Costa Rica Arenal Multi-Sport

Few spots in the world offer the extraordinary natural and scenic diversity of Costa Rica... and few trips capture the essence of this paradise as our variety-packed 8-day hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and Kazm Canyon Costa Rica Multi-Sport Tour. Home to 12 different ecological life zones, including over 500 species of birds and mammals and 2,500 species of plants, Costa Rica is a naturalist's Mecca. With scenery as diverse as its wildlife, we'll explore tropical rain forest reserves, mountain bike through remote valleys, soak in natural hot springs, visit a smoldering active volcano in Arenal National Park along with magical waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja National Park and raft the exciting Rio Sarapiqui!

Day 1. Arrive San Jose Airport. Transfer to Arenal Volcano, Arenal Paraiso Hotel (private baths, 506-460-5333) or Los Lagos (private baths, 506-479-9126)

Welcome to San Jose! Please refer to the "Tour Details" for more information on the meeting time and location. Our exciting multi-sport tour begins immediately, as we travel from the Juan Santamaria International Airport to either the Arenal Paraiso Hotel or Los Lagos. Situated by the Arenal Volcano, both accommodations are excellent locations for observing the constantly erupting Arenal Volcano. Weather permitting, we may view one of its pyrotechnic shows. Hotel grounds feature abundant wildlife including the elusive caiman and the chesnut-mandibled toucan as well as a swimming pool for you to relax in.

This evening we visit the famous Tabacon Hot Water Springs and enjoy a soak in one of its many pools. Located in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano, the Tabacon region is a wonderland of gardens, paths, steams and pools: five thermal and one with cool water plus a whirlpool. Mud facials and professional massage are available as an option for an additional cost.

• Tabacon Hot Water Springs Hike (1-2 hours).

Day 2. Whitewater Rafting on the Rio Sarapiqui, Hike Arenal Volcano, Arenal Paraiso Hotel or Los Lagos
After breakfast we head to the Rio Sarapiqui for a wonderful Class III-IV whitewater rafting trip. After a brief introduction to paddling, we launch our rafts down the mighty Sarapiqui. We traverse eleven kilometers of remote and scenic waters that course through a wilderness of dense vegetation that completely covers the riverbank. The numerous rapids are interspersed with stretches of calm, tranquil water providing an opportunity to enjoy the surrounding tropical beauty.

Arenal is one of the world's most active volcanoes, thundering and blowing since 1968. Located in the Tilaran Mountains, Arenal dominates the background of our afternoon hike. We explore its National Park, and hike its trails through the forest to a safe viewing observatory from which you may see the majestic volcano's fireworks.

• Rio Sarapiqui (Class III-IV, 11 kilometers). Please note that we will raft the lower Sarapiqui (Class II-III) if water levels are too high to raft the upper Sarapiqui.
• Arenal National Park Hike (6 kilometers, 2 hours).
  

Day 3. Hike Serro Chato, Belmar Hotel (private baths, 506-645-5201)

We transfer to Serro Chato for our morning hike. The spectacular views from this extinct volcano were made world famous by the film Congo. After our ascent, we will relax beside the beautiful lake that has formed inside the crater.

In the afternoon, we transfer to the Belmar Hotel in Monteverde. The hotel is styled after a Swiss chalet with views of the slopes of the Tilaran Mountains and Gulf of Nicoya. It is not uncommon to see monkeys and quetzals from the hotel's balconies!

• Alternative Lodging (Fonda Vela, private baths, 506-257-1413 or Montana Monteverde, private baths, 506-645-5046)
• Serro Chato Hike (6 Kilometers, 3 hours)

Day 4. Canopy Tour and Hiking Monteverde Nature Reserve, Belmar Hotel

Today, we experience the thrill of exploring the surrounding forest canopy. Our tour, consisting of four platforms, three traverses and a rappel set in the heart of a cloud forest reserve, is the original site of the first canopy tour in Costa Rica. We begin with a hike through the cloud forest, then climb a rope ladder through the middle of a huge strangler fig. Once we are in the canopy, we slide from platform to platform enjoying splendid views of this multi-layered canopy. Assisted by expert guides, we then rappel back to the forest floor. The platforms vary in height from 20 meters to 33 meters above the forest floor.

In the afternoon we will enjoy a hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, founded in the 1950's by group of Quakers who migrated to the area from Alabama. The Reserve is world famous for the huge variety of life forms it supports. An elaborate system of trails winds through the Park inviting visitors to explore and experience the area's rich diversity.

The Reserve is divided into six life zones, hosting a total of 2,500 species of plants, 100 species of mammals, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians including the endemic Golden toad (sapo dorado), 490 species of butterflies, including the blue morpho, and about 400 species of birds, including the quetzal.

• Canopy Tour (2 1/2 hours)
• Monteverde Nature Reserve (8 kilometers, 4 hours).

Day 5. Hiking Santa Elena Nature Reserve, Hacienda Guachipelin (private baths, some with hot water, 506-284-2049)

In the morning, we visit the Santa Elena Reserve that was modeled after the larger, more ambitious Monteverde Cloud Forest project. It features several miles of well-maintained trails that lead us through the heart of a working, high-altitude rain forest. On a clear day, you may observe views of the Caribbean lowlands and the Arenal volcano. The Santa Elena Reserve was created in 1992 as a learning experience for Costa Rican and Canadian high school students working to prove that education, productivity and international relations can go hand in hand.

