Costa Rica Tropical Multisport and Manuel Antonio & Beaches Extension

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 thrilling 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.  Extend your stay with a three day excursion to Costa Rica's premier national park, Manuel Antonio, on the Pacific Coast. We will spend our days kayaking, exploring the park and viewing the local wildlife (such as the endangered squirrel monkey) and relaxing on the white sand beaches. Enjoy our boutique hotel with a gorgeous view overlooking the Pacific Ocean and partake in optional activities such as surf lessons or a sunset sail on a catamaran. Our small group size allows us to travel lightly through a country dedicated to protecting their unique ecosystems and rain forests in a world where they are rapidly vanishing.

Traveling with kids? Check out our Costa Rica Family Adventure.

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 and Manuel Antonio & Beaches Extension 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.
  
  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.
  
  Biking: 35 miles; Terrain: rolling hills in the morning, flattening out in the afternoon, combination of paved and dirt roads.

• Day 4

  The next two days of our adventure are a true highlight as we run the world-renowned Rio Pacuare, considered by many to be one of the top 5 best whitewater rivers on earth! After breakfast, we'll visit a unique local snake farm, then we're transported to our put-in point on the class IV Rio Pacuare, a protected tropical wilderness river and one of the most exciting and beautiful in all of Costa Rica. We'll spend the next two days paddling 18 miles through one of the country's most impressive landscapes, where 100-foot waterfalls cascade from the canyon rim directly into the river before us. Wildlife abounds and we revel in the thrill of running the warm rapids until we reach the unforgettable Pacuare River Camp. This remarkable rainforest eco-lodge is situated on a 1500 acre private reserve. Powered by clean, renewable energy Pacuare River Camp features beautiful tropical gardens, open air pavilions with thatched roofs, comfortable hammocks for enjoying the tropical breeze, and viewing decks where you can observe toucans flying overhead or watch the rapids churn on the river. In the open-air dining area, enjoy appetizers and a delicious freshly prepared dinner by candlelight. Rustic but comfortable, Pacuare River Camp is truly an ideal place to relax and spend a night along the river. All meals included.
  
  Rafting: Class III-IV whitewater.

• Day 5

  Rise and shine to some of Costa Rica's best coffee, a great breakfast, and prepare yourself for another day of heart-pounding whitewater as we resume our journey down the Rio Pacuare. Some of the river's most exciting rapids await today, as we run Upper and Lower Huacas rapids, Cimarron, Dos Montanas and many more, whose names have become synonymous with adrenaline! We'll also watch the riverbank for monkeys, sloths, ocelots and an incredible variety of birds and insects. After enjoying our final 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 to spend some time soaking in a splendid natural hot spring. At Arenal, water heated in the core of the earth travels through layers of rock, gathering a wealth of minerals as it rises to the surface to form steaming hot spring-fed pools. Here, temperature, mineral content and a truly splendid tropical setting combine to create one of the most rejuvenating and relaxing hot spring experiences to be found anywhere. 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 board the Sky Tram for a bird's-eye view of the jungle on a canopy tour ending in an thrilling zip line experience above the rain forest. Secure in our harnesses, we soar from platform to platform on a series of cables up to 660 feet above the ground, spanning distances anywhere from 100 feet to 2,640 feet! On a clear day you'll have panoramic views of Arenal volcano and lake and you can expect to gain a new perspective on the marvelous biodiversity of this country as the naturalist guides accompanying us pause to interpret our surroundings along the way. 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

  If you are not joining the group for our Manuel Antonio & Beaches Extension, your journey ends in San Jose. After breakfast, catch the group transfer back to the airport for homeward-bound flights. Breakfast included.
  
  Extend Your Stay: Join us for our Manuel Antonio & Beaches Extension, a perfect compliment to our multisport trip, to experience some of the world's most beautiful beaches on the Pacific coast and visit world renowned Manuel Antonio National Park. Explore the wild habitat of the park with your local guide, kayak the pristine waters, enjoy a walk on the beach and take time to relax.

• Day 8

  For those continuing on to the Manuel Antonio & Beaches Extension, we will leave mid-morning and drive to our beach and jungle destination, Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is made up of beautiful white sand beaches and by the surrounding vegetation of the forest that grows adjacent to the coastline. This is one of the country's most beautiful natural environments and not to be missed!
  
  En route to Manuel Antonio we will have the opportunity to participate in a half-day sea kayaking, swimming and snorkeling tour at Agujas Beach. Paddle past spectacular cliffs and calm secluded beaches, snorkel (when conditions permit) and take a dip in the warm Pacific waters. After our kayak tour, we continue on to Manuel Antonio and check into our beautiful boutique hotel with a stunning ocean view, just in time to hopefully see an amazing sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Breakfast included (lunch and dinner on your own).
  
  Kayaking: 3 hours; Driving: 4 hours

• Day 9

  This morning we will have a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. While exploring the numerous trails that meander through the rainforest we may spot animals including monkeys (capuchin and howler for the most part), sloths, raccoons, quatamundis, caimans, and even ocelots. Birdwatchers will delight in this paradise as birds of every shape and color imaginable live here. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax at the beach or participate in optional activities; perhaps an afternoon surf lesson, scuba diving excursion, or horseback riding on the beach (additional activity costs are on your own). Breakfast and dinner included.
  
  Trail Walking: 2 hours; Optional Activities: TBD

• Day 10

  Sleep in or get in a self-guided walk of Manuel Antonio's trails, perhaps spotting the endangered squirrel monkey. Late morning we drive back to San Jose in time for flights departing at 7 p.m. or later. 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. Manuel Antonio & Beaches Extension: 2 nights hotel; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; bi-lingual guide; kayak equipment; entrance fee to Manuel Antonio National Park; group transfer to San Jose International Airport.

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. Manuel Antonio & Beaches Extension: 2 lunches; 1 dinner; alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; cost of optional activities; guide gratuities.

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 (including the extension) contains a variety of activities ranging from cycling to rafting, hiking, paddling, snorkeling 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 60s 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 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 a nearly perfect tropical climate. The average temperature is 72° F in the highlands and ranges from the high 60s 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.
  
• Standard bike pedals are provided, but consider bringing your own clip-in pedals and shoes if you prefer.
• 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.