Costa Rica Ultimate Adventure and Manuel Antonio & Beaches Extension

Costa Rica Ultimate Adventure Itinerary:

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

  Our 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. A group orientation is held at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby. Meals on your own; Hotel included.

• Day 2 Travel to Arenal Volcano National Park for a hike with the majestic volcano as our scenic backdrop.

  After an early breakfast we have a 3 ½ hour drive to reach 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. After lunch and a tour at a small local farm, we'll hike on a trail that is an old lava flow and offers spectacular views of Arenal volcano on a clear day. After the hike we head to our lodge, our home for the next three nights, and have time to relax or enjoy a dip in the pool before dinner. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 5 ½ miles total; approximately 4 hours total.

• Day 3 A morning canyoning adventure includes rappelling from impressive waterfalls. Then we soar through the rainforest on a zipline tour.

  Today is an action packed day! We begin our day with a morning of "canyoning". We transfer from the hotel to a canyon that lies deep in the tropical rainforest and is best explored through a series of rappels and short hikes. Our hike along these canyon trails lead to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica – ones not frequently visited by the casual traveler. After a thorough introduction to technique and equipment, we rappel down several waterfalls into crystal clear, knee deep pools as we move through the canyon. Helmets on and on-belay! Tropical birds, monkeys and thousands of different plants and colorful flowers abound. This is truly a magical experience for everyone. After a typical Costa Rican lunch we head on to our next high adventure. 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. Overnight back at Arenal. All meals included.
  
  Canyoning: Approximately 2 hours. Tram/Zip-line tour: Approximately 2 hours.

• Day 4 Climb to the high crater of Cerro Chato volcano and for a swim in the hidden lagoon there then soak in the hot springs.

  In the morning, we take a three-hour hike to the water-filled crater of Arenal's dormant partner, Cerro Chato. We hike from the base of the volcano ascending trails leading through gorgeous rainforest until reaching the crater's rim. We might like to cool off with a swim at lovely La Fortuna waterfall as well. 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: 6.5 to 7 miles; 5 to 6 hours, some steep terrain, with longer options available.

• Day 5 Today begins our rafting adventure on the Rio Pacuare, a protected tropical river winding through the heart of the jungle.

  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! 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, approximately 2+ hours. Actual time on the water may vary greatly depending on the water level.

• Day 6 Enjoy one more day of great whitewater adventure as we’re back in our rafts on the Rio Pacuare.

  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 the lovely Turrialba Valley, filled with coffee and sugar cane plantations and the location of this evening's accommodations. The evening is on your own to explore the grounds, enjoy dinner at your leisure, and enjoy the hotel's beautiful setting. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own this evening.
  
  Rafting: Class III-IV whitewater, approximately 3 ½ hours. Actual time on the water may vary greatly depending on the water level.

• Day 7 Mountain bike through the Turrialba region today and visit a family farm to enjoy a home-cooked lunch before saying farewell today.

  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'. After visiting the Ujarras Ruins, an ancient church built by early Spanish settlers and now preserved as a historical monument, 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 a little local restaurant reserved just for us. After a delicious lunch, we head back off-road through relatively flat but scenic countryside. Tonight we enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner and celebrate our week's adventure with our traveling companions and newfound friends. All meals included.
  
  Biking: 35 miles; Terrain: rolling hills in the morning, flattening out in the afternoon, combination of paved and dirt roads. Fully van-supported.
  
  Note:Optional activities are available through the lodge (additional cost applies) for those not wanting to cycle.

• Day 8 Our Costa Rica Ultimate Adventure ends in San Jose. Or, continue on to our optional Manuel Antonio and Beaches Extension.

  After breakfast we depart early morning for a group transfer back to the San Jose Airport for homeward-bound flights. If you are not joining the group for our Manuel Antonio & Beaches Extension, your journey ends in San Jose. Trip members should schedule flights departing 2 p.m. or later. 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.

Manuel Antonio & Beaches Extension Itinerary:

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• 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!

• Day 8 Continued for Manuel Antonio & Beaches Extension Guests

  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 Enjoy a guided tour of the trails while sighting the abundant wildlife that has made Manuel Antonio National Park so beloved.

  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, coatimundis, 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 Enjoy a final walk on the beach or stroll through the jungle trails before we return to San Jose where our extension ends today.

  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.

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

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. Single rooms are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

Airfare to San Jose, Costa Rica; 2 dinners; alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; optional 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; optional guide gratuities.

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. Some parts of the cycling day fall 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.

The cycling 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 35 miles on day 7. There are some long climbs but again it's completely van supported, so all levels are welcome. Bikes are provided along with water bottles and helmets.

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.

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.