Choose between two itineraries: either the Costa Rica Adventure: Monteverde & Cloud Forest OR Costa Rica Adventure: Manuel Antonio & Beach Discovery. Regardless of the itinerary you choose, inclusions remain the same.

Included:

• • Experienced bilingual local guides with extensive knowledge of the area (First aid, CPR,
  • Swiftwater Rescue certified, some also Wilderness First Responders)
  • 8-day Costa Rica adventure tour (Costa Rica Adventure: Monteverde & Cloud Forest OR Costa Rica Adventure: Manuel Antonio & Beach Discovery)
  • Accommodation for 7 nights
    • 6 nights in hotels (double occupancy)
    • 1 night in a comfortable riverside camp
  • All transfers, as in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals as in the itinerary (all breakfasts, some lunches & dinners)
  • Group equipment (rafts, camping gear, etc.)

Add-ons (available to add at checkout):

• • Single occupancy room

Not included:

• • Flights to Costa Rica
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Anything not mentioned under the “Included” section above
  • Visa or anything entry-related
  • Departure tax ($29)
  • Guide gratuities — optional
  • Insurance — mandatory, available to add at checkout

The first four days of your journey are a shared experience, where everyone rafts the Pacuare River and explores the Arenal Volcano region together. On Day 5, the itinerary splits into two distinct directions, allowing you to choose the environment that best fits your interests for the remainder of the trip. Regardless of the itinerary you choose, inclusions remain the same.

Costa Rica Adventure: Monteverde & Cloud Forest

• • Landscape: High-altitude tropical cloud forests with misty, dense greenery.
  • Climate: Notably cooler and more temperate than the coastal regions.
  • Best for: Travelers who prefer mountain air, lush forest exploration, and a refreshing change from the heat.

Costa Rica Adventure: Manuel Antonio & Beach Discovery

• • Landscape: Lowland tropical rainforest that opens directly onto white-sand Pacific beaches.
  • Climate: Hot, humid, and sunny—perfect for those who enjoy a tropical coastal feel.
  • Best for: Travelers looking for sun, surf, and high-visibility wildlife like monkeys and sloths.

These Costa Rica adventure tours are crafted for any healthy, active spirit ready to paddle and explore. No specific experience is required for the whitewater rafting, but be ready to paddle and fully participate!

Beyond the core itinerary, you can customize your trip at checkout with optional add-ons such as ziplining, ocean kayaking and snorkeling, mangrove kayaking, surf lessons, surf lessons, and more—read more about it below.

Absolutely! You can enhance your trip with additional activities offered outside the main itinerary. These optional activities are scheduled during your designated rest days and can be added during checkout. Depending on which itinerary you choose, the options also differ.

Costa Rica Adventure: Manuel Antonio & Beach Discovery

• • Isla Damas Mangrove kayak trip (meal included)
  • Isla Damas Mangrove boat trip (meal included)
  • Catamaran & snorkeling tour (meal included)
  • Ocean kayaking and snorkeling tour (meal included)
  • Zip-lining tour at El Santuario (meal included)
  • ATV (meal included)
  • Surfing lesson
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Hike

Costa Rica Adventure: Monteverde & Cloud Forest 

• • Zip-lining tour at Selvatura Park
  • Sloth sanctuary
  • Monteverde reserve hike
  • Santa Elena reserve hike
  • Curi-Cancha reserve hike
  • Coffee, chocolate & sugar cane tour
  • Coffee, chocolate & night walk tour

Costa Rica is more than a destination; it’s a high-definition encounter with the wild. Over eight days, you’ll navigate Central America’s most unspoiled terrain—trading paved roads for rushing rapids and forest trails. From the volcanic peaks of the interior to the crashing waves of the coast, you’ll discover the true meaning of la pura vida through movement and immersion.

Here’s what makes Costa Rica special:

• • Vibrant landscapes & wildlife: Set between the Pacific and Caribbean, the jungled interior melts into fertile valleys and golden beaches. With a quarter of the land dedicated to national parks, you’ll encounter a riot of curious-looking creatures and vibrant vegetation that sings of endless summer.
  • A land born of fire: As part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country is shaped by seismic forces. You can witness this dynamism at play among its active and dormant volcanoes. After exploring hidden craters, you can unwind in natural hot springs, letting the mineral-laden waters melt your fatigue away.
  • The power of water: Plummeting waterfalls punctuate the craggy landscape. Whether you are cooling off in the 230-foot (70m) cascade of La Fortuna or canyoning down rushing torrents, the 14 major river systems offer both serene beauty and adrenaline-pumping thrills.
  • World-class paddling: Navigate a remarkable labyrinth of whitewater, misty mangroves, and secluded lagoons. As you tackle the famous Pacuare River, you’ll watch ecosystems change by the kilometer—moving from windswept gorges to deep, dense jungles.

