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Expedition Guide

Diego Blanco

Raised in the rural town of Ciudad Quesada, next to a national park, naturalist guide Blanco was exposed to Costa Rica's rich biodiversity at an early age. He studied tropical biology at the University of Costa Rica and is currently working toward a masters' degree in wildlife management. An avid mountain biker and expert swimmer, Blanco has guided multi-sport and wildlife programs since 2006.

Travel Facts

Country Name

Costa Rica

Capital

San José

Coordinates

9° 56' N, 84° 05' W

Area

• Total:51,100 sq km
• Land: 51,060 sq km
• Water: 40 sq km

Elevation Extremes

• Low: Pacific Ocean 0 m
• High: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m

Population

4,516,220

Demonym

Costa Rican

Climate

Month	High	Low	Rain
Jan	73	59	.20
Feb	75	59	.10
Mar	77	60	.90
Apr	78	60	.70
May	78	62	3.5
Jun	78	61	4.4
Jul	77	62	3.3
Aug	77	62	3.9
Sep	76	60	5.1
Oct	77	60	5.1
Nov	75	60	2.2
Dec	73	59	.60

Time Zone

CTZ (UTC-6)

Currency

Costa Rican colón (CRC)

Voltage

120

Calling Code

506

Costa Rica: Jungle Canopy to Surging Rapids

• Expedition Type [ Multi-sport ]
• Difficulty [ Demanding ]
• Activities [ Bicycling, Canoeing, Canopy Exploration, Hiking, Snorkeling, Whitewater Rafting, Zip Lining ]
• Duration [ 7 Days ]

Expedition Timeline

Challenge yourself with an action-packed adventure to Costa Rica, the ultimate outdoor destination with a variety of eco-systems teeming with wildlife. Hear screeching howler monkey in the tree canopies and watch river otter staggering from the water and perhaps spot a red-eyed tree frog balancing on the colorful foliage. Bike through the Costa Rican countryside to the Pacific where you board an outrigger canoe and paddle to a secluded beach. Glide on cables as you zip through the rainforest canopy. Look for whale and dolphin and snorkel in the Pacific. Search for pre-Columbian artifacts on Caño Island. Scale a tree, and hike and bike through tropical sub-alpine forests and meadows. Finally, top it all off rafting down the Class III-IV Pacuare River. On this journey, the action never stops.

Day 1

Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica

Arrive in Costa Rica, a country that offers nature lovers every kind of active adventure. Discover active volcanoes, cloud forests, Pacific beaches and tropical rainforests that are home to abundant wildlife and many bird species. You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel Grano de Oro

Day 2

San Jose/Pacific Coast

Meet your guide and fellow travellers at breakfast. Head out along the scenic Spanish route that winds down from the Central Valley to the Pacific Coast. In Orotina, you set out onto the less-travelled back roads toward Agujas Beach. On arrival, you are introduced to your new mode of transportation: the outrigger canoe — fast yet stable, with a design based on the original Polynesian boats. Paddle the warm (and usually calm) waters under spectacular cliffs filled with pelican and frigate birds. Head toward the beach, where lunch is served. Afterward, you have the opportunity to snorkel.

Hotel Punta Leona [ B L D ]

Days 3-4

Carara/Dominical/Caño Island

The next two days take you from the rainforest canopies to the crystal-blue ocean waters. In the Jacó area, your Vista Los Sueños Canopy tour begins with a ride aboard a specially designed tractor to the top of the mountain for your zipline adventure down. While traversing over two miles through the trees you have spectacular views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the Pacific Ocean. Afterward, on your drive along the “Costanera” seek out local wildlife including wood stork, caracara and a variety of hawks.

Spend the next day snorkeling and hiking. Explore the Golfo Dulcue area and discover almost perfectly spherical stones that are believed to have been left by the indigenous Diquis cultural group. Within 50 feet of the beach you can explore the warm, crystal-blue waters with snorkel gear and see a variety of brilliantly colored tropical fish and coral.

Cristal Ballena Hotel [ B L D ]

Days 5-6

Dominical/Pacuare River/San Jose

Begin your day mountain biking the slopes over the Pacific. Cap off the ride with a tree climbing tour. With specialized harnesses and ascenders, you scale up 113 feet to the upper branches of a rainforest tree. The next day takes you to Pacuare Canyon in the mountainous Turrialba region and Class III-IV rapids. Ply the waters, hike up the many creeks spilling into the River and enjoy lunch before taking out in Siquirres. The day ends with a farewell dinner in San Jose tonight.

Hotel Grano de Oro [ B L D ]

Day 7

Depart San Jose

You are transferred to the airport for your homebound flight.

[ B ]

Departure Dates & Pricing

Prices are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy. Alternate Departure Dates can be arranged. Prices are subject to change.