Costa Rica Tortuguero, Pacuare & Arenal Multi-Adventure Tour
Whitewater Thrills & Rainforest Eco Lodges
Discover the jewel of Central America on this action-packed adventure with magical nights deep in the rainforest. Kayak the jungle waterways of remote Tortuguero National Park, raft the thrilling Río Pacuare, hike the lava fields of Arenal Volcano National Park, and enjoy a stay at the award-winning Rios Lodge. Along the way, marvel at an astonishing rainbow of tropical wildlife from toucans and turtles to monkeys and blue morpho butterflies. Relax with an invigorating soak at mountain hot springs and delight in the comfort of charming eco-lodges—perfectly nestled in the heart of this idyllic destination. Enjoy the best Costa Rica adventure tour!
Discover the jewel of Central America on this action-packed adventure with magical nights deep in the rainforest. Kayak the jungle waterways of remote Tortuguero National Park, raft the thrilling Río Pacuare, hike the lava fields of Arenal Volcano National Park, and enjoy a stay at the award-winning Rios Lodge. Along the way, marvel at an astonishing rainbow of tropical wildlife from toucans and turtles to monkeys and blue morpho butterflies. Relax with an invigorating soak at mountain hot springs and delight in the comfort of charming eco-lodges—perfectly nestled in the heart of this idyllic destination. Enjoy the best Costa Rica adventure tour!
Explore secluded waterways and hidden lagoons at Tortuguero National Park, teeming with monkeys, butterflies and tropical birds
[Description] => Explore secluded waterways and hidden lagoons at Tortuguero National Park, teeming with monkeys, butterflies and tropical birds
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Raft one of the top ten whitewater rivers in the world, beautiful RÃo Pacuare
[Description] => Raft one of the top ten whitewater rivers in the world, beautiful Río Pacuare
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Hike along hanging bridges and zipline down a 7-cable course with views of Arenal Volcano
Welcome to Costa Rica! You will be picked up at the airport in San Jose and transferred to your comfortable hotel in town. This evening, meet your guide and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Studio Hotel Boutique
Meals: Dinner
Kayak in Tortuguero National Park
Day 2
Take a scenic drive across the Continental Divide to the remote North Caribbean Coast of the country and then continue by motorboat to Tortuguero National Park, considered "the little Amazon in Costa Rica" and accessible only by water or by air. Arrive at your waterfront 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 jungle waterways and hidden lagoons, and see howler monkeys, basilisk lizards, morpho butterflies, and tropical birds. Also enjoy time to walk on the beach, swim in the pool, or have cocktails on the sunset deck.
Accommodation: Mawamba Lodge-Tortuguero
Activity: 2 hours kayaking
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer, 1-hour motorboat transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wildlife of Tortuguero National Park
Day 3
Set out on an optional early morning tour of the canals by motorboat, for a different perspective on these rich waterways and the chance to spot birds and other wildlife when they're most active. 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 - or simply relax at the pool. 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.
Accommodation: Mawamba Lodge-Tortuguero
Activity: Optional early morning 2-hour canal cruise by motorboat; 2 hours kayaking
Transportation: Short motorboat transfers
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River
Day 4
After breakfast, take a one-hour boat ride to La Pavona and then drive south to your put-in on the 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 your riverside eco-lodge on the 2,400-acre private rainforest reserve. In the evening, exceptional cuisine accompanies the vibrant sounds of the jungle and river.
Accommodation: Rios Lodge
Activity: 1.5 hours/8 miles rafting
Transportation: 1-hour boat ride & 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pick Your Adventure at Ríos Lodge
Day 5
Enjoy a full day of relaxation or activities at the Ríos Lodge. Rise early for an optional guided birdwatching hike to see toucans and many other species, before returning for breakfast and gearing up for a day of adventure. Set out on a guided nature walk to explore some of the lodge property's 40 miles of trails, stopping to enjoy magical waterfalls and pools and walk across a dramatic suspension bridge, or go ziplining through the canopy on an exhilarating course that crosses the Pacuare River seven times before a final pass up the river and back to the lodge.
Accommodation: Rios Lodge
Activity: Full day for optional hiking, bird-watching, or ziplining
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Second Day of Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River, Transfer to Arenal
Day 6
Continue on your whitewater rafting adventure through Class III and IV rapids down the lush, magical gorge of the Río Pacuare. Paddle through "Bobo," "Huacas Arriba," "Huacas Abajo," and "Dos Montañas" as you journey downstream and find yourself surrounded by exotic wildlife, jungle, and waterfalls tumbling into the river. In the afternoon, reach the town of Siquirres to enjoy a shower and lunch before transferring to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area, one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica.
Accommodation: Lost Iguana Resort & Spa-La Fortuna
Activity: 3 hours/12 miles rafting
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning Hike or Zip Lining, Afternoon Hanging Bridges Hike and Hot Springs
Day 7
Choose this morning between a hike on the Arenal 1968 Trail or a zip line adventure. The Arenal 1968 trail takes you through lava fields around the base of the volcano, created during the dramatic eruptions of 1968, and affords some of the closest possible views of the volcano as well as fascinating volcanic boulders, craters, and old lava flows now hardened into rock. For those who prefer a zip line adventure, head up the mountain by motorized cart, then ride a series of seven exhilarating zip lines back to the base. Feel the adrenaline as you sail up to 2,460 feet between canyons and the treetops, admiring incredible views of waterfalls, Arenal volcano, Cerro Chato, and an impressive diversity of flora and fauna.
