Jungle Biking 9D/8N

FROM $1471 PER PERSON

DAY 1 – SAN JOSE

Meet and greet outside of San José International Airport and then transfer to your hotel in San José.

DAY 2 – SAN JOSE – TURRIALBA (B, L)

Early morning we will transport you to the Operations Center for a delicious typical Costa Rican breakfast. After breakfast and changing into rafting gear, we will drive to the rafting put-in. Review and adjust all necessary equipment for proper fit, rafting safety talk, and instruct you on paddling basics. From here, you and your group will launch your raft and begin to paddle 19 miles deep into the heart of one of Costa Rica’s most impressive primary rainforests. You’ll pass through densely vegetated rainforest gorges, view cascading waterfalls, relax in serene pools and experience pounding rapids. You will enjoy an adrenaline-packed afternoon running the Pacuare’s biggest rapids: Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montañas and more. From the take-out, it’s a short drive back to the Operations Center for a hearty and delicious lunch, hot showers, optional drinks and a handy souvenir store. After that you will be transferred to Turrialba.

DAY 3 – TURRIALBA (B)

Today we will take bikers through the tropical plantations of CATIE. The topography of the trails is not difficult, all level bike riders can enjoy this trip. During the bike ride, a guide will explain the great diversity of the forest and fruit plantations such as: coffee, cacao, sugar cane, citrus, plantains, bananas, macadamia, pineapple, mango, avocados and many other exotic species from tropical countries.

Bike riders will see the fruits in the plantations when it the specific time of the year for the fruit. Thanks to the diversity in flowers and fruits, the plantation is also an ideal site for the observatory of birds, mammals and some reptiles. The Tropical Botanical Garden, also has a collection of some of the most important tropical plants in the world. In the garden, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the colors, smells, textures and forms of the plants and their products.

DAY 4 – TURRIALBA – SARAPIQUI (B)

After breakfast transportation to Sarapiqui area will be provided. Check in at your Hotel and then the visit to Tirimbina Biological Reserve. This 2.5 hour tour will open the secrets and wonders of one of mankind’s favorite foods: chocolate.

The tour will be led by a trained guide across the suspension bridge. On arrival at the plot, the artisanal process by which cacao fruit is transformed into chocolate will be demonstrated (harvest, fermentation, drying, etc.), while the story of pre- and post-colonial chocolate is told. At the site, one may taste different kinds of chocolate, which are prepared on the spot in the traditional way.

Furthermore, in its desire to improve the life of the community, Tirimbina is connected to the Amazilia del Caribe Women’s Association, composed of rural women from Pueblo Nuevo de Guácimo, in Limon Province, which has dedicated itself to the production of hand-made organic chocolates. These may be found in our souvenir shop, and through their purchase you can assist in the well-being of the whole community.

DAY 5 – SARAPIQUI – ARENAL (B, D)

Morning at your leisure. In the afternoon relax and enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside of San Carlos Valley. Arenal Volcano was Costa Rica’s most active volcano. Much to the enjoyment of its visitors, Arenal spewed enormous amounts of lava, gas and ash on a regular basis. That eruptive cycle began with the infamous eruption of 1968 ended recently. In October 2010, Arenal entered into an indeterminate resting phase. For the time being, visitors will be unable to watch the much-loved explosions, although that could change within a matter of months or years. Travelers to Arenal will still enjoy its bountiful sights, sounds and activities— there are mountains to be hiked, lakes to be fished and rivers to be floated. As one of the country’s most scenic and accessible areas, it is a requisite stop on any tour of Costa Rica. On a clear day you will have an amazing view of the volcano from your hotel. Check in at the hotel.

