Looking for an active adventure, combining adrenaline with nature experience at its best? You found it! During this tailor-made outdoor adventure you’ll get to know the unique natural highlights of Costa Rica. Each day a new adventurous activity is scheduled! In order to provide highest security, almost all activities are accompanied by local, bilingual guides. Besides the active-sporty emphasis of this tour, you will not miss natural immersion; while snorkeling, while gliding through the rainforest treetops, while rafting on jungle rivers and many other exhilarating activities, you will be able to enjoy Costa Rica’s extraordinary diversity of wildlife and lush, tropical nature. This tour will give you the chance to get a unique impression of Central America's little paradise - its highly diverse landscapes, its stunning flora and fauna all combined with adventure and challenging action, an experience that you will never forget!
DAY 1: Arrival in San
José
Welcome! Upon your arrival at San José International Airport an English-speaking representative will be waiting to escort you to your hotel, where you will receive an informative travel handout. Economy: ON Country Inn & Suites / Deluxe:
ON Ramada Plaza Herradura
DAY 2: Osa Península: Drake Bay / Rio Claro Natural Reserve
Upon arrival at Drake’s Bay airstrip you will be picked up by the lodge’s shuttle service. The lodge’s representative will collect you at Drake Airstrip for the voyage by motorboat of about 20 minutes to the Punta Marenco Lodge, along the northern coast of the Osa Peninsula (you might be lucky and spot whales or schools of playful dolphins!). After having checked in, enjoy a delicious lunch. Use this afternoon to explore the rainforest trails of the lodge’s private nature reserve until you reach the confluence of the river Rio Claro. Here, you can take a refreshing bath in the midst of tropical flora. You will return to the lodge in the late afternoon. Economy: Punta Marenco Lodge ON / Deluxe:
ON Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge
DAY 3: Osa Península: Drake Bay / Corcovado National Park
Today you will enjoy a hiking tour through Corcovado National Park, often called “the most biologically intense place on earth,” comprising thirteen major ecosystems. First, arrive by boat at the Park entrance at San Pedrillo, before walking into the jungle where you will be surrounded by the untamed wildlife Costa Rica is famous for. Your local naturalist expert will guide you through this wonderland of giant trees, hidden waterfalls, bright-red heliconia, whirling humming birds and clamoring monkeys. From an amazing variety of species, some very rare, you may even be lucky enough to see two of Costa Rica’s biggest cats, the Ocelot and the Jaguar, or the largest terrestrial mammal of Central America; Baird's tapir. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the ranger station, then continue your hikes to a precious waterfall. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon. Dinner is served. Economy: Punta Marenco Lodge ON / Deluxe:
ON Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge
DAY 4: Osa Península: Drake Bay / Caño Island Biological Reserve
Today you’re off on for an excursion with a local guide by boat, to the precious Caño Island in the Pacific Ocean, 10 miles offshore. Twelve miles west of Drake bay, the Caño Island offers some of the most exciting sea life in the world. A wide variety of marine life can be discovered beneath the island waters. Perhaps the most memorable encounters occur with the pelagics that inhabit the area. If you like, you might want to enjoy an optional hike up to ancient Indian burial grounds in the interior of the island. Moreover, you might want to use the time to snorkel along the coral reefs that surround this tropical paradise. Today’s lunch will be picnic-style and served on the shimmering white sand beach lined by coconut palms. You’ll head back to the lodge in the afternoon. Economy: Punta Marenco Lodge ON / Deluxe:
ON Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge
DAY 5: Palmar Sur - Manuel Antonio National Park & Beaches
In the morning you will be transferred to Palmar Sur, where you will take over your rental car. Now, your private journey is about to start! Drive along the Pacific highway towards Manuel Antonio. The afternoon is yours… Optional: Explore Manuel Antonio National Park, where you might observe capuchin monkeys, sloth, iguanas, anteaters, and multiple species of birds, all within easy walking distance into the rainforest. A hike of about 1.5 hours on the park’s trails will get you this and more, including fantastic beaches within the park, where you are free to soak up some sun or bathe in the refreshing Pacific Ocean. Economy: ON Hotel Playa Espadilla / Deluxe: ON El Parador
DAY 6: Manuel Antonio National Park - Dama Island Kayaking
