Costa Rica Forests and Caribbean Sun - 8 days

 

Pacuare Whitewater - Selva Bananito Lodge - La Amistad Biosphere - Caribbean beach

 

This is an activity holiday with the opportunity to relax at the end of your exertions on a beautiful Caribbean beach before heading home.

Your adventure will start exploring the Selva Bananito Reserve one of Costa Ricas most beautiful rain forests. You then head off to the Caribbean coast to soak up the sun on the deserted white sand beaches in the area. To finish off your itinerary there is Pacuare River Rafting a Class III-IV whitewater. If you prefer a slightly more sedate day this can be exchanged for an Aerial Tram high into the rainforest canopy.

 

Price 

Price  from £775.00pp  from $1375.00pp  from €1075.00pp 
SRS  from £130.00  from $240.00  from €175.00 

 

Tailor-Made Travel: This itinerary runs on scheduled dates throughout the year. We can tailor-make a private trip to meet your departure date, time period, group size and budget. Contact us for further information.

 

Departure Dates:
Weekly Departures - Please Enquire


Flight Information:

Check for Flights to San Jose, Costa Rica


Day 1

Arrival in San Jose and overnight in this bustling city.

Day 2 - 4

Today we head off toward the Caribbean and Selva Bananito Reserve. Whilst in the Selva Bananito Reserve, one of Costa Rica's best kept rainforests, you will have your first opportunity to experience the incredible world of the rainforest canopy along with the opportunity to climb a Giant Kapok Tree. You will also experience a horse riding excursion through the family farm where you will learn all about tropical organic farming techniques used in the region. If you are feeling adventurous you can take a day's hike deep into the rainforest where you will come across a magical 70 foot waterfall where you can take a swim and cool off in its pure spring waters. If you would prefer a more relaxing day then there are plenty of shorter, less adventurous excursions which you can take. When the day comes to a close and you return to your tranquil jungle retreat, dinner of locally produced food will be served by candlelight.(B/L/D)

Day 5

During the morning you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the jungle ambience or saddle up and ride into the primary jungle of Selva Bananito Reserve. The additional height of the horse gives a completely different perspective to the rainforest life. After your ride there will be one more opportunity to climb up into the magnificent rainforest canopy. Return to your jungle retreat for lunch and then off to Playa Cocles, the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean coast for a little fun in the sun.(B/L/D)

Day 6

This morning we'll hike into the national park for close-up tours of lava flow. Mid-morning we leave the Observatory Lodge, driving around Costa Rica's Lake Arenal to the Monteverde Cloud forest Reserve, one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloud forests on the continent. Founded in 1972, the Reserve encompasses six different ecological life zones and protects more than 100 mammal species, 400 bird species, and upwards of 1,500 plant species. In our explorations we'll keep watch for one of the area's most famed residents, the Resplendent Quetzal. [BD]

Day 5

On the morning of Day 5, we hike through the reserve, viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees. In the afternoon, we'll be fitted into special gear to zip from platform to platform high above the forest floor, and try a spectacular rope ladder, climbing through the inside of a huge, hollow strangler fig. For the less adventurous, there's a nearby sky walk suspended in the canopy that's great for birding and learning more about the local ecology (please let us know ahead of time if you prefer this option). [BD]

Day 6

This is a free day to really relax and soak up that Caribbean sunshine. Your lodge is surrounded by thick jungle and you may be woken to the sound of the Howler Monkeys that inhabit the rainforest canopy .If you look hard into the canopy you may be treated to a glimpse of these noisy tropical monkeys. Today is yours to enjoy as you choose. There is plenty to keep you occupied including snorkelling, kayaking, jungle walk, enjoy swimming in the Caribbean surf soaking up the sun or simply walk along the miles of deserted white sandy beaches. Your lodge can also arrange an excursion should you want to venture out, possibly to one of the nearby indigenous villages.(B/D)

Day 7

After breakfast you will be picked up and you will be taken to the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River. Pacuare River is one of Costa Rica's premier whitewater excursions, the Pacuare drops through spectacular mountain gorges and untouched rainforest full of wildlife including Sloths, Ocelots, Toucans and Howler Monkeys. After lunch we say goodbye to the rainforest and head back to San Jose. Your final evening in Costa Rica can be spent exploring San Jose and enjoying a meal in one of the many fine restaurants or simply relax in your colonial style hotel in preparation for your homeward journey.(L)

Day 8

A sad fairwell to San Jose and Costa Rica for your return flight home

Holiday Details

Accommodations: 5 nights comfortable cabaņas, 2 nights comfortable hotels. Note that Selva Bananito Lodge does not have electricity, and uses solar-heated water.

Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation: minibuses, 4x4 vehicle, raft

Group & Staff: Min 2, Max 12

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share £50.00, Single £100.00

Is it for Me? An itinerary filled with beach and adventure, and flexible enough to accommodate the most adventurous souls and those who prefer a more relaxed time. An easy trip for any age. For those not comfortable with Class III-IV rapids, they may switch to a tamer river or go on a delightful Aerial Tram trip.

Transfers: 1 person US$50 each. 2 or more people US$25 /person