Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure

  • 9 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 1
    • Activity Level 1

      Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: San José
  • Trip End: San José
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Discover untamed landscapes filled to the brim with unique wildlife on our Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure.

There's no better way to turn off your busy life and take a deep dive into the peaceful culture and pristine landscapes of Costa Rica than on our 9-day Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure. Starting in San José, you'll embrace the Pura Vida (pure life) over the next nine days as you hike, raft, and kayak through the Tortuguero National Park.  Listen to bird melodies as you float down the Pacuare River, horse-back ride through the unique vegetation of Arenal Volcano National Park, and hike in the beautiful National Parks of the Caribbean. By evening, relax with a cold drink in hand at premium eco-lodges. Each day brings new discoveries and a deeper love for the Pura Vida culture on our Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure.

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

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Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: San José Trip End: San José

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive in San José, welcome!

  • Day 2Arrival at Arenal, Horseback ride in Arenal Volcano National Park

  • Day 3Zipline through rainforest canopy, Hike to El Silencio Lava Lookout

  • Day 4Waterfall rappel and canyoning, Hike La Fortuna

  • Day 5Kayaking Tortuguero Canals

  • Day 6Hike up Cerro Tortuguero, visit wildlife refuge

  • Day 7Paddle the world-class rapids of Pacuare River

  • Day 8Rafting the Pacuare Gorge, return to San José

  • Day 9Adiós Costa Rica!

  • Day 1

    Arrive in San José, welcome!

    #78459

    Arrive at the San José International Airport and transfer to your hotel for the evening. Once you arrive, you are free to explore San José and enjoy a delectable local meal on your own.
    Accommodation: Xandari Resort
    Meals: No meals

  • Day 2

    Arrival at Arenal, Horseback ride in Arenal Volcano National Park

    #78460

    This morning we’ll journey through coffee plantations, strawberry fields, and lush dairy farms to Poas Volcano National Park. The 2,708 meter (8,885 feet) Poas Volcano is an active and beautiful crater with steam and fumaroles visible on clear days from a specially made refuge we will hike to. The park is home to unusual vegetation, and famous residents such as the Resplendent Quetzal, the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, and the Sooty Thrush.

    After lunch we’ll saddle up for a wonderful horseback ride through the park. The horses are trained for all levels of riders from beginner to expert, so you will be able to relax and enjoy the ride! This is a unique way to experience of the Arenal Volcano with plenty of opportunities to see monkeys, sloths, iguanas, butterflies and an array of native birds and flowers, that your guide will point out along the way.

    We’ll take a break at a lookout point with the most spectacular view of Arenal Volcano, before heading back to transfer to the hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner.
    Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Hotel
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Horse-back Riding: 2.5 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 328 feet (100 meters) ascent, 328 feet (100 meters) descent

    Hiking: 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)

  • Day 3

    Zipline through rainforest canopy, Hike to El Silencio Lava Lookout

    #78461

    Today we’ll enjoy a thrilling circuit starting in an open-air gondola (Sky Tram) through the rain forest to an observation deck with spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. We’ll then enjoy superb views of the rain forest canopy via an exhilarating zipline ride through a system of seven cables. This will be followed up by a walk along a system of hanging bridges to look for birds and animals in the rain forest!

    After lunch we’ll hike to the El Silencio Lava Lookout for extraordinary views of the Arenal Volcano. The El Silencio Mirador contains a series of hiking trails within a 555 acres (225 ha) reserve, with over 247 acres (100 ha) of primary rainforest that includes many old-growth trees including the Ceiba, Trumpet Tree, and Guarumo. 

    This evening you can relax after all the adventure, at the Ecotermales Hot Spring, a natural hot springs thermal resort boasting rejuvenating mineral waters.
    Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Hotel
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers), 2 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 100 feet (30 meters) ascent 
    Zip Lining: 2 hours

  • Day 4

    Waterfall rappel and canyoning, Hike La Fortuna

    #78462

    This morning’s exhilarating experience is to rappel down a series of four waterfalls and one canyon wall. Your guides will secure you into your safety harness and assist you as you descend through the area’s enchanting gorges and lush rainforest. 

    After a delcious lunch, we’ll hike the La Fortuna Waterfalls trail in pristine rainforest in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. The hike takes in beautiful scenery and the majestic 70-meter (230 feet) high La Catarata Waterfall. The walk descends to the base via 480 steps along a forested trail in spectacular surroundings and offering more wildlife viewing opportunities.

    End the walk with a refreshing swim in a “natural pool” before we head back to the hotel for dinner.
    Accommodation: Arenal Manoa Hotel
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers), 1.5 hours, 530 steps
    Canyoning: Rappel 4 x waterfalls

  • Day 5

    Kayaking Tortuguero Canals

    #78463

    After breakfast we’ll transfer by boat from La Pavona to your lodge in Tortuguero. After checking in and enjoying lunch at Evergreen Lodge, we’ll then leave by boat with kayaks on board.

    This afternoon you’ll paddle the park’s back water creeks and lagoons in safety and comfort. You don't need any prior kayaking experience; your guide will be there to offer you instructions and guidance! Kayaking gives you a whole new perspective of the rainforest. From this position you become the river, looking up to a unique view of the rainforest canopy, and scanning the understory of the forest for foragers. In the creek’s silence you may hear a gunshot like crack as the seed pod of the Gavilan tree bursts to disperse its seeds, or hear the call of the Chestnut Mandibled toucan, or the sound of Spider monkeys crashing through the trees.

