Costa Rica Rainforest & Rivers Multi-Adventure Tour
Kayak, Raft & Hike Through a Wildlife Wonderland
Adventure through three spectacular—and very different—tropical forests teeming with wildlife, punctuated by waterfalls, crisscrossed by roaring rivers and tranquil canals. Immerse yourself in a thousand shades of green, paddling kayaks through Tortuguero National Park's serene jungle waterways as jewel-toned butterflies flutter past. Raft, zipline, and hike in the lush rainforest gorges formed by the Pacuare River and filled with floral and faunal diversity. Discover a hidden gem at San Gerardo de Dota, as you hike into the magical cloud forest in search of quetzals and other tropical birds. Costa Rica is a small country packed with natural wonders, from tiny tree frogs and hummingbirds to vast, untamed wilderness. Experience it for yourself!
Adventure through three spectacular—and very different—tropical forests teeming with wildlife, punctuated by waterfalls, crisscrossed by roaring rivers and tranquil canals. Immerse yourself in a thousand shades of green, paddling kayaks through Tortuguero National Park's serene jungle waterways as jewel-toned butterflies flutter past. Raft, zipline, and hike in the lush rainforest gorges formed by the Pacuare River and filled with floral and faunal diversity. Discover a hidden gem at San Gerardo de Dota, as you hike into the magical cloud forest in search of quetzals and other tropical birds. Costa Rica is a small country packed with natural wonders, from tiny tree frogs and hummingbirds to vast, untamed wilderness. Experience it for yourself!
Welcome to Costa Rica! You will be picked up at the airport in San Jose and transferred to your comfortable hotel in town. Relax after your travels then meet your guide this evening for a delicious welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Grano de Oro
Transportation: 45-minute private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Kayak the Jungle Canals of Tortuguero National Park
Day 2
Depart early this morning for a scenic drive across the Continental Divide to the remote north Caribbean coast. Continue by motorboat into the leafy depths of Tortuguero National Park, considered “the little Amazon in Costa Rica” and accessible only by water or by air. Arrive at your lodge, a beautiful resort on a strip of land between the beaches of the Caribbean and the canals of the Tortuguero Lagoon. Set out by kayak this afternoon to explore a maze of jungle waterways and hidden lagoons, and see howler monkeys, basilisk lizards, morpho butterflies, and tropical birds.
Accommodation: Mawamba Lodge-Tortuguero
Activity: 2 hours kayaking
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer, 1-hour private motorboat transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the Wildlife of Tortuguero National Park
Day 3
Set out on an optional early morning exploration of the wildlife-rich canals by motorboat, for a different perspective on these rich waterways and the chance to spot birds and other creatures when they're most active, with the help of your eagle-eyed guide. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then discover more native flora and fauna on a guided hike around the beautiful tropical gardens surrounding the lodge. After lunch, look for wildlife as you paddle through narrow waterways only accessible by kayak, eventually reaching the town of Tortuguero, for some free time to explore.
For the late June departure: conditions permitting, rise early to search for the Atlantic sea turtles that return here around this time each year to nest, a migration that dates back millions of years.
Accommodation: Mawamba Lodge-Tortuguero
Activity: 1-hour easy walk, 2 hours kayaking
Transportation: 2-hour canal cruise by motorboat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Raft Pacuare River Rapids to Rios Lodge
Day 4
After breakfast, board a motorboat to navigate canals out of the jungle to La Pavona and then drive south to your put-in on the stunning Pacuare River, Costa Rica's most remarkable river corridor and one of the world's top whitewater rafting destinations. Raft eight miles of exciting Class II and III rapids down this beautiful river, past cascading waterfalls, and through lush rainforest. Keep an eye out for sloths, river otters, monkeys, and an incredible variety of birds, such as toucans, egrets, herons, kingfishers, sun bitterns, and trogons. Paddle downstream to Rios Lodge, a riverside eco-lodge situated in a 2,400-acre private rainforest reserve. Guests who prefer can instead take a short 4x4 ride, then cross the river using a cable and basket system and hike a short distance along a scenic trail to the lodge. In the evening, exceptional cuisine accompanies the vibrant sounds of the jungle and river. After dinner, join an optional night hike to discover the jungle’s nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodation: Rios Lodge
Activity: 1.5 hours/8 miles rafting (Class II and III) or 30-45 minutes/1 mile hiking
Transportation: 1-hour canal cruise by motorboat, 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Zipline through the Canopy & Hike Rainforest Trails
Day 5
Immerse yourself in the brilliant colors and sounds of the Costa Rican rainforest on a flexible schedule with room for relaxation and adventure. Rise early for a guided birdwatching hike to see toucans and many other species, before returning for breakfast and gearing up for a day of adventure. Zipline through the canopy, zigzagging across the Pacuare River on every zip, with breathtaking views of the rainforest, the Pacuare River Gorge, and the lodge as you soar through the jungle with a birds’ eye view. After lunch, explore some of the property's 40 miles of trails, stopping to enjoy magical waterfalls and turquoise swimming holes.
