Costa Rica Explorer Tour

Arrival in San José

Costa Rica Explorer Tour Day 1. Upon arrival at San José International Airport, meet your driver-host for a private transfer to your hotel. Settle in and relax before joining your guide in the evening for an orientation briefing.

Focus: Welcome to Costa Rica and trip orientation.

Locations: San José.

What to bring: Comfortable travel clothes, reusable water bottle, essentials in a daypack.

Tip: Always double-check your room for passports, chargers, and valuables before checking out.

Included: Private transfer, hotel accommodations, orientation briefing.

Excluded: Meals, tips, extras not specified in itinerary.

Highlights: Warm arrival and program introduction.

Pacuare River Rafting Adventure

Costa Rica Explorer Tour Day 2. This morning begins with a scenic drive from San José, stopping for a hearty breakfast en route to the Pacuare River. At the put-in, meet your certified white water rafting guides, receive paddling and safety instructions, and gear up for the adventure ahead. Today’s run introduces you to the river with fun Class II–III rapids, balanced with calmer stretches to enjoy the rainforest scenery.

A riverside picnic lunch adds to the experience before you continue downstream.

By afternoon, arrive at your jungle lodge tucked deep in the rainforest. Settle into your cabin, relax with a cup of coffee or fresh juice, and unwind in a hammock as you soak up the sounds and beauty of the Pacuare’s wild setting.

Focus: Introduction to whitewater rafting and rainforest immersion.

Locations: Pacuare River.

What to bring:  Swimwear, water shoes or secure sandals, insect repellent, sunscreen, towel.

Tip: Pack light—your luggage will be safely stored while you raft in.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, rafting guides, equipment, lodge accommodations.

Excluded:  Extras at lodge, tips, items not specified.

Highlights: Pacuare rapids, riverside lodge stay, rainforest setting.

Rainforest Hike at Pacuare

Costa Rica Explorer Tour Day 3. Spend the day surrounded by pristine rainforest at the Pacuare Lodge. Guided hikes take you through lush vegetation with sweeping river views, while the lodge also offers a variety of optional excursions to suit every interest.

Choose from rainforest restoration walks with tree planting, guided nature hikes to spot wildlife and birds, the Rainforest Adventure Loop with rappelling and ziplines, or cultural tours to nearby farming communities.

For the adventurous, horseback rides and treks to an indigenous Cabécar village provide authentic insight into local traditions. Or simply relax at the lodge and enjoy the sounds of the jungle.

Focus: Rainforest hiking, wildlife encounters, and optional cultural or adventure tours.

Locations: Pacuare River.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, rain jacket, camera.

Tip: Ask your guide which tours best suit your fitness level and interests—there’s something for everyone.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, guided rainforest hikes, lodge accommodations.

Excluded: Optional tours, extras not specified.

Highlights: Rainforest immersion, optional adventures, cultural connections.

Pacuare River Gorge & Transfer to Arenal

Costa Rica Explorer Tour Day 4. This morning, continue your rafting adventure through the stunning Pacuare Gorge. Navigate thrilling Class III–IV rapids framed by cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, and dense rainforest alive with tropical birds and wildlife. Along the way, pause on a riverside beach for a picnic lunch before completing your journey at the river take-out, where facilities are available to shower and change.

From here, travel (approx. 3.5 hours) to the Arenal Volcano region. After checking in at your hotel, unwind in the area’s natural hot springs (optional), the perfect way to relax before dinner and have a well-deserved night’s rest.

Focus: Final rafting adventure and journey to Arenal.

Locations: Pacuare Gorge, Arenal.

What to bring: Quick-dry clothes, water shoes, dry bag.

Tip: Have a change of clothes ready for after rafting.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, rafting equipment, guides, private transfer, hotel accommodations.

Excluded: Dinner, tips, extras not specified.

Highlights: Pacuare Gorge rapids, transfer to volcanic landscapes.

Arenal Volcano National Park: Sky Tram, Zipline & Hanging Bridges

Costa Rica Explorer Tour Day 5. Today you’ll be joined by your private bilingual host-driver, chosen for their knowledge, professionalism, and flexibility. Traveling this way allows for spontaneous stops—whether to capture photos, enjoy a coffee, or simply admire the scenery.

Your first adventure takes you to Arenal Sky Park, where the rainforest unfolds from two unforgettable perspectives. Begin with the Sky Tram gondola, gliding smoothly above the canopy to a lookout platform with panoramic views of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the surrounding forest. From there, the excitement soars as you descend on a thrilling zipline circuit, flying across deep canyons and treetops.

After lunch, continue to the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a 5 km network of suspension bridges and forest trails. As you walk through this lush sanctuary, your guide will help you spot monkeys, colorful birds, butterflies, and countless rainforest wonders, making this a day of both adrenaline and discovery.

