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south-america·Multi-day tour·7 days

7-Day Costa Rica Adventure Tour from San Jose: Pacuare River White Water Rafting and Bay Island’s Cruise to Tortuga Island

4.3· 7 reviewsDaily DepartureDaily breakfastSelect Meals Included

What you'll experience

Highlights

Picturesque Landscape: Ecological sightseeing, lush mountains and forests, active volcanoes, hot springs, and exotic animals
Mysterious Volcano: The world's largest volcanic craters, Poas Volcano, and the magnificent Arenal Volcano Zone

7 days

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1 — Home - San Jose

    Arrive in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, known as the "Switzerland of Central America". Upon arrival, the driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel to rest.
    【VIP City Bus Tour of San Jose, Costa Rica】 - Afternoon City Tour and Dinner (Exterior) (15:15 pm - 19:00 pm)
    The VIP City Bus tour has the best city tour in Costa Rica at your disposal. Our unique sightseeing double decker bus will take you to downtown San Jose from your hotel to witness the city's main historical landmarks for an immersive and panoramic cultural experience and a better understanding of Costa Rica's evolution. Our favorite places to visit for a guided walk in San Jose include Costa Rica's cherished National Theater (lobby), Art Museum, Metropolitan Cathedral, the old and authentic Central Market, the impressive Gold Museum (dinner tour), an in-depth description of the National Monument, and the influential historical episode that took place at the Democracy Plaza. Our VIP City Bus tour will take you comfortably and safely through San Jose's narrow and busy streets driving by beautiful outdoor city attractions. The living city is our museum.
      
    The itinerary includes: VIP double-decker bus + bottled water + bilingual tour guide + special dinner + round-trip hotel transfer.
    Walking Tour: National Theatre lobby, art museum, central market shopping, metropolitan cathedral, democracy square, central street and national monument.
    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Hotel Garden Inn La Sabana
  2. 2

    Day 2 — Bay Island’s Cruise to Tortuga Island

    Departure time: 6:00am - 7:00am
    Duration: 14 hours
    Location: Puntarenas, Central Pacific
    You will experience a day full of beautiful skies, great ocean views and live music. On board the yacht tropical fruits and natural drinks will be served and at the island there will be time to explore the surroundings, sunbathe, swim, take an optional tour like kayaking and canopy; and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the crew.
    This excursion departs from San Jose very early in the morning to Puntarenas, where you will board a yacht to Isla Tortuga (Turtle Island), a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Nicoya.
    At Tortuga Island you will experience a day full of beautiful skies, great ocean views and live music. On board the yacht savory tropical fruits and refreshing natural drinks will be served. Then, you will explore the island, immersing yourself in the calm clear waters and lush landscape, where you can take a swim, sunbathe, and/or take an optional tour like kayaking or canopy. Then a delicious lunch will be prepared by the crew.
    Tortuga Island is composed of 120 hectares of gorgeous terrain, with 4 main hills; not to mention a 500 meter beach which is a recipient of the blue flag certification. On the way to Tortuga Island you will see the San Lucas Island which in the past was a security prison where no human rights existed and thus a dark age in Costa Rica´s history.
    The journey to Tortuga Island will be on board a yacht equipped with 2 Cummins Marino 300 HP motors, radar, satellite navigation systems, VHF marine radio, clean bathrooms, and palatable drinking water.
    A very experienced and international maritime license yacht captain and well trained crew will make sure you have a safe, enjoyable and unforgettable journey.
    Tortuga Island

    Tortuga Island

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Garden Inn La Sabana
  3. 3

    Day 3 — San Jose - Poás Volcano - La Paz Waterfalls - Doka Coffee Estate - San Jose

