8 Days • 7 Nights
Costa Rica Adventure: Rafting, Ziplines & Volcanoes
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- White-water rafting the legendary Pacuare River
- Canyoning and waterfall rappelling
- Some of the longest ziplines in the Americas
- Hiking the Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja volcanoes
- Hot springs to soothe tired muscles
- Hanging bridges and rainforest wildlife
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Met at San Jose airport, you head to the Pacuare River for an exhilarating white-water rafting descent through rainforest gorges to a remote riverside eco-lodge reachable only by raft, where a welcome dinner awaits.
A morning of jungle waterfalls and trails at the lodge before rafting out and transferring to the Arenal Volcano, with an evening soak in hot springs.
A thrilling morning canyoning, rappelling down waterfalls in a jungle gorge, followed by an afternoon on the hanging bridges spotting sloths and birds.
A guided hike across old lava fields at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, learning its explosive history, with the rest of the day free for rafting, kayaking or hot springs.
You travel northwest to the Rincon de la Vieja volcano in Guanacaste, a geothermal wonderland of bubbling mud pots and steaming vents, settling into an adventure lodge.
A big adventure day on the volcano's slopes, ziplining, a tubing or waterfall hike, and a soak in natural hot springs and mud baths to finish.
A free day to add more adventure or simply relax, with optional horseback riding, wildlife walks or a beach day on the nearby Guanacaste coast.
A final morning before transferring to Liberia or San Jose airport for your onward flight, having tackled the best of Costa Rica's adventures.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, riverside lodge meals and hot springs entry
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking naturalist guides
- Ground transfers between regions
- All national park entry fees
- Pacuare rafting, a canyoning descent, a zipline circuit and volcano hikes
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival; carry a passport valid for at least six months and, technically, proof of onward travel
- Currency: The currency is the Costa Rican Colon, though US Dollars are widely accepted for tours and hotels. Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry some cash for rural areas, small eateries and tips
- Best time to visit: The dry season (December to April) is the sunniest and most popular, ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush and quieter, with mostly sunny mornings and afternoon showers
- Pura vida: Costa Rica's famous phrase means 'pure life' and captures the country's relaxed, warm and nature-loving spirit; expect friendly people, an unhurried pace and a deep pride in the environment
- Wildlife & national parks: Costa Rica protects around a quarter of its land and holds around five percent of the world's biodiversity; a naturalist guide dramatically improves wildlife sightings, and park entry fees are included
- Getting around: Distances can be longer than the map suggests due to winding mountain roads; internal ground transfers are included, and we can add short domestic flights to save time on longer legs
- Health & water: No vaccinations are required for most travellers, tap water is generally safe in main areas, and you should bring insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen and a light rain jacket for the cloud forest
- Money & tipping: A ten percent service charge is often included in restaurant bills; extra tips for excellent guides and drivers are appreciated. Power is 120V with US-style plugs, so US travellers need no adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit and experienced do I need to be?
A good level of fitness and a sense of adventure are important, but no prior experience is needed for the rafting, ziplining or canyoning, which are run by expert guides with full safety briefings. We can tailor the intensity to your group.
Is the Pacuare rafting suitable for beginners?
Yes — the classic Pacuare run is a thrilling but manageable grade for first-timers with a guide, and it is regularly rated one of the world's best rafting rivers. We can adjust sections for confidence and water levels.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or lodge meals in remote areas. Costa Rican cuisine, from fresh tropical fruit to casados and ceviche, is a delight, so most lunches and dinners are left free to explore.
Are transfers between regions included?
Yes — all ground transfers between regions are arranged and included, with English-speaking drivers. On longer itineraries we can add short domestic flights to save time; just ask.
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Most nationalities do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) offers the sunniest weather and is ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush, quieter and cheaper, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain.
Will I see lots of wildlife?
Very likely. With a naturalist guide you can expect sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas and countless birds, and often frogs, coatis and more. Costa Rica is one of the world's great wildlife destinations.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of rainforest, volcanoes and beach, add or swap regions, change the pace and choose lodges to match your interests and budget.
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