MULTI-DAY ADVENTURE TOURS Operated by Aventuras Naturales Two days of rafting on the Pacuare River with an overnight stay at the Pacuare Lodge The Pacuare Protected Zone and Pacuare River are located between the coastal lowlands and the country's highest mountain range and constitute one of the isthmus's most important protected areas. This area is still inhabited by the Cabecar Indians, whose hut dwellings are spaced far apart over large distances, rather than being clustered, as was true of most native tribes. Located strategically inside this zone of protected wilderness is our very special jungle getaway, the Pacuare Lodge, accessible to travelers through our multiday white-water rafting tours on the Pacuare River. Considered by many experienced rafters to be one of the most scenic rivers in the world, the Pacuare offers an adventurous ride filled with stunning natural beauty and exciting rapids. Day 1 On the first day of our journey into the Pacuare Rainforest, we'll pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park, stopping for an authentic Costa Rican breakfast before reaching our site of embarkation. Then, once in the water, you'll experience the exhilaration of riding the waves on this magnificent river, which courses through a tropical wilderness of dense vegetation and steep gorges that rise majestically above its banks. Dozens of species of mammals and birds abound in this tropical paradise. When we arrive at our overnight destination, you will find the Pacuare Lodge, a jungle oasis nestled in the middle of an enchanting and captivating rainforest. Surrounded by nature in its purest and most primitive state, a two-story jungle lodge houses rustic but comfortable dining facilities on the first floor, and plenty of relaxing hammocks in an open-air second floor lounge. Imagine being surrounded by the raw beauty of nature, without the blare of radios, the glare of television, or the ringing of telephones! After a hearty lunch, try the Pacuare Canopy Adventure into the forest trees, take a guided hike into the rainforest mountains, or just relax. Happy Hour truly becomes a happy time as you share your experiences of the day with other rafters. Later, a candlelight dinner with wine is served to you by our guides, who are trained by a French chef. When you feel tired, you'll retire to your very own rustic bungalow, complete with private bathroom, comfortable beds, and clean linen. Day 2 In the morning, after a hot breakfast, you'll have some time on your own to explore the rainforest surrounding the lodge. Then we launch the rafts again for Day 2 of our trip. Rafting becomes even more exciting today as you begin to use the skills and experience gained the day before. Your guides will stop the rafts along the journey and lead you up paths and side streams that open onto pristine waterfalls and natural water slides. Here you can swim, splash, and live it up! Lunch will be served along the river, and when we reach our final destination, we'll board the comfortable microbus for our return to San José, sharing experiences with each other as this memorable trip draws to a close. This tour is also available one-way or round trip (San José ­ Pacuare Lodge ­ San José) by helicopter.   Excellent - energetic - enthusiastic: fun fun fun. Thank you for an absolutely fabulous experience. Will do it again real soon! Audrey Uhachmann, Rosemead, California Included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 Happy Hour, 1 dinner with wine, round-trip transportation from San José, guide, accommodations at the Pacuare Lodge, use of rafting equipment, and guided hike. Trip length: 18 miles. Difficulty: Class III - IV, moderate - difficult. Minimum age: 12 years old. Departures: daily with a minimum of 2 guests, all year. PRICE: $249.00 PER PERSON - RESERVE ONLINE! Two days of rafting on the Pacuare and one day hiking, overnighting at the Pacuare Lodge This 3-day Pacuare adventure tour will leave you with the lasting memories of Costa Rica's magnificent tropical beauty. Day 1 On the first day of the journey to the Pacuare Rainforest, we'll pick you up at your San José hotel. After leaving the city, you'll pass through the spectacular Braulio Carrillo Rainforest, stopping for an authentic Costa Rican breakfast before reaching our embarkation site. Once in the water, you'll experience the exhilaration of riding the waves on this wild and scenic river, which courses through a tropical wilderness of dense vegetation and steep gorges that rise majestically above its banks. When we arrive at our overnight destination, you