Adventures in Nature 

This is a nature immersion trip with plenty of adventure thrown in for extra fun.  Included are the famous topiary gardens, Cloud Forest Preserves, Arenal Volcano, Butterfly gardens, Hot Springs, rain forest tours, beaches and the magnificent Manual Antonio National Park.  The adventures include whitewater rafting, canopy zip lines, hiking, swimming, surfing, kayaking and exploring for an exciting and unforgettable trip

 Day 1
We arrive in San Jose and get ready for three hour drive to Turrialba. The drive will give us the first glimpse of Costa Rican life as we wind through rolling farmland and vast fields of sugar cane. Along the way we will stop by the Bascilica de Los Angeles, which is considered to be the most important church in the country. We will descend into Turrialba, a small cozy town that will be our home for a couple of nights. At the hotel, our rooms open to interior gardens and wide tiled courtyards. We will spend a leisurely evening getting to know each other over a Costa Rican dinner.

 Day 2
Today’s rafting is on the awesomely beautiful Pacuare River. The Rio Pacuare is truly one of the premier jungle river runs in the world. This river has it all -- big open rapids, waterfalls that tumble from hundreds of feet above the river, and spectacular scenery and wildlife. Watch for your first monkey sighting! After the day-long river trip we will travel to the Arenal Volcano, relax at the Hotel’s Hot Springs.
 Day 3
One of the best ways to get into the wild areas of Costa Rica is by water and today the destination will be the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge near the border of Nicaragua.  A boat ride on the Río Frio will take us through the refuge.  The reserve includes a great variety of resident and migratory birds (including the broadest display of waterfowl in the country) along with three species of monkeys, iguanas, turtles, sloth’s, caimans and many other species.

In the afternoon, the canopy tour will let you see the rainforest in an unusual way.  The canopy is a series of zip line cables extending from tree top to tree top. It is a beautiful way to view the layers of the rainforest and all the inhabitants within. Guests often see toucans, monkeys and orchids along the way.  On the way back to the starting point you will have the opportunity to ride horses and also visit one of the most colorful Indigenous tribes in Costa Rica.

 Day 4
We will start the day hiking to the La Fortuna waterfall which pours straight out of the rainforest. We will swim in the beautiful pools at the base of the waterfall and take a look at the lush rainforest. After the waterfall, we will continue the journey around Lake Arenal and into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, stopping for snacks and native crafts at the lakeside Toad Hall. Upon arrival in the cloud forest, visit the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Preserve or the Monteverde Butterfly Garden
 
 Day 5
In the morning, we will hike in the clouds along the Sky Walk, a series of hanging bridges for a look at the rainforest from the clouds. We will then head directly to the Pacific beach town of Jaco. Along the way, we may see giant crocodiles from the bridge above the Tarcoles River. We will spend the afternoon in Jaco Beach, surfing, kayaking and exploring the many remote, white sand beaches of the area.
 
 Day 6-7
Our day begins hiking through the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park, home to sloth, toucans, parrots and three species of monkeys. We will spend the afternoon exploring the area or relaxing on the beach. 

 Day 8
Depending on departure times, we may be able to visit the National Museum that houses artifacts dating back 12,000 years or to visit one of San Jose’s crafts markets where you can purchase mementos of your Costa Rican trip.
 
All costs are based on double occupancy. Single supplements are available for an additional $295.00.  Includes: All transportation in country, guides, meals, lodging and equipment for all activities included in the above itinerary.  Not included: airfare to San José*, extra activities outside the planned itinerary, guide and bus driver tips, your bar bills and any personal shopping.

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