Paddles & Pedals Tour of Costa Rica


	Costa Rica Guided Tour Package

Discount
Airfares

Adventures in Nature
Whitewater Rafting / Sea kayaking/ Beaches

An ideal trip for those who want a little adventure, beautiful sights and some time to just plain kick back on the beach. Enjoy the excitement of whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, exploring the Tortuguero canals by sea kayak and relaxing on the palm-fringed beaches of the Pacific Coast. From one side of Costa Rica to the other, an exciting and fun way to get a good taste of this diverse country and enjoy some relaxing holiday time.

DAY
• • • •
PLACE/ACTIVITY
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
DESCRIPTION
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 SAN JOSE
(Arrival) Arrival in Costa Rica. After welcoming you at San José airport your guide will bring you to a comfortable hotel in the city and take time to answer any questions, meet the group and prepare for your multi-activity adventure trip. The evening is free to explore San José.

2 PACUARE RIVER
(Whitewater Rafting 2+ hours, 10 km) Leaving San Jose, we drive along the foothills of the Irazu and Turrialba volcanoes to our rafting “put-in” on the Pacuare River. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids while exploring the magnificent valley and some of the most dramatic scenery only accessible by river. As we pass along the river we border land inhabited by indigenous people who have occupied the area for centuries. You will see a few of the river crossings they use for access and sometimes get a glimpse of them fishing in the river, or the children playing. In the afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp – “El Nido del Tigre” which nestles between the rainforest and the river. There is plenty of time to settle into the camp and make it your home, exploring the lush environment first hand, looking out for toucans overhead, observing the local iguanas or simply relaxing in a hammock to the rush of the river as it passes on its journey to the Caribbean. (B,L,D) Activities: 2 hour drive to put-in, 2 hours rafting (10km)

3 PACUARE RIVER
(Whitewater Rafting 3-5 hours, 17 km) Now the river has become an ‘old friend’, we set out to raft through the virgin rainforest as the river carves its way along the valley creating some spectacular canyons. The rapids today are really exhilarating but with a few gentle areas to take in the scenery. We take some time to explore side hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes and have lunch on the shore. We take out near the town of Siquirres and drive to a nearby hotel and rest up for the next day’s adventure. (B,L).

4
TORTUGUERO
(Sea Kayaking 4 hours, 15 km)
Our day begins with a drive to Finca Pavona for the put in for our sea kayaking. We kayak onto the Rio Suerte, which meanders through the forest and into the canal system that is Tortuguero National Park. The National Park protects this unique area of outstanding beauty and its inhabitants. The gentle pace gives us time to study the flora and fauna at the rivers edge and often treats us to close ups of the diversity of wildlife such as iguana, monkeys, sloths and abundant birdlife. (B,L,D).

5 TORTUGUERO
(Sea Kayaking) The day is free to relax and enjoy the area. A visit to the community museum in town is a worthwhile stop. Optional activities include an early morning trip by boat through the canals to catch sight of the forest awakening or for those who are still feeling fit, take the kayaks and explore more of the canals – they are never ending! The gentle pace allows sufficient time to enjoy the surroundings while learning about the flora and fauna and animal life found in the area. The couple of days in the area are a great way to unwind and relax at the end of your adventure. (B,L,D).

6 & 7 MANUEL ANTONIO
(Exploring the Coastal Area) Watch the Sunrise on the Caribbean and the Sunset on the Pacific – quite unique! A little after Sunrise and breakfast we take a domestic flight back to San José, where you will make a connection with a flight to the Central Pacific Coast. With some time to get used to the quite different coastline pick your place carefully to witness the stunning Sunset. The next few days can be spent exploring this beach area. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park, which is famous for its beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife, relax at the pool or on the beach and when you feel energetic there are a number of options to choose from. (B)

8 SAN JOSE
(Beach / Return to San Jose) This 40 km paddle takes 5 to 8 hours to complete depending on water flow and the group’s enthusiasm. We start at first light to enjoy the cooler hours of the morning. The Pacuare eases us into the Caribbean lowlands where banana plantations gradually swallow the receding rainforest. As the day goes on the river slows to a tranquil pace as we kayak the last few miles to the mouth of the Pacuare where it meets the Caribbean Sea. After some time to savor our accomplishments, we motorboat to the port of Cano Blanco for our return drive to San Jose. (B,L). There is a wide choice of restaurants in San Jose for tonight’s dinner (not included).

