Endless adventures in Costa Rica - Travel Tales by Vacation Express

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Endless adventures in Costa Rica
Posted by Claire Kennard, 23 December 2009, 10:03
in Insider's Guide
To truly experience Costa Rica, the most diverse vacation destination in Latin America, you need to tear yourself away from the beach. While it's tempting to spend all your vacation on a tropical beach basking in the sun, no other destination can match the range of adventures and landscapes that Costa Rica offers travelers. From the million-year old rainforests, to spectacular volcanic eruptions, high mountains, mystical cloud forests, and picturesque villages, Costa Rica is a country like no other.
Whether you're looking for a gentle half-day excursion or an unforgettable adrenaline rush, there is an adventure for you. We guarantee you one thing – once you've tried one you'll be back for more!
White Water Rafting
Where? – Just about anywhere in the country, but easiest from Guanacaste, San Jose/Central Valley, Central Pacific and the Arenal regions.
What can I expect? - An exhilarating adventure with a chance to view Costa Rica's spectacular riverscapes. You select the level suitable for you and your group, including children ages 8 and up. Rivers such as the Sarapiqui, with class II or III rapids are ideal for beginners, while runs on the Savegre or Pacuare with class III and IV rapids are for the more adventurous and guaranteed to provide thrills. You are not strapped in to the raft, so when the white water hits the raft jumps and dips!
How much? - Approximately $80 USD per adult for a full day rafting trip or $60 USD for a half day. Some outfitters provide lunch or snacks while all will include round-trip transportation from your resort to the rafting point, experienced guides and all necessary equipment.
Tip – Secure footwear suitable for water adventures is best. Avoid flip-flops as they will fall off and can easily get lost.
Canopy Tours
Where? – Everywhere, some of the best are the San Lorenzo in the Central Valley, Selvatura Park in Monteverde and Turu Bari in Puntarenas. Sky Trek in Arenal and Monteverde offers a unique combination of a canopy tour and a gondola ride over the forest.
What can I expect? - A sure-fire way to get the adrenaline pumping! Strapped into a harness you’ll be connected to a horizontal cable suspended above the ground and then away you go, zipping through the trees and across the hills! Everyone can get involved, as a tandem option with a guide handling the braking, is also available for those who prefer and for smaller children from age 5. For a close encounter with nature try the Hanging Bridges tours where you trek along suspended bridges through the cloud forest or jungle accompanied by an experienced nature guide.
How much? - Approximately $50- $60 USD for half day tours to around $93 USD for the Monteverde one day tour. The Hanging Bridges Tour is $53pp.
Tip – Wear long pants with comfortable and secure shoes, and don't forget to take a camera, binoculars and insect repellent.
Canyoning
Where? – Arenal and Guanacaste regions.
What can I expect? - The Ultimate Waterfall Rappel!! You will receive instruction before your adventure begins, put on your gear and then embark on your journey tackling rappels, jumps, slides and trails on short treks. Most tours are suitable for anyone in moderate physical condition with no previous experience required.
How much? - Around $90 USD per adult, including instruction and equipment.
Tip – Wear secure, sturdy shoes and take clothes to get wet in, as well as a change of clothes for after the tour.
Kayaking
Where? – Manuel Antonio, Lake Arenal
What can I expect? - On either one or two person kayaks you'll depart from La Fortuna to enjoy a pleasant morning or afternoon of gentle kayaking on Lake Arenal with breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano. On your trip you may observe different species of birds like the “Flycatcher”, “Kingfisher”, “Great Blue Heron” and “Aninga” and may also possibly hear the Howler monkeys! In Manuel Antonio, kayak through an amazing mangrove looking for birds, anteaters and white faced monkeys.
How much? - Around $50 USD for the Lake Arenal Tour, $60 for Damas Island Kayaking tour
Tip – Wear a hat and sun block for protection, and don't forget to take a waterproof camera.
Horseback riding Where? – Arenal, Monteverde, Puntarenas, Nicoya Peninsula region. What can I expect? - Accompanied by professional, bilingual guides you will be mounted on a well-trained horse accustomed to non-experienced and experienced riders alike. On the Arenal ride, you'll find yourself fording crystal clear rivers and exploring lush tropical rainforest or dynamic waterfalls as you ride horseback in the shadow of the majestic volcano. This tour offers you the opportunity to get an up-close view of this rumbling behemoth as well as enjoy the surrounding landscape. How much? - Around $50 - $65 USD depending on the duration of the ride. Tip – Wear long pants with closed shoes, and take sunscreen and insect repellent. And there's so much more! Exhilarating ATV tours; shopping tours to purchase locally grown coffee and handicrafts; combination tours where you get a taste of multiple adventures all in one day; scenic catamaran trips along the majestic Pacific coastline; and river cruises through the mangroves – AMAZING photo ops everywhere! Check out our website for even more exciting excursions available in Costa Rica - http://www.vacationexpress.com/costa-rica-regions/
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