Rafting, ziplines and beaches
Whitewater raft down grade IV rapids of the Pacuare River, fly through the forest on a zipwire, marvel at wildlife from a hanging bridge and relax on powder soft white sand beaches.
This 8-day compact Costa Rica holiday is crammed with highlights. Begin with an adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting experience down grade III and IV rapids which will take you through lush forest and rugged canyons. Next, it is onto Sky Adventures Arenal Park which has some of the best views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake. Here you can zipline at speed from mountain to mountain, whilst you enjoy adrenaline-fueled forest views, and walk more leisurely along the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges up in the treetops allowing you to see the forest from a new perspective and giving you a chance to marvel at the spectacular wildlife found here. Finally, it is onto the beach to relax!
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The itinerary…
Day 1: Arrive in San Jose
National theatre in San Jose
On arrival, you will be met at Juan Santamaria International Airport and transferred to your hotel, Grano de Oro Hotel & Restaurant in San Jose around 40 minutes away.
San Jose offers a variety of attractio like the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design and the architectural jewel of the country is the National Theatre which is worth visiting. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Day 2: White water rafting
White water rafting in Pacuare
If you dream about rafting on a wild tropical river with warm water, the celadon-coloured Pacuare is a dream come true! Rated one of the top rivers in the world, you’ll experience the intimate nature of the rainforest as you raft right through it on 19 miles of Class III-IV white water. The warm water, cascading waterfalls, and opulently lush rainforest with its brilliantly coloured plants, animals, and birds indulge your senses on every level.
Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca Mountain Range and is home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife, including parrots, toucans, deer, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, butterflies, and more.
After your adrenaline-filled adventure, you will be transferred from Siquirres to the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna where you will spend 2 nights at Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa.
Difficulty: Class III-IV. Distance: 30 kms/18 miles. Number of rapids: 38. river time: 4 hours approx. Minimum age: 12 years
Day 3: Hanging bridges and zip lines
Hanging bridge
Today is a full day of adventure at Sky Adventure Park.
The tour starts with a Sky Walk on hanging bridges through the rainforest. Your guide will teach you about the flora and fauna and pointing out beautiful birds along the route You will also observe 3 waterfalls and will have the chance to take a break to refresh yourself.
Later you will take the Sky Tram with panoramic views as you rise higher to reach the top of the Arenal reserve. Here your zipline adventure begins as you fly past from tree to tree, canyon to canyon giving you a completely unique perspective of the forest, much like that of a bird.
Day 4: Beach time
Guanacaste
Today you will travel from Arenal to the Northwestern Pacific Coast along a beautiful scenic drive bordering Lake Arenal and the extensive Savanah of the Province of Guanacaste.
Spend 3 nights in Guanacaste at the boutique El Mangroove hotel on the Papagayo Gulf. It features a beachfront setting next to natural mangroves. Simple yet grand, the hotel has spacious, elegant guest rooms, a huge pool, sundeck and spa.
Day 5 & 6: Relax on the beach
El Mangroove hotel
Start your day with a yoga class and then relax on the talcum powder-soft beaches, swim, paddleboard or kayak in the warm, turquoise sea, or hop from beach to beach on one of the hotel boats.
If you want to venture out further, you can explore the local area on the guest bikes or visit the hip beach town of Playa del Coco located 15 minutes away.
Day 7: San José
San Jose
Transfer from Guanacaste back to San José (around 4.5 hours) ready for your return flight home tomorrow. You will spend the night at Grano de Oro Hotel & Restaurant where you spent your first night.
Day 8: Return home
Today you will be transferred to Juan Santamaria International Airport for your flight back home, taking with you many adrenaline-filled and sun-soaked memories.
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Costa Rica Holidays, Central America Holidays
Price: £3320pp
£3,320pp excluding international flights.
The trip includes all accommodation, all meals, drinks and activities as indicated.
- 1 Night at Grano de Oro Hotel & Restaurant - Standard Room, Breakfast included
- Pacuare River Rafting with breakfast & lunch
- 2 Nights at Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa - Suite Room, Breakfast included
- Sky Tram / Trek / Sky Walk with lunch
- 3 Nights at El Mangroove Hotel - Nesto Suite Room, Breakfast Included
- 1 Night at Grano de Oro Hotel & Restaurant - Standard Room, Breakfast Included
Tailor this trip around your preferred dates, your budget and your ideas.