Rafting, canyoning and unusual multi-activities in Costa Rica
In summary
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Sports
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Duration9 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAmerica / Costa Rica
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions195.44 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
For your vacation, embark on an adventure in Costa Rica ! Over nine days , you'll discover several regions of the country through unique activities . Explore the Pacuare River through rafting or canyoning, or venture into the cloud forest with horseback riding and ziplining. Hike up the Arenal Volcano and enjoy its hot springs. Your trip concludes at Samara Beach, ideal for relaxation and swimming. Plenty of free time will allow you to rest or explore the country at your own pace. Costa Rican culture and cuisine are rich and full of surprises. For a vacation filled with adventure, relaxation, and discovery , head to Costa Rica!
The highlights
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A combination of adventure and nature on the Pacuare River
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Explore the volcano and relax in the volcanic hot springs.
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Relaxing at Samara Beach
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
In figures
Canyoning
- Average duration/day: 3h
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 1h30
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 2h
Surfing
- Average duration/day: 2h
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 3h
Management
Program
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Welcome to Costa Rica
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 16km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela (San José). Upon exiting the airport, a representative from our partner will be waiting to greet you, provide your travel documents, and escort you to your hotel in San José. The journey takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Day 1 -
Pacuare River by raft
- Transportation Minibus - 04h30 - 260km
- Activity Rafting
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Early morning transfer to the Pacuare River on the Caribbean coast. You'll brave the rapids of this rainforest on a 30km Class III-IV whitewater rafting adventure. During the excursion, you'll admire waterfalls, lush forest, exotic plants, birds, and other wildlife, as well as the Pacuare River rapids, ranked among the top 10 in the world. A delicious lunch awaits you at the end. Afterward, transfer to your next destination: Arenal Volcano.
Day 2 -
Canyoning Adventure. Guided hike to the Arenal volcano with access to hot springs.
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 28km
- Activity Canyoning
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, the canyoning adventure begins in Lost Canyon. You'll rappel down impressive waterfalls, jump into natural pools, enjoy guided descents through canyons, and hike through the rainforest. A typical lunch will be served at the end of the excursion.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided hike along the lava flows to discover the history of the Arenal volcano, as well as its flora and fauna. After visiting the volcano, head to the magnificent natural hot springs to relax and rejuvenate. The day concludes with a delicious dinner.
Day 3 -
Shuttle and boat transfer (lake crossing). Horseback riding in Monteverde.
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 50km
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You are heading to your next destination, the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The shuttle and boat transfer from Arenal involves crossing Lake Arenal by boat.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a horseback ride through the cloud forest, where you can admire the magnificent landscapes of the region. Weather permitting, you can witness one of the most spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Nicoya.
Day 4 -
Zipline excursion in Monteverde
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 4km
- Activity Treetop adventure course
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Get ready for an adrenaline rush as you zip-line down through the canopy, connecting with nature in a fun and adventurous way.
In the afternoon, you have free time. You can also book an excursion to discover other attractions in the area.
Day 5 -
Day trip to Playa Sámara
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 140km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, a shuttle will take you to Sámara, on Costa Rica's North Pacific coast. This beach is renowned for its spectacular sunsets, ideal surfing waves, and peaceful atmosphere. A perfect place to enjoy a moment of relaxation and natural beauty.
Day 6 -
Choose your adventure: Surfing or sea kayaking lessons at Samara beach
- Activity Surfing
- Duration of the activity 1h45
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Take control of your day by choosing one of the two activities:
- Sea kayaking and snorkeling at Chora Island. Your guide will give you directions to explore the surroundings of this natural sanctuary where you can see diverse wildlife.
- A surfing lesson with a professional instructor who will help you learn to surf
Day 7 -
Last day in San Jose
- Transportation Minibus - 04h30 - 235km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, transfer back to San José, the capital of Costa Rica.
The afternoon is free: explore downtown San José, have lunch at a local restaurant or relax at your hotel.
Day 8 -
Return Flight
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 17km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your transfer will pick you up at your hotel reception and take you to the airport.
Day 9
Accommodation
The hotels for your stay are 2- or 3-star hotels with double rooms. They are comfortable and functional for travelers. Generally well-located, they are easily accessible.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in San José, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Samara Beach in a double room
- The transfers indicated in the day-by-day
- The activities listed in the day-by-day itinerary and the equipment (rafting, canyoning, hiking, horseback riding, zip-lining, surfing or kayaking)
- The meals listed in the day-by-day plan
- Hotel taxes
- 24/7 partner support
The price does not include
- International flights
- The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
- Visa fees
- Personal purchases
- National park entrances not listed as included
- Exit tax: $29 per person
Options
- Double room : CHF109.78 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Walking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Backpack
- Gourd
- Towel
Clothing to bring
- Lightweight clothing (t-shirts, shorts)
- Hiking pants
- Long-sleeved shirts against mosquitoes
- Waterproof windproof jacket
- Rain poncho
- Swimsuit
