Quintessential Adventure

Day 1:   Upon arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica, you will transfer to the Hotel Grano de Oro for overnight. Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, San José's main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city.  Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. There are gardens at Grano de Oro both inside and out. A rooftop terrace offers relaxing Jacuzzis and a spot for secluded sunbathing and stargazing. The restaurant is one of the most renowned in Costa Rica.

Day 2:   Pacuare River Overnight (Class III-IV rapids): You'll depart San José early in the morning, stopping for a delicious breakfast, at the Ríos Tropicales Operations Center, before arriving at the river. Once at the river friendly and professional guides will load your gear into dry bags, prepare the equipment and give you complete safety and paddle instruction. The first day's Class III rapids welcome you to the Pacuare gorge's charm as you raft deep in the heart of primary rainforest. While your guides prepare you a hearty picnic lunch on the riverbank, you'll be led through the jungle to an enchanting waterfall and pool to swim.  Before you know it, you'll arrive at the award-winning Ríos Tropicales Lodge where you can spend the afternoon relaxing, hiking or soaking in the waterfalls and pools. As an exciting new addition you can brave the Canopy Ziplines for unparalleled views of the stunning forest.  The lodge is nestled in the jungle on a 1,000-acre private reserve and offers basic but comfortable accommodations.  Private single and double rooms are spacious offering beds with clean linens and shared bathrooms with showers. Electricity is generated by a self-sufficient hydro-plant. Happy Hour will put you in the mood for a tropical evening, followed by a luscious candlelight dinner with wine served by your guides.  Then fall asleep to the roar of the river.

Day 3:   Pacuare River Rafting (Continued): After a hearty breakfast and loading the rafts, you'll prepare to paddle down the Pacuare gorge past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. A snack stop by the riverside lets you explore more waterfalls and natural waterslides. An adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montañas and many more, will have you cheering ecstatically. Hot lunch will be served at the Ríos Tropicales Operations Center. Showers, changing rooms, cold and hot drinks and snacks are also available. On the return drive to San José, you'll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano.  Late this afternoon you will return to San Jose and transfer to Hotel Grano de Oro for overnight.

Day 4:  This morning, you will transfer to the domestic airport in San Jose for a short flight to Palmar Sur, on the remote Osa Peninsula. Upon arrival, you will be transfer to the Sierpe River for a scenic boat ride through the river, estuary and into the Pacific. Arrive at the Aguila de Osa Inn, located in Drake Bay, for overnight. The lodge is located between the tropical rainforest and the Pacific, offering comfort and seclusion with a touch of elegance. Each room features hardwood floors, ceiling fans and tile bathroom. The rest of the afternoon is free to hike, kayak to a deserted beach, beach comb, horseback ride, or just relax in a hammock overlooking the ocean. Tonight enjoy happy hour at the bar and meals served family style in the open-air restaurant.

Day 5:  Full day guided hike of Corcovado National Park: This morning take a boat ride to the entrance of Corcovado National Park, which protects over 100,000 acres and many of the country’s endangered species. National Geographic ranks this park as one of the best in the world and describes it as "the most biologically intense place on earth". Traverse through the virgin tropical rainforest to see an abundance of tropical birds (including toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots and hummingbirds), butterflies, insects, and several species of monkeys, sloth and more. Have a refreshing swim in a waterfall before the return to Aguila de Osa Inn for overnight.

Day 6:  Snorkeling Tour of Cano Island Biological Reserve: This small piece of paradise, covered with evergreen forest, pushes against a curve of white sand beaches ringed with warm turquoise waters and acres of coral covered rock reefs. Said to be a pre-Colombian cemetery and refuge for pirates at one time, the island is now a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling among the big fish (including white tip sharks and bull sharks). Spotted dolphins sometimes play in your boat's wake and flying fish sail off the top of the ocean swells. Visitors often encounter schools numbering in the hundreds that literally block the sun's rays in the clear waters (visibility ranges from good to excellent year round). Between December and April, 40-ton humpback whales come from their Alaskan feeding grounds and manta rays with 15 to 20 feet wingspans are spotted from February to June. Overnight Aguila de Osa Inn. (Or certified divers can substitute a full day Scuba diving tour at additional cost)

Day 7:   This morning boat and ground transfer to the Palmar Sur airstrip for the short flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, you will meet with a bilingual guide and transfer by ground approximately 4 hours to the Arenal Volcano. Arenal is one of the world's most active volcanoes, famous for its dramatic eruptions, lava streams and incandescent rock explosions. Arrive at the Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens, located in the Northern Lowlands of Costa Rica. The hotel is surrounded by tropical rainforest and has a small creek running along the lower ridge; it is a very popular place for tropical birds to gather. The bungalows offer direct volcano views and spacious balconies with a private Jacuzzi, an ideal setting to relax amidst the breathtaking view of the volcano. Amenities include plasma cable TV, DVD/CD Player, iPod stand, wireless internet, air conditioning, mini fridge, and backyard outside shower. The hotel’s colorful tropical architecture style mirrors the beauty of the areas’ natural wonders.

Day 8:  Guided Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk. The Arenal Hanging Bridges is an ecotourism project of trails and bridges that focus on the observation and protection of nature. This private natural reserve, with almost 250 hectares of tropical rain forest, has a vast variety of wild animals, birds, flowers and the lush vegetation. Walk right into the forest, thanks to the imposing hanging bridges overlooking the canopy and the easy and beautiful trails with amazing views of the Volcano. The bridges consist of eight fixed bridges and six hanging bridges built with the latest techniques. They are designed with an eye for both beauty and safety. Visit the new waterfall trail and enjoy a beautiful waterfall inside the rainforest. The imposing view of the volcano from the hanging bridges over the forest makes for an unforgettable experience.   Overnight Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens.