Paddles & Pedals

Whitewater Rafting / Sea Kayaking / Mountain Biking across Costa Rica

Explore the diversity of Costa Rica’s tropical terrain while challenging yourself with a variety of human-powered adventure activities. Starting with exhilarating whitewater rafting through tropical rainforest on the Pacuare River, we travel to Arenal Volcano to hike in the majesty of this active Volcano, sea kayaking on Lake Arenal and along the rugged Pacific coastline before finally mountain biking on the Nicoya Peninsula on dirt roads and hard packed beach sand.

2007 Departure Dates: Jan 20-28; Feb 10-18; Feb 24-Mar 4; Mar 17-25; Apr 7-15; May 12-20; Jun 9-17; Jul 14-22; Aug 18-26; Sep 8-16; Oct 6-14; Nov 10-18; Nov 24-Dec 2; Dec 24-Jan 1

2008 Departure Dates: Jan 26-Feb 3; Mar 8-16; Mar 22-30, Apr 19-27; Jun 7-15; Jul 19-27

We will open a new date with a minimum of 4 people

2007 price: $1696 per person, based on double occupancy

• Note: Surcharge for holiday departures (underlined above): $125 per person
• (valid until Oct 31, 2007)

Nov 1, 2007-2008 price: $1765 per person, based on double occupancy

• Note: Surcharge for holiday departures (underlined above): $128 per person
• (valid until Oct 31, 2008)

Note: This is a fully escorted tour with specific departure dates. Private tours and trip extensions can be arranged on request.

Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrival in Costa Rica.  After welcoming you at San José airport your guide will bring you to a comfortable hotel in the city and take time to answer any questions, meet the group and prepare for your multi-activity adventure trip. The evening is free to explore San José.

Day 2:  Pacuare River - Whitewater Rafting (2 hours, 10km/6m) The first day begins with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the “put in” on the Pacuare River for our two-day whitewater rafting adventure. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids exploring the magnificent river valley. This afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, “El Nido del Tigre.” Nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river, take time to explore the lush environment first hand, looking out for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river. (B, L, D)

Day 3:  Pacuare River - Whitewater Rafting (3-5 hours, 17km/10.2m) Today the Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and point out the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time out to do some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” in the heart of banana plantation country sees the end of our whitewater rafting adventure and we drive to the Arenal Volcano (approx. 4 hours) for a change of activity. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Arenal Exploratory (full day of activities). Activities today will depend on the weather and the group. If the weather is clear we can kayak across Lake Arenal at the base of the volcano. Sea kayaking in the shadow of the volcano to the far side of the lake takes approximately 3 hours and gives us unique views of the volcano . From there the bike ride back to La Fortuna gives another perspective to the majestic volcano. On days that are not so clear the sea kayaking portion can be substituted for hiking. One of the hiking routes takes us to the active side of the volcano and to a lava flow from a major 1992 eruption. We hike through tropical rainforest until we reach a wall of lava rock where we scramble up on top of the lava to appreciate the power and size of Arenal. This is the safest, closest place to the active volcano. There are also routes to the 120ft La Fortuna Waterfall with a chance for a refreshing swim in its natural pool. We end the day with a visit to the Tabacon Hot Springs and Spa. The waters are heated by the lava from the volcano which is a welcome relaxation after the activities of the first few days. (B, L, D) Dinner is at the Tabacon Spa.

Day 5: Pacific Ocean - Mountain Biking/Sea Kayaking (full day of activities). This morning our adventure moves from inland to the Pacific Coast (approx. 5 hour drive). Depending on timing, we either bike the last part of the journey along the coastline to the town of Samara which is a great place to complete our travels and base ourselves for the next few days. In the afternoon we will kayak in the Pacific Ocean, making our way out to the deserted island of Isla Chora where we stop for some snorkeling. (B, L). There is a wide choice of restaurants in Samara for dinner.

Day 6 & 7: Pacific Ocean - Sea Kayaking/Mountain Biking (full days of activities) The next two days will be a mixture of different activities. The Pacific Ocean along this coastline is perfect for sea kayaking, the surrounding area has brilliant and challenging mountain biking routes. In addition the snorkeling just off the coastline is worth checking out. You will have the choice of activities with the group or if you prefer to spend some quality personal time, our mountain bikes will be available for you to take your own relaxed route. Your guide will be available to discuss the possibilities according to the weather and personal choice. For those who would like to experience the freedom of zip lines through the canopy of the rainforest, just mention this to us either before you arrive in Costa Rica or early on during your trip and we can make arrangements for you.(Price for the canopy is not included). For those who want to end their trip with some relaxation, Samara is a very laid back town with the perfect atmosphere to just chill out, enjoy the beach, the hotel and some of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever see. (B, L)

Day 8:  Beach/Return to San Jose. You will be picked up from your hotel for the short transfer to Carrillo for your local flight back to San José. The afternoon and/or evening are free to take in the sights and sounds of San José. (B)

Day 9:  Departure. You'll be transferred to the airport for your international departure flights. (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner

Trip Notes:

• Passengers traveling alone can share accommodations (same sex) for the same rate as double occupancy. If you prefer/request a single room, there is an additional charge.
• Latin American Escapes, Inc. offers special contract airline rates to Latin America from most cities in the US, as well as special airpass rates for tickets with-in Latin America.  Please ask for a quote based on your trip itinerary.
• The trip is very active and there is little down-time. The trip is not advisable for children under 14 years of age, people with a medical condition for which strenuous physical exercise is not recommended
• No camping equipment is needed for this trip for your stay on the Pacuare river as all bedding is supplied for you.  You will receive a complete list of recommended clothing and equipment necessary for this itinerary when you have paid a deposit and are confirmed on a trip.
• We can extend your stay at the beach in Samara at the end of your trip, or make arrangements for you to visit other parts of Costa Rica either before or after your adventure.  Please ask our staff for ideas and assistance.

To confirm reservations:

A deposit of $300 per person is required to confirm reservations. In addition, the following payment procedures apply:

Payment for airline tickets is due at the time tickets are issued, but no later than time of final payment.

Last Minute Bookings: Last minute reservations (less than 30 days before departure) will be accepted, subject to availability, if payment has been received, and documents can be delivered. Any special communication costs and delivery charges will be at the client's expense.

Revision Fee: Revision fees will apply once the initial deposit has been received. Charges will vary based on itinerary, and extent of changes, with a minimum charge of $50. Changes requested after documents have been issued (generally with-in 30 days) will incur a minimum $100 change fee, plus additional services requested.

International bookings: We gladly accept bookings from passengers outside the US. However, an additional surcharge of $50 per booking is applied to cover additional shipping charges.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS--At the time we receive written notification that you must cancel your trip, money will be returned less the following cancellation fees:

Trip Documents: Trip documents will be forwarded approximately 3 weeks prior to travel, and once all payments and completed application forms have been received.

Risk and Responsibility

In arranging these trips, Latin American Escapes, Inc. acts only as the agents for the owners, contractors and suppliers actually providing tour services for these trips with whom Latin American Escapes, Inc. has no legal connection or joint ownership. These local tour operators attempt to conduct these trips as described in the preceding itineraries. However, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, itineraries may vary from what is described. Participants are responsible for extra costs due to travel delay or itinerary changes for reasons beyond our control and assume all risks, whether identified in advance or unforeseen, as described under Limitation of Liability, and Trip Member Responsibility, located in our Terms and Conditions, which all travelers agree to sign. Traveler's insurance is not included, but is offered, and is strongly recommended. CST # 2023695-40.