Today you experience the Damas Island Estuary and Mangrove ecosystem first hand - in an open-seat kayak. While paddling with the currents you will you learn about, experience, and participate in the unique Costa Rican mangrove and tropical rain forest ecosystem. Watch sloths and numerous species of monkeys travel through the tree canopy, hunt for nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of non-poisonous snakes resting in the mangroves, and listen to the songs of the various marine birds as they glide over your kayak curiously looking for adventure. Afterwards you enjoy a typical meal and then head back to your hotel. Economy: ON Hotel Playa Espadilla / Deluxe: ON El Parador
DAY 7: Manuel Antonio - Arenal Volcano / La Fortuna
In the morning you leave the beach and head to La Fortuna at the foot of the active Arenal Volcano. Optional: In the late afternoon you may surrender – if you wish - to an evening at the hot springs of Tabacón, Ecotermales or Baldi, to enjoy a soothing bath of waterfalls and natural pools against the backdrop of fresh nighttime air and a starry sky, all within beautiful, tropical gardens. Keep a lookout in case that sky explodes with hot showers of red, yellow and orange, the sparkling lava flows of Arenal Volcano. Economy: ON Lomas del Volcán / Deluxe: ON Arenal Springs Resort
DAY 8: Arenal Volcano - Whitewater Rafting Rio Toro (Class III-IV)
This day might be adventurous! Challenge yourself while paddling on the Río Toro River through over 45-continuous rapids along more than 16 kilometres of deep-canyon gorges and waterfalls. Hopefully you can see lots of wildlife like monkeys, sloths and tropical birds such as ospreys, oropendolas etc. Along the way you will enjoy a nice, tropical fruit break and afterward a typical Costa Rican “casado” lunch. You will be picked up from your hotel and be transferred to the river, where you will do your tour. Economy: ON Lomas del Volcán / Deluxe: ON Arenal Springs Resort
DAY 9: Arenal Volcano - Waterfall Canyoning
Today your trip begins with a 30-minute 4x4 drive into the tropical rainforest outside the town of La Fortuna, in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano. Afterwards, you trek through the forest on magical trails that lead to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica, a place very few people get to know. Along the way you will have the chance to discover the secrets that lie hidden deep within the canyon. From the first waterfall you will rappel down from the top into the beautiful and pristine canyon below. The adventure includes four rappels, three of them are along waterfalls, and one dry rock face. Then just a short trek out of the canyon, jump in the vehicles and head back to the base camp. See tropical birds, monkeys and thousands of different kinds of plants and flowers. Rest of the day at your disposal. Economy: ON Lomas del Volcán / Deluxe: ON Arenal Springs Resort
DAY 10: Arenal Volcano - Monteverde Cloud Forest Region
The morning is yours, to do as you wish. You may take an optional tour, such as a hike through the secondary forest of Arenal Volcano National Park and over the lava fields at the foot of Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. You might even feel the ground rumble. In the afternoon you ride around Arenal Lake to Tilarán before taking on 35 km’s of adventurous gravel road, winding your way to Sta. Elena in the Monteverde Cloud Forest region. Economy: ON Hotel Belmar / Deluxe: ON El Establo
DAY 11: Monteverde - Treetop Walkways/Hanging Bridges & Canopy Tour
Your adventurous day begins with a "walk in the clouds." Start with your feet on the ground, hiking through lush forest toward the “Treetop Walkways" of Selvatura; suspended bridges, platforms and trails elevated deep within the canopy of the cloud forest. From here we are allowed a gentle, rare glimpse through the tops of giant trees into the nether regions of this hidden world that would otherwise remain a mystery to most of us. While exploring the different trails keep your binoculars or camera handy, since you might catch a glimpse of the rare and famous bird of kings – the Quetzal! Afterwards you enjoy a Canopy Tour: Guides will start by dressing you with the appropriate equipment; then they will take you through each of the 15 cables and 18 platforms and optionally through the very own Tarzan Swing. Selvatura Park is one of the longest if not the longest Canopy Tour in Costa Rica! Economy: ON Hotel Belmar / Deluxe: ON El Establo
DAY 12: Monteverde - Rincón de la Vieja Volcano / Guanacaste
After breakfast drive around Arenal Lake to Cañas and continue north on the Interamericana via Liberia to Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Your nighttime accommodations include a rustic mountain lodge at the foot of volcanic hills. Enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the surroundings of the hotel – the rest of the day is yours! Economy: ON Hacienda Lodge Guachipelin / Deluxe: ON Cañon de la Vieja Lodge
DAY 13: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano / Guanacaste - One Day Multi-Sport Adventure
After breakfast a full day of adventure begins: Choose from the following activities and participate in as many as you can in one day:
"The Canyon Tour", an exciting tour through the "Kazm Cañon", a majestic canyon made by the erosion of the Blanco River during millions of years. The tour includes canopy zip lines, rappeling, rock climbing, tarzan swings, via ferrata and hanging bridges.
