Costa Rica Tour.

Volcano, Cloudforest, Rafting and
Thick Jungle Exploration.

Costa Rica is a country of amazing biodiversity. Its wildlife, natural attractions and reputation for conservation attract nature lovers from all over the world. Bordered by both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, the seemingly endless coastline varies from lush, mangrove-fringed beach to rugged, rocky shore. With its exhilarating whitewater and varied terrain, this multisport mecca provides enough activity for the most adventurous traveler, yet the serene stretches of white sand beach are the perfect venue for relaxation as well. Over 850 recorded bird species and 1400 species of trees will keep the naturalist in your group happily occupied. Costa Rica lies at the heart of one of the most active volcanic regions on earth, and the spectacular glowing displays from the inexhaustible Arenal Volcano will delight visitors to the country's northwest. Costa Rica offers such diversity that you're likely to come back again and again.

Of all places to experience the rainforest, Costa Rica comes to mind as one of the best choices for families with children of any age. Small rainforest lodges with excellent guides and creative cooks dot the country and travel times are rarely longer than 3 hours. Some of these lodges have developed special programs for families traveling with children as young as 6 years old. In addition, the Costa Rica rainforest seems ideal for that first introduction to the jungle environment. Although the country has some of the largest tracts of jungle in Central America, it's also very easy to get to know this forest on short hikes, canopy walkways, horseback rides or half day rafting trips.

A wonderful Costa Rica trip for travelers of all ages is the ten-day Adventure Pacifica, one of the most complete Costa Rica tours to be found. Highlights include cloudforest, zip lines, canopy touring, and whitewater, with a grand finale of a few days at our secluded beach retreat set amidst Pacific rainforest. If you are looking for more Costa Rica tours options, Adventure Life Journeys has a number of other itineraries to choose from. You'll also find Galapagos tours, Peru tours, rainforest adventures in Belize and the Amazon, Patagonia tours and Antarctica cruises, and more! Adventure Life Journeys offers over 50 adventure tours in South America and Central America. They specialize in small groups led by outstanding native guides, and are happy to create a custom itinerary for your group or family!

Adventure Pacifica Itinerary
(10 days / 9 nights)

Day 1: Arrive San Jose

Day 2: Arenal Volcano
This morning we're off to Arenal Observatory Lodge where the Smithsonian Institute has set up its research facilities. Weather permitting, we'll enjoy spectacular views of the conical volcano.

Day 3-4: Monteverde Cloudforest
This morning we'll hike into the national park for a close-up exploration of a lava flow. Mid-morning we leave the Observatory Lodge, driving around Lake Arenal to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloud forests on the continent. On the morning on Day 4 we hike through the reserve, viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees.

Day 5: Monteverde - Manual Antonio
Monteverde boasts the first rainforest canopy tour in the world, and this morning we'll have a chance to explore the treetops through their network of observation platforms and traverses. In the afternoon we make the 4-5 hour drive to Quepos and our hotel near Manual Antonio for the night.

Day 6: Naranjo River Rafting
This morning we rise and head to the Class II-III whitewater of the Naranjo River. The four-hour trip on the Naranjo is one of the best whitewater adventures in Costa Rica. After the river trip, you'll continue south to La Cusinga Lodge located on the shores of the Ballena National Marine Park.

Day 7-9: La Cusinga:
This morning you awake in Costa Rica's idyllic South Pacific. La Cusinga is set amidst thick jungle with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. Your days here are free to spend as you wish. Relax and wander the miles of secluded beaches of Ballena Marine National Park. Head into the jungle to learn about rainforest ecology, watching out for capuchin monkeys, toucans, cuatimundis and more. In the afternoon of Day 9 you conclude your Costa Rica tour with the drive to San Jose.

Day 10: Return Home

Review other tours to Peru, Amazon, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Galapagos, Patagonia, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala and even Antarctica.