Costa Rica Rainforest & River Explorer

On the Pacuare River, our guides use paddle rafts to navigate the rapids. One of the sportiest of crafts on the water, 4-6 guests handle a paddle while the guide steers and gives directions from the rear. Paddling together is essential to finding the right run, and teamwork begets success. It’s a thrilling way to brave the rapids. Helmets required.

On this lodge-based Costa Rica trip, you’ll stay at four unique and comfortable hotels/lodges as we explore different regions: 

Studio Hotel – Five-star boutique “art” hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica. (Night 1)

Rios Lodge – Nestled in the jungle on a 2,000-acre private reserve above the Pacuare Gorge, the sustainable eco-lodge offers very comfortable accommodations in “Cabecar Indian” style bungalows with spacious rooms, private bathrooms, and hot water showers provided by the self-sufficient mini hydro plant that generates the electricity. Beautiful tropical gardens frame the native wood structures. (Nights 2, 3)

Arenal Manoa Hotel – A beautiful Arenal resort where you can relax and enjoy the marvelous view of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica while soaking in the resort’s mineral-rich thermal springs. Surrounded by gardens, pastures, and animals, the rooms have been designed so that each one offers you a panoramic view of the Arenal volcano. Guests can take advantage of the spacious gardens for walking and meditation, as well as the opportunity to see the daily operations of a typical Costa Rican farm. (Nights 4, 5)

Hotel San Bada – Located adjacent to the Manuel Antonio National Park entrance, Hotel San Bada is just a few steps from Espadilla Beach. Enjoy views of the jungle and the ocean from the hotel, and discover the wildlife from your balcony as you listen to waves crashing nearby. The hotel has multiple swimming pools, including an adults-only pool with a pool bar and a great ocean view for a perfect sunset spot. (Nights 6-8)

At all of our partner lodges, you can expect comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. Amenities vary by property.

Meals

Costa Rica is known for its varied cuisine. You will be able to experience a variety of foods during your stay. Fresh fruit and seafood are a special delight. 

We need to know as soon as possible about any dietary restrictions we must consider in planning your trip. If you have food allergies or necessary restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

In the cloud and rainforest areas this trip will visit, average temperatures range from the high 80s to low 60s. It can rain at any time in Costa Rica (there is a lot of rainforest), and rain gear is a must! Guests are also advised to bring a warm layer for evenings, particularly in San Jose. Humidity can be expected throughout the region. Elevation ranges from 0 to 3,845 ft (the highest point is the city of San Jose).

Averages for San Jose:

Averages for Manuel Antonio:

Pacuare River

The Pacuare River, or Rio Pacuare, has been named one of the top ten rivers in the world by National Geographic. Winding through lush, primary rainforest, the Rio Pacuare offers unparalleled views of Costa Rican wildlife and natural beauty. The rainforest that surrounds the river is home to exotic species such as jaguars, monkeys, ocelots, and a great number of birds, including toucans, kingfishers, herons, hawks, osprey, egrets, and orioles. Add exciting Class III and IV whitewater rafting on warm, celadon-colored water, and you can expect a tropical adventure packed with rich experiences that will offer memories to last a lifetime.

Reservations and Deposits

A $500/person deposit is required at the time of booking with final payment due 90 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 80 days before the departure date will be canceled.

Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 7 days, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior to the final payment due date.

Cancellations and Refunds
Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.

Requests to transfer a date will be treated as a cancellation, per the terms above.

We regret we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.

Canceled Trips

OARS International and the outfitter Tropical Rivers & Adventures Tours reserve the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 30 days prior to departure. Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have verified with OARS that your trip is confirmed.

If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less the initial deposit amount and any non-refundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers; however, we cannot guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.