Adventures in Costa Rica

Upon arrival in San Jose, your private car and driver will escort you to the deluxe Grano de Oro Hotel, set on a quiet street in the heart of the capital. The rest of this day is yours to relax and enjoy as you wish.

Today’s journey to your river lodge is no ordinary hotel transfer! Accompanied by an expert river guide, you and your fellow lodge guests will depart San Jose for a scenic drive to the banks of the Pacuare River. You’ll receive complete instructions before setting out on an exciting white water rafting adventure through Class II and III rapids. This expedition takes you directly to the enchanting Pacuare Lodge, cited by National Geographic Traveler as one of the world’s finest deluxe eco-lodges! This afternoon, you’ll have your first chance to personalize your holiday by joining other Lodge guests on the excursion of your choice. Some of the available group tours include:

+ Canopy Adventure: Intrepid nature-enthusiasts can explore the rainforest canopy with a guide. After expert safety instruction from Lodge staff, you and your fellow guests will ascend to platforms high above the forest floor to explore among the treetops. Specialized equipment allows you to traverse along suspended cables and to rappel down towering trees!

+ The Loop Trail: This gentle 90-minute hike takes you into the Pacuare Lodge’s 700-acre private reserve. With an expert naturalist guide, it’s a terrific introduction to the flora and fauna of the region. The tour finishes at a waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip before returning to the Lodge.

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Tailor this day to your personal interests and taste for adventure! Choose two more expeditions and join other Lodge guests and an expert guide on the adventures that are right for you; the Canopy Adventure and Loop Trail hike described above are also available:

+ Nature Hike and Cabécar Cultural Encounter: The Pacuare region is home to isolated villages and family units of Cabécar Indians, the largest indigenous group in Costa Rica. Hiking with a Lodge guide and other guests, you’ll explore along rainforest trails that have been used for generations by the Cabécar. This fascinating cultural expedition offers genuine engagement with a Cabécar family. As such, it is important to be respectful of their ways and to heed the instructions of your guide.

+ Rainforest Birdwatching: Arise early as the forest’s avian residents are starting their day for this guided excursion into the surrounding forests. Binoculars are available and our sharp-eyed guide will help you to identify the many exotic species – including sun bitterns, red-throated tanagers, black-cheeked woodpeckers and the colorful toucan.

+ Ancient Trail and Hidden Waterfall: This challenging hike along remote and sometimes steep terrain takes you along an ancient trail that has been used for generations by the indigenous Cabécar Indians. Reaching the summit of this adventure, you’ll discover a hidden waterfall where you’ll enjoy picnic lunch. The return hike to the Lodge includes a visit to a traditional Cabécar village.

+ Canonying - El Tesorito Creek: Flowing out of the mountains behind the Lodge, El Tesorito Creek is a narrow gorge that winds its way through the rainforest. The experience begins with a 15-minute nature hike from the lodge and includes safety training and all equipment. Once you reach the creek, you’ll enjoy rock climbing, sliding along cables, descending down a small waterfall, swinging through the jungle like Tarzan, and rappelling down cliffs ranging from 6 to 90 feet in height!

+ Rural Costa Rican Experience: Depart the Lodge and cross the nearby river by gondola to reach the remote village of Bajo del Tigre. Spending time in this small farming community offers insight into daily rural life and some of the spices, roots and tubers that they grow. Accompanied by an experienced naturalist, you’ll also explore the river basin and surrounding rainforest.

+ Behind-the-Scenes at our Sustainable Lodge: The Pacuare Lodge is hailed not only for its fine accommodations and service, but for its pioneering sustainable practices. In the company of an in-the-know guide, you’ll go behind the scenes to learn about some of the facilities and programs that help to minimize the Lodge’s environmental impact while also benefiting nearby communities.

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After breakfast, set out once again with our experience guide and fellow Lodge guests for an exciting white water rafting expedition on the Pacuare. This section of the river is distinguished by incredible scenery and heart-pounding Class III + IV rapids. Reaching the take-out point, our private car and driver will take you to one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations – the Arenal Volcano. On arrival, check in to the deluxe Arenal Kioro Hotel where your spacious suite includes private terraces and your own Jacuzzi with magnificent views of the Volcano!  Meals B+L

Tailor your vacation this morning with the included adventure of your choice, each of them expertly led by your own private guide.

+ La Fortuna Falls on Horseback: A 90-minute ride and an invigorating hike with your personal guide take along forest trails to this lovely waterfall. Don’t forget your swimsuit… There’s an enchanting natural pool that’s perfect for a refreshing dip.

+ Hike Arenal: Enjoy a moderate hike through the forest and over old lava flows as your personal naturalist guide offers fascinating insight into the unique geology and ecology of this geothermal region.

+ Hanging Bridges Adventure: With your own expert guide, you’ll explore along more than a dozen suspended bridges that wind their way through the forest. It’s a great way to study the tropical flora and fauna of the canopy. And high above the forest floor, you’ll have a different perspective of Arenal Volcano!

