Costa Rica: Jungle & Sea Escape

Costa Rica: Jungle & Sea Escape Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in San Jose, Costa Rica. Depart your home city for San Jose, arriving anytime today. Your exact air itinerary can be worked out with a member of the REI Adventures air department. The airport to hotel transfer is included. Meals on your own.

• Day 2

  After an early breakfast, we depart by private minibus for Tortuguero National Park. We drive through banana plantations and a portion of Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to our put-in location at the boundary of Tortuguero (from here, our luggage is transported separately to the Mawamba Lodge). Our guide will provide a safety briefing to familiarize us with our kayaks and gear and we set off down the Rio Suerte for a day of calm-water paddling. We kayak through primary and secondary rain forest, hopefully spotting some of Costa Rica’s indigenous bird and mammal species, and enjoy our lunch along the riverbank. Upon reaching the Rio Tortuguero Canal, we have the option to jump aboard the Mawamba’s support boat for a short ride to the lodge or continue paddling directly to the lodge itself. A refreshing welcome cocktail is waiting when we arrive. Overnight at the Mawamba Lodge for the next two nights. Kayaking: 4-5 hours. All meals included.

• Day 3

  We start the day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the lodge and then board the support boat for a 25-mile ride to our put-in spot. After climbing into our kayaks, we paddle through undiscovered canals until we reach the magical entrance to Laguna Nueve. Here, we kayak in clear water and total solitude while enjoying the lush beauty of Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. After spending some time on an unspoiled local beach, we return to the lodge for lunch. A variety of afternoon activities are available to choose from, including additional paddling options, boat tours of the surrounding canal system or just wandering along the lodge’s nature trails and relaxing in a hammock, listening to the sounds of the rain forest. During the July departure, an optional night tour to observe the green turtle migration during nesting season may also be arranged (cost not included in trip). 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. Kayaking: 2 hours; optional afternoon paddle available. All meals included.

• Day 4

  This morning, we say goodbye to our jungle lodge and transfer to the Tortuguero airstrip for a short flight back to San Jose.  After a brief layover, we board a connecting flight to Quepos on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.  Upon arrival, we’ll harness up and begin a guided aerial tour through tropical rain forest canopy.  As we sail from tree to tree on suspended cables, we’ll have the opportunity to learn about the various layers of the rain forest ecosystem from a truly unique vantage point.  At the conclusion of the canopy tour, we’ll trade our harnesses for hiking boots and walk down to lovely Biesanz Beach where we take our first cooling dip in the Pacific (snorkeling is an option).  Later this afternoon, we’ll 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 a lush, wildlife-filled jungle.  Despite its relatively small size, the park is home to 184 species of birds and 109 species of animals including three-toed sloths and a subspecies of the “titi” monkey, found only in this park and in danger of extinction.  Overnight at Hotel La Mariposa for the next three nights.  Hiking:  2 hours.  Breakfast, lunch included.

• Day 5

  A 45-minute drive transports us to the small town of Londres where we’ll stop at a local restaurant for breakfast before beginning our hike in the gorgeous Campesinos Reserve.  The reserve, located in a picturesque mountain range between the Naranjo and Savegre Rivers, is managed by Don Miguel Mora, a local Costa Rican enthusiastic about sharing with trip members his intensive knowledge of the rain forest environment, “Tico” traditions and great locally-grown produce.  Upon reaching Campesinos, we’ll have an opportunity to swim in a natural pool at the base of a spectacular nearby waterfall and explore a working vanilla plantation bordering the reserve.  During our interpretive morning hike, we’ll encounter a variety of unique tropical plant species used for both food and medicinal purposes and enjoy fabulous views of the surrounding jungle.  After lunch, we’ll continue hiking toward the Savegre River, where we’ll make use of an "andarivel" – a type of hand-operated metal tram suspended by ropes – to cross the fast-flowing river en route to the end of the trail and our waiting vehicle.  Return to Quepos tonight for dinner.  Hiking:  5 hours.  Breakfast, lunch included.