In the afternoon we transfer to the Hacienda Guachipelin, at the base of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano.

• Santa Elena Reserve Hike (6 kilometers, 2-3 hours).

Day 6. Mountain Biking Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Hacienda Guachipelin

After breakfast we enjoy a quick mountain bike orientation, then the fat tire fun begins! Our ride today features the beauty of Costa Rica's natural wonders as we ascend through pristine forests set in the foothills of the spectacular Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Passing through the strange yet beautiful forests unique to this area, en route we will have an opportunity to enjoy a dip in a natural pool set at the base of a beautiful waterfall.

Lunch is enjoyed in a clearing by a small canyon formed by the union of two rivers. Here, we will have another opportunity to enjoy a swim in cool, fresh mountain water. In the late afternoon we return to the hacienda.

• Bike tour (up to 30 miles, elevation gain 600 meters, loss 560 meters, moderate difficulty, 6 hours).

Day 7. Kazm Canyon Tour, Posada Mimosa (private baths, 506-494-5868)

• Canopy tour (2 1/2 hours).

Stay a little longer! Opt for a 1-day Mountain Biking Extension to Tapanti and Irazu Volcano National Parks

Those with a little extra time may choose to experience the many beautiful sights that Costa Rica's Central Valley has to offer. After meeting at your hotel in San Jose (or predetermined meeting point in San Jose), we transfer to the charming town of Cartago. Our scenic cycling route begins with an exciting downhill to the beautiful Orosi Valley. We then continue over rolling hills carpeted with coffee plantations to Tapanti National Park's majestic cloud forest. After a hearty lunch and a swim, we transfer to Irazu Volcano National Park where, on a clear day, we may see both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. In the late afternoon, we will transfer you back to your hotel in San Jose.

Trip Details

Trip Dates: Sunday departures, departing every other week; Please call for trip dates and availability.

Trip Length: 8 days /7 nights

Single Supplement: $150

Note: If registering within 30 days of departure, a late registration fee of $45.00 will be applied.

Trip Rating: Easy to Moderately Easy

Gateway City: San Jose, Costa Rica.

Gateway City Transfer: Transfer to San Jose accommodations can be arranged through the T.W.O. office for $20 each way. Airport transfers on the first and last days of the tour are included in trip costs. Please notify us 60 days prior to departure of your flight arrival and departure times.

Meeting Place/Time: San Jose International Airport, 12:30 p.m.

Trip Conclusion: San Jose International Airport, 10:00 a.m.

Trip Cost Includes: 7 nights lodging, all equipment used, support vehicle during bike tour, all ground transportation, all meals beginning with lunch on day 1 and ending with breakfast day 8, bilingual guide, all activities listed in itinerary including necessary equipment, all park fees, whitewater rafting, and a T.W.O. T-shirt.

Trip Cost Excludes: International airfare, airport departure taxes (approximately $17 US per person), items of strictly a personal nature, alcoholic beverages, and extras in hotels. Any additional cost incurred as a result of bad weather, delayed flights, and other elements beyond our control.

Tier-Pricing: This tour confirms with four participants and accommodates no more then 16. If no more than 2 clients sign up for a particular departure, a fee of $100 will be assessed to each participant. Final billing is based on the sign-up level at 60 days prior to trip departure date. If the sign-up level goes up sufficiently between the billing and departure dates, the lower tier price will apply, and refunds will be credited to your account. Cancellations from trips where the tier price has changed are subject to our Cancellation and Refund Policy.

General Information, Questions & Answers...

How do I join this trip? Call us at 1 80 443 9216.

How do I book airfare for this trip? Call us at 1 800 443 9216.

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you take out baggage loss, accident and trip cancellation insurance. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any non-recoverable air or land expenses should you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness, as well as cover any evacuation expenses should you become ill during the trip.

Pre & Post Trip Accommodations: If you are to come to San Jose the evening before a trip, or stay over after the trip, we recommend the following hotels:

Visa and Passport Information: A valid passport is required to and from Costa Rica. No other visas or shots are required. Check-in for international flights to and from Costa Rica is usually two hours before departure. Valuable items such as camera equipment or binoculars and essentials such as prescription medications should always be hand carried on all flights to avoid loss or damage. Checked luggage should be locked and properly labeled.

Tour Operator: The World Outdoors operates this adventure in conjunction with a Costa Rican based adventure travel company. All tours will include a bilingual guide specializing in regional biology, history and geology. A tour representative will be your escort both to and from the San Jose International Airport on days 1 and 8.

Emergency Contact Information, Costa Rica: 506-285-1865

How difficult is this trip...really? No experience is required for any activity, but this is an action-oriented trip. This tour is hilly and more challenging than our easy tours. Intended for the average active adult who feels comfortable being active 4-6 hours a day. Hikes are 4-8 miles with climbs of up to 1000'; the bike ride is 15-20 miles.

What are the accommodations like? We use the best lodging available in the regions we travel. However, please note that Costa Rican lodges may not always have the same conveniences you may be accustomed to in US hotels/inns.

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary. Our actual activities and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. As a result, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary since unforseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itninerary changes are made to improve the trip and your experience.