Costa Rica - Kayaking & Biking

Costa Rica - 9 Day Paddle Adventure
Sea Kayaking - Mountain Biking (limited) - Hiking (limited) - Snorkeling

A multi-activity adventure across the diverse land and waters of Costa Rica - trekking, biking, kayaking and rafting. Explore the diversity of Costa Rica’s tropical terrain while challenging yourself with a variety of human-powered adventure activities. A healthy spirit of adventure is all you need, you do not have to be super fit, just conditioned to regular exercise. Starting with an exhilarating whitewater raft through the rainforest on the Pacuare River, we then move to Arenal Volcano and hike in the majesty of this active Volcano. Jumping into sea kayaks we take on Lake Arenal and then the rugged Pacific coastline before mountain biking through the Nicoya Peninsula on dirt roads and hard packed beach sand. Followed by two days in and on the Pacific water as we kayak and snorkel.

Itinerary The map is now incorrect and will be changed soon (no time in Mal Pais, only Playa Samara)

Day 1 Arrive in Costa Rica. After welcoming you at San José airport your guide will take 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. Accom: Hotel. No meals.

Day 2 Rafting The first day begins with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the “put in” on the Pacuare River for our two-day whitewater rafting adventure. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids exploring the magnificent river valley. This afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, “El Nido del Tigre.” Nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river, take time to explore the lush environment first hand, looking out for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river. Accom: Camping. (B, L, D).

Day 3 Rafting Today the Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and point out the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time out to do some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres sees the end of our whitewater rafting adventure and we drive to Arenal Volcano for a change of activity. Accom: Hotel. (B, L).

Day 4 Hiking and Biking Arenal Volcano, active since 1968, constantly emits gases, water vapour and explosions with pyroclastic material emissions. Sometimes the eruptions are accompanied by powerful thunders. The ash is carried by the wind over long distances especially to the northwest area of the volcano with the biggest and heaviest material falling close to the crater. The lava flows come out of the crater with a temperature of about 1000 centigrade and cool as it moves down. Leaving the hotel in the morning on foot we set off to trek up the dormant Volcan Cerro Chato to a lake filled crater surrounded by rainforest. Here we can feel the power of the active Arenal Volcano from one of its closest vantage points.

Our hike continues and gives us close up views of monkeys, sloths, iguanas and birdlife ending at Arenal Observatory where we will be met by our driver and we continue to Tabacon Hot Springs. The constant energy of the active volcano, the warmth of flowing thermomineral rivers and the surrounding lush tropical rainforest, provide for an unparalleled experience at one of Costa Rica's renowned jewels from where it is possible to see the Volcano erupting. Relaxing in these Hot Springs will be a welcome relief after a day on your feet. Accom: Hotel. (B, L, D).

Day 5 Kayaking This morning our adventure moves to the Pacific Coast. First we kayak on Lake Arenal at the base of the volcano. Kayaking in the shadows of the volcano to the far side of the lake (with the benefit of the strong tail wind) takes about 3 hours and gives us a unique view of the volcano. After the lake crossing we switch from our sea kayaks to a comfortable vehicle for the first part of the journey to the Nicoya Peninsula and the Pacific Coast. The last part of the day is on mountain bikes along the coastline to the town of Playa Samara and a well deserved relax around the pool at the hotel or at the beach. Accom: Hotel. (B, L).

Day 6 Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling - Playa Samara A section of sea kayaking on the Pacific Ocean is followed by some snorkelling. What a wonderful way to explore this spectacular and diverse coastline with its ever changing scenery. The gentle pace of the kayak is a great contrast to the incredible playground of dirt roads, rolling hills, trails and hard-packed beach sand that awaits us as we mount our mountain bikes and head south. We stop frequently to rest in the shade and refresh ourselves with cool drinks as we pass through a variety of picturesque local villages. Our hotel for the night is in the area of Playa Coyote where sunset views are incomparable. Accom: Hotel. (B, L, D).

Day 7 Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling - Playa Samara After a hearty breakfast the last active day of our adventure is some great mountain biking on country roads, beaches and across rivers. En-route, the animal life commonly seen includes a variety of monkeys, several types of small reptiles and rodents, birds, aquatic life and the occasional snake. By early afternoon we are at your hotel in laid-back Mal País, which is a perfect spot for your final night on the Pacific Coast. Accom: Hotel. (B, L).

Day 8 The morning is free to spend a few more hours enjoying the beach. At mid-day you taxi to Tambor for the flight back to San José. The evening may be spent taking in the sights and sounds of San José. Accom: Hotel. (B).

Day 9 After breakfast we drive you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Email for Availability

Trip Ref: P&P

Fixed Date Guaranteed Departures
2006: Apr 22-30, May 13-21, Jun 10-18, Jul 01-09, Jul 22-30, Aug 19-27, Sep 09-17, Sep 30-Oct 08, Nov 11-19, Nov 25-Dec 03, Dec 23-31 2006. Trip dates in green are low season.

2007: Jan 20-28, Feb 10-18, Feb 24- Mar 04, Mar 17-25, Apr 07-15, May 12-20, Jun 09-17, more dates to be posted soon.

All the above dates are guaranteed departures. We will open a new date with a minimum of 4 people.

High Seasons: Late March / early April and late November through to early January. Please note that the trips which include Christmas fill up fast, so please book soon. We need plenty of time to get accommodation reserved, it is a very popular time of year.

Wet season (better white water in June through October) The departures in July and August are serious rafting expeditions and are only run as private groups with 4 people minimum. During June and September / October, you get just a little bit wetter than normal.

Price Indication Per Person - 2006: GBP890 - GBP960 / USD1645 Shared basis, except high season, when the price is GBP980 - GBP1053 / USD1760.

The base currency is the US Dollar and payments in any other currency may need adjustment for changes in the exchange rate.

Booking Discount: Less GBP25 / USD35 each, if 2 or 3 people book simultaneously. Less GBP45 / USD72 each, if 4 or more people book simultaneously. Special Conditions: To qualify for the booking discount a single payment is required in respect of payments on behalf of all your party.

Deposit: GBP200 / USD400 each person in your party.
Balance Due: by the 60th day prior to the start date.

What is Included

Fully supported activities with all basic equipment supplied. Meals as indicated by the code (B, L, D) and tea / coffee. All transport from and to the international airport, including an internal flight from Tambor to San Jose. Plus any other transport as needed to get from one activity to the next. Hotels / guest houses for 8 nights.

What is Not Included

The price allows for joining in San Jose and does not include international airfare and departure taxes. Meals unless indicated by the code. Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and non essential equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks, except those served as part of the meal.

Airfare (UK only)
As a guide, the international airfare should be in the range GBP480 low season - GBP600 high season for economy class.

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.