• Day 6

  A 13-mile 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 boats. 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 waiting shuttle that transports us back to Silencio for a late lunch. We return to the La Mariposa this afternoon in time for happy hour and another colorful Costa Rican sunset. Rafting: 4 hours. All meals included.

• Day 7

  Our week concludes with a fun and unique outrigger canoe excursion on the Central Pacific Coast. We’ll depart from our hotel and drive north to the town of Jaco where we’ll meet our canoeing guides and, after an instructional briefing, board our sleek vessels. Originally developed in Polynesia, outrigger canoes have been used as a form of ocean-going transportation for centuries and have undergone very little refinement during that time. Our canoes can accommodate up to eight individuals and are perfect for exploring the spectacular coastline. We’ll glide beneath sea cliffs filled with pelicans and frigate birds and, weather permitting, stop to take advantage of some of the best snorkeling on the central coast. Returning to Jaco, we’ll board our minibus for the drive back to San Jose where we’ll celebrate our week’s adventure with our traveling companions and newfound friends. Pura Vida!  Canoeing and snorkeling: 3 hours. All meals included.

• Day 8

  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 one of our exciting extensions.  Breakfast included.
  
  For those joining our Arenal Volcano extension today, depart San Jose this morning with your driver/guide for Arenal Volcano National Park.  In addition to the volcano itself, the park encompasses thousands of acres of pristine rain forest and teems with tropical birds and wildlife.  En route to Arenal, we stop at lovely La Paz Waterfall Gardens and enjoy a stroll along the walking trails and close-up views of the five spectacular waterfalls that line our route.  After lunch, we’ll continue towards the park and the comfortable lodge where we’ll spend our next two nights. We have time to relax and explore the lodge grounds before dinner and perhaps catch an impressive view of the nearby rumbling giant that regularly erupts with breathtaking displays of vapor and lava.  Driving time approximately 4½ hours.  Lunch and dinner included.

• Day 9

  We begin the day with a visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges.  The Hanging Bridges is a complex of six hanging suspension bridges rising above the jungle canopy and two additional miles of trails running through the surrounding lush rain forest.  The bridges and trails provide an excellent vantage point to observe the flora and fauna from the ground level all the way to the treetops.  During our exploration, we’ll learn about the biological diversity and complexity of this unique ecosystem while having an opportunity to see many of the indigenous plant, insect and, with luck, mammal species with our own eyes.  This afternoon, we’ll take a soak in Ecotermales, a small, local hot springs consisting of five naturally heated pools and a soothing waterfall.  Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 10

  We’ll enjoy a morning hike offering close-up views of one of Arenal’s lava flows before boarding our vehicle and beginning the drive back to San Jose.  We plan to arrive in San Jose by approx. 4 p.m. (flights back to San Jose that arrive at approx. 1:30 p.m. are also available at an additional cost).  Breakfast included.

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

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; 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.

**Arenal Volcano Extension:  Two nights accommodations; ground transportation from San Jose to Arenal and return; meals as noted on daily itinerary; guide services; entrance fees to Arenal Volcano National Park, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Arenal Hanging Bridges and Ecotermales hot springs.

Airfare to Costa Rica; airfare from Tortuguero to Quepos ($195); 3 dinners; alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; guide gratuities; snorkel gear; laundry fees; excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind. Tortuguero night tour during turtle nesting season (July departure) is not included in trip price and costs approx. $25 per person.

**Arenal Volcano Extension:  Airfare to Costa Rica; airport departure taxes; meals not specified in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages/soft drinks; guide gratuities; excess baggage charges (for those taking optional flight back to San Jose at extension’s end) or insurance of any kind.

This trip is rated Moderate [3].  It contains a variety of activities ranging from day walks to moderate hikes, kayaking, rafting and snorkeling.  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!

**The Arenal Volcano Extension is rated Easy Active [2] and participants arriving in shape for the Jungle & Sea Escape itinerary will enjoy the walks and hikes on the extension as well.

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 within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, 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.

Weather

Flight from Tortuguero to Quepos

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider