Costa Rica: Tropical Multisport

Journey deep into an eco-paradise where steamy volcanic ranges and tropical rain forests filled with wildlife meet a coastline washed by white ocean surf.  On our multisport adventure, travel Costa Rica’s remote byways by mountain bike, river raft, and on foot.  We start by cycling the rich, fertile slopes of the Occidental Central Valley before heading to the wild and beautiful Rio Pacuare for two days of class IV whitewater rafting.  A visit to Arenal may offer the opportunity to feel the rumblings and observe the brilliant red-yellow lava flows of an active volcano and enjoy a relaxing soak in a natural thermal hot spring.    Our small group size allows us to travel easily and intimately through a country that has made farsighted decisions to protect their ecosystem and rain forests in a world where they are rapidly vanishing.

Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.

Costa Rica: Tropical Multisport Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in San Jose, Costa Rica. Leave your hometown and fly to San Jose, Costa Rica (your exact air itinerary can be worked out with a member of the REI Adventures air department). Arrive into San Jose anytime today and transfer to our hotel (airport to hotel transfer is included).  Depending on your arrival time, you can opt to explore the city or just relax near the hotel.  Meals on your own; Hotel included.

• Day 2

  We begin the day with a 45-minute drive to Rancho Redondo and the small town of Vista de Mar, located at 8,000' above sea level with a spectacular view of Occidental Central Valley. Upon arrival, our guide will give a safety talk and we'll have a chance to test our bikes before beginning our rolling 43-mile, van-supported ride. We cycle over predominantly paved roads past cattle farms and small Costa Rican villages and towns. The views are wonderful and include vistas of the far side the Talamanca Mountain Range, home of Chirripo, Costa Rica´s highest peak (12,530'). Our destination this afternoon is the lovely Turrialba Valley, filled with coffee and sugar cane plantations and the location of this evening's accommodations, the charming Hotel Casa Turire. Breakfast, lunch included.
  
  Mountain Biking: 43 miles; Terrain: rolling hills and some steep climbs, predominantly paved roads.

• Day 3

  We'll enjoy a full day of cycling in the Turrialba region today. After a 40-minute drive, we unload our bikes and start our day's ride at an elevation of 5,000'. Our first stop is a local farm where we observe rural family life and sample some of the seasonal, freshly-harvested fruits. We continue to the Ujarras Ruins, an ancient church built by early Spanish settlers, now preserved as a historical monument. After stopping for a short rest and a snack, we then pedal our way to the town of Tucurrique (named after native Cacique people that used to inhabit the area before the Spanish settlers arrived). Once in town, we stop for lunch at the home of the Tortoz family where we enjoy a fine Costa Rican home-cooked meal. After lunch, we head back off-road through relatively flat but scenic countryside towards the Hotel Casa Turire. Breakfast, lunch included.
  
  Mountain Biking: 35 miles; Terrain: rolling hills in the morning, flattening out in the afternoon, combination of paved and dirt roads.

• Day 4

  After breakfast, we're transported to the put-in point on the beautiful Rio Pacuare (class IV), a protected tropical wilderness river and one of the most exciting to raft in all of Costa Rica. Over the next two days, we'll paddle 18 miles of the lush gorge where 100-foot waterfalls drop off the canyon rim directly into the river before us. Wildlife abounds and we revel in the thrill of warm-water rafting until we reach our tranquil riverside camp. Overnight at the rustic but comfortable Pacuare River Camp. All meals included.
  
  Rafting: Class III-IV whitewater.

• Day 5

  Resuming our paddle this morning, we float through the dense jungle watching the riverbank and foliage for signs of indigenous wildlife including monkeys, sloths, ocelots and an incredible variety of birds and insects. After enjoying another exhilarating day on the river, we take-out in the afternoon and set off for Arenal, arriving by dinnertime. We spend the next two nights at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, located at the base of the rumbling volcano. All meals included.
  
