WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International or Domestic Flights
Meals and drinks other than those mentioned
Tips or personal expenses
Travel insurance
Any items not mentioned

Day One
Arrive San José. You will be picked up the airport and taken to your hotel in the nation’s capital. Tonight the group meets up for a welcome toast by your trip leader and then you have the option to go out on the town for dinner. We’ll stay overnight at the four-star Hotel Indigo(cost of dinner, not included).

Day Two
After an early morning departure from San José, we will travel east, driving through Braulio Carrillo National Park and enjoy breakfast at the Río Danta. We travel through banana plantations towards the Atlantic lowlands until we reach our starting point in the Tortuguero National Park Station on the Tortuguero River. Tortuguero is a lush tropical paradise with a series of navigable waterways for exploration. There are no roads in the park making it a true wilderness experience. This tropical sanctuary is home to over 300 species of birds and many animals. While most visitors to the park travel by motorized launch, we will explore the waterways by sea kayak – a much more active and fun way to quietly experience the flora and fauna. We will pull over for a delicious lunch and then continue meandering through the lush forest till late afternoon.

Upon our arrival at Mawamba Lodge, we will be welcomed with a cocktail and dinner soon thereafter. We stay overnight at Mawamba Lodge for two nights, enjoying its pristine location on a Caribbean beach. It also is complete with swimming pool, restaurant and bar, hammocks, Jacuzzi and breath taking views! (B + L + D)

Day Three
We’ll paddle through the Tortuguero sanctuary area by sea kayak. After a great breakfast we will be shuttled by boat about 25 miles towards the Colorado River, passing through the Penitencia Canal until we arrive at Samay Laguna. Here we will board our kayaks for a three to four hour exploration of this area. The “magical” entrance to Laguna Nueve and a visit to the pristine beach will be one of today’s highlights. Wonderful clean water and total solitude will be part of the experience. Return for Lunch to the lodge. Option of a walk into Tortuguera town. Then a late afternoon return back to Mawamba Lodge. (B + L + D)

Day Four
We transfer out from Mawamba and get ready for an action packed day! We start with a morning paddle or boat ride. We say goodbye to this beautiful part of Costa Rica and drive to the Rio Pacuare stopping for lunch along the way. We arrive in the early afternoon to the put in for the Rio Pacuare. The Pacuare is one of Costa Rica’s more famous and glorious rivers. It is known through out the world for its fun whitewater and amazing jungle scenery! We will paddle a couple hours through some very fun class 3 rapids to the spectacular Rios Tropicales Jungle Lodge. This is a true paradise, complete with zip lines over the river, jungle walks, rainforest canopy tours, waterfalls and time to just relax in this amazing river canyon. Overnight at the Jungle Lodge. (B + L + D)

Day Five
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 Six
This morning we continue our tryst with the Pacuare river, 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. We stay at the Mountain Paradise hotel

Day Seven
Arenal and the Peñas Blancas River Morning hike near Arenal Volcano, with the rest 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 Eight
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 Nine
Depart for Cancun or home.
Hotels
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

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.