THE SOUNDS OF NATURE


10 days / 9 nights
San Jose - Pacuare River - Arenal Volcano - Golfo Dulce

Explore 3 of the country's most exciting destinations: Rio Pacuare, Arenal Volcano and Golfo Dulce and discover the beauty of Costa Rica wild, authentic and adventurous. Stay on small and exclusive boutique hotels hidden in tropical forests. Enjoy walks at the foot of the active Arenal Volcano and in the rain forest on the secluded Golfo Dulce and the adrenaline of a rafting trip through the scenic Pacuare River. Relax in tranquil beaches of the Pacific Ocean in full contact with nature.

Day 01.Arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica

Meet & greet and private transfer to Grano de Oro Hotel. Grano de Oro is considered one of the nicest boutique hotels in downtown San Jose. Overnight at Grano de Oro Hotel

Day 02.San Jose – Pacuare River

(B,L,D)Morning pick-up for the Pacuare River whitewater rafting tour and your stay at Pacuare Lodge. Today's rafting trip in Pacuare River (Class III & IV) marks the beginning of an unforgettable Costa Rica adventure. You will be picked up at your hotel early in the morning and transferred to your put-in point near the city of Turrialba, stopping on the way for a delicious breakfast. Because of its lush rainforests and exotic wildlife, Pacuare has been named one of the top 10 river trips in the world by National Geographic. Pacuare is also considered one of the best rivers for the practice of the rafting. This first part of the trip (about 2 hours) will take down the thrilling rapids of the Pacuare finishing in the early afternoon when you leave the rafts and get to Pacuare Lodge located on the edge of the river. Check-in at Pacuare Lodge, voted as one of the best deluxe eco-lodges in Central America. Balance of the day at leisure to relax and enjoy the lodge’s facilities. Check-in and overnight at Pacuare Lodge.

Day 03.Pacuare River

(B,L,D)You’ll wake up to bird song and the soothing sound of the river nearby. Then head over to the main lodge for a delicious breakfast. The lodge employs a resident naturalist guide who will provide you with unique insights into the plant and animal world. Choose from exciting optional onsite tours (included in the price) from the following list: Pacuare Canopy Adventure, Cabecar Indigenous Hike, Bajo del Tigre & Nairi Awari Reserve Hike, among others. Overnight at Pacuare Lodge

Day 04.Pacuare River – Arenal Volcano

(B,L)After another delicious breakfast, launch the rafts again for your second day of river thrills. Enjoy incredible rapids, gorges, waterfalls and incredible natural setting. Later, lunch will be served in a quiet setting along the water's edge. At the river take-out, you can change into dry clothes before the private transfer to the Arenal Volcano (2 ½ hour drive). Arrival to Arenal Volcano late in the afternoon. Check-in and overnight at Arenal Nayara Hotel

Day 05.Stand-Up Paddle Tour – Arenal Volcano National Park Tour

(B) Morning pick-up for the Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) Tour in Lake Arenal. This interesting activity takes place in a secluded area in Lake Arenal not far away from the pier offering us an incredible view of both the lake and the volcano. We will take our boards and will gently start paddling on the calm and warm waters of this lake. We will make a stop in a secluded cove where we will enjoy some tropical fruits and drinks before meeting the boat that will take us back to the dock.

Afternoon guided visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, including a hike along the park’s trails at the base of the volcano. The majestic Arenal Volcano constitutes the main attraction in this northern region. Its perfect-formed cone impresses visitors from all over the world. Overnight at Arenal Nayara Hotel

Day 06.Waterfall Rappelling Tour

(B,L) This morning we will add another dose of adventure to our agenda with the exciting Waterfall Rappelling Tour. This tour takes place in a beautiful lush rain forest nestled in the rugged, mountainous lands that surround Arenal Volcano. Our adventure incorporates various activities that range from rappelling, down-climbing, river tracing, jumping into pool to descending huge, breath-taking tropical Costa Rican waterfalls hidden in the middle of a tropical paradise. We will enjoy a nice Costarican style lunch before heading back to our hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight at Arenal Nayara Hotel

Day 07.Arenal Volcano – San Jose Airport – Golfo Dulce

(B,D) Morning private transfer to the San Jose Local Airport (2 ½ hour drive) to connect with the domestic flight to Puerto Jimenez. Upon arrival the Playa Cativo Lodge staff will meet you at the airstrip for the ground and boat transfer to the Lodge (about 45-minute transfer).

Set in the heart of Costa Rica rainforest on the coasts of Golfo Dulce, Playa Cativo is a luxury eco lodge offering exquisite accommodations in true harmony with nature. This Costa Rican hideaway is accessible only by boat and its design compliments the surrounding rainforest, its stunning grounds and its oceanfront setting. Playa Cativo’s idyllic location is accentuated by the absence of neighbors, other than the Piedras Blancas National Park itself. The boundaries of our over 1,000-acre private reserve are rocky points and ridge tops encircling a mile of pristine beachfront, closed off from the mainstream world. Check-in at Playa Cativo Lodge and balance of the day at leisure. Overnight at Cativo Lodge

Day 08.River Walk, Waterfall & Swim Tour

(B,L,D) After breakfast you will depart on the River Walk, Waterfall & Swim Tour. This hike to the eastern side of Playa Cativo’s private reserve will take us to the waterfall. The hike stars by going up stream at the Quebrada del Leon, one of the main creeks in Cativo. It provides an interesting introduction to the local ecology and its level of difficulty is just perfect to warm up and enjoy the cool waters of the “Lyon’s creek”. Balance of the day at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities and relax by the beach! Guests can also use nature trails for self-guided hikes, snorkeling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards free of charge during their stay. Overnight at Cativo Lodge

Day 09.Rio Esquinas Kayaking Tour

(B,L,D) Today you will enjoy one of the one of the lodge’s signature excursions: Rio Esquinas Kayaking Tour. We are blessed to have one of the largest and most pristine river systems in Costa Rica just a few short beaches away. The river mouth mangroves lead to picturesque views of the forest and remote farms. The diverse terrain allows for some of the best bird watching in the area especially at sunrise and sunset. Our boat tows your kayak to the mouth of the river where you will embark on a peaceful excursion and experience the magic of nature while cruising down the river. Important: Departure time is based on tides. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight at Cativo Lodge

Day 10.Golfo Dulce – San Jose International Airport

(B) Domestic flight back to San Jose to connect with your international flight home. End of our services!

RATE: From $3.515 per person in double occupancy
Rates are in USD dollars to be used as a reference. For exact pricing and hotel availability please provide us your travel dates.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Stay on small and exclusive boutique hotels overlooking an active volcano or hidden in tropical forests
  • World class whitewater rafting in the pristine Pacuare River
  • Guided jungle walks in untouched virgin rain forests
  • Waterfall rappelling deep in a lush jungle
  • Admire exotic wildlife at its best in Golfo Dulce
  • Kayaking in Esquinas River surrounded by mangrove forests
  • Authentic culinary experiences
  • Secluded beaches on the Pacific Coast