Costa Rica Jungle & Sea Adventure and Arenal Volcano Extension

Costa Rica Jungle & Sea Adventure Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Pura Vida! Welcome to Costa Rica where our jungle and sea adventure begins in San Jose.

  Our trip begins today in San Jose, Costa Rica. Depart your home city for San Jose, arriving by 5 p.m. A short orientation meeting will be held in the hotel lobby at approximately 6 p.m. this evening. The airport to hotel transfer is included. Meals on your own.

• Day 2 Travel overland to Tortuguero for spectacular kayaking and wildlife viewing from our secluded jungle lodge.

  After an early breakfast, we depart by private minibus for Tortuguero National Park. Our scenic drive leads through traditional banana plantations and even a portion of Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the boundary of Tortuguero, accessible only by boat or plane. From here, we'll board a boat (shared with other lodge guests) to the remote and secluded Mawamba Lodge where we'll settle in and fuel up with lunch as we prepare to explore. From here, we'll load up our kayaks, learn the basics with a safety briefing and some practice strokes, then set off for a relaxed day of calm-water paddling and wildlife spotting. We kayak today through Tortuguero's primary and secondary rain forest, abundant in Costa Rica's rich indigenous bird and mammal populations. Your guide's skills at spotting wildlife and their near-encyclopedic knowledge of each butterfly, bird, reptile and monkey will delight and astonish you as the rhythm of your paddle carries you further down these peaceful, canopied canals. We'll make our way back to Mawamba for dinner and reflect on the day over a great meal at our secluded jungle lodge. Overnight at the Mawamba Lodge for the next two nights. All meals included.
  
  Kayaking: 2 hours.

• Day 3 Enjoy more great paddling in Tortuguero’s canals, then walk the beach to Tortuguero village for a glimpse into village life.

  Ambitious birders can start the day with an optional "early bird" walking tour to make the most of our opportunities here. Our official start to the day is a bit later, with a delicious buffet breakfast at the lodge before we board a support boat for a ride to our next launch point. Back aboard our kayaks, we paddle through more of Tortuguero's winding canals in solitude while spotting exotic birds and monkeys in the lush beauty of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. We return to our base at the Mawamba Lodge for lunch, then set out together on a short, easy beach walk to Tortuguero Village. Explore this small, remote and colorful village with your guide for an inside look at village life, Caribbean folk art and architecture before returning to the lodge for another great dinner. During our July departures, consider an optional nighttime tour to observe the green turtle migration during nesting season (check for availability, there is an additional cost). Tortuguero beach is the most important nesting site of the endangered green turtle in the Western Hemisphere and giant leatherback, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles are also found here on occasion. These gentle and rare creatures are truly a wonder to see. All meals included.
  
  Kayaking:  2 hours; Additional afternoon paddling options are also available.

• Day 4 Fly to San Jose then travel overland to Quepos, where we hike the jungle trails and sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park.

  This morning, we say goodbye to our jungle lodge and return to San Jose on a small plane. From San Jose we transfer overland (3 hours by minibus) to Quepos on Costa Rica's Pacific coast and set out to explore Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica's most beautiful rain forest reserves. Manuel Antonio is composed of three long strands of magnificent white-sand beach bordered by lush jungle, teeming with wildlife. Despite its relatively small size, the park is home to over 180 species of birds and 109 species of animals including two- and three-toed sloths and a subspecies of the "titi" monkey, found only in this park and in danger of extinction. We overnight at a lovely hotel with stunning ocean views for the next three nights. Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner is on your own.
  
  Hiking:  2 hours.

• Day 5 Hike, swim, and explore at the lovely, community-owned Campesinos Reserve.

  After breakfast at our hotel, a 45 minute drive transports us to our trailhead in gorgeous Campesinos Reserve. The reserve, located in a picturesque mountain range between the Naranjo and Savegre Rivers, is part of the community of Quebrada Arroyo and is managed by local farmers. Upon reaching Campesinos, we'll have an opportunity to swim in a natural pool at the base of a spectacular nearby waterfall. We'll finish the day with a lovely hike before returning to Quepos tonight for dinner. Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner is on your own.
  
  Hiking:  5 hours.

• Day 6 Experience a thrilling raft trip down the warm whitewater of the Rio Savegre past waterfalls, wildlife, and picturesque swimming holes.

  A whitewater rafting excursion on the Rio Savegre (Class II-IV) begins at the small village of Silencio, where we'll fuel up with a traditional Tico-style breakfast before hopping into our inflatable rafts. The stretch of river we paddle lies in protected primary rain forest and our guides help us spot and identify a multitude of bird species that live along the banks including egrets, osprey, toucans, parrots and kingfishers to name just a few. In addition to wildlife-viewing, we'll float past spectacular waterfalls, stop at the best swimming spots, and cheer as we paddle through the thrilling warm-water rapids. At the take-out point, we'll be met by a shuttle that transports us back to Silencio for a late lunch. We return to our hotel this afternoon in time for happy hour and another colorful Costa Rican sunset. All meals included.
  
  Rafting: 4 hours.

  Note: The water levels on the Rio Savegre may be low on March and April departures as this is the end of the dry season. Our certified professional guides are trained to navigate the river when water levels are low and the rafting is a bit more technical. Total river running distance is about 13 miles, but depends on water levels.

• Day 7 Enjoy a rainforest zipline tour before lunch, then kayak the central Pacific Coast before returning to San Jose to say farewell.

  Our week concludes with an exhilarating guided zip-line tour through the tropical rain forest canopy. As we sail from tree to tree in our secure harnesses from suspended cables, we'll have the opportunity to learn about the various layers of the rain forest ecosystem from a truly unique vantage point. Afterward, we'll wrap up our adventure with a final kayaking excursion on the Central Pacific Coast. Driving north to the town of Jaco, we'll meet our paddling guides and board our kayaks. We'll glide beneath sea cliffs filled with pelicans and frigate birds and, weather permitting, stop to snorkel on the central coast. Returning to Jaco, we'll board our minibus for the drive back to San Jose where we'll celebrate our adventure with our traveling companions and newfound friends. Pura Vida! All meals included.
  
  Kayaking and snorkeling: 2 – 2½ hours.

• Day 8 Our Costa Rica Jungle and Sea Adventure ends in San Jose. Or, continue on to our optional Arenal Volcano Extension.

  Take the group transfer to the airport this morning for flights back to the U.S. or spend additional time in this beautiful country on our Arenal Volcano extension. Breakfast included.

  For those joining our See our Arenal Volcano trip extension today, depart San Jose this morning with your driver/guide for Arenal Volcano National Park.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

All accommodations; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; transportation within Costa Rica as noted; airfare Tortuguero to San Jose; arrival and departure transfers; kayaks and related gear; guided canopy tour; entrance to national parks and reserves; rafting excursion and all related gear; outrigger canoe excursion and all related gear; local English-speaking guides and entrance fees to parks as indicated.

Airfare to Costa Rica; airport departure taxes; 3 dinners; alcoholic beverages/soft drinks; guide gratuities; snorkel gear; excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind. Tortuguero night tour during turtle nesting season (July) is also not included and costs approx. $25 per person.

This trip is rated Moderate [3].  It contains a variety of activities ranging from leisurely walks to short hikes, kayaking, rafting and snorkeling all leaning toward the easier side of REI's standard Moderate [3] rating. All activity options are suitable for novices. Participants should arrive in good physical condition and know how to swim. A regular exercise regimen consisting of walking and hiking and paddling/swimming (if possible) is highly recommended beginning at least 2-3 months prior to departure. The better shape you are in, the more you'll be able to enjoy all that the adventure has to offer!

Costa Rica enjoys the advantage of the perfect tropical climate. The average temperature in the lowlands varies from the high 70s to the high 80s. Conditions are pleasantly moderate all year long and are often compared to a never-ending spring. Although the July departure may encounter a slightly higher amount of rainfall, all day rain is very unusual at this time of year.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Costa Rica enjoys the advantage of the perfect tropical climate. The average temperature in the lowlands varies from the high 60s to the high 80s. Conditions are pleasantly moderate all year long and are often compared to a never-ending spring. Although the July departure may encounter a slightly higher amount of rainfall, all day rain is very unusual at this time of year. As we are in the tropics, rainfall is a possibility during any month of the year making adequate raingear a necessity.

Flight from Tortuguero to Quepos

There is a 25-pound baggage weight limit on your flight from Tortuguero to Quepos. You may send some of your gear directly from San Jose to Quepos at the beginning of the trip and bring only a small duffle bag with you to Tortuguero.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, hiking boots, a pair of shorts/shirt/fleece top/sandals and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
• Bring clothing that is light in weight and color, which ventilates and protects you from the sun. It is always good to have a lightweight, long-sleeved fleece or synthetic top, especially for the evenings.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
• Plastic bags are the key to keeping clothing and gear dry. Use Ziploc bags to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes.
• If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens users should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
• Space for luggage is limited. Pack lightly, fitting all clothing into one duffel bag. During the day, plan on carrying a small daypack with sunscreen, water bottle/hydration system and camera.