Explore Costa Rica: The Avid Explorer Itinerary

Explore Costa Rica’s Jungles, Rivers, Volcanoes, Wildlife, Coffee Lands & Beaches

The name of the Avid Explorer Itinerary says it all! This is the ideal trip for travelers who are eager to explore Costa Rica with an itinerary that includes as many adventures as possible. On this journey, you’ll traverse Costa Rica by road, air, and water, immersing yourself in the vibrant jungles, winding rivers, majestic volcanoes, national parks, and stunning beaches. Expect to encounter the rich biodiversity of Costa Rican wildlife, explore underwater marine life, and enjoy the lush coffee lands. We aim for you to return home, saying you’ve truly experienced it all! Like many of our guests, we believe this adventure will leave you eager to come back and explore even more.

This Costa Rica vacation begins at the base of the active Turrialba Volcano, where you and your group will embark on a thrilling two-day whitewater rafting adventure. After your river adventure, you’ll be privately transported to the natural hot springs at Arenal Volcano, where you can unwind in geothermal pools or choose from a range of adventures, including canyoning, hiking, rafting, or waterfall visits.

Next, the Avid Explorer itinerary continues with an in-country flight to the pristine Osa Peninsula. At your eco-friendly resort in Drake Bay, a naturalist guide will lead you through the majestic, untouched landscapes of Corcovado National Park, and you’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel around Caño Island.

This itinerary is perfect for active couples, honeymooners, families, or groups with prior travel experience and plenty of energy. Families should be aware that some of the suggested activities require participants to be twelve years or older. Children especially enjoy the adventure-filled schedule. Each itinerary is customizable to fit your group’s needs, making this an ideal choice for those seeking a unique Costa Rican travel experience.

The Avid Explorer’s Top 3 Highlights

• Hiking in Corcovado Park & Unforgettable Snorkeling in Drake Bay – Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s natural wonders, both on land and at sea. A naturalist guide will accompany you as you uncover the hidden gems of Corcovado National Park, followed by an unforgettable snorkeling experience in the lively waters of Drake Bay.
• Air Travel to and frome Drake Bay – Soar 6,000 feet above Costa Rica’s breathtaking rainforest for views of majestic waterfalls, winding rivers, and smoldering volcanoes—a scenic journey unlike any other.
• Raft the Rio Pacuare & Overnight in the Rainforest – Paddle through the mighty whitewater rapids of the Río Pacuare, one of the world’s top five rivers for adventure. Whether you’re with family, friends, or a loved one, this exhilarating rafting experience will be a highlight of your trip. Afterward, unwind with an overnight stay in the heart of the rainforest.

Suggested 9-Day Itinerary to Explore Costa Rica in Full

Day #1: Arrival – Sleep Majestically in Boutique Lodging at the Base of Turrialba Volcano

When you arrive at San Jose Airport (SJO), a private vehicle will transport you to the valley of Turrialba where towering mountains and winding rivers welcome you into this beautiful country. You’ll pass through quaint and rustic towns on your way to a cozy bed and breakfast on the eastern side of Turrialba. Your first sunset over the volcano will be to die for!

Day #2: Exhilarating Whitewater Rafting & Overnight Stay

Rafting the Río Pacuare on day two promises an unforgettable adventure. You’ll navigate the rapids alongside an expert guide who knows every twist and turn of this world-class river. After a day of heart-pounding action, you will arrive at a remote jungle lodge perched right on the riverbank. Despite its wild surroundings, the lodge offers all the modern comforts you need—running water, showers, toilets, and a fully stocked kitchen. Picture yourself unwinding in a hammock, gazing up at a sky blanketed in stars. After a hearty meal, you can either relax or dive into more excitement, with options like a zip-line canopy tour or a trek to hidden waterfalls led by your river guides.

Day #3: More Rafting & Evening Soak in the Hot Springs

As your whitewater rafting trip continues, you’ll snake through the Dos Montañas (Two Mountains) river canyon amongst majestic waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and unfamiliar flora. Zip through class III and IV rapids that attract whitewater aficionados from around the world, as you travel downriver. Once the rafting trip comes to an end, your group will be escorted (with your luggage) by a private driver to the Arenal Volcano area, where you’ll unwind at a hot springs resort.

Day #4: Adventure Day at Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica Escapes leaves this day open for your family to choose from several thrilling adventures in the Arenal region, all included in the Avid Explorer Itinerary.

