Muir's Tours - Costa Rica - Hike & Raft

Costa Rica - 9 Day Adventure Trails
River Rafting - Hiking - Canopy Walk

Explore the diversity of Costa Rica’s tropical terrain while taking part in a variety of human powered adventure activities. A healthy spirit of adventure is all you need to enjoy this active multi-day trip. The guides are patient and very willing to show you how to get the most out of each activity. Mountain biking through coffee plantations, whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, Hiking and Canopy in the Sarapiquí area and exploring the Arenal Volcano area are some of the highlights of this exciting adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1  Arrival in Costa Rica. 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  The adventure begins with a drive to the panoramic Orosi Valley. After a safety talk and some helpful tips on mountain biking we mount up and begin our ride. The landscape of the area is unique; coffee-lined valleys and cloud forest side-by-side. With misty vistas and lush green plants lining the steep hillsides, we take a lot of breaks to enjoy the views. Today’s trip ends at a mountain top lodge near Turrialba. For those who want an extra challenge – the ride all the way up to the lodge is tough. (B, L)

Day 3  From our mountain lodge we drive to the “put in” on the Pacuare River for our three-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. (B, L, D)

Day 4  This free day at the camp can be spent enjoying El Nido del Tigre and the surrounding area. Hiking through the rainforest to a waterfall, floating down a rapid with just a life jacket, horseback riding, or relaxing in a hammock around the camp, are all possible activities. (B, L, D) 

Day 5  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 a side hike to some waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres we drive to the small town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, where we will rest up in a comfortable lodge for the following day. (B,L,D)

Day 6  After breakfast, we will board a boat to meander down the Sarapiqui River giving us time to appreciate the natural richness of the rainforest that borders the river. For approximately two hours we will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent rainforest and it’s inhabitants, such as toucans, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and many other species. Upon reaching the beautiful 500 acre Private Reserve we have the choice of either horseback riding or hiking to the Canopy starting point. After two hours of pure adrenaline rush on the Canopy, a home-style lunch is served and we then travel back on the river to Puerto Viejo, where we will continue by road to La Fortuna, the closest town to Arenal Volcano. (B, L)

Day 7  Today is spent hiking in the Arenal area to fully appreciate the splendor of the Arenal Volcano. During the hike, we will see many kinds of plants, birds and other animal species that call the rainforest home. Through private trails into the primary forest - a unique experience surrounded by a great variety of flora and fauna of breathtaking beauty. Exact route will depend upon the group but will be a full day of hiking. We end the day with dinner and a soak at the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort, and if the night is clear, we get the unique opportunity to see the red glow of the volcano’s molten lava from the relaxing thermal waters. (B, L, D) 

Day 8   After a lazy morning and some time to explore the town of La Fortuna we begin our drive back to San José. On the way back we make a stop in the village of Sarchí famous for it’s Ox Cart Factories and numerous souvenir shops. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to take in the sights and sounds of San José. (B)

Day 9  We will drive you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

 

                                                                                    Email for availability

Fixed Date Guaranteed Departures
2007
: Oct 13-21, Nov 17-25 and Dec 22-30. Trip dates in green are low season.

2008: Jan 19-27, Feb 23-Mar 02, Mar 29-Apr 06, Apr 19-27, May 24-Jun 01. More dates soon. Trip dates in green are low season.

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

Peak 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.


 
Price Indication Per Person UNTIL 31st October 2007:
Low Season:
GBP950 / USD1695


Price Indication Per Person ON and AFTER 01st November 2007:
Low Season:
GBP950 / USD1780
Peak Season: GBP1050 / USD1911

Single supplement: GBP185 / USD320

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: A single payment is required in respect of payments on behalf of all your party.

Email for availability

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. 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 £480 low season - £600 high season for economy class.

Visas
A visa is not currently required for UK / US passport-holders.

Travel Insurance

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.