Adventure Trails

Trip highlights

• One day Mountain Bike in the Orosi Valley

• Three day whitewater rafting, Pacuare River

• Hiking Sarapiquí and Arenal Volcano

• Canopy and Tabacón Hot Springs

• Hotels : San José, Sarapiquí, Arenal

• Overnight rainforest tent camp – El Nido del Tigre

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1 San José (arrival)

After welcoming you at San José airport your guide will bring you to a comfortable hotel in the city and take time to answer any questions. Meet the group and prepare for your multi-activity adventure trip. The evening is free to explore San José. 

Day 2 Orosi Valley

Your adventure trip begins with a drive to the Orosi Valley where we mount our bikes. We will pass through coffee-lined valleys and cloud forest side-by-side. With misty vistas and lush green plants lining the steep hillsides, there is time for breaks to enjoy the views on our way up to mountain top Lodge Turrialba. (B, L)

Day 3 Pacuare River

We leave the Lodge for the short drive to our rafting “put in” on the Pacuare River. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids while exploring the magnificent valley and some of the most dramatic scenery only accessible by river. As we pass along the river we border land inhabited by indigenous people who have occupied the area for centuries. You will see a few of the river crossings they use and sometimes get a glimpse of them fishing in the river, or the children playing. In the afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp “El Nido del Tigre” which nestles between the rainforest and the river. There is plenty of time to settle into the camp and make it your home, exploring the lush environment first hand, looking out for toucans overhead, observing the local iguanas or simply relaxing in a hammock to the rush of the river as it passes on its journey to the Caribbean. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Pacuare River

The day is free to enjoy this unique environment and take some hikes through the rainforest to a waterfall and swimming hole or float down a 'friendly' rapid with just a life jacket for support. Your guide will discuss the possibilities with you and will make a plan for the day. (B, L, D) 

Day 5 Pacuare River

Now the river has become an ‘old friend’, we set out to raft through the virgin rainforest as the river carves its way along the valley creating some spectacular canyons. The rapids today are really exhilarating but with a few gentle areas to take in the scenery. We will explore side hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes and have lunch on the shore. Our take-out at Finca Pacuarito in the heart of a banana plantation is your home for the night. Once showered and rested take some time to explore the environment either walking or by mountain bike. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Sarapiqui/Arenal

We leave Pacuarito after breakfast for our drive to La Fortuna, the closest town to the Arenal Volcano. We are heading for an Ecological Tropical Park near to the Volcano for our adventure high in the tree canopy. Traversing on cables, spanning lengths of 200 meters up to the longest of 800 meters; each cable offers a different sensation and experience crossing canyons, observing waterfalls, over the tops of trees or leaving from a spectacular observation tower 18 meters high. The Fortuna and Pino Blanco waterfalls, along with the majestic Arenal Volcano accompany us on this trek. There is a wide choice of restaurants in the town of La Fortuna for dinner. (B, L)

Day 7 Arenal Volcano 

There are a variety of hiking trails to choose from to fully appreciate the majesty of the Arenal Volcano. Through private trails into the primary forest this is a unique experience as we are surrounded by a great variety of flora and fauna of breathtaking beauty. The exact route will depend upon the group but it will be a full day of hiking. We end the day with dinner and a soak at the Tabacón Hot Springs Resort, and if the night is clear we get the change to see the red glow of the volcano’s molten lava from the relaxing thermal waters. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Arenal Volcano/return to San José

We return to San José via the village of Sarchi which is famous for its ox cart factories and numerous souvenir shops. We will stop for lunch along the way. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to take in the sights and sounds of San José. There is a wide choice of restaurants to choose from for dinner. (B)  

Day 9 San José (departure)

You will be picked up at your hotel in time for your departure from the airport. (B)

Do you fit the client profile for this trip?

Adventure trails is designed for people of all abilities. We ask that you have a healthy spirit of adventure and good all-round fitness. It is not necessary to have a high level of biking expertise although it is helpful to be familiar with gear changing. There are no specific requirements for whitewater rafting but you will fully participate in paddling so you need to have good stamina.