DAY 6 – ARENAL (B)

Today you’ll ride on trails that run through farmlands, close to the jungle and along the base of mountains and hills — this Arenal Volcano mountain bike tour helps you explore Costa Rica’s diverse natural environment with the help of your knowledgeable Costa Rica bike guide. As you bike along Lake Arenal at the base of the Arenal Volcano, you’ll pass rainforest, rural farmlands, and wildlife. You’ll have the chance to see different kinds of monkeys, toucans, coatimundis and more! Make a stop along the way and have a nice snack while cooling off in a river or in Lake Arenal. You will bike on a gravel road connecting Lake Arenal to the Arenal Volcano National Park which stretches 8.3 miles each way. As you ride toward the Caño Negro River, in the small town of El Castillo, you’ll be surrounded by lush rainforest. You’ll be amazed by the friendliness of Costa Rican country folk, who are bound to smile and wave at you, as you pass by beautiful landscape. Then return to your hotel with unforgettable memories of this fun Arenal adventure tour!

DAY 7 –ARENAL – BAGACES (B)

Morning at your leisure. In the afternoon transfer to Bagaces. Check in at Rio Perdido. The centerpiece of the 600-acre private reserve is the Rio Perdido, which means “lost river”. This 150-foot, thermo-mineral gorge that draws energy from deep magma flows, will cast its spell on anyone that descends to its magical waters for the first time. It’s a completely natural and inspiring setting, unlike any other place on the planet.

Along the Rio Perdido, grows a beautiful forest trees that boast canopy heights upwards of 160 feet. This scene makes for a strong contrast with the dwarf forest that grows outside and above the canyon. So there are two very distinct ecosystems occurring adjacent to eachother. The canyons behave like long oases, cutting through the arid forest. This has given way to a very interesting mix of local fauna. You are guaranteed to see all sorts of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects.

The trail circuit and a series of bridges, including a 200ft hanging bridge that connects the hotel to the reserve, allow visitors with a sense of exploration to taylor their own unique adventure, each day.

All hotel guests have unlimited access to The Reserve, the amazing thermal canyon with its dozens of warm river pools, many miles of hiking trails, the bridges, the spectacular panoramic lookouts, our (chemical-free) mineral pools, the floating decks, and the acclaimed RP Bike Park.

DAY 8 – BAGACES (B)

Today enjoy another MTB circuit, which offers solid rock segments, sand, raw earth…bridges, ramps, banks, and even a few downhills in the advanced circuit. Of course, the more advanced segments can be foregone by amateur riders or those who simply want a swing-like ride without the rocky climbs and heart-stopping plunges. Riders can opt for different routes, ranging in distance from 8km to over 20km, without having to repeat single-track segments. While most MTB fanatics would not consider this to be “long-distance,” very few riders seem to have the push to double-up for a consecutive second round. That is, riders finish the circuit and they generally opt for a rest in the hot springs. For those not running a time-trial, the route offers amazing stops that include short treks to several panoramic lookouts, two waterfalls, a cave, the remains of a home that dates back to CR’s colonial period, and a naturally carbonated water spring that was historically visited by locals who sought its medicinal qualities. The Bike Park is designed for a focused rider and is not recommended for beginners.

DAY 9 – DEPARTURE (B)

Private transfer to Liberia International Airport.

END OF THE SERVICES!

Notes:

• Rate in US $ and hotels subject to availability

• Minimum age to do White Water Rafting 12 years old

INCLUDES:

• Meals as specified above (B= Breakfast/ L= Lunch/ D= Dinner).

• VIP service inside of International Airport

• Private transportation.

• Equipment, Entrance fees & excursions as specified above (Pacuare white Water Rafting, Turrialba Biking, Chocolate Tour, Arenal Biking, and Rio Perdido Biking).

• Accommodation in 4 * (Except Sarapiqui, Lodge is 3*)

• 1 nights in San José (Accommodation at Wyndham SJ Herradura in Superior Room)

• 2 nights in Turrialba (Accommodation at Casa Turire in a Standard Room)

• 1 night in Sarapiqui (Accommodation at Tirimbina Lodge in a Deluxe Room)

• 2 nights in Arenal (Accommodation at Mountain Paradise in a Junior Suite)

• 2 nights in Bagaces (Accommodation at Rio Perdido in a Suite)

• Government taxes

• 24/7 assistance by ECOTRIPSCOSTARICA representative