Plunge into the adventure as you raft down the challenging rapids of the Pacuare River, considered by experienced rafters to be the most scenic class III-IV rapids in the world. The Pacuare runs from the country's highest mountain range to the coastal lowlands of the Atlantic, through one of Costa Rica's most important protected areas. Located strategically inside this zone of protected wilderness is our very special jungle getaway, the Pacuare Lodge, an oasis accessible to tourists only by water. After two action-packed days on the Pacuare, head towards the Tortuguero Jungle Canals, a vast system of natural waterways and manmade canals. Admire abundant wildlife inside Tortuguero National Park, a nature haven that spans nearly 14 miles of coastline and is an important nesting site for four species of marine turtles, as well as home to exotic birds, monkeys and other tropical rainforest species. Complete this nearly perfect journey traveling toward Drake Bay, on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast, near the renowned Corcovado National Park. The park shelters many of Costa Rica's endangered species and is the last Pacific lowland rainforest of sustainable size in Central America. National Geographic Society has called Corcovado "the most biologically intense place on earth." From Drake Bay, you can visit Caño Island Biological Reserve, offering some of the country's best scuba diving. Come join this irresistible adventure!

Upon arrival at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, you will be met and transferred to San José for your overnight stay at the Hotel Don Carlos, located in the heart of the capital city's cultural district. This hotel is located in an elegant Victorian home built at the turn of the century, completely restored into a fine hotel with individually designed and decorated rooms.

Early in the morning you will be picked up at your hotel in a comfortable minibus and transported through the old colonial capital of Cartago and the lush green farmlands around the base of Turrialba Volcano. Along the way, the minibus will stop for an authentic and plentiful Costa Rican breakfast. Upon arrival to the banks of the Pacuare River, our experienced guides will brief you on safety measures before you climb about the inflatable rafts for the river adventure. The Pacuare is a swift-running and rapidly changing river, making this one of the most invigorating and intense rafting trips available anywhere in the world. Once in the water, you'll experience the exhilaration of riding the powerful waves through a tropical wilderness of dense green vegetation and steep gorges that rise majestically above the riverbanks. Dozens of species of mammals and birds abound in this tropical paradise.

Today's five-mile rafting journey ends at the Pacuare Lodge - a jungle oasis nestled in the middle of an enchanting and captivating rainforest. Surrounded by ancient towering trees, the two-story main lodge houses rustic but comfortable dining facilities on the first floor, and plenty of relaxing hammocks in the open-air lounge on the second floor.

Modern wooden bungalows with palm-thatched roofs were carefully designed to blend into the forest. The bungalows are nestled beneath giant trees that have stood guard over this forest for eons. As twilight descends, our upstairs bar and game area is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail and friendly company. Then come down and enjoy a decadent dinner served with a mouthwatering homemade dessert. When you feel like calling it a day, grab a lantern and head off to your own cozy bungalow, furnished with fresh linens and private bathrooms.

Morning arrives with the sweet songs of exotic birds twittering among the treetops and the chattering of the rushing rapids of the river surging a few hundred feet away. A hearty breakfast awaits you, with freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee, French toast, eggs, fresh fruit and yogurt.

The second day of the Pacuare paddling journey is filled with a challenging interaction with the river's natural forces, providing a genuinely stimulating and adrenaline-filled 13-mile ride. Rafting becomes even more exciting today, as you apply the skills and experience gained the day before to navigate the surging waters of the Pacuare.

Your guides will stop the rafts along the journey and lead you up paths and side streams that open onto pristine waterfalls and natural water slides.

Here you can swim, splash, and live it up! A well-deserved picnic lunch will be served along the river. The day ends with the triumph of having conquered one of the most famous rivers in the world.

At the river take-out, you may change into dry clothes in our private restroom facilities before boarding a comfortable minivan for the short ride into the town of Guápiles. Approximately half an hour later, you will arrive at the Suerre Hotel in Guápiles for your overnight stay.

You have the rest of the afternoon to relax at the hotel and give your body rest from the thrilling Pacuare adventure. Suerre Hotel's facilities allow you to do just that - hop in the jacuzzi or the refreshing swimming pool, followed by some spa time in the sauna. You might choose an afternoon tennis match or visit the hotel gym for a light workout. At night, you may dine at the hotels’ restaurant, or enjoy time at the bar before calling it a day. (Dinner on your own)

After a great breakfast, you are ready to depart for Tortuguero, located on the northern Caribbean coastline, home to a work of waterways used to explore the tropical rainforest of this roadless region. Pachira Lodge staff will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to their private dock in Matina. From there, you will enjoy a two-hour scenic boat ride through the canals to Mawamba Lodge... just in time for lunch!

Pachira Lodge is located right on the Tortuguero main canal Caribbean Sea. Along the beautiful shore, marked trails head inland where visitors might spot toucans or perhaps a flock of brightly colored toucans. Howler monkeys playfully swing between the treetops along some of the paths.