Absolutely. On these Costa Rica adventure tours, you will observe nature from a close range and see and hear some of the country’s most colorful wildlife hidden beneath the lush canopies. From lowland coastal groves to balmy cloud forests, Costa Rica comprises 12 distinct life zones brimming with bright-winged birds, playful monkeys, and psychedelic tree frogs.

Whether you are paddling down the river or hiking through the forest, you’ll be surrounded by diverse species populating the country’s reserves and national parks. Here are some of the critters you may encounter during your journey:

• • Monkeys: Howler, Capuchin, and Squirrel monkeys are frequently spotted in the treetops.
  • Sloths: Often found lounging high in the canopy, particularly near the coast.
  • Tropical birds: Keep an eye out for Toucans, Scarlet Macaws, and the rare Resplendent Quetzal. Costa Rica is home to over 900 bird species, hosting roughly 10% of the world’s bird species.
  • Reptiles & amphibians: From vibrant Red-Eyed Tree Frogs to iguanas basking in the sun.

No sleeping gear is needed for the overnight stay at El Nido del Tigre campsite. We supply the basic equipment needed for the campsite as well as for rafting.

Luggage carrier

• • Duffle bag
  • Daypack (approx. 20-35 L)
  • Daypack rain cover

Upper body

• • Shirts (poly-pro outer wear (for quick drying)
  • Short sleeve and light colored long sleeve for sun protection)
  • Lightweight rain jacket (Gortex, nylon or similar)
  • Medium weight wool or fleece over-sweater
  • Lightweight thermal underwear top (polypro/wool)

Lower body

• • Lightweight comfortable pants
  • Shorts (quick dry)
  • Lightweight rain pants

Head

• • Sun/rain hat with brim (preferably 360˚ brim)
  • Bandana

Footwear

• • Lightweight adventure shoes or hiking boots
  • Sandals with SNUG straps (Teva type)
  • Lightweight fast drying hiking socks

Personal gear

• • Sunglasses (UVA and UVB resistant)
  • Keeper straps for sunglasses
  • 1 headlamp (long lasting LED bulbs are the best option)
  • Extra batteries (for headlamp, camera, etc)
  • Additional small flashlight
  • 2-3 one quart, durable water bottles
  • Prescription glasses or contacts (bring an extra pair of glasses)
  • 1 copy of your passport
  • Insect repellent
  • Waterproof sunscreen 30+ SPF
  • Gallon & quart size Ziploc bags
  • Towel

Optional gear

• • Dry bag
  • Camera w/ waterproof camera bag
  • Deck of cards
  • Binoculars
  • Sarongs (works as a towel, or quick cover-up)
  • Writing materials (pen, pencil, notebook…)
  • USB memory card (to share pictures with other participants)
  • Trekking poles

Group sizes and pricing

• • For this Costa Rica adventure tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 12:1. 
  • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 8 participants.

Costa Rica adventure tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Costa Rica adventure tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

The starting point of your Costa Rica adventure tour is San José, Costa Rica’s capital city. To get there, fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José.

Your guide will then pick you up at the airport at a pre-arranged time and drive you to the city. On the final day of your adventure, your guide will also transport you back to the airport. Airport transfers are included in the price of the tour.

Covering all your bases with insurance is mandatory to join this tour. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

A mix of US dollars and credit or debit cards works best while travelling. Bring smaller-denomination bills in good condition (notes under $100 are ideal), as traveller’s cheques are rarely accepted. Cards are widely used, but small shops and street vendors may only take local cash. ATMs are available, and it’s a good idea to check with your bank before departure to ensure your card works internationally.

Spending money depends on your habits, but you’ll want extra cash for some meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips. Lunch typically costs $10–12, while dinner ranges from $12–20. A departure tax of $29 is payable at the airport in cash or by card (check if it’s already included in your ticket). Tipping around 10% is customary, and gratuities for guides and drivers are always appreciated.