  Rafting: Class III-IV whitewater; Driving: 4 hours

• Day 6

  Arenal has been regularly spewing lava and smoke plumes since a series of eruptions occurred in 1968 and daily rumblings are not unusual. We spend the first half of our day hiking on various trails that wind through the countryside surrounding the volcano. In the morning, we take a three-hour hike to the water-filled crater of Arenal's dormant partner, Chato. The afternoon is left open for another optional hike or for some relaxation time at the lodge followed by a rejuvenating soak at a small, delightful hot spring. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 3 hours, with longer options available.

• Day 7

  Our day begins with an optional early-morning wildlife hike, then we'll slip into our harnesses for a thrilling zip line canopy tour high above the surrounding rain forest. As we soar from platform to platform, we'll gain a new perspective on the marvelous biodiversity this magical country is renowned for. After lunch, we begin our drive back to San Jose (approx. 4 hours) where we'll spend our final evening. In San Jose, we have some free time to shop before joining our traveling companions for a tasty celebration dinner. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 4 hours; Driving: 4 hours

• Day 8

  After breakfast, catch the group transfer back to the airport for homeward-bound flights or spend additional time in this beautiful country on your own. Breakfast included.

Note on Itinerary:

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

Single Travelers:

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. Single rooms are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. *Single rooms are not available at the Pacuare River Camp.

Price Includes:

All accommodations; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; airport transfers; transportation within Costa Rica; local English-speaking guides; mountain bikes and all rafting gear (life vests, helmets, etc.); zip line canopy tour and entrance to hot springs near Arenal.

Not Included:

Airfare to San Jose, Costa Rica; 3 dinners; alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; guide gratuities; laundry fees; excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind.

Qualifications:

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. All participants should be in good physical condition, have some previous cycling experience and know how to swim. The itinerary contains a variety of activities ranging from cycling to rafting, hiking, and swimming. The cycling is challenging with some parts of the ride falling into the moderate plus category although van support will be available for those wanting to take a break from riding. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least 3 months prior to departure. Recommended exercises include hiking, jogging, cycling and/or swimming. The better shape you are in, the more fun you will have. Get out on those hills on your bicycle if possible!

Mountain Biking:

The mountain biking portion of the trip is accompanied by a support van and led by a cycling guide. Anyone not wanting to cycle the more difficult parts of the route can ride in the support vehicle. Snacks and refreshments are provided during cycling, but we encourage you to bring any easy-to-carry, high-energy treats you particularly enjoy. We cycle approximately 40 miles daily during two days of the itinerary. There are some significant long climbs and steep hills. Bikes are provided along with water bottles and helmets.

Weather:

Costa Rica enjoys a nearly perfect tropical climate.  The average temperature is 72° F in the highlands and ranges from the high 70s to the low 90s in the lowlands.  There is a rainy season (or green season) from May to November when various parts of the country experience higher amounts of precipitation, and a dry summer season generally lasting from December through April.  As we are in the tropics, rainfall is a possibility during any month of the year making adequate raingear a necessity.

General Information:

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.

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 a nearly perfect tropical climate. The average temperature is 72° F in the highlands and ranges from the high 70s to the low 90s in the lowlands. There is a rainy season (or green season) from May to November when various parts of the country experience higher amounts of precipitation, and a dry summer season generally lasting from December through April. As we are in the tropics, rainfall is a possibility during any month of the year making adequate raingear a necessity.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots and/or cycling helmet if required), and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Space for luggage is limited—please pack lightly!
• While rafting the Pacuare River there is very limited space for luggage. This may entail separating your belongings into two bags -- one to leave on the bus and one to take down river. You can bring a small second duffel for this purpose, or simply use a stuff sack. Rafts carry heavy-duty whitewater bags for storing everyone’s overnight clothes and gear.
• Bike helmets are provided, but consider bringing your own for personal comfort and fit.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet it drains your body heat, and takes a long time to dry in a humid jungle climate. Plan on bringing at least one synthetic shirt that maintains its warmth when wet, yet dries quickly. Examples of these fabrics are Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• A poncho is wonderful for the hiking portion of the trip but does not work well during the biking portion—you may want to bring both a poncho and a rain jacket.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Use different sizes and colors to differentiate the contents. Plastic bags work great for sorting out dirty or wet clothing.
• You may want to bring a rain cover or some trash bags to protect your daypack, should it rain.
• Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800) 426-4840 will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.