Welcome to Costa Rica!

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)  is located in Alajuela, in close proximity to the capital San José.  When you arrive at the airport, our driver will be waiting for you with a sign in his hand, and will take you to your first accommodation. If you arrive early in the morning and would like to do an early check-in,  we will be happy to arrange this for the corresponding additional charge of one night.  The regular check-in time starts at 14:00.

Note: The maximum waiting time is 2 hours after the scheduled arrival time. Drivers keep track of the arrival time and will pick you up at the airport even if there are delays, as long as it fits with their next transfers. In the case of slight delays, there may be an additional cost for exceeding the 2-hour waiting time, this extra must be paid directly to the driver. If the flight is diverted or the delay is more than one hour after the scheduled arrival time, the driver may not be able to wait and a new transfer may need to be paid for.

The vibrant heart of Costa Rica!

The lively capital San José is nestled in the Central Valley at an altitude of 1100 meters.  Is the cultural and financial center of the country with lots of shops and street stalls. In the city center, various places invite you to linger, such as the “Parque Morazan”, "el paseo de las Damas", "Parque España", "la Escuela Metálica", the Metropolitan Cathedral and of course, the "Plaza de la Cultura” in the center of the capital, with the historic National Theatre, a replica of the Vienna Opera. Whether in the Gold Museum, the Jade Museum or the National Museum, exciting testimonies and treasures of Costa Rica's history are displayed everywhere. On “Avenida Central”, you can shop and browse through countless shops.

In the eastside of the city, in the trendy “Barrio Escalante”, lies the culinary heart of San Jose. Try traditional or modern Costa Rican cuisine, vegan or international dishes — there's something for everyone here!

The city is easy to explore on foot during the day, and we recommend taxis for the evening hours.

Adventure on the Pacuare River!

Today, you'll embark on a breathtaking adventure to a remote jungle lodge, far from any roads.  This unique experience offers you the opportunity to explore one of Costa Rica's most beautiful and untouched landscapes on an exciting rafting tour. 

In the morning, a Rios Lodge representative will pick you up from your hotel lobby and take you to the transfer bus to the headquarters in Turriabla takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. Once there, you can change and receive a wet bag for your luggage. Please pack only a light load for the overnight stay at the lodge and leave the rest at the headquarters.

Afterwards, a 1-1.5-hour rafting adventure awaits you on the Pacuare River, where you'll tackle class I-III rapids. The actual time on the river varies depending on water levels. The minimum age for transportation to the lodge on the first half of the Pacuare River is 6 years. The rafting trip ends at the beautifully situated Rios Lodge, just next to the Pacuare River.  Upon arrival, a traditional Costa Rican lunch awaits you.

Depending on your arrival time, you can join an optional tour or explore the vast area on your own via various trails. Later, enjoy dinner overlooking the river as the rainforest slowly transforms into the colors of the sunset.

Important: This package is also available without rafting, but alternatively includes transfer from Turrialba and a hike. Let us know if you prefer to walk or raft to the lodge.  Hikers depart in a shuttle van from the operations center to El Tigre and then transfer to a 4x4 vehicle to reach the Pacuare River cable car crossing. From there, you will begin your hike to the lodge on the Pacuare River Trail. You will walk downstream along the Pacuare River Trail. The 1.5 km (0.9 mi) trail is a moderate 30-45 minute walk along the river, depending on how many photo stops you make and your fitness level. You will meet up with the rafters, and everyone will have lunch together at Ríos Lodge in the early afternoon.

Day for included or optional activities!

Today, you'll spend the entire day at the lodge and can participate in any guided activities you've pre-booked or optionally book today. Start the day with a fresh Costa Rican coffee and listen to the jungle awaken with the sounds of birds, howler monkeys, the river, and the changing weather. Coffee is ready at 6:00 a.m., and breakfast begins at 7:00 a.m.. If you've booked an optional Dawn Patrol Canopy Tour, it will take place after coffee and before breakfast.

Guided activities such as horseback riding, waterfall hikes, tubing, and rappelling typically begin around 10:00 a.m. and last several hours. Lunch is available during your activity or back at the lodge. Lunch is served between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. in the outdoor dining room.

