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Rafting, hiking, zip lines, and hanging bridges among Costa Rica's highlight regions and off the beaten path
Hidden Costa Rica
Explore the less traveled side of Costa Rica, as well as the highlights that this ecological gem has to offer. Starting with a thrilling day of rafting through a rain-forested canyon, we then head off the beaten path to the small town of Bijagua, Volcan Tenorio National Park, and hiking along the Rio Celeste in Volcan Tenorio National Park. Next, we journey to the active volcano Arenal and the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.
This trip combines wildlife viewing, rafting, hiking, hanging bridges, and fast zip lines through the forest canopy with small community-run lodges that allow us to experience a side of Costa Rica that few tourists see. In short, it's the Costa Rica adventure vacation of a lifetime!
Days 1-2, San Jose and the rafting the Pacuare River Meet in a small town outside San Jose, our base for the first two nights • Raft a thrilling Class III-IV river through jungle • Optional tours of museums, downtown San Jose, or interpretive trails at InBioParque
Days 3-4, Bijugua, Volcan Tenorio National Park, and Rio Celeste Enjoy breakfast at a local farmer' market • Hike Volcan Tenorio National Park and the Rio Celeste • Enjoy a community lodge situated in between two extinct volcanos, with views all the way into Nicaragua • Hike the trails and hanging canopy bridges of Heliconias Lodge • Experience a small farming community and the real Costa Rica
Days 5-8, Arenal and Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Listen for boulders being expelled from Arenal Volcano while soaking in natural hot springs • Float down the Rio Frio in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, looking at colorful birds, caimans, and other wildlife • Fly through the canopy on a harness and zip line • Meet local artisans and farmers in the small town of San Ramon • Transfer back to San Jose with a farewell dinner in Santo Domingo
Optional beach extension: Snorkel, surf, sea kayak, or simply enjoy ocean views from the cabins of La Cusinga Lodge at Bahia Ballena de Osa. This three-day extension allows you to see another part of Costa Rica and be as active or relaxed as you wish.
Lodging highlights
Hotel Bougainvillea, with lovely landscaped grounds in the tranquil San Jose suburb of Santo Domingo, is a perfect combination of quiet and relaxed, yet close to downtown San Jose. This modern hotel has tennis courts and a swimming pool.
Heliconias Lodge is a clean, comfortable, rustic lodge run by an association of families in the small town of Bijagua. Set on the slopes of the extinct Volcan Tenorio, the lodge's main building and grounds have a fantastic view of Volcan Miravalles, and, across a mix of cultivated fields and forest, all the way to Lake Nicaragua. The lodge also features hiking trails and hanging bridges through the forest canopy. All rooms have private hot water bath.
Albergue La Catarata is another small, community run lodge. On a clear day, the active Arenal Volcano looms immediately to the west of the lodge and its landscaped grounds and butterfly farm. The lodge offers easy access to hiking a nearby waterfall and soaking in hot springs, along with a glimpse of life in the local community.
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