Overview
Features
Itinerary
Overview (Return to top)
Experience the best of Costa Rica in seven exhilarating days. You can try whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River or relax and enjoy bird-watching on a float rafting cruise on the Sarapiquí River. Walk with local researchers through La Selva Biological Station, one of the world’s most important centers for rainforest research. Hike in the rainforest at the base of the Arenal Volcano, enjoy a thrilling zip-line canopy tour, and relax in the soothing thermal waters of the Tabacon Hot Springs. Switch gears and relax on one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful Pacific coast beaches, Jacó Beach. Here, explore Manuel Antonio National Park on a nature walk or a snorkeling and dolphin-watching cruise. Or, simply rest and enjoy our luxury seaside mountain resort. Explore Costa Rica with us on this action-packed and relaxing vacation!
This is a trip filled with jungle exploration and adventure, but flexible enough to accommodate both the most adventurous souls and those who prefer a more relaxed time. No experience is required for this trip, which we classify as moderate. For those not comfortable whitewater rafting, they may skip the rafting and do an alternate rainforest activity such as hiking or horseback riding.
Priced from $2,999 plus air
Global Adrenaline
For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402
Features (Return to top)
• Global Adrenaline tour leader
• Local Costa Rican guides
• Airport transfers
• Accommodations: 2 nights in jungle lodge, 2 nights in volcano lodge, 2 nights at seaside mountain resort
• Meals as indicated
• Activities as indicated
• Transportation as indicated
• Entrance fees to national parks, historical sites, and museums
Itinerary (Return to top)
Day 1
Arrive San José
Today we will arrive in San José. We will be met upon arrival by our trip leader, who will transfer us to our jungle lodge located on a 1,200-acre private ranch and nature reserve near the Braulio Carrillo National Park, where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 2
Whitewater Rafting
Today, choose from a whitewater rafting adventure on the Pacuare River or a gentle boat excursion on the Sarapiquí River. Both excursions provide opportunities to see a diversity of wildlife in a spectacular tropical setting.
• Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting:
Level: Class III-IV Rapids
Age Restriction: Only persons 12 years and older are permitted on this trip. Experience Required: Rafters should be physically fit for this trip, although no previous whitewater experience is necessary. The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world, known for its scenery and rapids. This tropical river, located on Costa Rica’s Atlantic slope, borders the Talamanca Mountain Range, home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife. Once at the river at our private put-in, we will raft 16 miles deep in the heart of densely vegetated gorges, past serene pools and pounding rapids, in one of Costa Rica’s most impressive primary rainforests. The Pacuare plunges through spectacular mountain gorges and passes through virgin rainforest filled with howler monkeys, toucans, sloth, ocelots, and more. We will have a packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montañas, and many more. Our guides will stop the rafts along the journey and lead us up paths and side streams that open onto pristine waterfalls and natural water slides. Lunch will be served along the river. We will be picked up in the morning at our jungle lodge and head toward the Class III-IV whitewater of Pacuare River. We will drive approximately 1½ hours to our put-in location. On the way to the beginning of the rafting trip, we will pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park, stopping for an authentic Costa Rican breakfast before reaching our site of embarkation.
• Sarapiquí River Float Trip:
Level: Class I-II Rapids
Age Restriction: None.