Activities described for today and tomorrow are a sample schedule, and the sequence of activities may be adjusted depending on weather conditions. Note that you are always welcome to skip an activity and chill on the lounge deck watching toucans fly across the river.
Accommodation: Rios Lodge
Activity: Nature walk, waterfall hike, ziplining
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue Active Adventures & Relaxation in the Rainforest
Day 6
Kick off your second day in this rainforest wilderness with an exhilarating morning hike up Matsu Creek, winding your way amid the countless cascading waterfalls feeding into the creek. In the cool mists of the falls and shade of the tropical canopy, slowly climb up the creek bed passing cliff ledges and the natural swimming holes formed at the base of spectacular falls. After a refueling lunch, prepare for your next adventure. Conditions permitting, spend the afternoon walking upriver to the put-in for a refreshing and fun innertube float over Class I and II rapids back to your lodge, bobbing and swirling as you scan the treetops for tropical birds. Relax after dinner as night descends in the forest.
Accommodation: Rios Lodge
Activity: Nature walk, creek hike, river tubing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Raft Downstream & Discover San Gerardo de Dota's Cloud Forest
Day 7
Continue your whitewater rafting adventure through Class III and IV rapids down the lush, magical gorge of the Pacuare River to Siquirres. Paddle through Huacas Arriba, Huacas Abajo, and Dos Montañas rapids as you journey downstream, finding yourself surrounded by exotic wildlife, jungle, and waterfalls tumbling into the river. Guests who prefer to skip the rafting today can instead hike a short distance out of Rios Lodge, cross the river using a cable and basket system, then journey by 4x4 to meet the van and the rest of the group. Upon reaching the rafting takeout in Siquirres, enjoy a shower and lunch before transferring to San Gerardo de Dota. Your secluded lodge sits alongside the Savegre River on an 85-acre private reserve, with primary and secondary tropical cloud forest filled with wild avocado, oak, and cypress trees, adorned with epiphytic plants. More than 175 different species of birds have been identified here and you will hear their calls as you settle in for a peaceful night after an exciting morning of rafting.
Accommodation: Trogon Lodge
Activity: 3 hours/12 miles rafting (Class III and IV) or 30-45 minutes/1 mile hiking
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Quest for the Quetzal & Hike Cerro de la Muerte
Day 8
Wake up early and hike into the cloud forest to encounter a wide spectrum of wildlife, including, with luck, the resplendent quetzal. The region around San Gerardo de Dota is the year-round home to a large population of this rare endemic species. With its metallic green plumage, crimson breast and bell and its incredible streamer-like feathers, watching a male quetzal in flight is breathtaking experience, and the early morning hours are best for sightings. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then drive up to the spellbinding mountain highlands (called the paramo) of Cerro de la Muerte. At approximately 10,800 feet, hit the trail for a challenging downhill hike to the Savegre Valley, passing through a range of habitats and observing diverse plant and bird species all along the way. Gather for a festive farewell dinner at the lodge this evening.
Accommodation: Trogon Lodge
Activity: 2 hours early morning wildlife walk; 4 hours/6.5 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation loss
Transportation: 45-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to San Jose for Flights Home
Day 9
Transfer this morning to San Jose International Airport for flights departing at 2:00 pm or later, carrying memories of amazing wildlife and thrilling adventure along with you.
Rios Lodge Access Getting to and from Rios Lodge is a highlight of the adventure! The lodge sits on the pristine Pacuare River immediately upstream of the Pacuare Gorge, a renowned whitewater section. There is no vehicle access to the lodge - all access is either by raft or by hiking in on foot. Guests can opt to raft into the lodge on the gentler rapids, and then hike out if they wish to avoid the bigger whitewater below the lodge. Alternately, guests can opt to hike both in and out of the lodge.There is also a 26.5 lb (12 kg) luggage weight limit for this part of the trip, due to the rafting. Additional luggage will be stored for you.
Accommodation There is no air conditioning at the three eco-lodges (Mawamba, Rios Lodge, or Trogon Lodge). All were built to let the breeze come in (with windows that open and have mesh screens). Of the three lodges, Mawamba tends to be warmest as it's near the coast, and rooms there do have ceiling fans. At Rios Lodge, you are at some elevation and temperatures generally cool down at night. Trogon Lodge is located at 7,000' in the cloud forest and rooms have heaters in case of cooler evenings.
