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8 Day Costa Rica Active Adventure
Highlights: San José, Arenal, Monteverde
Trip start: San José
Trip end: San José
Price Range From $1940 *
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

An action packed tour of Costa Rica's most adrenaline infused tours; from white water rafting down the Pacure & Toro rivers to waterfall repelling and extreme zip-ling! This tour includes stays in Arenal and Monteverde in Costa Rica's central region.

Notes: Arrive/Depart from San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
San José
  • Meet and Greet
  • San José: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Grano de Oro (B)
Day 2
Arenal
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Shared - Pacuare River Rafting - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Arenal Springs Resort (B)
Day 3
Arenal
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Arenal: Shared - 1/2 d Waterfall Repelling (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Private - Volcano Hike & Thermal Pools at the Springs Resort & Spa (with Dinner) (6 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Arenal Springs Resort
(Alt: Volcano Inn) (B)
Day 4
Arenal
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - Cerro Chato Hike (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Arenal Springs Resort
(Alt: Volcano Inn) (B)
Day 5
Arenal
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Shared - Rio Toro White Water Rafting (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Arenal Springs Resort
(Alt: Volcano Inn) (B)
Day 6
Monteverde
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Arenal - Monteverde [4 hrs] - Vehicle/Boat/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Monteverde: Shared - 1/2 d Extremo Adventure Canopy Tour - Vehicle/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Fonda Vela
(Alt: El Establo) (B)
Day 7
Monteverde
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve Tour - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Optional Activities
  • Dinner (not included)
Fonda Vela (B)
Day 8
San José
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Monteverde - San Jose [4.5 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
Depart (Int`l Airport)  
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 San José

San José was founded in 1737 and is a pleasant mixture of traditional and modern Spanish architecture. Places of interest include the Teatro Nacional, the Legislative Assembly building, and the Parque Central, east of which is the Cathedral. The National Museum and the Museum of Gold are also worth a visit.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle, and professional driver. The transfer is approximately 30 mins (22km/14mi).

Grano de Oro is the hotel of choice for those who visit San Jose, with a reputation for hospitality and fine quality. The 35 rooms are magical and full of allure, with each possessing a carefully chosen color scheme and theme. Pleasant features such as a fountain or balcony add to the appeal of each room. Grano de Oro's restaurant is recognized for its culinary success, surpassing the expectations of even the most critical guest. Set under a high ceiling, or in the romance of the outdoors, each dish is prepared with local and international influences. The subtle ambiance of the restaurant is what makes visitors return. Spend time lounging on the lawn beds of the rooftop garden terrace. Otherwise, sink into relaxation in the Jacuzzi.

Overnight at Grano de Oro.


San Jose
San Jose
Grano de Oro, San Jose
Grano de Oro, San Jose
Day 2 Arenal

Arenal contains an active volcano, and also the only dwarf cloudforest inCosta Rica. The crater of the volcano is 1.5km (1mi.) wide and contains a hot-water lake that changes color from turquoise to green to gray. It is also a whitewater rafting center with routes on the Rio Toro and Rio Sarapiqui.

The Pacuare River is world famous for its sheer beauty. You will see waterfalls cascade into the river from both sides as colorful, tropical birds fly right over your head. The Pacuare River has white water rafting that is equal to its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. It is not an overly challenging river, but it has a lot rapids, therefore giving you an adventure filled with lots of fun. The 18 mile, one day run includes a total of 38 rapids. The first 4 miles consist of fun 2-3 rapids which is a perfect time to test your new river skills and gain confidence in your team. Here you can find pockets of secondary growth forest that is extremely beautiful. After about 40 minutes we will enter the famous Pacuare River Gorge, which is 5 miles of some of the best white water rafting Costa Rica has to offer. You will also see the Huacas waterfall, a 150 foot dramatic drop into the river. After the gorge the rivers opens up to a 5 mile stretch on the Valle del Pacuare, where the river has a different character. Because it is wide open, it provides you with the opportunity to rest a bit and take the opportunity to do some wildlife spotting. The forest remains just as lush, and the rapids just as fun. The final 3 miles are filled with great class 3 rapids which carry you all the way to the end. Breakfast and lunch included. (This tour can return to San Jose hotel or you can be transferred onto Arenal).

The hotel Arenal Springs offers the perfect combination between relaxation, comfort, and exuberant tropical scenery, as well as the best view of the Arenal Volcano from any vantage point in the premises. Located at only 2 and-a-half hours from San José, the hotel Arenal Springs offers the perfect combination between relaxation, comfort, and exuberant tropical scenery, as well as the best view of the Arenal Volcano from any vantage point in the premises.

Overnight at Arenal Springs Resort.


River Rafting
River Rafting
Arenal Springs Resort
Arenal Springs Resort
Day 3 Arenal

Waterfall repelling is known as "canyoning". You will be picked up from your hotel and begin your adventure with a 30-minute 4x4 drive into the tropical rain forest outside the town of La Fortuna, in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano. This adventure includes 5 rappels, 4 of which are alongside or right in waterfalls, and one dry rock face. After this sensational adventure you will return to the base camp to enjoy lunch. Return to the hotel after the tour has finished. You are required to be in good physical condition to participate. Morning departure, duration 4 hours approx.

Recommended list of items to bring: easy dry clothes, bathing suit, secure shoes (sports sandals and water shoes are best), change of clothing for after the tour and sunscreen.