Focus: Canopy adventure and rainforest immersion.

Locations: Arenal Sky Park, Arenal Hanging Bridges.

What to bring: Closed-toe walking shoes (required), light clothing, rain jacket, insect repellent, binoculars, camera.

Tip: For ziplining, secure your items well—use a small backpack or chest strap for your camera.

Included: Breakfast, guided Sky Tram & Zipline tour with equipment, guided Hanging Bridges Walk with entrance fee, private driver-host services, hotel accommodations.

Excluded: Lunch, dinner, tips, extras not specified.

Highlights: Scenic Sky Tram, thrilling zipline adventure, rainforest canopy walk.

Journey to Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica Explorer Tour Day 6. After breakfast, travel to the Pacific Coast (approx. 4 hours). Stop for lunch en route before arriving at your hotel in Manuel Antonio, one of Costa Rica’s most beloved destinations.

Here, emerald rainforest spills onto pristine white-sand beaches, creating a picture-perfect paradise where sloths nap in seaside almond trees, monkeys swing above the shoreline, and scarlet macaws add bursts of color to the sky.

The afternoon is free to unwind—relax by the pool, take a stroll along the beach, or simply breathe in the ocean air as the sun sets.

Focus: Scenic journey and introduction to Manuel Antonio.

Locations: Transfer from Arenal to Manuel Antonio.

What to bring: Comfortable travel clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, hat.

Tip: Sit on the left side of the vehicle for ocean views as you approach the coast.

Included: Breakfast, lunch en route, private transfer, hotel accommodations.

Excluded: Dinner, extras not specified.

Highlights: Scenic transfer, first look at Costa Rica’s most iconic beach destination.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica Explorer Tour Day 7. This morning, set out with your naturalist guide for an unforgettable walk in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated treasures. As you follow forest trails beneath towering trees, your guide will point out the park’s incredible biodiversity—three species of monkeys, slow-moving sloths, iguanas, and dazzling tropical birds are just some of the highlights you may encounter. Stop at scenic lookouts for sweeping views of the Pacific coastline, where the emerald rainforest meets white-sand beaches.

After the guided walk, enjoy time at leisure within the park to swim in the warm Pacific waters or simply relax on one of its pristine beaches, considered among the most beautiful in the world.

The afternoon is free for you to explore further—wander the lively town of Manuel Antonio, relax by your hotel pool, or indulge in fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant. Meals are on your own today.

Focus: Guided rainforest and wildlife exploration.

Locations: Manuel Antonio National Park.

What to bring: Walking shoes, swimwear, insect repellent, towel.

Tip: Binoculars make spotting sloths and monkeys much easier.

Included: Breakfast, guided park walk with entrance fee and transfers, snacks, hotel accommodations.

Excluded: Lunch, dinner, extras not specified.

Highlights: Wildlife encounters, pristine beaches, scenic lookouts.

Leisure in Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica Explorer Tour Day 8. A full day at leisure gives you the freedom to shape your own adventure. Relax at your hotel or on the beach—or choose from a selection of optional tours that reveal different sides of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.

• Damas Island Mangrove Boat Tour – Glide through winding waterways and discover a delicate ecosystem where monkeys, birds, and reptiles thrive among the mangroves.
• Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Sail along the coast with views of Manuel Antonio National Park, swim or snorkel in the clear waters of Playa Biesanz and toast the day as the sun dips into the Pacific.
• Jungle Night Walk – Join a naturalist at a local wildlife refuge to uncover the fascinating nocturnal world of frogs, reptiles, and insects as the rainforest comes alive after dark.
• Quepos Cultural & History Tour – Learn about the Quepoa people, Costa Rica’s social systems, and the traditions of this vibrant port town.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure—perhaps with dinner in one of Manuel Antonio’s excellent ocean-view restaurants.

Focus: Leisure day with optional wildlife, adventure, and cultural experiences.

Locations: Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Damas Island.

What to bring: Swimwear, sunscreen, casual clothes; comfortable walking shoes for cultural or night tours.

Tip: Book optional tours early—availability is limited, especially for sunset and night activities.

Included: Breakfast, hotel accommodations.

Excluded: Lunch, dinner, optional tours and extras not specified.

Highlights: Beach relaxation, optional wildlife, cultural, and adventure tours.

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to San José (approx. 3 hours). Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to your international departure.

Focus: Farewell journey.

Locations: Manuel Antonio to San José.

What to bring: Passport, flight documents.

Tip: Keep your camera accessible – wildlife can appear even on the roadside.

Included: Breakfast, private transfer to San José International Airport.

Excluded: International flights, tips, extras not specified.

Highlights: Scenic farewell, pura vida memories.