COSTA RICA RIVER EXPLORER ADVENTURE
The Costa Rica River Explorer Adventure is one of our most popular itineraries. For our currently planned trips CLICK HERE.

Costa Rica is indeed a rich country  in terms of its rivers, natural wonders, and wildlife. The Cost Rica River Explorer is an itinerary designed to allow you to see much of the county, its natural beauty and its people, through canoeing and kayaking rivers in different areas that reflect much of the country's diversity.  It is the basis for a variety of trip options and can be easily adapted to fit different interests including hiking, horseback riding, fishing and birding.

The rivers are an excellent way to see wildlife since it tends to congregate near them and be more easily seen. Wildlife frequently seen on the rivers we paddle on this trip includes: a large variety of birds, from toucans and jabiru, to anhingas and boat billed herons; morpho and other exotic butterflies; and many lizards and amphibians including caiman, iguanas, and poison arrow frogs. Mammals frequently seen include sloths, coatis, and howler, squirrel, and white faced monkeys. Costa Rica's wildlife is world famous and while we can't guarantee exactly what you will see, most people are surprised by how much diversity they see.

The River Explorer is one possible itinerary that provides a great deal of the best Costa Rica and its rivers have to offer in a nine day all inclusive trip. Please be aware that the Explorer trip as outlined below is for those who want to pack quite a lot into a brief visit, and those desiring a more relaxed pace will want to plan a longer trip, or eliminate some of the activities.  There are many additional rivers, nearby attractions, and possible activities so that this itinerary frequently grows to two weeks for those who can afford more time.  We specialize in customizing trips and normally modify itineraries to best fit each group's interests but this itinerary provides a good starting place for those who are making their first Costa Rica adventure.  If you are interested in more options you will want to visit the customizing section of the web site. We also look forward to discussing options with you so we can help you select the itinerary that best suits your interests, schedule, and budget.

Day 1  The Canoe Explorer begins with your arrival at the airport near San Jose for transfer to a San Jose hotel. (A hotel nearer the airport is an option if you prefer, but normally people stay downtown where they can more easily explore the city.) 

Day 2-3  The next day we leave early and paddle the Rio Puerto Viejo on our way to La Virgin. We normally visit the La Paz waterfall and a hummingbird garden on our way to the Sarapiqui. We stay overnight at a jungle lodge in the Sarapiqui area and paddle the Rio Sarapiqui the next morning staying overnight at the same lodge.   There is plenty of time time to explore the grounds, view the butterfly garden and enjoy the wildlife.                             

Day  4  We paddle the Rio Frio on our way to Los Chiles and Cano Negro where we spend the night in a very rustic lodge.  

Day 5  We paddle the Cano Blanco and visit Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge where wildlife viewing is superb before heading for La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano.  (It is also possible to hike to the Celeste waterfall which few people visit but is possibly the most beautiful in Costa Rica , or hike on the Arenal Volcano). Later that evening we will have a volcano float at the base of the Arenal Volcano if time and visibility permit and stay in a hotel in Fortuna or a lodge near the volcano.  The active Arenal Volcano frequently provides a spectacular nighttime show when the weather is favorable, with molten lava cascading down its sides.                                            

Day 6   The next morning we can hike to the dramatic Fortuna Waterfall, or hike on the volcano, or paddle the Penas Blancas or another local river. In the evening we visit the hot springs warmed by the volcano to soak away any aches and pains from the day's activities.         

Day 7  In the morning we complete our visit in the Fortuna area and make the beautiful drive around Lake Arenal with a possible paddle to one of the lakes many islands.   That evening we overnight on Lake Arenal at a beautiful lodge with a view of the lake and volcano.                                                                                

Day 8  The next morning we conclude our paddling with the Rio Corobici/Tenorio which also has excellent wildlife viewing and drive back to your San Jose hotel for your final night in Costa Rica.  Dinner at a mirador overlooking the lights of the central valley.

Day 9  The next morning its time to transfer to the airport for the return flight home with much to remember about this beautiful country, its rivers and its friendly people.

The land cost of the nine day Costa Rica River Explorer Adventure is based on per person per day charges for eight days and ranges from $1240 per person for eight or more persons to $1640 per person for a group of two and is fully explained in the Adventure Cost section.

 "Our guides, George and Connie, really made our trip by taking care of our every need including exotic places to stay and great Costa Rican dining."

Marcel & Liz Lonneman, Summit, NJ

For our currently planned trips CLICK HERE