Horseback riding to the waterfalls – e.g. Las Chorreras or La Oropendula, La Victoria
Azufrales Hot Springs at Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Rio Negro Tubing Adventure (class II & IV)
Please note that National Park entrance fees must be paid directly on spot when choosing a tour taking place in the park. Please notice the park is closed on Mondays! Economy: ON Hacienda Lodge Guachipelin / Deluxe: ON Cañon de la Vieja Lodge
DAY 14: Rincón de la Vieja - San José – (BF)
A hearty breakfast is a good idea to be ready for any activities you might want to enjoy today. Optional: Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park, hiking aprox. 2 hours through wet forest with numerous crossings of various mountain rivers. You’ll also encounter dry and hot plateaus with little vegetation. At last you will reach the “Blue Lake" whose natural basin is nourished by a spectacular waterfall of turquoise-blue that invites you for a refreshing swim. Later on, you can continue your hike down to the park’s main attractions: bubbling mud pools, pits of boiling hot water, vapor geysers and fumaroles (deep holes that emit sulfurous vapor). If all of this doesn’t impress you with some sense of a volcano’s natural power, nothing will.
Around noon ride back to San José. Once in San José, the remainder of the day is yours to do as you wish. You might visit one of the various galleries or museums (optional - entrance fees not included) or just go on a sightseeing spree. In the late afternoon return your rental car at the hotel. Economy: ON Gran Hotel Costa Rica / Deluxe: ON Grano de Oro
DAY 15: Homeward Bound – (BF)
Transfer to the International Airport for your flight back home.
RATES & SERVICES
INCLUDED:
ECONOMY
DELUXE
VACATIONS SPECIAL OFFER #3 Wheels & Vouchers
(Self Drive ACTIVE vacation package)
BF = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, BL = Box
Lunch
Rental Car:
Rental Car 4x4 including basic insurance (mandatory) and free
mileage from day 5 (pick-up in Palmar Sur) to day 14 (return at San Jose airport office).
Rental Car:
Rental Car 4x4 including basic insurance (mandatory) and free
mileage from day 5 (pick-up in Palmar Sur) to day 14 (return at San Jose airport office).
Transfers / domestic flights:
Airport Transfers on arrival and departure day
Transfer San Jose - Airstrip (Day 2)
Domestic flight San Jose - Palmar Sur
Land and boat transfers Palmar Sur - Corcovado Lodge - Palmar Sur (joining other international travellers)
Transfers / domestic flights:
Airport Transfers on arrival and departure day
Transfer San Jose - Airstrip (Day 2)
Domestic flight San Jose - Palmar Sur
Land and boat transfers Palmar Sur - Corcovado Lodge - Palmar Sur (joining other international travellers)
Tours:
Tours in Drake Bay / Corcovado as described (Corcovado National Park Hike & Caño Island)
Kayaking Damas Island
Rio Toro River Rafting
Waterfall Canyoning
Selvatura Treetop Walkways (Hanging Bridges)
Canopy Zip Line Tour
Rincón de la Vieja Multi-Sport Adventure (Canopy, Rappeling, Tarzan Swing; Horseback Riding; Hot Springs; Rio Negro Tubing Adventure)
Tours:
Tours in Drake Bay / Corcovado as described (Corcovado National Park Hike & Caño Island)
Kayaking Damas Island
Rio Toro River Rafting
Waterfall Canyoning
Selvatura Treetop Walkways (Hanging Bridges)
Canopy Zip Line Tour
Rincón de la Vieja Multi-Sport Adventure (Canopy, Rappeling, Tarzan Swing; Horseback Riding; Hot Springs; Rio Negro Tubing Adventure)
Our "Wheels & Vouchers" itineraries
are self-driving trips, including a rental car (usually
4x4), pre-booked hotels and - in some cases - pre-booked
excursiones and activities. Upon arrival in Costa Rica,
you will receive travel documents including vouchers for
all booked services, driving descriptions, road map and
general information about traveling and driving in Costa
Rica, telephone numbers, etc. The rental car category included
in our offers can be upgraded to a higher category upon
request:
travelplanner@tierra-verde.com
NOT
INCLUDED: International airfare,
excursions mentioned as optional, entrance fees for National
Parks, tips and personal expenses, airport departure tax
* Currency Conversion - Important
Information:
Tierra
Verde is a Tour Operator based in Costa Rica. All our services
will be invoiced in US-Dollars (USD).
While all care has been taken in making available and maintaining
the Currency Conversion Rates displayed on this site, such
conversion rates are estimates only of currency conversions
that may apply to a transaction. These rates are provided for information purposes only without express or implied
warranty. The Currency Conversion Rates should not be relied
upon as actual currency conversion rates that may be applied
to any particular transaction as such rates will frequently
fluctuate over time and vary between various financial providers.
Conversions are based on Interbank Rates provided by OzForex
Pty. Ltd., increased by 2 percent, a conversion rate
commonly used for credit card transactions.
