Stefanie Lerner
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Costa Rica
Arrive into San Jose International Airport, where your driver will be waiting for you. Make the short drive to your hotel, located in the heart of Costa Rica’s capital city. Get checked in, and relax after your flights, or venture out to explore the capital. The on-site dining is excellent!
Overnight Grano De Oro
Day 2
RAFT THE PACUARE RIVER TO PACUARE LODGE
Early in the morning, grab a coffee and meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Today is a fun morning with a local breakfast in the countryside followed by rafting into your lodge!
Spend some time on the river, and take a plunge before arriving to the magnificent Pacuare Lodge.
Although the river is primarily known for its challenging rapids and excellent white water rafting opportunities, it also features some remarkable scenery characterized by lush primordial rainforest, lowland tropical forest, and dramatic towering waterfalls. This pristine natural terrain along the banks of the river provides a haven for a wide variety of wildlife including river otters, jaguars, ocelots, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, iguanas, coatis, and raccoon.
Check in, have lunch, and relax. Choose from an after-lunch activity, or just enjoy the hotel grounds.
Overnight Pacuare Lodge
Day 3 - 4
ACTIVITIES AT PACUARE LODGE
You have two full days to enjoy all this lodge and area have to offer.
Each day you can choose from morning and afternoon activities. The lodge staff will always check with you the day before, so you can make your selection for the next day.
Rappel waterfalls, zipline through the forest, hike, and swim in waterfalls. Take a nature walk to look for wildlife and birds, or relax.
Overnight Pacuare Lodge
Day 5
DEPART PACUARE FOR LA FORTUNA-ARENAL
Today, after breakfast, make the exhilarating half-day paddle out through the canyon and Class III and IV rapids! Jump in and float down river through the stunning canyon walls.
Afterwards, stop for lunch on the banks of the river before the last stretch of your paddle adventure.
Then, you’ll transfer to La Fortuna-Arenal. Located just a two-hour drive northwest of San José, the little Costa Rican town of La Fortuna rests at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna provides an excellent base for visitors to explore the beautiful surrounding area, most notably the scenic Arenal Volcano National Park.
Upon arrival, check in, and relax in your beautiful tents with your private hot spring pools.
Overnight Nayara Tented Camp
Day 6
RIVER RAFTING AND PROJECT ASIS WILDLIFE RESCUE
Today, you’ll head to Project Asis to get an introductory tour and meet the animals at the wildlife rescue. Depending on their needs at the time of your visit, you may engage in a variety of projects. Help prepare balanced meals for the resident animals or create toys to keep them engaged and active. This helps them to use and regain the senses they’ll need so they can return to the wild.
In the evening, you can rest and relax at your lodgings or head out to explore the local town for dinner.
Overnight NAYARA TENTED CAMP
Day 7
TRANSFER TO THE GULF OF PAPAGAYO
After breakfast, meet your guide to make the overland journey to the Pacific Coast of Guanacaste Province—known for its excellent weather and wide, sandy beaches. Enjoy a scenic drive around Arenal Volcano, stopping to explore the Arenal National Park and the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park en route.
Afterward, continue onward to El Mangroove, located on the Gulf of Papagayo.
Check in, and relax.
Overnight El Mangroove
Day 8
BEACH TIME IN GUANACASTE
Enjoy breakfast, and choose from on-site activities.
Swim in the ocean, relax on the beach, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or hike around the area. Other activities—such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, or a half-day trip to one of the nearby national parks—can be arranged.
The exquisite Gulf of Papagayo is known for its spectacular views, excellent bird watching, and expansive wilderness. The waters of the cove are protected from riptides and heavy surf, making this an ideal spot for ocean swims and stand-up paddleboarding.
Surrounded by the unique tropical, dry forest ecosystem and a dramatic volcanic landscape, the Gulf of Papagayo is the perfect destination for nature lovers to explore the magnificent national parks of Guanacaste or unwind on one of the area’s idyllic, world-class beaches.
Overnight El Mangroove
Day 9
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, your driver will collect you, and you’ll head to the airport to connect with your flight home.
