Tropical Adrenaline in Costa Rica

The Pacuare River offers some of the most spectacular rafting in Costa Rica. Dramatic canyons are covered in pristine rainforest. Near-vertical walls of greenery rise hundreds of meters above the river. Impressive waterfalls plunge into clear, warm water. The rapids are Class 3 and 4... It's no wonder that National Geographic magazine considers the Pacuare one of the five most beautiful rivers in the world.

The village of Cahuita possesses the characteristic Caribbean charm of the east coast. This tranquil spot boasts beautiful beaches and remarkable biodiversity thanks to its natural park.

Cahuita was founded by William Smith, the first English-speaking Black Caribbean settler to come to an area inhabited only by Indigenous people at the beginning of the 19th century. It was while rowing back to Panama, where he had been living, that the fisherman discovered this magnificent bay protected by a coral reef. Today, it is one of only two living coral reefs in Costa Rica, much to the delight of diving tourists.

Your guide will lead you through the rainforest, between Punta Cahuita and the village of Cahuita (5km). During this walk you will be able to observe several types of snakes (boas, bocaracas, terciopelo, oropel, mica, ranera, etc.), sloths, capuchin and howler monkeys, giant anteaters, armadillos, raccoons, blue morpho butterflies and others, several species of birds, as well as medicinal plants, orchids, ferns, bromeliads, etc.

Experience an unforgettable adventure in Punta Uva, one of the most beautiful gems on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. You'll begin with a kayaking trip on the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, paddling along the coastline between golden sand beaches and coral reefs. With a bit of luck, you might spot tropical fish, rays, and sometimes even sea turtles.

The excursion continues with a gentle journey up the Punta Uva river, surrounded by lush vegetation. Here, the calm contrasts with the sea: observe howler monkeys in the trees, resting sloths, and a wide variety of tropical birds.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui has become a special destination for nature lovers. The tropical rainforests of the Caribbean zone blend with agricultural lands where bananas, pineapples, and cacao are produced.

In the evening, a night hike to observe wildlife

Tirimbina Lodge offers its guests over 9 kilometers of trails that wind through the lodge. Along the trails, you can observe a variety of local plants, fauna, and flora. You'll find old cacao plantations, secondary forests, wetlands, rivers, and primary forests. The trails also feature two bridges, one of which is suspended over the forest, offering a magnificent view!

The Arenal volcano has one of the most turbulent volcanic histories of the last century in Central America. A perfect cone rising to 1,648 meters, bordering the lake of the same name, it offers spectacular landscapes that make it one of the must-see destinations in Central America. Arrival at the hotel and check-in.

Then in the evening, entry to the thermal baths

You will spend approximately 2.5 hours hiking through a primary rainforest, crossing around 16 suspension bridges. The guide's expert eye will provide a valuable opportunity to appreciate the mystical balance of life that unfolds at every moment of the guided tour. It is important that you pay close attention to the different layers of the forest: the treetops, the mid-levels, and the understory. This will allow you to better appreciate the various species.

Hike the private 1968 trail, named after the famous 1968 eruption of the Arenal volcano. Follow a one-hour route that includes the best panoramic views of the lake and the Arenal volcano, with the option to walk one kilometer on volcanic rocks dating back to the eruption of July 29, 1968. Along the way, you might spot howler monkeys, toucans... if you're lucky!

Experience an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Arenal rainforest with a unique canyoning descent. After a short 4x4 transfer, you'll be equipped and accompanied by expert guides to explore a spectacular canyon. The day alternates between rappelling down impressive waterfalls (up to 60 meters), short walks through the jungle, natural slides, and refreshing jumps into crystal-clear pools.

This activity, both safe and adrenaline-pumping, combines adventure, nature, and discovery in an exceptional setting. It is accessible to both novice and experienced adventurers, as long as they enjoy action and don't mind getting wet.

You will then head towards the Tenorio volcano region, renowned for its sky-blue river which bathes a very pretty waterfall, all set in a tropical forest landscape still largely untouched by human impact.

In Tenorio National Park, there's a magical spot for a 3- to 4-hour hike. You'll find a river of an otherworldly blue deep within a rainforest. Legend has it that God painted the sky blue and then washed his brushes in a river in this very park.

You will continue your journey towards the Pacific coast to Samara where you will arrive in the late afternoon.

Arrival at the hotel and check-in.

Playa Sámara is a small, cosmopolitan, and still relatively undeveloped seaside resort where life is good. You'll be captivated by its unique charm... The warm welcome of the locals, its calm beach lined with coconut palms, all contribute to making you feel at home and never wanting to leave.

Take a half-day kayaking excursion. Paddle across Samara Bay to reach Samara Island (Isla Chora) with its white sand beach and explore its underwater world.

Back to Samara, free time to enjoy the beach.

Samara is a small village that has retained all its charm thanks to the regulation of construction. This is why there are no buildings on the beach. The residents, restaurant owners, and hoteliers want to preserve this authentic character. Fishing remains one of the main activities for the local population. It is also one of the few places where you can see horses and cows roaming freely on the beach.

Last moments on the Pacific coast.

You will head towards San José.

Last moments in San José then transfer to Juan Santamaria airport.