Dates & Prices
2026
Go Private
Go Custom
Inclusions
2026
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Jorge C.
Jorge is a legendary whitewater rafting and adventure guide who has led MT Sobek trips in Costa Rica for over two decades. He was also part of the Costa Rican whitewater rafting team that placed in the World Championships in 1997! Not limiting himself to warm climates, Jorge has also guided sea kayaking trips in Iceland and Greenland. Well-liked for his dry sense of humor, Jorge is a born teacher and exudes a love for the outdoors and a tremendous depth of knowledge about the natural wonders of his country.
Welcome to Costa Rica! You will be picked up at the airport in San Jose and transferred to your comfortable hotel in town. Relax after your travels then meet your guide this evening for a delicious welcome dinner.
Depart early this morning for a scenic drive across the Continental Divide to the remote north Caribbean coast. Continue by motorboat into the leafy depths of Tortuguero National Park, considered “the little Amazon in Costa Rica” and accessible only by water or by air. Arrive at your lodge, a beautiful resort on a strip of land between the beaches of the Caribbean and the canals of the Tortuguero Lagoon. Set out by kayak this afternoon to explore a maze of jungle waterways and hidden lagoons, and see howler monkeys, basilisk lizards, morpho butterflies, and tropical birds.
Set out on an optional early morning exploration of the wildlife-rich canals by motorboat, for a different perspective on these rich waterways and the chance to spot birds and other creatures when they\'re most active, with the help of your eagle-eyed guide. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then discover more native flora and fauna on a guided hike around the beautiful tropical gardens surrounding the lodge. After lunch, look for wildlife as you paddle through narrow waterways only accessible by kayak, eventually reaching the town of Tortuguero, for some free time to explore.
For the late June departure: conditions permitting, rise early to search for the Atlantic sea turtles that return here around this time each year to nest, a migration that dates back millions of years.
After breakfast, board a motorboat to navigate canals out of the jungle to La Pavona and then drive south to your put-in on the stunning Pacuare River, Costa Rica\'s most remarkable river corridor and one of the world\'s top whitewater rafting destinations. Raft eight miles of exciting Class II and III rapids down this beautiful river, past cascading waterfalls, and through lush rainforest. Keep an eye out for sloths, river otters, monkeys, and an incredible variety of birds, such as toucans, egrets, herons, kingfishers, sun bitterns, and trogons. Paddle downstream to Rios Lodge, a riverside eco-lodge situated in a 2,400-acre private rainforest reserve. Guests who prefer can instead take a short 4x4 ride, then cross the river using a cable and basket system and hike a short distance along a scenic trail to the lodge. In the evening, exceptional cuisine accompanies the vibrant sounds of the jungle and river. After dinner, join an optional night hike to discover the jungle’s nocturnal wildlife.
Immerse yourself in the brilliant colors and sounds of the Costa Rican rainforest on a flexible schedule with room for relaxation and adventure. Rise early for a guided birdwatching hike to see toucans and many other species, before returning for breakfast and gearing up for a day of adventure. Zipline through the canopy, zigzagging across the Pacuare River on every zip, with breathtaking views of the rainforest, the Pacuare River Gorge, and the lodge as you soar through the jungle with a birds’ eye view. After lunch, explore some of the property\'s 40 miles of trails, stopping to enjoy magical waterfalls and turquoise swimming holes.
Activities described for today and tomorrow are a sample schedule, and the sequence of activities may be adjusted depending on weather conditions. Note that you are always welcome to skip an activity and chill on the lounge deck watching toucans fly across the river.
Kick off your second day in this rainforest wilderness with an exhilarating morning hike up Matsu Creek, winding your way amid the countless cascading waterfalls feeding into the creek. In the cool mists of the falls and shade of the tropical canopy, slowly climb up the creek bed passing cliff ledges and the natural swimming holes formed at the base of spectacular falls. After a refueling lunch, prepare for your next adventure. Conditions permitting, spend the afternoon walking upriver to the put-in for a refreshing and fun innertube float over Class I and II rapids back to your lodge, bobbing and swirling as you scan the treetops for tropical birds. Relax after dinner as night descends in the forest.
