Costa Rica Adventure & Beach - 11 Days

A morning excursion takes you out of the capital to visit Irazu Volcano National Park, the Orosi Valley and Lankester Garden. The tour starts with a short and scenic walk from the park entrance up to the summit of Irazu - the highest volcano in Costa Rica. On a clear day you can see down into the crater of the volcano and enjoy an unforgettable bird’s eye view of both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean! On the descent, visit the Virgin of the Angels Basilica, a revered pilgrimage site, with large vaulted ceilings and exquisite stained glass windows. A stop will also be make at Lankester Garden, which has a world class collection of more than 800 species of orchids. Continuing on to the picturesque Valley of Orosi, you can visit one of the few remaining colonial churches before enjoying a tasty traditional lunch at one of the local restaurants. Returning to San Jose, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

At San Jose international airport you will be met by our tour director, transferred to your hotel and given information about your tour. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Costa Rica's charming capital.

San Jose - La Fortuna. Travel to the Pacuare River this morning for an exhilarating rafting excursion on one of the top 10 white water rivers in the world! Upon arrival meet your certified rafting guides who will instruct you on paddling basics and give

a safety briefing. Then, you and your group will begin to paddle deep into the heart of one of Costa Rica’s most impressive primary rainforests. It’s an adrenaline-packed day running the Pacuare’s thrilling rapids. A picnic lunch, prepared by your guides, will be served at one of the beautiful riverside beaches. After this exciting adventure you can shower and change before travelling on to La Fortuna, home of the majestic Arenal Volcano.

Please note: Rafting the Pacuare River is available year-round. The water is highest and therefore running its fastest October – December. The water is the lowest March – April, although still challenging. If you do not want to river raft, alternative arrangements can be made on request.

This morning embark on a guided hike to Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano. Begin the tour by heading to the El Silencio Private Reserve, to get as close to the base of the Arenal volcano as possible by vehicle. Then enjoy a scenic walk for 1km along trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows, to reach the best volcano view point. Learn all about this remarkable volcano and on a clear day enjoy wonderful views of the volcano, the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. The walk back takes you through lush rainforest located along the edge of the Arenal Volcano, where you will discover abundant flora and fauna. At the end of the morning tour enjoy a delicious snack of tropical fruit before returning to your hotel.

The afternoon is free to explore the area or partake in optional activities. We recommend a relaxing visit to the hot springs, where the water is naturally heated by the volcano.

La Fortuna - Rincon de la Vieja National Park. On day 5 travel to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, in northern province of Guanacaste. This lesser-visited national park has a lot to offer, with lush tropical forest, relaxing hot springs, fabulous waterfalls and stunning river canyons. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

The next day soar through the trees of one of the lushest tropical forests in Guanacaste, on a thrilling zip-line and rappelling tour. Have exhilarating fun on seven zip line cables, one hanging bridge, two Tarzan swings, a controlled 20-meter (65-foot) rappel, natural rock climbing wall and via ferrata traverses and climbs. The course usually takes 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park - Playa Samara. It's time for some rest and relaxation on one of Costa Rica's beautiful Pacific Coast beaches. Travel to Playa Samara, on the picturesque Nicoya Peninsula, where you'll spend the next three days at leisure. The laid-back town of Samara remains wonderfully undeveloped and has a gorgeous 4km stretch of sandy bay. Here you can relax on the beach, soak up the sunshine and perhaps partake in some of the optional activities on offer, such as snorkelling and kayaking. A visit to neighbouring Carrillo Beach, with its pristine waters, is also recommended.

Travel back to San Jose on day 10 where you can spend your final night at leisure, exploring the capital. Arrangements end on the morning of day 11 with a transfer back to the airport for your onward flights.