Costa Rica: Eco Adventure

Trip Summary

Explore the best of Costa Rica’s stunning Guanacaste province on this exciting six-day adventure. Immerse yourself in a world full of volcanic features, cloud forests, and jungle waterfalls. This tour strikes the perfect balance of Pura Vida (pure life) with lots of action- packed adventure as well as opportunities to slow down for rest and relaxation. Discover Rincon de la Vieja National Park where you’ll zip line through the treetops and float down a tropical river. After three action-packed days, travel to laid-back Playa Carrillo to immerse yourself in the white sand beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Discover local reefs via kayak, snorkel, or stand-up paddleboard.

The toughest part is going home.SM Costa Rica: Eco Adventure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Liberia | Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Liberia, Costa Rica Arrival: Welcome to Costa Rica! Your guides will pick you up in the morning from your pre-trip hotel. Transfer Time: 1 Hour Rincon de la Vieja National Park: Named after one of three volcanoes in the area, Rincon de la Vieja National Park boasts rolling green hills, gushing waterfalls, and lush cloud forest. The park attracts travellers year round who come to explore its volcanoes, hot springs and picturesque waterfalls. The name “Rincon de la Vieja” translates to “The Old Woman’s Corner”, referencing a local legend about a girl who became a recluse on the volcano’s slopes after her lover was thrown into the volcano by her father. Accommodation: Hacienda Guachipelin (D)

Day 2: Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Canyon Canopy Zip Lining: Prepare for the exhilarating Midworld Canopy zipline tour. You're in for an incredible adrenaline rush on our exclusive Canyon Canopy Tour, one of the best adventure tours in Guanacaste. On this one-of-a-kind Costa Rica zip line tour, you will fly through the trees on zip lines, rappel, rock climb, and swing like Tarzan! Las Chorreras Waterfall Hike: Walk through a dry tropical forest to Chorrera Falls and a beautiful swimming spot. This alluring waterfall meets up with the Blanco River to create an enticing blue pool at its base where we are tempted to jump in for a quick soak.

The toughest part is going home.SM Rio Negro Tubing and Hot Springs: Head to the crystal clear river for a two-hour floating experience. Drift down class II and III rapids in big inflatable tubes for approximately two hours. There are many quiet sections along the river where you can appreciate the beautiful surrounding tropical scenery. Afterwards, visit the hot springs at the hotel, relaxing in the pools with clay hot springs. Accommodation: Hacienda Guachipelin (B,L,D)

Day 3: Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Cangreja Falls Hike: Hike about three miles to Cangreja Falls, a challenging hike to the largest waterfall in Rincon de La Vieja Volcano National Park. Along the trail you can see wildlife such as white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys and spider monkeys, coatis, armadillos, agoutis, iguanas, and birds such as the bobo bird or the emerald tucancillo. Copper minerals that come from the volcano, dissolved in the water, give the water a heavenly blue color. Las Pailas Loop Trail: The Las Pailas Trail spectacularly shows the power of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. Steam and sulfur come from natural fumaroles of the yellow and rusty soil. Walk just over two miles on the Las Pailas circular path through the tropical forest to enjoy the best views of the volcano, incredible nature, volcanic activity, and wildlife. Accommodation: Hacienda Guachipelin (B,L,D)

The toughest part is going home.SM Day 4: Rincon de la Vieja Volcano | Playa Carrillo

Rincon de la Vieja Birdwatching: With over 900 species of birds, Costa Rica is one of the world’s top destinations for birding. The Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is replete with birdwatching opportunities due to its diverse ecosystems. Strike out in the morning with a local guide to discover the 300 different bird species which have been identified in the area, including the Spectacled Owl, the Curassow and the Montezuma Oropendola. Transfer Time: 4 Hours Playa Carrillo, Costa Rica: Unlike the developed beaches further to the north of Puerto Carrillo, a charming fishing village, Playa Carrillo is quiet and relaxed. The delightful white-sand beaches on the western Costa Rica coast have small waves, warm turquoise waters and a collection of lovely tidal pools. The nearby village, Puerto Carrillo, is known for its inviting beaches and laid- back atmosphere. Playa Carrillo Stand Up Paddle Boarding: The beaches of Carrillo have some of the most tranquil waves in Costa Rica. It is the ideal place to begin your paddle boarding adventure. You will be taught by an experienced guide how to first kneel, and then stand up on the board, as well as the correct way to paddle. Accommodation: Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows (B,L,D)