All afternoon activities typically begin around 1:30 p.m., and you'll return to the lodge in the late afternoon, ideally in time for cocktails on the terrace around 5:00 p.m..If you choose self-guided activities, you can spend your day as active or relaxed as you like.

Back to civilization - Farewell to the Pacuare River Region!

The scent of coffee fills the air as you listen to howler monkeys and toucans fly overhead - a fantastic start to your day in the rainforest! 

Rafting out from Ríos Lodge: The rafters will descent through the Pacuare River section offers exhilarating Class 3-4 whitewater, tropical wildlife and birdlife, and mesmerizing high canyon waterfalls. National Geographic ranks the Pacuare River as one of the top 10 whitewater rivers in the world.  The rafting trip will lasts 3 hours, depending on water levels. The rafting ends near the town of Siquirres.

Hiking out from Ríos Lodge: The Hikers depart from the lodge through the River Trail for 1.5 km, and  then will cross the river on a traditional Once you cross with the cable car, a 4x4 vehicle will be waiting to take you to Siquirres headquaters. The hike takes approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on your fitness level and the number of photos you take. Your main luggage (carry-on luggage) will be transported on the rafts in your dry bag. You will only carry your personal daypack.

Once at the headquaters in Siquirres, Rios lodge provide showers and towels to change your clothes and be ready for your next adventure.
Your transportation will take you to your next destination.

Heading to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano!

Travel time approx. 3.30 hours

The majestic Arenal Volcano is already waiting for you. You can see its impressive, cone-shaped form from far away, while you are getting closer. However, the giant often hides behind clouds, so you are lucky if you get to see it in its full beauty!
Around the volcano, there are many natural sights to discover: waterfalls, old lava flows, huge trees, and hot springs heated by volcanic veins.

How about a hike at the foot of the volcano, followed by pure relaxation in one of the thermal springs? There are activities for all ages: from peaceful quiet to exciting adventure, there is something for everyone.

Until 2010, the volcano was regularly active, with frequent smoke and glowing rocks. This active phase began with a major eruption in 1968, and continued with smaller eruptions until 2010. Since then, Arenal Volcano has been in a resting phase with very low activity – a normal process for active volcanoes.
The volcano and the town of La Fortuna are popular stops for many tourists, offering plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops, and a wide range of activities.

Canyoning Adventure – Thrills and Adrenaline!

Included Activity

Get ready to get wet! Today’s adventure takes you deep into the rainforest, where you’ll encounter towering waterfalls and steep rock walls.

After a brief safety briefing, you'll ease into the experience with a small, 3-meter-high waterfall known as the “Baby.” Next comes the "Big Boy" — the second-highest waterfall of the tour. Here, you'll rappel halfway down before experiencing a thrilling, controlled free fall. The highlight of the day is a dramatic 60-meter waterfall that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping!After the adventure, you'll have time to change clothes and enjoy a delicious lunch.

• Half day tour
• Guide: English-speaking local guide
• Group tour with other travelers
• Included: transportation, guide, all equipment, and lunch

Night hike through the jungle of Eco Danaus!

Included Activity

As soon as it gets dark, the sounds of nature begin. During the night hike through the approximately 3 hectare area, you can spot all kinds of animals that you don't see in daylight. With a bit of luck and patience, you'll discover the famous red-eyed frog, owls and different mammals that are not easy to find during the day. Equipped with flashlights, your tour guide will take you to the animal hiding places and bring you all kinds of expertise along the way. Among other things, you'll stop at a lagoon to look out for caimans hunting for dinner there. Keep your eyes open and listen to the sounds of the frogs at night.

• Starting time: around 17:30 (please be there 15 minutes earlier)
• Tour in regular basis sharing with other clients.
• Includes: English speaking Guide, Entrance Fee and transportation (upon request)

Journey into the Mystical Cloud Forest!

Travel time approx. 3.30 hours

Today, your journey takes you to the highlands of the Puntarenas province. An adventurous curvy road marks the final stretch of your trip into the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest. At altitudes ranging from 900 to 1,680 meters, misty clouds drift through the treetops, enveloping the magical foggy forest in a mystical atmosphere. Exotic flowers, giant ferns, bromeliads, mosses, and lichens are part of this “evergreen forest”. In this unique environment, you will find countless plant species to explore, including nearly a thousand orchid varieties in all shapes and colors.  Birdwatchers will be captivated by the dazzling hummingbirds and the elusive Quetzal, the sacred bird of the region.