Canyoning is a popular choice, that involves repelling down jungle waterfalls with the assurance of professional, bilingual guides helping you stay safe along the way.

For those looking for a slower-paced adventure, opt for a guided hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park, where you’ll find breathtaking waterfalls and river trails. You can also explore Arenal Volcano National Park on foot or horseback, where you’ll spot exotic wildlife and witness remnants of past lava flows.

Day #5: Soar over the jungle on your flight to Drake Bay – Afternoon to Explore

Start your morning with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast as you gaze at the majestic volcano that towers over the surrounding landscape. After breakfast, you’ll hop on your flight to the famous Drake Bay in the Osa Peninsula, considered to be one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. Once on land, an off-road vehicle will transport you and your group through rivers and over jungle hills to your final destination– an eco-lodge high up in the hills. An included welcome lunch awaits your group before an afternoon of beach and jungle exploration. Dinner and the next day’s meals will be included in your itinerary so you can focus your time and energy on exploring this Costa Rican wonderland.

Day #6: Underwater Exploration on a snorkel or scuba tour of Isla del Caño

After breakfast, you’ll set off on a short boat ride to Isla del Caño, a stunning biological reserve off the coast of Drake Bay. This island, rich in marine life and pre-Colombian artifacts, offers an unforgettable snorkeling adventure. Dive into the warm waters and swim among exotic, tropical marine life. After your day of exploration, the boat will return you to the eco-lodge, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and reflect on the day’s adventure while watching the sunset over the Pacific.

Day #7: Explore the wonders of Corcovado National Park on a guided rainforest hike

Today’s excursion will take you to one of the world’s most pristine national parks. After breakfast, you’ll board a boat bound for Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica’s largest protected area and a mecca of biodiversity. This massive park covers much of the Osa Peninsula and is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife. In fact, Corcovado contains 10% of all mammal species found in the Western Hemisphere. Your guided hike will take you deep into the rainforest, where you’ll encounter a variety of animals in their natural habitat.

Day #8: One Last Adventure (La Paz Waterfalls)

Take some time this morning to unwind. Enjoy a leisurely beach stroll, reflecting on the adventures and beauty you’ve encountered during your trip thus far. Soon, you’ll catch a short flight back to central Costa Rica. Skip the boring airport hotel and instead head to the nearby La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The stunning waterfalls and the serene Peace Lodge offer an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.

Day #9: Time to Fly Home!

Wake up to a tropical morning meal and have one last cup of Costa Rican coffee today. You’re heading home! We will arrange for your (private) transport to SJO airport from your hotel.

Things to Know When Exploring Costa Rica on this Itinerary

• The Avid Explorer itinerary is designed primarily for travelers flying into San Jose (SJO) airport, though we can customize it to accommodate arrivals and departures from Liberia (LIR) airport for an additional fee and extra travel days..
• For the whitewater rafting segment, participants must be at least 12 years old. If you have younger children, we can adapt the itinerary to suit your family’s needs.
• Keep in mind that seasonal conditions may also impact the age recommendations for certain activities.
• While guided tours are not included during leisure days or optional activities, they can be added to enhance your experience if your family wishes to incorporate more guided tours into the itinerary.

Costs for the Costa Rica Avid Explorer Itinerary

Please keep in mind that costs may change depending on seasonality and resource availability.

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9-Day Avid Explorer Vacation Itinerary

Costs for the Avid Explorer itinerary are tailored to each group, reflecting the extensive customization options available. To provide a personalized quote for your family or group, we ask that you submit your information through the form below and then schedule a brief phone call with us. This way, we can better understand your needs and preferences for an unforgettable trip.

8-Day Avid Explorer Vacation Itinerary

Based on our experience, we highly recommend a minimum of 9 days (8 nights) to fully enjoy the Avid Explorer itinerary. However, exceptions can be made based on flight schedules. If your travel time is limited to 7 or 8 nights, we suggest considering the Remote Adventure Itinerary. This option allows you to choose between visiting Arenal or experiencing the Pacuare River overnight trip alongside a visit to Drake Bay for a more condensed adventure.

11-Day Avid Explorer Vacation Itinerary

The Avid Explorer itinerary can be extended to include more time in Arenal and Drake Bay. This will extend the trip by two days (total of 11 days).

What Our Clients Say:

You set up an incredible adventure vacation that my boys will never forget. I don’t think you missed a detail. I can not thank you enough. It was the greatest family adventure trip we have ever done. Thank you! — Matt

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