    Depart from San José in the morning and head to Poás Volcano, about a 1.5-hour drive away. On the way, enjoy the picturesque scenery and pass through the misty cloud forest of Poás Volcano National Park. Upon arrival, follow your guide to the summit for a breathtaking view of one of the world's largest volcanic craters.
    Next, visit the renowned Doka Coffee Estate, where a professional guide will introduce you to the entire coffee-making process—from cultivation, harvesting, roasting, to packaging. Guests can also sample different flavors of freshly brewed coffee.
    Afterwards, continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Following lunch, explore the park's highlights, including the impressive White Falls, the butterfly observatory, insect museum, serpentarium, and frog exhibit. You may even have a chance to encounter toucans up close. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
    Recommended items to bring: mosquito repellent, binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, jacket, raincoat, sunscreen, hat, and camera.
     
    Poas Volcano

    Poas Volcano

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Garden Inn La Sabana
  4. 4

    Day 4 — Pacuare River White Water Rafting (III-IV)

    Departure Time: 5:30am - 6:00am
    Duration: 12 ½ Hours
    If you dream about rafting on a wild tropical river with warm water, the celadon-colored Pacuare is a dream come true! Rated one of the top rivers in the world, you'll experience the intimate nature of the rainforest as you raft right through it on 19 miles of Class III-IV white water.
    The warm water, cascading waterfalls, and opulently lush rainforest with its brilliantly colored plants, animals, and birds indulge your senses on every level.
    Located on Costa Rica's Caribbean slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca Mountain Range, home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife, including parrots, toucans, deer, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, butterflies, and more. Add in the exciting Class III-IV white water rapids and you have a tropical adventure packed with rich experiences that last long after you've returned home.
     
    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Garden Inn La Sabana
  5. 5

    Day 5 — San José - Arenal Volcano - Eco Termales Hot Springs

    On the way to Arenal, we will stop in Sarchí, home to the world's largest ox cart. Crafted from cedar wood and decorated with vibrant colors such as bright orange, this ox cart is an elegant example of traditional Costa Rican design. Standing two stories high and pulled by oxen, it took 70 days to complete and has been recognized by the Guinness World Records.
    The journey then continues through scenic agricultural landscapes, passing pineapple fields, mango orchards, ornamental plant farms, and cattle ranches, before reaching the charming town of La Fortuna. Here, we will enjoy lunch at a restaurant with a breathtaking view of the majestic Arenal Volcano. In the afternoon, relax at Eco Termales, a natural hot springs retreat that provides a perfect balance of serenity and rejuvenation, surrounded by lush tropical scenery.
     
    Arenal Volcano

    Arenal Volcano

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Arenal Springs Hotel
  6. 6

    Day 6 — Arenal Volcano - San José

    After breakfast, you can enjoy the hot springs. Check-out at 12:00 noon. (After check-out, luggage can be stored at the hotel front desk.)
    Sky Tram + Sky Trek Zip Line or Forest Hike (choose one)
    After check-out, head to take the cable car to admire the natural ecology around Arenal Volcano. Along the way, enjoy the unique scenery of the tropical rainforest, overlooking the Arenal Volcano and the volcanic lake, and take in the world’s most biodiverse paradise in a 360-degree view. You may spot various mammals freely moving in the forest and birds singing on the treetops, while appreciating the beauty of the rainforest from above. The cable car passes through the entire rainforest, allowing you to see the unique distribution of the forest from under your feet, admire the endless mountain views, and watch birds and monkeys interact among the treetops. Unlike ordinary cable cars, this one is suspended about 75 feet above the ground with an open-air gondola (except for safety rails), making it quite thrilling.
    For those who dare, you may choose to experience the Sky Trek zip line or Sky Walk at your own expense, challenging your adrenaline by sliding between treetop platforms in the rainforest. While gliding down the ropes at speeds of up to 60 km/h, you can enjoy the forest scenery and fully experience the thrill of soaring through nature. This exciting activity attracts many adventurous travelers from all over the world. If you prefer not to try the zip line, you can choose the cable car and forest hike instead.
    Return to San José at 19:00 pm.
    After the activity, return to San José in the evening, arriving around 19:00 pm.
    Arenal Volcano