Continue your whitewater rafting adventure through Class III and IV rapids down the lush, magical gorge of the Pacuare River to Siquirres. Paddle through Huacas Arriba, Huacas Abajo, and Dos Montañas rapids as you journey downstream, finding yourself surrounded by exotic wildlife, jungle, and waterfalls tumbling into the river. Guests who prefer to skip the rafting today can instead hike a short distance out of Rios Lodge, cross the river using a cable and basket system, then journey by 4x4 to meet the van and the rest of the group. Upon reaching the rafting takeout in Siquirres, enjoy a shower and lunch before transferring to San Gerardo de Dota. Your secluded lodge sits alongside the Savegre River on an 85-acre private reserve, with primary and secondary tropical cloud forest filled with wild avocado, oak, and cypress trees, adorned with epiphytic plants. More than 175 different species of birds have been identified here and you will hear their calls as you settle in for a peaceful night after an exciting morning of rafting.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. This trip includes a moderate amount of kayaking along the canals of Tortuguero with up to 2 hours on each of two days; whitewater rafting on Class II-IV rapids on the Pacuare River; and moderate hiking on rainforest and cloudforest paths that involve some steep ascents and descents as well as uneven footing. No kayaking or rafting experience is required. During rafting, guests actively partake in paddling with the command of your expert guide. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
2 hours kayaking
Day 3
1-hour easy walk, 2 hours kayaking
Day 4
1.5 hours/8 miles rafting (Class II and III) or 30-45 minutes/1 mile hiking
Day 5
Nature walk, waterfall hike, ziplining
Day 6
Nature walk, creek hike, river tubing
Day 7
3 hours/12 miles rafting (Class III and IV) or 30-45 minutes/1 mile hiking
Day 8
2 hours early morning wildlife walk; 4 hours/6.5 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
A variety of comfortable hotels and eco-lodges that maximize their wilderness locations with beautiful views and lush settings.
Perched on a narrow spit of rainforest between the serene canals of Tortuguero National Park and the lapping waves of the Caribbean Sea, this lodge features lush gardens and rustic but comfortable accommodations, along with visits from brightly colored birds. Relax in the common areas, including the swimming pool, bar, entertainment areas (with foosball, pool, beach volleyball court, and table games), or hike along the private trails watching for wildlife—the sea and canals are just steps away.
Let the sound of the Pacuare River lull you to sleep at this sustainable eco-lodge, a haven for relaxation and immersion in tropical sights and sounds. The lodge features open-air pavilions with thatched roofs and comfortable hammocks swinging in a gentle breeze. Enjoy the ample viewing decks, where the toucans fly overhead and the river roars below. Retire to ensuite cabins with covered balconies and fall asleep to the sounds of the river and rainforest.
Hotel Grano de Oro is an upscale boutique-style hotel located in the suburbs of San Jose, Costa Rica. The historic hotel features tropical Victorian architecture, and has 21 unique and charming guest rooms with modern comforts and amenities. The hotel features a small shop, a modest café, an elegant indoor dining room, a beautiful inner courtyard, an indoor/outdoor bar, an award winning wine cellar, a Jacuzzi terrace, and a fitness center.
This lovely ecolodge sits at 7,000 ft above sea level in the area of Savegre Valley, surrounded by the lush vegetation and pristine habitats of the cloud forest. The surrounding small community of San Gerardo de Dota is part of Los Santos Forest Reserve, a biological corridor for a great array of wildlife, and just a short drive from Los Quetzales National Park. The lodge property is home to a captivating array of flora and fauna, with over 140 species, many of which are unique to Costa Rica, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. The 24 rooms are beautifully built in modules of 2 around the property, with pine wood walls and spectacular views of the cloud forest as well as heating and en suite bathrooms. The restaurant features many local products including produce from the lodge's own hydroponic farm along with homemade breads and fruit preserves.
Weather
Daytime temperatures in the 70°s and 80°s Fahrenheit. Evening lows in the 60°s. Humid. Expect rain any time of year. December-April is the driest.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Jun
Nov
Dec
San Gerardo de Dota
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
San Gerardo de Dota
69
55
70
55
70
56
69
59
67
58
68
56
San Jose
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
San Jose
77
66
78
66
80
67
78
68
77
67
77
66
Tortuguero National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Tortuguero National Park
85
68
85
68
86
69
85
72
85
70
85
68
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Please arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica before 5:00 pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. You will be met by our MT Sobek representative and transferred to your accommodation and spend the first night in town before traveling into the wilderness.
Can I do this trip if I've never rafted or kayaked before?
Yes! You need to be physically fit and able to swim and actively paddle, but this adventure is great for beginners and no previous rafting or kayaking experience is necessary. We supply the technical equipment and detailed briefings before each activity. Our guides have extensive safety certifications and will train you on what you need to know.
What is the rafting like?
We use paddleboats with 4-6 participants. You will learn to paddle as a team. Day 4 has class II-III rapids. Day 7 is more technical with class III-IV rapids.
Are insects a problem?
No, insects are generally not a problem. If you are extra sensitive, bring insect repellant. You may see a few mosquitoes around dawn and dusk especially at Tortuguero.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18 but check out our private trip options for groups with younger guests (minimum age 12).