Costa Rica adventure trip: raft, hike and explore

Start your Costa Rica travel on a relaxing note. Once you clear immigration and customs, a private transfer will greet you at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), take care of your luggage, and drive you to a comfortable hotel near San Jose.

Take a moment to unwind and savor the local flavors as you settle in. Your local host will present options for river, hiking, and cultural activities, and help you shape the rest of your Costa Rica trip.

Your Costa Rica itinerary continues with a shared transfer that collects you from your hotel in San Jose, brings you to the Pacuare River rafting tour, and after the activity and lunch, carries you on to your hotel in Arenal.

The Pacuare River offers world-class white water framed by steep rainforest walls, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, including sloths, toucans, parrots, coatis, and vibrant morpho butterflies. The rapids are exciting yet accessible, creating an unforgettable day of nature, adrenaline, and authentic connection on your Costa Rica trip.

Today, your bilingual naturalist guide leads you on a hike through the Arenal Volcano rainforest, pointing out vibrant plants, wildlife, and the impressive lava flows that shaped the landscape. You will reach an observation point close to the base of Arenal Volcano, ideal for unforgettable photos and fascinating natural history insights.

After the hike, unwind at Paradise Hot Springs in thermal pools and jacuzzis with different temperatures and focused hydromassage for your back, legs, and feet. The facilities include showers, massage services, comfortable reclinable beds, food and drinks, and an intimate capacity that maintains a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

Travel from Arenal to Monteverde on a shared transfer that combines comfortable minivan service with a scenic boat cruise across tranquil Lake Arenal, framed by the volcano and the forested Tilaran range. Watch for kingfishers, flycatchers, and other wetland birds along the shore as you cross, then continue about ninety minutes by road up the mountainside to your Monteverde hotel, soaking in sweeping valley and cloud forest views.

In Monteverde, saddle up for a guided horseback ride with panoramic views over the Gulf of Nicoya and nearby volcanoes, often ending with one of the region’s most beautiful sunsets. Along the way, you learn about the traditional sugar cane process, a Costa Rican staple that continues to support local families and culture.

Bilingual guides lead you on a three-kilometer walk along forest trails and seven hanging bridges in a private cloud forest reserve, revealing birds, mammals, and remarkable plants from the forest floor to the canopy.

Then soar through the treetops on a canopy zip line over the seventy-acre reserve, combining adrenaline with conservation-focused interpretation and sweeping views.

Enjoy a comfortable shared transfer from your hotel in Monteverde to your hotel in San José. Travel in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle with friendly local drivers, sharing the ride with other travelers for an affordable, punctual, and safe journey.

Relax and recharge as you travel, avoiding the stress of navigating mountain roads on your own. For anyone planning a trip to Costa Rica, this hotel-to-hotel transfer is an easy way to link Monteverde’s cloud forest with the capital without renting a car.

A private transfer will collect you from your hotel and take you directly to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Settle in and enjoy one last look at Costa Rica as you travel. Please plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight.

If needed, our team can adjust your pickup time to ensure a smooth and stress-free end to your journey.