Self-Drive Adventure in Costa Rica

Jour 1: San José

Arrival
Meet and greet at Juan Santamaria International airport and private transfer to your hotel in San Jose.

Jour 2: Costa Rica

Pacuare River Rafting
The Pacuare River has been recognized as one of the top five most beautiful raft able rivers of the world by National Geographic Magazine. It flows approximately 108 km to the Caribbean through a protected zone of incomparable beauty, extending from the town of Siquirres to the Talamanca Mountain Range. The rainforest that surrounds the river is home to exotic animal species such as jaguars, monkeys, ocelots, and a very large number of different types of birds.

This exciting adventure begins with an early morning pick-up at the lobby of your hotel in San José to take you to Tropical Rivers Operations Center, in Siquirres, where a typical Costa Rican breakfast will be served. After changing into the rafting gear, you will be driven to the private rafting put-in on the banks of the Pacuare River. A guide will give the necessary instruction on padding and how to enjoy a safe adventure.
From here, you and your group will launch your raft and begin to paddle 19 miles deep into the heart of one of Costa Rica’s most impressive primary rainforests. You will pass through densely vegetated rainforest gorges, admire cascading waterfalls, relax in serene pools, and experience pounding rapids.
Halfway down the river, a stop is made for a tasty, delicious picnic lunch, served on an overturned raft. Arrival at Tropical Rivers Ecolodge is expected during the early afternoon. This first part of the rafting adventure will take 2 hours approx.
Dinner is included in the lodge.

Jour 3: Sarapiqui

Pacuare River Rafting - Sarapiquí
In the morning, you will awaken to the harmonious melody of the rushing river and the sweet songs of tropical birds. After a delicious buffet breakfast, the rafts will be launched again for the final day of this river expedition. Rafting the second part of the Pacuare River is even more thrilling as you experience a mix of class III and class IV rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, and Dos Montañas. This morning ends with the satisfaction of having conquered one of the wildest and most scenic rivers in the world.

Pick up your rented car at Tropical Rivers Operation Center, where you will have the time to change clothes before driving to the Sarapiqui area.

Jour 4: Sarapiqui

Sarapiqui
After breakfast, drive to Hacienda Pozo Azul where you will enjoy an exciting horse ride. Lunch is included in Pozo Azul’s restaurant.

Jour 5: Arenal

Sarapiqui – Arenal
After breakfast, drive to Arenal area in San Carlos. Check in and then relax in the thermal waters of your hotel.

Jour 6: Rincon de la Vieja

Arenal Hanging Bridges – Rincon de la Vieja
After breakfast, drive to the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges for a Natural History Walk. After this educational hike, drive to Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.

Jour 7: Rincon de la Vieja

Rincon de la Vieja
After breakfast, enjoy a day full of activities:
Canyon Canopy Tour & Tubing in Rio Negro

Jour 8: Tamarindo

Beach Stay in the North Pacific Gold Coast, Guanacaste
Breakfast. Drive to the North Pacific Coast to enjoy a three-day stay relaxing in beautiful Potrero Beach.

Jour 9: Tamarindo

Day at leisure at the beach.

Jour 10: Tamarindo

Day at leisure at the beach.

Jour 11: San José

Potrero Beach – San Jose
After breakfast, drive back to San Jose. Drop off the car at the hotel in San Jose.

Jour 12:

Departure
Breakfast. Departure by private transfer to Juan Santamaria International airport.