COS TA R I C A MULT ISP O RT ADV ENTU RE TRIP HIGHLIGHTS • Kayak through the lush rain forests of Tortuguero National Park and learn about the Atlantic sea turtles that nest here. • Set off on a white-water rafting adventure down the Pacuare River, and spot monkeys, sloths, colorful birds, and more. • Hike into the cloud forest in search of the rare quetzal bird, and sail through the rain forest canopy on a zip line. • Explore the colonial towns and coffee plantations of the Orosi Valley.
I T I N E R A RY
| 9 DAYS
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 I SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA/TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Arrive in San José and spend the night at a hotel set amid tropical gardens. Begin the next day with a scenic flight to Tortuguero National Park, a lowland tropical wet forest accessible only by water or air. A short boat ride brings us to our hotel perched on the water’s edge. Kayak still waterways that cut through the forest, encountering varied wildlife, from poison dart frogs and spider monkeys to sloths, river otters, caimans, and many lizards and birds. During departures that coincide with their nesting season, search for the Atlantic sea turtles for which the park is named. The turtles return here each year to nest, and the hatching of their young is a harrowing but fascinating ritual that dates back millions of years. XANDARI RESORT & SPA; TORTUGA LODGE & GARDENS Day 2: 2–3 miles paddling (3 hours); Day 3: 4–5 miles paddling (4 hours)
DAYS 4, 5, AND 6
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PACUARE RIVER
Travel by boat and by road to the Pacuare River, where we set off on our white-water rafting adventure. Paddle through lush forest and descend several technical drops. Later, arrive at Above: Rafters paddle past a waterfall on the Pacuare River.
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our eco-lodge where we see toucans and other colorful species on a bird-watching hike; swing through the forest canopy on a zip line; and hike to waterfalls. Return to the river to raft a stunning stretch of white water past waterfalls and down lush gorges. Stop for a swim, and then take out near Siquirres and journey into the cloud forest. RIOS TROPICALES LODGE; TROGON LODGE Day 4: 4–5 miles paddling (2 hours); Day 5: 4–5 miles hiking (4 hours); Day 6: 6–8 miles paddling (3–4 hours)
DAYS 7, 8, AND 9 I SAN GERARDO DE DOTA/OROSI VALLEY/SAN JOSÉ Hike into the cloud forest and encounter a wide spectrum of wildlife—including, with luck, the quetzal, a near-threatened bird that is endemic to Mesoamerica. Take advantage of a free afternoon to explore our lodge and its gardens, go on another hike, or enjoy one of the optional activities offered in the area. Rise early for a birding walk before we drive to Orosi Valley, one of the first areas of Costa Rica settled by the Spanish colonists. Have lunch at a coffee plantation. In Cartago, visit the Basilica Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, an ornate church honoring Costa Rica’s patron saint. After our farewell dinner in San José, depart the next day for home. TROGON LODGE; XANDARI RESORT & SPA Day 7: 4–5 miles hiking (4 hours); Day 8: 1–2 miles hiking (2 hours)
INFORMATION Activity Level This trip is suitable for beginner and expert
Moderate
kayakers and rafters alike; no previous experience is necessary. We will be paddling stable, two-person kayaks for an average of 3–4 hours, and will be rafting 2–4 hours (approximately 4–8 miles per day) on Class II–IV rapids. We will hike 2–4 hours (1–5 miles) on some days.
DATES 2017: Dec. 24–Jan. 1, 2018 2018: Feb. 25–Mar. 5 • Mar. 17–25 July 21–29 • Dec. 22–30
COST
$4,395 $4,595
2017: 2018:
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,100. Airfare to/from San José and airfare within Costa Rica is not included in the cost. The group flight within Costa Rica is $200 (subject to change). There is a $200 holiday surcharge for the December departures. All meals are included between group arrival and departure, with the exception of dinner on Day 1.
Maximum group size: 14
ACCOMMODATIONS We will stay 6 nights in comfortable, well-located lodges and resorts. We will stay 2 nights in charming, rustic bungalows at an eco-lodge accessible only by foot or waterway.
CALL 1-888-689-2557 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/ACTIVE
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6/6/17 5:52 PM