After an invigorating lunch, you will have time to relax and settle in before your afternoon adventure begins. A few hours later, a guided jungle hike and afternoon canal boat trip are scheduled for you. Jungle hiking trails take you through humid, tropical rain forest, which spans a territory of more than 47,000 acres and is home to abundant wildlife. Tortuguero National Park covers nearly 14 miles of coastline and is an important nesting beach for four species of marine turtles, including the Green Turtle, which has existed for more than 200 million years and can weigh more than 400 pounds. The Tortuguero Canals are Costa Rica's version of the Amazon, comprising a vast system of natural waterways and man-made canals used both for basic transportation and jungle exploration. The journey through the canals to Tortuguero National Park is fascinating, offering visitors a chance to see up to three different species of monkeys and many colorful birds. Large iguanas and even larger reptiles, such as caimans and crocodiles, might also be spotted along the canals.

After a full day, return to your comfortable room at the lodge, each with its own private bath, hot water and ceiling fan. The evening may be spent swimming in a large pool surrounded by tall palm trees, or soaking in the jacuzzi. That night, you can enjoy delicious international and local cuisine at an expansive, family-style restaurant, staffed by a friendly local staff. Your evening doesn't have to end here, between the months of July and October, when turtle-nesting night tours are

After an early start, you will board a light airplane that will fly you back to San José before continuing on to Sierpe. You might enjoy a warm cup of some of the world's best coffee as you wait to board another aircraft to continue your journey. At 9:30 a.m., you will be flown into the small village of Palmar Sur, near the southern Pacific coastline. From there enjoy a tranfer to the village of Sierpe. This banana town is on the river of the same name, 30 kilometers from the ocean. Here, you will be transferred by speedboat to Drake Bay, on the Osa Peninsula, adjacent to Corcovado National Park and a great base for visiting the renowned Caño Island Biological Reserve.

An hour or so later, you arrive at Aguila de Osa Inn, where you'll be warmly greeted by the hotel staff. Nestled on a bluff overlooking Drake Bay, this lodge offers an extensive fleet of sportfishing vessels and operates a top-notch deep-sea experience.

After settling in, you may go on any of the various trails leading into the rainforest in your lodge's surrounding area, which provide excellent opportunities to view the tropical flora and fauna that is so plentiful here. Several beautiful deserted beaches and waterfalls are also just a few hours hike from your hotel...

Guests wake up to an early start here, where the sun rises around 5 a.m. and sets about 5:30 p.m., year round. The cool comfortable mornings are the best time for outdoor activities, including horseback riding, beach combing, hiking, fishing, swimming and scuba diving.

A guided hike into the famed Corcovado National Park is an absolute must for today! Crowned "one of the most biologically intense places on earth" by National Geographic Magazine, Corcovado's trails through the virgin jungle allow you to search for the countless plant and animal species found in this rain forest, as you come across fairytale orchid-draped streams.

Much of the peninsula's biological diversity is contained in this national park, which has Costa Rica's greatest wealth of wildlife, and is inhabited by 13 major ecosystems.

After your Corcovado excursion, you may relax in the premises of your hotel, enjoying a refreshing cocktail... At nighttime, lay back and take in the beauty of this secluded paradise, as you prepare to say good-bye to this dreamlike adventure!

After an early breakfast, you will be transported by speedboat back to the town of Sierpe, where you will transfer to Palmar Sur and board a light airplane and fly back to San José. Stay overnight at the hotel of your choice and enjoy your last night in Costa Rica as you wish.

Above itinerary includes: Two-night stay at Hotel Don Carlos or similar, 2-day Pacuare Adventure, transportation and all meals included; one-night stay at Suerre Hotel or similar, breakfast included, one-night stay at Mawamba Lodge, transportation, guided jungle hike & canal boat tour and all meals included; Tortuguero-San José flight & roundtrip flight San José-Corcovado; two-night stay at Aguila de Osa Hotel or similar, with all meals included and choice of tour: Corcovado National Park or Caño Island excursion on Day 6.

Note: Land transfers are handled by Aventuras Naturales and Mawamba Lodge.

Sportfishing: More than 40 inshore and offshore world records have been registered in this area, where the sportfishing is simply spectacular. Species include sailfish, black marlin, blue marlin, occasionally striped marlin, yellowfin tuna and wahoo; roosterfish and cubera snapper are found inshore.

Sea-Kayaking: Sea Kayaking Rio Agujitas and Drake Bay is another great way to spend the afternoon. At full tide, this paddle is sure to captivate your senses. In the solitude of the river, you will hear only your kayak slicing through the water and the jungle's living sounds. Peaceful Drake Bay is also a great place for fun in the sun. Kayak along the coast or surf in Drake Bay's gentle waves.

Price per person: To be advised by Aguila de Osa Lodge upon arrival.

Horseback Riding: Horseback riding tours are not for the equestrian alone. Anyone with an interest in exploring primary rainforest outside of Corcovado can tour the area with a local guide and his string of native horses; this is a great way to get in touch with the Drake Bay lifestyle.

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