Monteverde and Santa Elena, were founded by American Quakers who left the United States to avoid being drafted into the Vietnam War.  They established at the peaceful Monteverde, which has become one of the most important nature lovers destinations. Santa Elena is the main village, and offers all the services you may need, such as supermarkets, restaurants, bars, shops, combined with wooden mountain beautiful lodges and hotels. 

From Monteverde and Santa Elena, you can easily access several Cloud Forest Reserves to discover the amazing nature of this ecosystem. For those seeking a bit more adventure, ziplining across the treetops like Superman is an exhilarating option, or you can take a more relaxed stroll across the hanging bridges that wind through the canopy.

Important: Due to the elevation and humidity, temperatures can drop at night, so be sure to pack long pants and a jacket to stay comfortable.

Adrenaline and Cloud Forest with Treetopia Monteverde
Included Activity

Today, an action-packed and diverse program awaits you , featuring three exciting activities: Sky Walk, Sky Tram, and Sky Trek.

Sky Walk
The Sky Walk is a guided tour lasting approximately two hours, combining trails and hanging bridges that span up to 236 meters in length and reach heights of 70 meters above the Monteverde cloud forest. This experience allows you to enjoy the unique microclimate of the tropical cloud forest from different perspectives while learning about its fascinating flora and fauna.

Sky Tram
The adventure begins with a short introductory canopy cable, located just behind the reception area, to get you acquainted with the equipment. Then, small gondolas will take you, along with a guide, up to a stunning viewpoint. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the cloud forest and, if you wish, relax with a cup of coffee before your zipline tour begins. The Sky Tram stretches about 800 meters, leading you to the starting point for the Sky Trek.

Sky Trek
The Sky Trek consists of a system of eight ziplines of varying lengths and heights, connecting platform to platform. Unlike traditional canopy tours that pass through the forest, this zipline adventure offers incredible views from above as you glide through the air. You can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour, with the longest zipline spanning 750 meters and the highest one reaching approximately 100 meters above the cloud forest. Additionally, the tour includes five observation towers higher than the cloud forest, offering stunning panoramic views. Before the final cable, you’ll have the choice between the standard zipline or the thrilling Vertigo Cable. For the Vertigo Cable, you jump off the platform, experiencing a 12-meter free fall, followed by another 12 meters of controlled descent to the landing pad.

• Tour in regular basis sharing with other clients
• Maximum weight for the canopy tour: 136 kg.

Journey to the North Pacific at Playa Tamarindo! 

Travel time approx. 4 hours

Today your journey takes you to Tamarindo on the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Summer temperatures of around 25 to 38 degrees prevail here all year round. The town of Tamarindo has long been known among locals and foreign visitors as a seaside resort and therefore offers a good infrastructure. The wide sandy beach offers shady trees and sections with sometimes strong and sometimes gentle waves, ideal for travelers who look for surfing, swimming and kayaking. You can find easily howler monkeys and iguanas in the trees all over the area.  Tamarindo is known for beautiful sunsets and a vibrant beach to enjoy the sun and sand.  The town has a wide range of hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and leisure activities.

Let´s go surfing!

Included Activity

Find out how enjoyable surfing can be and learn to love this great sport. Surfing is an activity that can be enjoyed by almost anyone, from young kids to older adults.  Trust our expert coaches to help you ride your first wave with confidence! A once-in-a-lifetime experience in Tamarindo, the best place to take your first steps in surfing.  You will learn in a safe and fun environment, that turns this activity into a memorable adventure.

Back to the Pulsating Heart of Costa Rica!

Travel time: approx. 5 hours

Unfortunately, your vacation is slowly coming to an end.

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to your last accommodation. Due to traffic in the Central Valley, delays are common. You can take the advantage of the city to buy your last souvenirs before your departure.

Adiós, Costa Rica!

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. A transfer service will pick you up from your hotel based on your flight time and take you to the airport. With wonderful memories of your journey in your luggage, you’ll board your flight home.

We wish you a safe and pleasant flight!