Costa Rica Volcano Rivers Experience

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría Airport, you will be transferred to San José, where our representative will warmly welcome you. Settle into your accommodation and take the evening to rest or explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in San José.

After breakfast, we set off for the Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica’s second-highest peak, known as ‘The Colossus’ due to its historic eruptions. Inside the national park, we take a brisk walk around the two main craters, taking in the volcanic landscape. Following the hike, we begin a mountain bike descent along trails that lead to the outer edge of Turrialba Volcano National Park. The route passes through rural farmland where you’ll see plantations of potatoes, chamomile, sugar cane, white onions and coffee, as well as cattle fields. We continue towards the outskirts of the active Turrialba Volcano, offering a great chance to capture some striking photographs before stopping for lunch at Torre Alba Restaurant. Afterwards, we visit a charming historic church in the nearby town of Aquiares. The day concludes with a ride through the rainforest to a stunning natural pool beneath a 15-metre waterfall, where you can take a refreshing swim. The day’s activities include approximately one hour of walking over 10 kilometres and around three and a half hours of mountain biking on gravel trails with rolling hills. We stay overnight in Turrialba.

We begin the day at Casa Turire farm with a two-hour horseback ride following a brief safety introduction. The trail passes through sugar cane and coffee plantations before entering a secondary forest, where your guide will explain the regrowth process and the pioneer plants being cleared. Along the way, you may spot various bird species including golden orioles, tanagers and black guans, as well as other wildlife. The ride also takes us to several viewpoints offering expansive views of the Turrialba Valley and surrounding mountains. Afterwards, visit a traditional local home where community women will teach you how to make corn tortillas filled with regional Turrialba cheese. Overnight accommodation is in Turrialba.

After breakfast, set off on an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure along the Pacuare River, renowned as one of the world’s premier rafting locations. Following a safety briefing, we navigate a series of class III and IV rapids over approximately 14 kilometres. Midway, we pause for a tropical fruit snack and take a short hike to a nearby waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. About an hour and a half into the journey, a large waterfall signals the entrance to a canyon and the start of the Upper and Lower Huacas rapids, the most challenging sections of the first half. After conquering these, we continue downstream, keeping an eye out for local wildlife. The remaining 16 kilometres feature continuous white-water rapids before we enter a peaceful canyon, perfect for a relaxing dip. We then float to our facility in Siquirres, where you can freshen up before a short transfer to a local restaurant for a buffet-style Costa Rican lunch. The rafting and associated activities last around three and a half hours. Overnight accommodation is in Sarapiquí.

After breakfast, we visit the neighbouring La Tirimbina property for a guided chocolate tour. Crossing a suspension bridge into the Tirimbina Biological Reserve, we explore a former cacao plantation while learning about the natural and cultural history of the cacao tree. At the site, watch a demonstration of traditional artisanal processes—harvesting, fermenting and drying—that transform cacao fruit into chocolate. Along the way, enjoy tasting various types of chocolate made on site using traditional methods. In the evening, you can relax with a soothing dip in the hotel’s hot springs. Overnight in Arenal.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day of well-earned rest and relaxation. Spend up to four hours soaking in the region’s abundant hot springs, renowned for their warm, soothing waters and stunning surroundings near the Arenal Volcano. This is the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate, whether to start or end your day in Arenal. Overnight in Arenal.

After breakfast, we travel to Monteverde Reserve for a hike through one of Costa Rica’s most renowned natural areas. Established in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve covers 35 square kilometres of lush terrain and is recognised as one of the country’s seven natural wonders since 2007. The reserve features four ecological ‘Live Zones’—viewpoints overlooking diverse ecosystems where you can spot a wide range of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, alongside abundant mosses, vines and native plants typical of the cloud forest. After the hike, enjoy lunch at your leisure before continuing to the charming Presidente Hotel for check-in and an overnight stay in San José.

After breakfast, you will pack your belongings and prepare to leave. We will transfer you to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your onward flight. Wishing you a pleasant journey as you say farewell to Costa Rica.