Costa Rican Honeymoon Escape

Day 4

Whitewater Raft to Puerto Viejo

The morning starts early from your hotel in Arenal as we depart for the incredible adventure of traveling to your next destination in Puerto Viejo via whitewater rafting!

The Pacuare river is world famous for its sheer beauty. A true river gorge, it is flanked by steep, green walls. Here you enjoy the feeling of total isolation from urban life and connection with nature. You’ll see waterfalls cascade into the river from both sides as colorful, tropical birds fly right over your head. Amazing views of this virgin tropical rainforest area appear before your eyes as you descend into this true exploratory land. Wildlife is abundant, with sloths, toucans, parrots, coatis, morpho butterflies and colorful frogs being common sights.

The whitewater rafting is equally exciting! Only a moderately challenging river (class III-IV), it is one of the few rivers in the world to offer the near continuous experience of rapids, a total of 52 of them. It will be an experience filled with joy and excitement.

The first four miles consist of fun class II-III rapids which is a perfect time to test your new river skills and gain confidence in your team. Here you can find pockets of secondary growth forest that is extremely beautiful. After about 40 minutes we will enter the famous Pacuare River Gorge, which is 5 miles of some of the best white water Costa Rica has to offer. The rapids include the "Terciopelo snake," "Double drop," "Upper and Lower Huacas," and "Pin ball" to name a few. You will also see the Huacas waterfall, a 150 foot dramatic drop into the river.

After the gorge the rivers opens up to a five mile stretch on the Valle del Pacuare, where the river has a different character. It is wide open, which gives you the opportunity to rest a bit and take the opportunity to do some wildlife spotting. The main rapids here are "Cimarrones", "The Play Hole", "El Indio" and "Magnetic Rock". The forest remains just as lush, and the rapids just as fun.

We finish in Siquirres, at our own private Exploration Center, where you can take a shower, change and enjoy the gardens and terrace while having a beer or two and reflecting with your new friends about the great adventure you just shared. Following the rafting adventure, you will transfer to your hotel in Puerto Viejo de Limon for a late afternoon arrival.

Known for its laid back attitude and famous surfing, Puerto Viejo beckons visitors to come experience Costa Rica’s eccentric side.  The village’s cultural influences are interesting to be sure, including a mix of Afro-Caribbean and Bribri. Puerto Viejo has recently become a hit with tourists due to its cultural allure, stunning white-sand beaches, tropical vegetation and its proximity to national parks.  Nearby Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a chance to observe the region’s stunning wildlife, both of which are only a short drive away.  

Indian, tico and hippyesque counterculture, this small port town is an anthropological study in itself. 

Days 5-7

Puerto Viejo Free Days

Enjoy these days to explore the area on your own, or book a tour with your hotel concierge.

Suggested tours:

Surf Lessons: Due to its great variety of beaches, Puerto Viejo is the best place to come if you want to learn how to surf. With waves for every skill level and our experienced teachers, you will be in the best hands no matter if you’re a newbie or a pro.

Cahuita Snorkeling and Rainforest Hike: Only 25 minutes from Aguas Claras, Cahuita is the best-known National Park on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. Home to the largest system of coral reefs in Costa Rica, explore them and the abundant marine life they shelter including harmless reef sharks and stingrays. Once onshore, enjoy a 1-hour guided hike through Cahuita’s coastal rainforest in search of monkeys, sloths, birds and the many other critters that call this Caribbean Coast home.

Punta Uva Bike, Hike, and Kayak: For those seeking a close encounter with nature, you’ll find it in beautiful Punta Uva. Just 10 minutes from Aguas Claras, this tour brings together three different ways to soak up the best of Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. Peddle past the palms on a scenic coastal bike ride. Kayak in the calm waters of Eduardo Creek spotting monkeys, sloths, toucans and river turtles along the way. And to finish on a high, hike your way up to the popular lookout for magical views far down the coastline and out to sea. They seldom disappoint.

Canopy Tour: An exhilarating journey through the jungle treetops! The drive from the hotel is approximately 40 minutes, and after being fitted with proper equipment, you’ll soon be in the heart of the forest. A hike through the thickest part of this patch of primary forest, will lead to the remaining platforms and cables, which provide a bird’s eye view as you crisscross over the jungle canopy. Towards the end you can swing down to the ground on a Tarzan swing, rappel down or descend on the last cable.

Rainforest Hike in Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge: Enjoy a unique jungle adventure at The Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge, which is only 15 minutes away from the hotel. With the help of a specialized guide, you will be able to interpret the sights and sounds and find golden opportunities to observe the abundant flora and variety of animals such as monkeys, toucans, sloths and countless bird species. At the end of the hike, you will relax on the beach and enjoy a delicious fresh fruit snack before returning to the hotel.

Talamanca Bribi Reserve, Chocolate Processing, and Waterfall: Located only about 30 minutes away from Puerto Viejo, Bribrí is the largest indigenous community in the country. In this five hour tour, you’ll get a close encounter with the rich indigenous culture of Watsi, discover the ancient tradition of making chocolate, and cool off in the beautiful waterfalls of Bribri.

Jaguar Rescue Center: Come in direct contact with monkeys, wild cats, sloths, anteaters and the most venomous snakes in Costa Rica, housed in terrariums imitating their natural habitat. Guided by professionals with extensive training with our animals, you will see things you wouldn’t even have known to look for and learn things you could never imagine. Enjoy this unique experience while you support our daily effort to rescue, rehabilitate and protect the wild animals of Costa Rica.

Ara Project: The Manzanillo field station is located in a primary tropical rainforest boasting an impressive lookout point where you get spectacular views of the forest and the ocean. See the once abundant Great Green Macaws flying free in Caribbean lowland forest, their natural home. As you watch this spectacular natural show, your guide will provide information about the project. Our release site not only provides a protected habitat for the Great Green Macaws but also a plethora of other forest life, three different species of Toucan, monkeys, frogs, reptiles and a whole host of other bird life. This tour is a truly inspiring experience for any nature enthusiast.

ARENAL KIORO SUITES & SPA
Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa is located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, providing a fabulous location and natural viewpoint of the Arenal Volcano. The hotel has 27 acres of undulating land, surrounded by two streams of crystalline waters that originate within the Arenal Volcano National Park. It has two walking paths with abundant plant species. Additionally, private thermal springs surrounded by exuberant gardens make for a relaxing experience.

Heliconias Restaurant offers exquisite dishes elaborate by our chef with original recipes based on international food with specialties on meats and sea food.

Neidin Spa is a little nest where you can awaken your senses with sounds of nature. To achieve the balance of your body and soul is our motivation. Other amenities include a bar, a spa, a swimming pool, a games room, a garden, a terrace and a fitness centre.

Hotel Aguas Claras
Puerto Viejo

Hotel Aguas Claras is located just outside the eclectic village of Puerto Viejo, in Playa Chiquita, on the Southern Caribbean Coast.The tastefully renovated Victorian style houses are fully equipped with a kitchenette, small refrigerator, lounge, AC & fans, Wi-Fi, etc.

The Caribbean’s crystal clear waters give way to remote sand beaches, coconut palm trees and a dramatic blue sky. This place leaves a permanent impression on one's mind. You get into the rhythm of the primary rainforest, you grow with the flowers, breathe with the ocean and experience full awareness of life and rejuvenating energy.

PRICE: Please inquire for pricing

Deposit: 30% due today
Final Balance: Remaining balance due 90 days prior to departure