Day 5: Isla Chora | Samara Beach

Isla Chora Kayaking: Transfer to the launch site for a sea kayaking and snorkeling adventure at Isla Chora. This small island is located just a short distance from Samara Beach. There is a stunning coral reef to explore where you can walk the beaches of the island (water shoes recommended). This afternoon join in on an optional surfing lesson (additional cost), more snorkeling or relaxing on the beach. The choice is yours. Samara Beach Optional Surf Lesson: Surf's up! Learn from a professional how to surf on Samara Beach. Your gear will be provided and the ocean is yours to explore by board. Accommodation: Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows (B,L,D)

The toughest part is going home.SM Day 6: Liberia

Transfer Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes Liberia, Costa Rica Departure: Your guide will drop you at Liberia Airport for your international flight home. Accommodation: (B)

*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.

The toughest part is going home.SM Costa Rica: Eco Adventure

Distinctive Accommodation

Hacienda Guachipelin - 3 night(s) Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is an eco-lodge located at the foot of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Rooms feature modern amenities including complimentary Wi- Fi, air conditioning, ceiling fan, safe, and a private bathroom. The in-house restaurant serves traditional Costa Rican dishes while the downstairs bar serves a variety of beverages and features live music at night. The hotel also features a spa which offers a large selection of treatments.

Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows - 2 night(s) Nammbu is a family hotel located in Playa Carrillo, Costa Rica, within walking distance of the beach. The hotel has recently implemented an Environmental Management System and is specifically focused on preserving the biodiversity of the local ecosystem. There is an on-site restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and free parking. Accommodations are equipped with cable TV, air conditioning, mini bar, mini fridge, telephone, coffee maker, hairdryer and safe. For daily activities, guests can partake in water sports or explore the surrounding area.

The toughest part is going home.SM Costa Rica: Eco Adventure

Activities Featured on This Trip

Hiking: Most hikes on this adventure are considered easy to moderate (2 to 4 miles with up to 400 feet of elevation gain). Oftentimes, we’ll do several shorter hikes over the course of one day. If a more difficult hike is listed on this itinerary, its mileage and elevation gain will be listed in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary. Zip Lining: The act of zip lining involved riding down one or more cables, and thanks to the force of gravity, experiencing the thrill of flight. You’ll be fitted with a harness and a mechanism connecting you to the zip line cable. Your professional zip guide will give you instruction and off you go! No experience necessary. Kayaking: Our goal while kayaking is to stick to the flatwater sections of the body of water we’re paddling in. Your group will stick together as your guide navigates the best path to keep the group safe. Gear and paddling instruction provided. Stand Up Paddleboarding: Float across the water on a paddleboard at your leisure. Gear and instruction will be provided, no previous experience necessary. Surfing: Ride the waves after learning surfing etiquette and technique. Gear and instruction will be provided, no previous experience necessary.

The toughest part is going home.SM What's Included?

Included in Trip Price:

• Double occupancy rooms with private baths • All meals as listed in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) • Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners • Any necessary equipment - all safe and well-maintained • Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip • Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service • Access to a guest portal with trip planner materials • Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees

Not Included in Trip Price:

• Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides • Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities • One dinner during the trip • Pre- and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses • Air and land transportation to/from host cities • All types of travel insurance • Personal expenses

Our Partner – Costa Rica Sun Tours:

Austin Adventures is proudly offering this trip in conjunction with Costa Rica Sun Tours. Sun Tours is an active travel company focusing on eco-tourism, natural history, wildlife observation and the vibrant culture of the Costa Rican people. Their goal is to create a unique travel experience that transcends conventional sightseeing and tourist travel. Sun Tours aims to provide an in-depth perspective of Costa Rica that shares a world and lifestyle which is totally different and which will serve to enrich the visitor’s personal experience. Costa Rica Sun Tours was founded to help the sophisticated traveler explore Costa Rica – its flora and fauna, its people and culture and its wild and beautiful places.

The toughest part is going home.SM