Alison Sample Itin March 17th - March 24th

March 17th --------- Arrive and Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire Hotel)

Today your private guide and driver will meet you outside the San Jose Airport (SJO). If you arrive on an early afternoon flight, that would work best for this itinerary. We will make the drive through the capital city of San Jose where from the window you will get a quick city tour. After we get through the city we will begin to get into the the beautiful mountains and rural areas of Costa Rica. Our final stop will be at the base of the smoking Turrialba Volcano in a beautiful hotel called Casa Turire. This happens to be one of my favorite hotels in the country. (Meals: None)

18th --------- Hiking and Visit Local Village (Casa Turire Hotel)

After a long day of travel, today is a day of local culture, hiking, and some time to relax at the pool. We will allow you to sleep in and then embark on our first hike. We'll walk to a local village that is one of the most beautiful places with amazing views. Here we will be welcomed by a local family where they will have lunch prepared for us. We will also get the chance to experience a little show put on by the local kids. After the time in the village it is back down to the hotel to relax in the pool and get ready for the next five days of adventure. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

19th --------- Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare Tent Lodge)

Today we will make the short drive to the area where we put in for the Pacuare River. National Geographic has this listed as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet and in our opinion no doubt the most scenic area in Costa Rica. We will spend around two hours rafting today stopping for a river lunch which will give you time just to enjoy the water and swim around the river bank. After lunch we will raft for a bit more and then arrive to the tent-lodge. This is a beautiful area and yes it is camping but not roughing it by any means. There are showers, bathrooms, and above ground tents that make for some of the best sleeping since you're surrounded by the rainforest and the sound of the river nearby. All your meals are prepared fresh for you at the campground and it is just a night of fun, food, drink, jungle, stars, and the sound of the river. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

20th --------- Raft Pacuare Canyon & Drive to Arenal Volcano (Casa Luna Lodge)

River Lunch for 8

Today will be two hours of the trip you will not forget. The second half of the Pacuare River which we will be running today has two hours of the most scenic and largest rapids of the river. It is a great run and fun from start to finish. We will wake up and have a hearty breakfast and the make our way down the river. When we take out of the river we will clean up, dry off, and then head to the Arenal Volcano. This is long day of travel but it really is not that bad with the scenery and after coming out of the jungle for a night, the ride just seems to be irrelevant to a nice comfy seat in the van. We will have dinner waiting for you at Casa Luna. The hotel has a beautiful pool, great food, and excellent views of the volcano. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

21st ---------- Zipline & Hike National Park (Casa Luna Lodge)

If the rafting was not enough adventure for you then maybe hanging 700ft above the rainforest floor will do the trick. This is an amazing adventure and with over 100 different ziplines in the country we think the one we take you on is still the best. After flying through the clouds with great views of the volcano we will take you to the National Park of Arenal which has an interesting hike around the lava rock and gives you an up-close view of the volcano. In the evening you can go back to your hotel and enjoy the pool and just relax with views of the volcano. (Meals: Breakfast)

22nd --------- Rio Celeste (Casa Luna Lodge)

Arenal Volcano

If you are in for some more  hiking today, one of the more beautiful hikes in the country is at the Rio Celeste. Here you will hike flat ground, hills, and then use all fours to climb on some rocks. It is a great day of hiking that most all can do. The reward is the river that is the color of the sky. It is due to the nearby volcano and the mixture of gases that give it this almost fake looking color. The Rio Celeste has thermal waters also that are completely natural. It has an enormous waterfalls which is actually the sky blue color. A day at Rio Celeste is a little off the beaten path but worth the visit if you enjoy hiking and jaw-dropping scenery. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

23rd ---------- Canyoneering & Hotsprings (Casa Luna Lodge)

The canyoneering is a must-do adventure for those looking for fun and excitement. The canyon you will be rappeling, climbing, hiking, whatever it takes to get you down is near the hotel. This is a half day adventure where you will rappel three different waterfalls the highest being 140ft. After the canyoneering you can have some time in town to do souvenir shopping or just relax at the pool as we get ready for the hotsprings. The hotsprings you will be going to in the evening are basically very luxurious pools. It is a great last night to celebrate all of the adventures accomplished and start planning the next Costa Rica adventure! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

24th ---------- Fly Home!

Today we will make the transfer to the airport which is around two hours. Having a flight around mid afternoon would be best from the San Jose Airport.  (Meals: Breakfast)