Itinerary & Country Map

Day 1–4
Ready for action, enjoy the thrill of soaring through the jungle on a zip line canopy tour. Glide above the trees, one by one, platform to platform, through a world normally reserved for monkeys and birds. Then float beneath the rainforest canopy on a whitewater adventure down the Sarapiquí River. Class II and III rapids “Ahh Caramba,” “The Roller Coaster” and “Superman” are fun introductions to paddling and navigating whitewater. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, caimans, quetzals and toucans! In the afternoon we tackle the adrenaline pumping rapids of the upper Sarapiquí. Together we take on “Morning Coffee”, “Dos Locos’’ and “Bananas”, Class IV rapids that inspire some great stories and laughter back at the campsite. Have fun getting muddy while riding horses through jungle trails and green pastures on a 2,000 acre working ranch. Then put on a harness and rappel 90 feet into a river canyon for a magnificent view of the Sarapiquí River. This Costa Rica adventure is faced paced and high energy, so hold to your paddles, reins, and ropes… We’re just getting started!

Day 5–7
We saddle up our horses and travel down valley through forests, creeks and fields to Heliconias Lodge, an eco-lodge and research station where we participate in ongoing conservation initiatives. This region has been economically dependent on cattle, coffee and timber production for many years, and harvesting the forest is part of the valley’s history. Local conservationists are working to create alternative, environmentally sustainable economic activities focused on eco-tourism to preserve this rare ecosystem. We take two days to work on a community service project that gives us a firsthand appreciation for Costa Rica’s fragile environments and rich culture. The project changes every year depending on current needs, but past endeavors include riverbank rehabilitation, reforestation work and trail maintenance in the rainforest. Even getting dirty and working is fun with your new team of friends. Take a break to play soccer and practice your Spanish with the locals.

Day 8–11
Experience Costa Rica’s most exhilarating whitewater on an overnight rafting trip down the world renowned Rio Pacuare. The thrilling Class IV rapids take us on a roller coaster ride through tropical rainforests and rocky gorges populated by monkeys, ocelots and an astounding variety of birds. Camp under a blanket of stars to the sounds of the river, then hike out of the river gorge and through the La Amistad National Park, the largest single protected area in Costa Rica that is home to more than two thirds of the country’s species. Visit an indigenous community and learn about the traditional customs and history of the Cabecar tribe. Then spend an afternoon in another small village where we enjoy an authentic lunch and play soccer with the local kids. Ready for more adventure on the river, we hop back in our rafts and take on the remaining rapids of the Pacuare’s lower section.

Day 12–14
We head to the Caribbean coast for more fun and find ourselves in a tropical paradise…white sand beaches, sunshine, palm trees and wooden bungalows. Spend a day on perfect beach break waves learning how to surf. Our local surfing instructor has you riding the waves in no time! When you are not in the water, play games on the beach and relax in the sun. At a celebration on the final night, share stories about all the amazing adventures you have shared in such a short time.