8 SAN JOSE
(Departure) A Coast to Coast Adventures representative will drive you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

DAY • • • •	PLACE/ACTIVITY • • • • • • • • • • • • • •	DESCRIPTION • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1	SAN JOSE (Arrival)	Arrival in Costa Rica. After welcoming you at San José airport your guide will bring you to a comfortable hotel in the city and take time to answer any questions, meet the group and prepare for your multi-activity adventure trip. The evening is free to explore San José.
2	PACUARE RIVER (Whitewater Rafting 2+ hours, 10 km)	Leaving San Jose, we drive along the foothills of the Irazu and Turrialba volcanoes to our rafting “put-in” on the Pacuare River. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids while exploring the magnificent valley and some of the most dramatic scenery only accessible by river. As we pass along the river we border land inhabited by indigenous people who have occupied the area for centuries. You will see a few of the river crossings they use for access and sometimes get a glimpse of them fishing in the river, or the children playing. In the afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp – “El Nido del Tigre” which nestles between the rainforest and the river. There is plenty of time to settle into the camp and make it your home, exploring the lush environment first hand, looking out for toucans overhead, observing the local iguanas or simply relaxing in a hammock to the rush of the river as it passes on its journey to the Caribbean. (B,L,D) Activities: 2 hour drive to put-in, 2 hours rafting (10km)
3	PACUARE RIVER (Whitewater Rafting 3-5 hours, 17 km)	Now the river has become an ‘old friend’, we set out to raft through the virgin rainforest as the river carves its way along the valley creating some spectacular canyons. The rapids today are really exhilarating but with a few gentle areas to take in the scenery. We take some time to explore side hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes and have lunch on the shore. We take out near the town of Siquirres and drive to a nearby hotel and rest up for the next day’s adventure. (B,L).
4	TORTUGUERO (Sea Kayaking 4 hours, 15 km)	Our day begins with a drive to Finca Pavona for the put in for our sea kayaking. We kayak onto the Rio Suerte, which meanders through the forest and into the canal system that is Tortuguero National Park. The National Park protects this unique area of outstanding beauty and its inhabitants. The gentle pace gives us time to study the flora and fauna at the rivers edge and often treats us to close ups of the diversity of wildlife such as iguana, monkeys, sloths and abundant birdlife. (B,L,D).
5	TORTUGUERO (Sea Kayaking)	The day is free to relax and enjoy the area. A visit to the community museum in town is a worthwhile stop. Optional activities include an early morning trip by boat through the canals to catch sight of the forest awakening or for those who are still feeling fit, take the kayaks and explore more of the canals – they are never ending! The gentle pace allows sufficient time to enjoy the surroundings while learning about the flora and fauna and animal life found in the area. The couple of days in the area are a great way to unwind and relax at the end of your adventure. (B,L,D).
6 & 7	MANUEL ANTONIO (Exploring the Coastal Area)	Watch the Sunrise on the Caribbean and the Sunset on the Pacific – quite unique! A little after Sunrise and breakfast we take a domestic flight back to San José, where you will make a connection with a flight to the Central Pacific Coast. With some time to get used to the quite different coastline pick your place carefully to witness the stunning Sunset. The next few days can be spent exploring this beach area. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park, which is famous for its beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife, relax at the pool or on the beach and when you feel energetic there are a number of options to choose from. (B)
8	SAN JOSE (Beach / Return to San Jose)	This 40 km paddle takes 5 to 8 hours to complete depending on water flow and the group’s enthusiasm. We start at first light to enjoy the cooler hours of the morning. The Pacuare eases us into the Caribbean lowlands where banana plantations gradually swallow the receding rainforest. As the day goes on the river slows to a tranquil pace as we kayak the last few miles to the mouth of the Pacuare where it meets the Caribbean Sea. After some time to savor our accomplishments, we motorboat to the port of Cano Blanco for our return drive to San Jose. (B,L). There is a wide choice of restaurants in San Jose for tonight’s dinner (not included).
8	SAN JOSE (Departure)	A Coast to Coast Adventures representative will drive you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Trip Includes: Transportation, local flight, accommodation, meals where indicated and experienced, bilingual & fun guides.
Trip Dates - We will open a new date with a minimum of 4 people.

Departure Dates

2008

Jan 26 - Feb 3

Mar 1 - 9

Jun 28 - Jul 6

Aug 2 - 10

Aug 23 - 31

Until Oct 31 /08

$1,540 USD pp

Based on double occupancy
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