+ Zip Line Adventure through the Forest Canopy: This 3-hour excursion combines adrenaline-rushing thrills with a chance to experience the rainforest from a whole new perspective. With 12 platforms and more than 1,000 feet of cable strung through the lush canopy, you’ll “fly” through the tree tops, enjoying spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and a chance to espy toucans, sloths, monkeys, butterflies and variety of birds. Complete instructions are included along with all necessary equipment: Helmet, harness and gloves are provided.

+ White Water Tubing (shared with other travelers): Meet with members of the Maleku Tribe in their village to hear about their culture, medicine and traditions.  Then navigate the crystal clear rapids of the Arenal River in a rafting tube.  Halfway through our adventure there is time to relax and swim.

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After breakfast, your private car and driver will be waiting to take you on a scenic drive toward the Pacific coast.  En route, you’ll embark on a unique journey as you sail on the beautiful Tempisque River, seeing the El Viejo National Wildlife Refuge on one side and the Palo Verde National Park on the opposite shore.  This is Costa Rica’s natural world at its best-experience the local ecology and encounter a variety of wildlife, including birds, monkeys, all while gliding down the river. At the conclusion of your guided river expedition, you’ll enjoy lunch, then continue with your private car and driver to the Lagarta Lodge, our boutique hotel set amidst the coastal forests of the Nicoya Peninsula. Meals B+L

Amidst the unspoiled beauty of the Nicoya Peninsula, the Lagarta Lodge in Nosara maintains its own private nature reserve, offering you a unique opportunity to explore mangrove estuaries and subtropical dry forests that are home to a variety of flora and fauna. The Pacific Ocean offers other exciting activities. Tailor your exploration today with the privately guided activity of your choice:

+ Mangrove Estuary by Standup Paddleboard: The serene waters of the Rio Montaña and Rio Nosara weave their way through lush mangrove estuaries. Explore quiet channels shaded by a lush green canopy and follow the waters all the way out to Playa Nosara. A chance to learn about this unique eco-system and its avian residents make this a fun and enriching journey suitable for both the beginner and experienced paddleboarder. Equipment, instruction and refreshments are included.

+ Surfing Lesson: Our certified and experienced instructor makes this a suitable adventure for beginners and advanced surfers alike. The waters of Playa Nosara and the surrounding coast range from nearly flat to the pounding waves of the open ocean and will soon have you wave-catching for unforgettable thrills.

+ Standup Paddleboard and Snorkeling: This exciting adventure takes you out onto the open waters of Garza Bay to the pristine Isla Rosada. Depending upon water conditions and your skill level, our expert guide will choose the best route. Snorkeling the coral reefs off Playa Guiones, the quiet waters of Coco Beach or another carefully chosen spot highlight this excursion.

+ San Juanillo Snorkeling Adventure: The waters off of San Juanillo Beach are protected by off shore coral reefs and often offer amazing visibility up to 100 feet. It’s the perfect place to explore colorful Pacific species including brightly colored tropical fish, starfish, octopus and lobsters.

+ Waterfall Hike: Join our naturalist guide for this moderate hike, covering a variety of terrain form a nearby cattle farm to shaded trails that wind their way under the canopy of the tropical dry forest. Coming to a pristine stream, you’ll have several chances to take a refreshing dip in a series of swimming holes, some of them connected by rushing cascades. After reaching a beautiful waterfall tucked away in the forest, you’ll enjoy a light picnic lunch. All-terrain shoes, swimsuits and a hat are suggested.

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This entire day is free to relax and enjoy as you wish. Our Pacific resort offers two swimming pools, a lovely oceanview setting, and all the amenities and activities of a world class beach resort.  

+ Explore the Reserve by Waterway: Board a silent electric boat and gently glide through the unique convergence of two rivers as they flow to the ocean. Shrouded by the Ostinal Wildlife Refuge, you will encounter an impressive mangrove jungle that is home to countless bird, reptile, amphibian, and plant species. Your guide will provide fascinating insights about this globally threatened habitat.

+ Jungle Trek in the Nosara & Ostinal Biological Reserve: Our signature eco-adventure! The Lagarta Lodge private reserve interweaves with the world-famous Ostinal Biological Reserve to frame a wonderland of tropical jungle and mangrove habitats. Bordered by the Nosara River, this 40-hectare refuge teems with life. This guided experience will offer plentiful learning and spectacular photo opportunities.

+ Birdwatching: Greet the daybreak as the region’s beautiful birds fill the jungle with calls, chirps, and whistles. A memorable experience for expert birding enthusiasts and novices. The Nosara and Ostinal Biological Reserves offer a unique opportunity to spot a mesmerizing diversity of jungle, ocean, and mangrove species.

+ Evening Trek: Did you know that alacranes (Costa Rica’s non-lethal scorpions) glow in the dark when exposed to UV light? Sundown brings about an awakening of evening creatures and their secrets. Explore the Nosara Biological Reserve at night in the company of an experienced guide and marvel at unique sightings of bats, spiders, moths, amphibians, and more.

+ Mountain Bike Trek: Explore Nosara through a network of off-road gravel paths, sandy stretches, and hidden trails. Framed by beautiful sights landscapes by an unforgettable beach sunset, this fun adventure will get your heart pumping. Your expert guide will offer mountain biking tips and will tailor the ride according to ability.

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Your private car and driver will take you to the airport in Liberia for your homeward flight. Meals B