will find a jungle oasis nestled in the middle of an enchanting and captivating rainforest. Surrounded by nature in its purest and most primitive state, a two-story jungle lodge houses rustic but comfortable dining facilities on the first floor, and plenty of relaxing hammocks in an open-air second floor lounge. Electricity free, the lodge provides the ultimate in environmentally friendly comfort and relaxation. Lunch will be prepared by your guide, and the afternoon is yours-you can take a short guided hike through the surrounding rainforest, experience the Pacuare Canopy Adventure into the forest canopy, take a dip in the river, or just relax in one of the many hammocks. Happy Hour begins at dusk, when you can share your experiences with your fellow travelers. Later, a candlelight dinner with wine is served to you by our guides. Your sleeping accommodations are in comfortable bungalows, constructed in the traditional style used by the Indians of this area and spaced to provide privacy and lots of green area. Each bungalow has a private porch, bathroom with running water, and comfortable beds with fresh linens. Day 2 In the morning, after a hot breakfast, we will embark on a guided trek into the rainforest surrounding the lodge. Resplendent with tropical birds, butterflies, exotic plants, and animals, this truly stunning natural paradise provides a one-of-a-kind setting for photographs, or just lasting memories. For hearty hikers, there is a five- to six-hour hike into the rainforest mountains to an area where some of the indigenous Cabecar families live. We return to "base camp" at the Pacuare Lodge in time to shower, rest or play before this evening's Happy Hour, followed by dinner prepared by one of our expert guide/chefs. As the sun sets over the jungle canopy, and the beautiful Pacuare River rushes on beneath crimson skies, you have a chance to share with others what very few have experienced before. Day 3 After a hot breakfast, we launch the rafts again for the last part of our trip. Rafting becomes even more exciting today as you use the skills and experience gained on this trip. Your guides will stop the rafts along the journey and lead you up paths and side streams that open onto pristine waterfalls and natural water slides. Here you can swim, splash, and live it up! Lunch will be served along the river, and when we reach the take out, we'll board the comfortable microbus for our return to San José, relaxing with the group as this adventure draws to a close. You can also experience this tour entering and/or exiting by helicopter! Note: The Pacuare Lodge operates as a separate facility allowing you to stay extra nights. Dinner in the wilderness, with no electricity, was amazing: tablecloths, fanned napkins, wine glasses and delicious food. The New York Times Included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners and alcoholic beverages. Trip length: 20 miles. Difficulty: class III - IV, moderate - difficult. Minimum age: 12 years old. Departures: daily with a minimum of 2 guests, all year. PRICE: $324.00 PER PERSON - RESERVE ONLINE! Two days of mountain biking at the foot of Arenal Volcano Day 1 On Day 1 of our two-day tour, we bike around the base of Arenal Volcano and its neighbor, Lake Arenal, ending the day at the Tabacon Resort where we?ll soak away tired muscles in the crystal clear, hot waters pouring forth from nearby Arenal Volcano. We?ll spend the night at the Arenal Observatory, a hotel originally built as a base for visiting scientists studying the volcano after its catastrophic eruption in 1968. Since then, the volcano has been continuously erupting with frequent nightly showers of red hot rocks and glowing lava. Day 2 Today we'll bike down a paved road leading to the base of Arenal Volcano, passing through a tropical rainforest that opens onto beautiful Alpine lakes. After a leisurely picnic lunch, we return to San José in the late afternoon. Note: Backup vehicle is provided at all times during this trip. Day 1 is 10 miles and is rated easy; Day 2 is 9 miles and is rated easy to moderate. The most fun I've ever had! You guys were truly excellent! Food great, people great - everything! We were very impressed. Aarin Schlosberg, age 12, San Francisco, California Included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner. Departures: daily with a minimum of 4 guests. PRICE: $295.00 PER PERSON - RESERVE ONLINE!

Costa Rica Travel Guide Directory 

© 1992 - 2010 Costa Rica Travel Guide a Division of Willett Travel Established in 1943 • CST # 2002558-10 • • All Rights Reserved