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the rainforest close to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a leisurely hike for 1.5 hours through the rainforest while your private guide offers the history of the Arenal Volcano. This park is located at the base of the Arenal Volcano and is filled with wildlife including monkeys, toucans, coati and a large variety of bird species. Conclude the tour at the Springs Resort - soak in the hot mineral baths and enjoy! After a soothing soak in the hot springs, enjoy a lovely dinner at The Springs Resort, prepared in a colonial style rustic kitchen. Enjoy the local cuisine - a true authentic experience. Return to your hotel in the evening after a delicious dinner (included in the tour cost).

Overnight at Arenal Springs Resort.


Repelling
Repelling
Hot Springs at The Springs Resort & Spa
Hot Springs at The Springs Resort & Spa
Day 4 Arenal

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Cerro Chato -The volcano, with a beautiful lake occupying the crater, is surrounded by dense forest. From the base of the volcano, the group will ascend trails leading through gorgeous rainforest until reaching the craters rim. On the descent, the group will hike down the opposite side of the mountain, enjoying views of the flatlands until reaching the La Fortuna Waterfall. Here you'll be able to enjoy a swim in the river at the base of the fall. Hiking time is 4 to 6 hours depending on group speed. This hike is muddy if it has been raining. Departure in morning: 7:30am, Duration 7 Hours (approximately) Return to the hotel after the tour.

Overnight at Arenal Springs Resort.


Cerro Chato
Cerro Chato
Day 5 Arenal

Full day of Rafting at the Rio Toro: Set deep in the Costa Rican rain forests and fed by waters from the Poas volcano, the Toro river winds 13km (approximately 9mi) through the canyon filled with dramatic scenery and heart pumping excitement. The Toro River offers some of Costa Rica’s best white water rafting with non-stop big waves and technical rapids. Our journey begins with a 1 hr scenic drive into the eastern portion of central Costa Rica through the beautiful pineapple, papaya and yucca fields with the Arenal Volcano set in the backdrop. Once you reach the destination, your trained/skilled guides will review the rules provide you with instructions for the river to familiarize yourself with your job as paddlers. You will then take the PLUNGE and head down river. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and a thrilling ride. Halfway through the journey you will stop to “re-fuel” on the river bank and enjoy some delicious tropical fruit while soaking in the tropical surroundings. Class 3/4 white water rapids. Morning Departure, Duration 7 Hours, Return to the hotel after the tour.

Overnight at Arenal Springs Resort.


Toro River
Toro River
Day 6 Monteverde

Straddling the Continental Divide at 1440 meters (4662 ft), the Santa Elena and Monteverde Cloud Forest area offers one of the most interesting place to visit in Costa Rica. In the rain forest are more than 100 species of mammals including 5 species of cats, over 400 species of birds including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, tens of thousands of insect species (over 5000 species of moths) and 2,500 species of plants (420 kinds of orchids). The area is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Lake Arenal. Board a motor boat and cross the lake while observing scenic views of the Arenal Volcano (45 mins). Private vehicle transfer to your hotel in Monteverde.

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the tour starting point. Extremo canopy has one of the most beautiful views of the area all from a bird’s eye view flying through the treetops of the Monteverde Cloud Forest . You will get your adrenaline pumping when doing the big tarzan swing, the giant rappel, and feeling fantastic distance between each one of the cables that stretch across the canopy up to 2550 feet long and 450 feet high. Morning/Afternoon Departures, Duration 3 Hours (approximately) Return to the hotel after the tour.

The Hotel Fonda Vela is located in beautiful Monteverde, famous for its rare and gorgeous cloud forest and friendly community. The climate is refreshing, often referred to as "eternal spring". The views of the Gulf of Nicoya from the hotel's 1,400 meter (4,200 foot) elevation are spectacular. Monteverde is an ideal destination for relaxing and enjoying the wonders of the tropics. A visit of at least two nights or more in Monteverde is recommended. Experience Hotel Fonda Vela's natural approach to life -- with style! Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, the buildings are an attractive part of the lush, tropical mountainside. The rooms are cozy, yet elegant, spacious and comfortable. Each room is designed with the environment in mind. For example, large windows help to bring the outdoors inside. The Fonda Vela was built with the idea of being a nurturing experience, environmentally, culturally and spiritually. The guests play an important part in fulfilling this dream.

Overnight at Fonda Vela.


Canopy
Canopy
Hotel Fondavela, Monteverde
Hotel Fondavela, Monteverde
Day 7 Monteverde

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the Monteverde Cloud forest. Explore the enchanted Monteverde Cloud forest with a set of expert eyes during this privately guided walk. Explore different trails in search of birds and mammals and discuss the amazing diversity of plants. Half day excursion (4 hrs).

Enjoy time at leisure in Monteverde. There are a plethora of optional activities you can pre-book to fill your time while in the cloud forest. Please let us know if you wish to add one of the following tours to your itinerary before you go (optional activities are an additional cost). Optional activities include: Ziplining, Suspended Bridges, ATV, Horseback riding, Serpentarium, Coffee Tour, Cloudforest Hiking, Night Hike, etc.

Overnight at Fonda Vela.


Cloudforest Reserve Tour
Cloudforest Reserve Tour
Optional Activity
Optional Activity
Day 8 San José

Meet your driver for a private transfer to San Jose.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) .



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.