Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Read more about the Active Range
Price (Includes taxes and fees)
from NZD 9499/per adult
Activity Level 1
Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.
You'll typically experience two half day activities per day, done at an easygoing pace.
Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Those who enjoy half-day hikes with enough elevation gain to elevate their heart rate will enjoy these adventures.
Activity Level 3
Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.
While not our most strenuous trips, you'll definitely feel accomplished after a day on the trails. A solid base of fitness is advised.
Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Hikes may include rock scrambling, river crossings, and off trail adventures.
Activity Level 5
On our Level 5 trips get ready to conquer back-to-back days of long hikes or summitting peaks at altitude.
We require a high level of fitness as adventurers will be met with plenty of challenges and sometimes extreme conditions.
You'll hike lush rainforests, mountain bike through jungles, swim in turquoise pools, raft a world-class river, zip line through the forest canopy, and witness the incredible wildlife of this piece of paradise - this adventure has it all. After the adventure activities, there will still be plenty of time for you to relax in mud baths and natural hot springs! The ultimate way to experience the wonderful way of life in Costa Rica, 'La Pura Vida'. You won't want to leave!
Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDFDay 1
Welcome to San José, Costa Rica’s capital city! Please make your own way to Hotel Parque del Lago, located walking distance from La Sabana Park and the Museum of Costa Rican Art.
In the evening you’ll meet with your trip leader, along with the rest of the group, for a full trip briefing and a delicious Tico dinner!
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson, San Jose
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
This morning we head north to the Pacuare River for a two-day tropical white-water rafting trip, including an overnight at Rios Lodge, nestled in the rainforest on the banks of the Pacuare River. Rated one of the top river rafting locations in the world, we’ll experience the intimate nature as we raft through the rainforest, including two sections of exciting class 3 and 4 rapids with waterfalls along the way.
From the Ecolodge we can enjoy rainforest hikes with naturalist guides, self-guided walks to waterfalls and pools, relaxation in a hammock overlooking the beautiful Pacuare River, and birdwatching. We'll enjoy dinner this evening in the open air, with the stars above us and vibrant sounds from the jungle.
Accommodation: Rios Lodge, Pacuare River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rafting: Pacuare River (Class III and IV rapids)
Day 3
After a restful nights sleep in the rainforest we'll head back out onto the river for a full day, taking on more rapids as we raft through the Lower Pacuare Gorge.
After we pack out we’ll continue to La Fortuna, a small town at the foot of Arenal Volcano where we’ll stay for the next two nights. With lush botanic gardens, free-from hot springs, swimming pools and traditional Costa Rican food, Volcano Lodge is the perfect location to relax. This evening we'll dine together at the hotel.
Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rafting: Lower Pacuare Gorge
Day 4
After breakfast, we’ll spend the morning hiking at the base of Arenal Volcano, along the trails made from the 1968 eruption, with amazing views of the volcano and Arenal Lake. Our second hike will take us to La Fortuna Waterfall. Part of the Arenal Volcano National Park, the waterfall tumbles amidst a biological reserve of 210 acres of transition premontane tropical wet forest. The waterfall itself was formed by the old lava flow of the Cerro Chato volcano. We'll hike along the path to the 70-meter-high waterfall, and have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Fortuna River, in one of the two natural pools.
After our morning of adventure, we'll explore the town of La Fortuna, finishing the day with a chance to soak in the local hot springs.
Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
La Fortuna Waterfall Hike: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 216 feet (65 meters) ascent, 216 feet (65 meters) descent
Day 5
This morning, after a short drive, we'll arrive at Arenal Lake, Costa Rica’s largest and most breathtaking lake. We'll don lifejackets and embark on a kayak tour across the lake. Paddling these calm waters will give us the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife that surrounds the lake such as monkeys, iguanas and a large amount of tropical birds.
After our morning kayak, we'll make our way north towards Rincon de La Vieja, one of the largest and most active volcano in Costa Rica, where we'll stay at the foothills.
We'll settle into Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, our unique accommodation for the next two nights and the home of Rio Negro Hot Springs and mud baths where we'll spend the afternoon. Rich in minerals, the thermal waters have rejuvenating and therapeutic properties that have been appreciated for centuries by people around the world. Beautiful and relaxing, the volcanic hot springs bubble up on the Rio Negro, naturally heated by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Later,
Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kayaking: 2 hours
Day 6
Today we’ll hike in Rincon de La Vieja National Park to make our way to La Cangreja Waterfall. Along the trail we may spot wildlife such as white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys and spider monkeys, coatis, armadillos, agoutis, iguanas, and birds such as the bobo bird or the emerald tucancillo. A bubbling white-water flow comes out from among the green forest, and the 120-foot tall La Cangreja Waterfall forms a transparent pool of blue water at its base. Copper minerals coming from the volcano dissolve in the water, giving the water a heavenly blue color. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch at the waterfall before returning along the scenic trail.
Afterward we'll hike to view Las Pailas (The Cauldrons) of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a spectacular show off the awesome power of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Hiking through pristine dry tropical forest, we'll be in the company of spider monkeys, armadillos, and iguanas.
In the afternoon we'll head back to Hacienda Guachipelin and receive a dose of adrenaline on our zip line tour. Flying through the trees on cables, rappel, rock climb, swing like Tarzan, and cross hanging bridges over the White River Canyon below.
Accommodation: Hacienda Guachipelin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
La Cangreja Waterfall Hike: 5.9 miles (9.5 kilometres), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,076 feet (328 metres) ascent, 1,076 feet (328 metres) descent
Las Pailas Hike: 2.5 miles (3.5 kilometres), 1-2 hours
Day 7
Our morning hike takes us to Las Chorreras Waterfall, a beautiful place where we can relax in nature and swim in a pool formed by a tropical waterfall. A small canyon of volcanic rock surrounds the falls and the pool, creating an intimate and private tropical oasis for a refreshing dip.
In the afternoon we’ll drive to Nosara Beach, known for its lush beaches, Nosara is a popular destination among surfers, yogis, families and nature lovers. It is a place of tranquility, natural beauty, consistent waves all year long. Take the afternoon to explore and relax before we gather for dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Lagarta Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 1.8 miles (3 kilometres), 1 hour
Day 8
After breakfast we embark on a one-of-a-kind Costa Rican adventure, spending the morning away from the crowds on mountain bikes. The ride today will provide excellent views of the cliffs above the beach, while also giving us time to stop and enjoy the lush jungle around us.
After lunch we'll head back to Nosara Beach for surfing lessons. With over 40 years of providing lessons and one of the world’s most consistent beach breaks, everyone from beginners to advanced surfers will enjoy this unique opportunity to get out into the water.
Accommodation: Lagarta Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: miles ( kilometres), hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: feet ( metres) ascent, feet ( metres) descent
Day 9
This morning we'll transfer back to San Jose in time for afternoon flight departures, or you can choose to stay on in Nosara and explore more of Costa Rica!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
This trip is operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
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