Experience Required: The Sarapiquí is perfect for whitewater novices and families alike. The Sarapiquí is one of Costa Rica’s most accessible rivers, with spectacular scenery and a lush rainforest running along the banks of its crystal-clear waters. The gentle rapids originate high in the mountains and, by the time they reach our put-in, they have gathered enough force to provide some moderately flowing rapids: some long, peaceful stretches, and some incredible surroundings. Nature lovers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the boat trip through rich vegetation that provides shelter to hummingbirds, toucans, woodpeckers, and dozens of other species endemic to Costa Rica, making for a classic tropical river experience. We will be picked up in the morning at our jungle lodge and drive to the river put-in. We will board our boat and begin a memorable descent through the rainforest and will be served a picnic lunch on the river bank. After a fun day on the water, we will transfer back to our jungle lodge for the evening. We will enjoy dinner and spend the night at our jungle lodge. [B, L, D]
Day 3
La Selva Biological Station
After breakfast, we will embark upon a half-day visit to La Selva Biological Station, located in the Caribbean lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica. La Selva Biological Station was originally established in 1954 as a farm dedicated to experimentation on mixed plantations to improve natural resources management. It was purchased in 1968 by the Organization for Tropical Studies and declared a private biological reserve and station. Since then, it has become one of the most imperative sites in the world for research on tropical rainforests. After lunch at La Selva Biological Station, we will transfer to our volcano lodge, situated right next to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, the Arenal Volcano. Dormant for centuries, Arenal Volcano exploded in a massive eruption of molten lava and ash in 1968. Since that time, it has continued to belch great clouds of ash and occasional lava, including a series of large eruptions that took place on May 5, 1998. The Arenal Volcano is 5,358 feet high and 4,000 years old and still has a lot of growing to do. It is now one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and volcanologists from all over the world come here to study this tropical volcano. We will have dinner and spend the evening at our volcano lodge. [B, L, D]
Day 4
Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs
In the morning, we will have the option to take a guided rainforest walk at the base of the volcano. During the hike it is possible to see many plants, birds and other animal species that call the rainforest home. Throughout this exciting tour we will be reminded of the power of nature each time we hear the volcano’s activity. We will get close enough so that we can enjoy the eruptions of the volcano, but always at a safe distance. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a buffet lunch followed by a visit to the thermal waters of the Tabacon Hot Springs, nestled amid the lush tropical vegetation at the base of the Arenal Volcano. The Tabacon River emanates from deep within the heart of the volcano, and its naturally heated waters spring forth at about 102°F (or 39°C) year-round. The thermal waters cascade over intriguing rock formations that create inviting waterfalls and pools of warm, smooth water that soaks away aching muscles. Entrance to Las Fuentes Spa is included in the trip cost, but massages, mud packs, and other spa treatments are available at extra cost. We will return to our volcano lodge for dinner and to spend the night. [B, L, D]
Day 5
Canopy Tour and Transfer to the Beach
After breakfast, we will explore the rainforest canopy via a traditional Costa Rican canopy tour. Our canopy tour adventure begins with a 30-minute ride on the Sky Tram cableway, admiring the volcano, flora, and fauna. Our ride ends on a wide observation platform at the highest point of the Arenal Reserve, where we can enjoy the beautiful view. We will then traverse from tree to tree and platform to platform using pulleys on horizontal traverse cables, sailing through the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy, and over the trails far below. Expert guides will assist us in this exciting zip-line journey through the different layers of the virgin rainforests. The tour includes eight cross-sectional cables that together have a total length of 1.7 miles with a distance from 98 to 2,500 feet, and from 65 to 650 feet in height. The first two zip-lines are practice cables; after these, we may choose to continue on the Sky Trek zip-lines or go back on the Sky Tram. The main objective of this tour is to provide us with a unique activity and ecological experience while at the same time aiding in the preservation of the world’s endangered rainforests through direct financial support to conservation, education, and reforestation efforts. Our Costa Rican canopy tour partner has been thoroughly inspected and approved for safety, construction, and training by ACCT, the International Association of Challenge Course Technologies. After lunch at our volcano lodge, we will transfer to Jacó Beach, where we will spend a few days relaxing on the sunny Pacific coast. This region boasts a tremendous diversity of terrain from dense rainforests to airy deciduous forests, towering active volcanoes to lush sugarcane fields, and tropical lagoons to idyllic beaches. We will check in to Hotel Villa Caletas, situated facing the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by acres of lush rainforest. We will enjoy dinner and overnight at our seaside mountain resort. [B, L, D]
Day 6
Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Walk or Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling
After breakfast at our hotel, we will have the option to drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most popular parks, and take a guided nature walk or enjoy a snorkel and sailing trip along the coastline. Those who prefer a more leisurely time may spend the day at our seaside mountain resort.
Optional Tours:
• Manuel Antonio Nature Walk ($100): Throughout the three-hour walk on nature trails, we will explore a tropical rainforest with biodiversity as vast as that of any other in the world, learning about the verdant flora along the way. During this trip, we will marvel at sloths, coatimundis (quashes), monkeys, butterflies, reptiles, and many varieties of wild birds. At the end of the tour, we will have the opportunity to relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. A light lunch will be provided.
• Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling ($100): Enjoy a spacious and relaxing ride on a catamaran while exploring the area’s islands and islets to watch for dolphins, whales, birds, and turtles. Learn the history behind this national park and the native Quepos Indians from the guides on our boat. Stop to snorkel at a beautiful rock reef and witness a thriving marine ecosystem and its vibrant coral reefs. After snorkeling, enjoy a lunch, including seafood kabobs, prepared for us on our boat. This catamaran trip lasts approximately 4 hours.
We will gather for dinner tonight, savoring our last taste of Costa Rican food and nightlife. [B, D]
Day 7
Today we will say farewell to Costa Rica, taking home fond memories of our rainforest and beach adventures. We will drive to the San José International Airport for our return flights, which arrive back home on the same day. Buen viaje (good travels)! [B]