    Arenal Volcano

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Garden Inn La Sabana
  7. 7

    Day 7 — San Jose - Home

    Transfer out.
    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Included

  • Hotel: 6 nights hotel accommodation fee
  • Tour guide: bilingual (English/Spanish) tour guide service
  • Meals: Meals listed in the itinerary
  • Entrance Fees: Tickets to the tours and attractions included in the itinerary
  • Airport Transfer: Airport to/from hotel transfer service

Not included

  • Transportation: Airfare and other transportation costs to and from San Jose
  • Tickets: Fees include tickets not mentioned in Tickets and self-paid items
  • Meals: Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Other: All personal expenses
  • Tips: $8-$10/guest/day recommended

Cancellation policy

When you cancelRefund
0–47 days before0%
48–61 days before50%
62+ days before90%

Important info

Special notes
  • This tour requires a minimum of 4 pax to operate, if there are less than 4 pax, you can check with our customer service team to see if the departure date meets the pax requirement.
  • Costa Rica is now not allowed to bring disposable items such as raincoats and bottled mineral water in all national parks. Travelers are kindly reminded to bring a personal kettle or umbrella supplies to avoid any trouble.
  • The tour does not allow more than 30 pounds of luggage per person.
  • WHAT TO BRING: Hat, light clothes and covered shoes. Rain gear, mosquito repellent, for the walk only. Do not forget your camera.
  • Children must be at least 7 years old to participate. People with heart pain (MISTICO), respiratory allergy (POAS), high blood pressure (tabacon), asthma, and poor physical strength in the elderly cannot order this product.
  • Poas Volcano was closed for about 1 and a half years after its eruption in April 2017. It reopened in September 2018, but there is a possibility of another eruption at any time, and if the volcano emits more than 2pm on the day of the visit, the tour will not be accepted. As tickets for Poas Volcano must be purchased online in advance, refunds are not possible in case of temporary prohibitions. Please understand that this is an irresistible factor.
  • Please provide accurate and complete information when booking, including but not limited to: name, gender, ID number, nationality, contact information, and whether you are an adult
    or children, self-purchased ticket information, etc., so as not to make booking errors and affect travel. If any damage is caused by the provision of incorrect personal information by the guest, the guest shall bear all the damage arising therefrom.
  • This itinerary is for reference only, and the final itinerary is subject to the final itinerary before departure. In case of special circumstances, due to irresistible objective reasons (such as natural disasters, war, strike, etc.) or airline flight changes or cancellations, the Company reserves the right to cancel or change the itinerary.
  • During the actual travel of this product, without reducing the attractions and obtaining the consent of the guests, the tour guide and driver may make appropriate adjustments to your itinerary (such as adjusting the order of visiting attractions, etc.) according to the weather, traffic and other conditions to ensure the smooth progress of the itinerary. If the original itinerary plan cannot be implemented due to force majeure and other factors, our company will implement more refunds and less compensation for the cost changes caused by this, please cooperate.
  • During the tour, if the attraction cannot be played normally due to force majeure factors, the tour guide can cancel or replace the attraction according to the actual situation after consultation with the guest, or the tour guide will refund the fee according to the ticket price in the tourism product on the spot.
  • For gifted items, the scenic spot has the right to decide whether to provide it according to its own carrying capacity and weather factors, and guests may also have the right to choose to participate or not to participate.
  • During the group tour, it is not allowed to leave the group early or leave the group during the non-free activity period, please understand if there is any inconvenience.
  • As long as there is a hiking trip, you must wear casual shoes, and sandals are prohibited to enter the park.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Double/Triple Occupancy applies when two/three people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Maximum room capacity: 3 people including adult and child/infant.
* The price is not available during the Christmas peak season or around Holy Week Easter.

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$2323

NPR 3,13,616