden of a local orchid enthusiast, Don Martín Porras. His collection features more than 400 orchid species, from large and brightly colored blooms to smaller specimens whose beauty is best appreciated through a magnifying glass. Afterward, you'll take a leisurely stroll through town and stop at Doña Olga’s Pulpería, where you'll sample local pastries and learn to make fresh tortillas.
Day 4: Grand Safari on the Tárcoles River
After breakfast, you'll travel by private car service 4.5 hours to the west of Costa Rica and the coastal village of Uvita. You'll stop en-route not only to enjoy lunch but to take part in a safari jungle cruise down the Tárcoles River. This waterway is famous as a haven for American crocodiles.
On this private boat adventure, you'll get to see these magnificent reptiles, some of which exceed 13 feet (four meters). Leading the river safari is a captain and a bilingual guide, both experts in the region, who will provide information about the flora and fauna around the river. Also interesting is that the Tárcoles functions as a biological corridor between inland rainforest and coastal mangrove forest and thus is home to many species of exotic birds.
Day 5: Private Guided Hike in Corcovado National Park
Today you'll travel south to the small village of Sierpe, which is located on the river of the same name. This is one of the main access points into Corcovado National Park, a 163-square-mile protected area on Costa Rica's famously secluded Osa Peninsula. Containing 13 major eco-systems, Corcovado is the most biodiverse region in the country, and you'll get to experience it on a guided day hike.
From Sierpe you'll take a boat to the San Pedrillo ranger station, located in the north of the park. From there you'll hike along Corcovado's ruggedly beautiful coastline before venturing into the jungle to spot a wide variety of exotic animals. These include monkeys, sloths, tapirs, white-lipped peccaries, anteaters, scarlet macaws, and the occasional jaguar. Your bilingual guide will be there every step of the way to point out all the exotic species you'll see from the many trails you'll hike throughout the day.
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, you will travel either by private land transfer (four hours) or charter flight (20 minutes) to the international airport in San José, where you will catch your flight home. Adios, and come back soon!
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