    After two hours of paddling, you and your guide will pack up your gear and return to the lodge. We’ll enjoy a wonderful dinner at the lodge. 
    Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Kayaking: 2 hours

     

  • Day 6

    Hike up Cerro Tortuguero, visit wildlife refuge

    #78464

    After breakfast at the lodge we’ll boat transfer to the Caribbean village of San Francisco, the gateway to Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge, which spans 81,177 hectares of coastal habitats, including lakes, rivers, herbaceous swamps, flooded forests, and rolling hills. Hiking up Cerro Tortuguero offers a rare glimpse of the fascinating mixed-wildlife ecosystems unique to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Your seasoned local guide will point out several species of Costa Rica wildlife as you hike the well-maintained trail through dense rainforest foliage. Howler, Capuchin, and Spider monkeys, poison dart frogs, sloths, and several types of wild cats are among the hundreds of species residing in the park. Upon arrival at the peak, enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree view of the Caribbean lowlands, vast rainforests, and the complex network of rivers stretching eastward to the Atlantic Ocean. Cerro Tortuguero ecotourism generates important work opportunities and economic benefits for the small communities near the park. Their residents work hand in hand with park administration to promote regional conservation objectives and ensure each visitor is welcomed to an authentic and memorable experience. 

    After a typical Costa Rican lunch we’ll enjoy a Tortuguero National Park canal boat tour, through Costa Rica’s "little Amazon".  There are no roads, just a series of rivers and canals or by foot on forest paths. This is one of the best places to observe wildlife in Costa Rica. Keep an eye out for monkeys, iguanas, crested basilisk lizards (they look like miniature dinosaurs!), sloths, lots of water birds, toucans, parrots, parakeets, caiman (cousins of alligators), and possibly crocodiles, as well as colorful tropical forest birds. 

    We’ll then head back to the lodge for an authentic Costa Rican dinner.
    Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers), 1.5 hours, 400 steps to reach summit
    Cruise: Tortuguero National Park

  • Day 7

    Paddle the world-class rapids of Pacuare River

    #78465

    Enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning our boat and road transfer from Guapiles to Pavona Dock. Our afternoon will be spent rafting the exhilarating class II-III rapids of the Pacuare River, ranked one of the Top 10 Rivers to Raft in the World by National Geographic.

    We’ll then check into the Tropical Rivers Lodge and meet for dinner in the restaurant.
    Accommodation: Tropical Rivers Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Rafting: 10 miles (16 kilometers), 2 hours, Class II & III rapids

  • Day 8

    Rafting the Pacuare Gorge, return to San José

    #78466

    Start another beautiful morning sipping a cup of coffee while bird watching at the lodge. From here the pace will quickly pick up, as our day is filled with an invigorating white water rafting excursion - the best way to experience Costa Rica! You’ll be rafting the famous Pacuare Gorge on an unforgettable experience down exciting Class III and IV rapids, past cascading waterfalls, and magnificent jungle. Watch for brightly colored tropical birds flying overhead and other exotic wildlife.

    Along the way, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch that your guides will prepare. When you reach the take-out point, you'll visit a location where you can freshen up, shower, and change your clothes before heading back to San Jose.

     We’ll enjoy our farewell dinner together reminiscing on all we have experienced on this incredible Costa Rican adventure. Pura Vida!
    Accommodation: Xandari Resort
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Rafting: 8.5 miles (13.7 kilometers), 2.5 hours, Class III & IV rapids

  • Day 9

    Adiós Costa Rica!

    #78467

    This morning we’ll say our farewells and head to the airport for private departures.
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals: Breakfast

Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure Departure Dates

Active Adventures

This trip is operated by our sister brand Active Adventures

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Included

  • 8 nights’ accommodation
  • 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Our own highly experienced trip leader, with you from start to finish
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fuelled
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

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Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip we’ll meet you at the San Jose at Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport when you arrive and transfer you to Xandari Resort.

After passing through Immigration, you will be greeted by a member of the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR). You will be given a sticker that helps our representative identify you once you exit the airport building. Take the right-hand side exit door and proceed to customs. When you leave the building after clearing customs, look for a representative who will be holding a sign with your name on it.

If you're arriving in Costa Rica earlier, you are welcome to make your own way to the hotel on Day 1, and you'll meet the group for breakfast and orientation at 7am on Day 2.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends after breakfast with a drop-off at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in time for flights below.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: If you are flying in on the first day of the trip, you can arrive into San Jose at any time. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, you can depart anytime after breakfast from Juan Santamaria Airport. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What accommodations do we stay at on this trip?

The unique and comfortable Xandari Resort is set among acres of lush gardens where guests can truly experience the world famous beauty of Costa Rica. Original pieces of Costa Rican art complement the stunning landscaped tropical gardens dominated by tall trees, plentiful flowers, ponds, and mountain views.

Evergreen Lodge is located in the northeastern corner of Tortuguero, 5 minutes by boat from the main
entrance to Tortuguero National Park, and accessible only by air and water. Evergreen Lodge is the ideal location from which to explore this unique and magical area, surrounded by towering trees and exuberant vegetation and are adorned with tropical designs.

At Tropical Rivers Lodge you can relax, explore and enjoy all that Costa Rica offers on our 2,000-acre private reserve at the mouth of the Pacuare Gorge. We have more than 40 miles of hiking trails and numerous waterfalls, streams and pools. Our open-air dining pavilion and lounge let you watch the local wildlife and listen to the sounds only found in a tropical paradise.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You'll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness. While you don’t have to be extremely fit, you should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise. With a little preparation before your trip begins, you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip all the more.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

Is tipping expected in Costa Rica?

Most people do choose to tip their Active Adventures guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of Costa Rica. During your Active Adventures trip, your guides will take care of all included restaurants and service tips for you. For other restaurants or services during your time in Costa Rica, 5-10% is a typical gratuity amount.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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