Overview:
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Departure date: May 24-29
Meeting point: Best Western Irazu Hotel, San Jose
Tour group size: 50 people
Costa Rica is a tranquil haven of democracy in Central America with no army, excellent hospitals, well-educated people, with a great respect for human rights. Ticos, as the Costa Ricans are known, are a friendly, helpful and tolerant people. A majority of Costa Rica’s residents speak at least some English and will try to help tourists. They favor moderation, and therefore have managed to avoid the political fanaticism of their neighbors. This small country, roughly the size of West Virginia, has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. With much to see and do here, from the heights of active volcanoes to palm-fringed beaches, it is impossible to explore everything is just one week. Twelve percent of the land has been set aside as national reserves to protect the astonishing number of plants, birds, reptiles, insects and mammals. Ticos are proud of their country and all is has to offer and most willingly share their knowledge about the surrounding areas.
While in San Jose a comfortable, clean, and centrally located hotel is utilized. Each of the rooms has a private bathroom, telephone, and satellite television. There is a restaurant, bar, pool, and Internet access available. On the rafting expedition, the first and second night is spent camping in the hostel style rooms with bunk beds and shared bathroom bungalows. While staying in the bungalows you will share bathrooms and showering rooms with the other guests. This place provides a relaxing and authentic slumber environment. While staying in La Fortuna Arenal, the Volcano lodge itself is set within a tropical garden, watching over the fiery activity of the Arenal volcano and close to the thrills of a canopy adventure and the calm relaxation of some of the most beautiful hot springs in the world. Each room is tastefully decorated to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Meals are casual and there is plenty of food to go around. Highlights of the meals are the fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. Bottled water is available with every meal and at stops along the way. Special dietary needs can be accommodated only with advance notice.
Currently only a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of the trip and round-trip ticket are needed for entry into Costa Rica, a visa is not required for stays under 90 days. Immunizations are not required for entry; however we recommend that clients consult a physician for their own personal needs. The currency used in Costa Rica is the Colon; however in many large tourist areas it is also possible to use US dollars. It is best to use Colon to obtain the fairest exchange rates.Although there are ATM machines available in many areas they are not reliable and their use is not recommended. The ATMs primarily use Visa; bank ATMs will accept other types of cards. Do not rely solely on ATM transactions for cash; it is best to have a sufficient amount of traveler’s checks.
Introduction
Costa Rica offers some of the world’s finest whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers.
Wild and untamed, these big, brash rivers plunge through spectacularly beautiful, largely unexplored tropical wilderness. Enjoy a tropical river with a skilled and reputable guide service, organized in 1985 to share the beauty and abundant whitewater of Costa Rica with the rest of the world. The owners and guides have explored numerous rivers and participated in Olympic Games as well as several rafting and kayaking World Championships. A commitment to high quality, safety and exceptional service has helped them become the largest whitewater rafting and sea-kayaking outfitter in Latin America. Our outfitter has been recognized internationally for its efforts in conservation, reforestation and education of the local population.
Activity level
Those considering this holiday should be:
Prepared to learn to paddle a raft. Ready to get out of rafts (if necessary) for short walks. Willing to share a room/tent and bathroom in rustic settings. Able to swim in river conditions.
Costa Rica is a very diverse country with many things to see. It is important to observe the recommendations of your guide to maximize your chances to observe wildlife. The environment in some areas is very fragile, please take extreme care and obey all postings and suggestions. Rafting provides some wonderful memories; we suggest the purchase of a disposable waterproof camera to use on these days. Extra clothing and gear can be left with the Rios Tropicales staff during rafting trip on the river. It is imperative that you remove all of your luggage from Best Western Irazu Hotel in San Jose. The Rios Tropicales Lodge in the jungle offers all of the linens you will need with the exception of towels, so please plan on bringing a towel during the rafting portion.
Suggested gratuities: for the guide and staff $40 per participant, which should be given to the head guide for distribution at the end of the tour. It is customary to leave a gratuity for the housekeeping staff at the hotels, typically $1-2 per person each night. For the guides leading the canopy tours and other activities it is nice to leave a gratuity of $5-$10. Wait Staff $1 per meal. Van Drivers $1 per day, they keep our luggage safe while we are away. Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advanced notice. Please contact Alpine Adventures with requests. Current airport taxes are approximately $26 for international flights. You need to pay them at the San Jose airport at the day of return departure. The cash and credit cards are accepted.
This tour requires clothing suitable for a variety of environments. Evenings may have cool temperatures. It is important to dress in layers and be willing to wear appropriate clothing. Be aware that this trip moves almost every night, you are responsible for keeping your luggage with you and making sure it gets from lodge to lodge. Laundry service is not available on many parts of this tour so pack enough additional clothing for the entire tour.
- Passport
- Air tickets
- Contact Information
- Small Pack for overnight in jungle
- 1-2 Outfits to wear in the city (casual, 70-80°)
- Hiking shoes
- Sandals or tennis shoes (rubber soles for rafting)
- Sun hat
- Rain Jacket Sweater or fleece pullover
- Long sleeve shirts
- Short sleeve shirts
- Long trousers (quick drying material is best, not cotton)
- Shorts
- Warm sleeping attire
- Socks (some should be a quick drying material)
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Personal medication
- Toiletries
- Sunglasses with strap
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Lip balm
- Reading Material
- Small Flashlight
- Binoculars
- Camera and film
- Disposable waterproof camera
- Additional passport photos
- Copy of passport
- $26 for Departure Tax