After lunch, hike through the rainforest on a series of hanging (suspension) bridges. Marvel at the wealth of wildlife in the rainforest layers, from the treetops to the understory and forest floor. Late in the afternoon, take a relaxing dip in natural hot spring baths at Eco Termales. The thermal springs here are of magmatic origin—ranging in temperature from 90°F to 105°F, and filled with magnesia and other minerals with therapeutic benefits.
Accommodation: Lost Iguana Resort & Spa-La Fortuna
Activity: AM 2-3 hours/2.4-3 miles hike or zip line adventure plus PM 2.5 hours/2 miles hanging bridges hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart San Jose, Costa Rica
Day 8
After breakfast, transfer by private van to the San Jose airport for homeward-bound flights departing 2:00pm or later.
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Your Guides
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. This evening, meet your guide and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner.
Take a scenic drive across the Continental Divide to the remote North Caribbean Coast of the country and then continue by motorboat to Tortuguero National Park, considered \"the little Amazon in Costa Rica\" and accessible only by water or by air. Arrive at your waterfront 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 jungle waterways and hidden lagoons, and see howler monkeys, basilisk lizards, morpho butterflies, and tropical birds. Also enjoy time to walk on the beach, swim in the pool, or have cocktails on the sunset deck.
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Set out on an optional early morning tour of the canals by motorboat, for a different perspective on these rich waterways and the chance to spot birds and other wildlife when they\'re most active. 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 - or simply relax at the pool. 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.
After breakfast, take a one-hour boat ride to La Pavona and then drive south to your put-in on the 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 your riverside eco-lodge on the 2,400-acre private rainforest reserve. In the evening, exceptional cuisine accompanies the vibrant sounds of the jungle and river.
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Enjoy a full day of relaxation or activities at the Ríos Lodge. Rise early for an optional guided birdwatching hike to see toucans and many other species, before returning for breakfast and gearing up for a day of adventure. Set out on a guided nature walk to explore some of the lodge property\'s 40 miles of trails, stopping to enjoy magical waterfalls and pools and walk across a dramatic suspension bridge, or go ziplining through the canopy on an exhilarating course that crosses the Pacuare River seven times before a final pass up the river and back to the lodge.
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Continue on your whitewater rafting adventure through Class III and IV rapids down the lush, magical gorge of the Río Pacuare. Paddle through \"Bobo,\" \"Huacas Arriba,\" \"Huacas Abajo,\" and \"Dos Montañas\" as you journey downstream and find yourself surrounded by exotic wildlife, jungle, and waterfalls tumbling into the river. In the afternoon, reach the town of Siquirres to enjoy a shower and lunch before transferring to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area, one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica.
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Choose this morning between a hike on the Arenal 1968 Trail or a zip line adventure. The Arenal 1968 trail takes you through lava fields around the base of the volcano, created during the dramatic eruptions of 1968, and affords some of the closest possible views of the volcano as well as fascinating volcanic boulders, craters, and old lava flows now hardened into rock. For those who prefer a zip line adventure, head up the mountain by motorized cart, then ride a series of seven exhilarating zip lines back to the base. Feel the adrenaline as you sail up to 2,460 feet between canyons and the treetops, admiring incredible views of waterfalls, Arenal volcano, Cerro Chato, and an impressive diversity of flora and fauna.
After lunch, hike through the rainforest on a series of hanging (suspension) bridges. Marvel at the wealth of wildlife in the rainforest layers, from the treetops to the understory and forest floor. Late in the afternoon, take a relaxing dip in natural hot spring baths at Eco Termales. The thermal springs here are of magmatic origin—ranging in temperature from 90°F to 105°F, and filled with magnesia and other minerals with therapeutic benefits.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. No previous experience is necessary for the activities. 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
Optional early morning 2-hour canal cruise by motorboat; 2 hours kayaking
Day 4
1.5 hours/8 miles rafting
Day 5
Full day for optional hiking, bird-watching, or ziplining
Day 6
3 hours/12 miles rafting
Day 7
AM 2-3 hours/2.4-3 miles hike or zip line adventure plus PM 2.5 hours/2 miles hanging bridges hike
*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 lodges that make the most of their rainforest locations with beautiful views and lush settings.
The Lost Iguana Resort is set in untouched rainforest with private trails for you to explore the surrounding 120 acres of lush jungle. Spacious rooms offer views of the spectacular Arenal Volcano, the most active volcano in Costa Rica, from private terraces. In addition, the rooms feature high wooden ceilings and comfortable bedding. You can indulge in luxury with a heated pool, spa, and swim-up bar during your stay, making it a true paradise.
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.
This delightful boutique hotel is conveniently located only a few minutes away from the airport, while still peacefully surrounded with views of the Santa Ana Mountains. Decorated with hundreds of pieces of local art, you will encounter your first taste of Costa Rica by just walking through the hotel doors. Each room is equipped with all the necessary comforts, such as Wi-Fi, coffee makers and hair dryers. Relax after your long flight or various activities at the Sky Bar pool with a cocktail as the sun sets over the mountains.
Weather
the 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
Apr
Jun
Nov
Dec
San Jose
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
San Jose
77
66
78
66
81
68
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
87
70
85
72
85
70
85
68
FAQs
When and where should I depart?
You can depart from San Jose international airport any time after 2:00pm on the last day of your trip. An airport transfer is included for flights departing 2:00pm or later.
Can I do the trip if I've never kayaked or rafted before?
Yes! Great for beginners. No previous experience required. We supply the technical equipment. 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 6 is more technical with class III-IV rapids.
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).
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.