Kayaking, rafting, rainforest hikes, ziplines and wildlife viewing!

Calling all water sports enthusiasts—our Adventures in Costa Rica trip is for you! Sea kayak past volcanoes, paddle jungle waterways, and raft the Río Pacuare to a Robinson Crusoe-like jungle lodge!

Want to create your own ultimate Costa Rica dream trip? Download our Private Adventures in Costa Rica PDF!

Click here for all our Costa Rica Travel & Adventures

Click here for all Central America Travel & Adventures with MTS

Click here for all Wildlife Travel & Adventures

Activities

5 days easy to moderate kayaking (no previous experience required); 2 days rafting (Class III/IV rapids); easy to moderate hikes

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Raft the Río Pacuare, considered by many to be one of the top 10 most beautiful whitewater rivers in the world!
• Kayak in Tortuguero National Park, exploring secluded channels that larger boats can't visit-we're the only U.S. company that offers this experience!
• Enjoy close encounters with a variety of wildlife: sea turtles, monkeys, iguanas, and more!
• Hike near Arenal Volcano, kayak in Lake Arenal, and enjoy a spectacular twilight safari on the Peñas Blancas River!
• Try our new SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) available by request

Duration: 9 days Start Location: San José End Location: San José

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in San José, Costa Rica.

  Arrive in San José, Costa Rica.

• 

  Day 2 : Tortuguero National Park

  Drive 2½ hours to the put-in on the Río Suerte for a two- to three-hour paddle by sea kayak to the confluence of the Río Penitencia. Here we can board a motorboat that will take us to Mawamba Lodge (if you wish, you can paddle the additional two hours to the lodge). Mawamba is a wonderful lodge located on the beach in Tortuguero National Park. A walk on the beach or on nature trails, a swim in the pool, and cocktails on the sunset deck await us. You can also walk with a guide to the Caribbean Conservation Center, which was established to save and protect the local sea turtles.
  
   

• 

  Day 3 : Tortuguero National Park

  Early morning search for sea turtles, and later kayak paddle to look for wildlife. After lunch back at Mawamba, we can paddle to some more areas only accessible by kayak, or simply relax at the pool.

• 

  Day 4 : Pacuare River

  Early morning sea turtle viewing, followed by a rafting trip on the beautiful Pacuare River, whose survival as a wild river is threatened by a proposed hydroelectric plant. We'll paddle downstream, passing through a landscape full of unique rainforest wildlife, to our riverside accommodation, a rustic, thatched-roof jungle lodge.

• Day 5 : A full day in Paradise

  Enjoy a full day at Rios Tropicales Lodge! Take an optional early morning bird-watching hike with your guides to see toucans and many other species. Upon return, breakfast will be served and then after a little rest, a full day of adventures; like enjoying a 4-platform canopy tour thru the forest of our Private Reserve or visiting the lodge conservation project “Plant for the Planet” where you will plant a native tree and receive a certificate that indicates that you participated in the program which is part of the United Nations Environmental Program “Billion Tree Campaign” or hike to "wake up" waterfall and a experience the new canyoing tour.

• 

  Day 6 : More Pacuare River

  This morning continue our whitewater rafting adventure, entering the lush, magical gorge of the Pacuare. The rapids become more powerful and technical in nature, and we’ll power through “Bobo,” “Huacas Arriba,” “Huacas Abajo,” “Cimarrones,” and “Dos Montañas” rapids. Gorgeous waterfalls tumble into the river, and we might even be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of some of the exotic birds and animals inhabiting the jungle area. We take out near the town of Siquirres and drive 2½ hours to the beautiful Arenal volcano area. Late in the afternoon, Ecotermales hot springs awaits—relax and enjoy the hot, mineral pools with temperatures that go from 90-150°F.  Dinner will be served at the hot springs restaurant.

• 

  Day 7 : Arenal and the Peñas Blancas River

  Morning hike near Arenal Volcano, with the ret of the morning and early afternoon free to relax. Late afternoon Twilight River Safari to experience the transition of the jungle from dusk to darkness, followed by a traditional Costa Rican dinner at the home of a local family.

• 

  Day 8 : Arenal

  Morning kayak paddle on the lake’s calm waters, with the beautiful volcano as a backdrop. Afternoon drive back to San José. Farewell dinner in the evening.

• 

  Day 9 : Depart

  Depart San José, or join our extension to Corcovado National Park.

• 

  Mountain Paradise Lodge

  La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park

  The Mountain Paradise Lodge sits at the base of Volcan Arenal, and features spectacular views. If you’re lucky, you may even get a glimpse of lava in the evening! This hotel’s lovely setting, pool, and jacuzzi allow guests to truly enjoy the relaxed pace of the Arenal region.

• 

  Mawamba Lodge

  Tortuguero

  Nestled in the lush rainforest, this is the ideal hideaway for nature lovers and the perfect place to discover the wonders of the Tortuguero National Park. The lodge features lush gardens and rustic accommodations, along with regular visits from brightly colored exotic birds.

• 

  Rios Tropicales Lodge

  San Jose

  Let the sound of the Pacuare River lull you to sleep at this sustainable eco-lodge. This evening’s lodge offers a haven for relaxation and immersion in tropical sights and sounds. The lodge features open air gathering pavilions with thatched roofs and comfortable hammocks swinging in a gentle breeze. Guests enjoy ample viewing decks for watching the toucans fly overhead and the roaring river below.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Jorge Calderon

  Jorge “Loco” Calderón is a whitewater rafting guide in his thirties who has led trips in Costa Rica for over a decade. He was part of the Costa Rica whitewater rafting team that won the fourth place in the World Championships in Brazil in 1997, and this year he guide sea kayaking trips in Greenland. Jorge loves the outdoors and is eager to share with you the natural beauty of his country.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File