Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft

Hike, bike and raft your way through the wilderness of Costa Rica

If you’re looking for a Central American thrill, take on an eight-day active adventure through one of the world's greenest countries. Dive into Costa Rica’s wilderness and cascade down the rapids of Pacuare River in a raft, hike misty jungle trails in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and cycle along the coastline of Puerto Viejo. With plenty of free time to customise your adventure depending on your interests, you might opt to surf the Caribbean waves in palm-fringed beach towns or go stand up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal. Costa Rica is the perfect place for wildlife lovers (how many sloths can you spot?), active adventurers and those seeking a natural paradise.

Trip code: QVXC

Start: San Jose, Costa Rica

End: San Jose, Costa Rica


Duration
8 days
Group size
1 to 12
Minimum age
15 years old
Style

Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders

Original
Theme

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Multi-active
Physical rating

Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings


From
USD $1,670

Why you'll love this trip

  • Swap the concrete jungle for the real jungle on a guided nature hike into the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, home to some of Costa Rica’s exotic animals, like sloths, tropical butterflies and the elusive quetzal bird.
  • Raft along the Pacuare River – this area was ranked in the top five rivers of the world for whitewater rafting! You’ll tackle Class 3 and Class 4 rapids through lush green landscapes abundant in wildlife.
  • Cycle the quiet palm-fringed roads of Puerto Viejo and drop in at hidden beaches along the Caribbean coast.
  • Opt to ride some waves with a surfing expedition at a local beach, go stand up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal or take on some more challenging hikes through forest and coastlines – this trip allows you plenty of free time to take on our favourite adventures!
  • Make the most of your full free day in La Fortuna – there are lava-fuelled hot springs, water-based activities on Lake Arenal (like stand up paddleboarding with a volcano backdrop) or you can take a boat tour of Cano Negro Reserve and go wildlife spotting!
This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026

Itinerary

Map of Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft including Costa Rica

Inclusions and activities

Destinations
Costa Rica
Meals

6 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Shared vehicle, Public bus, Raft, Bicycle

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Lodge (1 nights)

Included activities
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance
  • Pacuare - 4hrs. Pacuare River white water rafting - Class 3 & 4
  • Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Coastal Bicycle ride
  • Caribbean cooking demonstration

Optional activities
  • San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
  • San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) - USD11
  • Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
  • Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD101
  • Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
  • Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD55
  • La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD94
  • La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD25
  • La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board - USD75
  • La Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges (inc entrance fee, guide and shared transport) - USD75
  • La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) - USD25
  • La Fortuna - Paradise Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD47
  • Manzanillo - Beginner surf lesson or Independent surfboard rental - USD65
  • Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge (donation for entry) - Free
  • San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD49

This trip generates 16 kg of CO2-e per person per day

Learn more about our climate commitment.

When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.

Before you book you should know

Dates and prices

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Important notes

1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.

2. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in San Jose. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.

3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

4. Please be careful when booking flights to/from San Jose; make sure you fly into/out of Juan Santamaria International Airport [SJO]. Please do not book flights to/from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Reviews

4.7 . 71 reviews
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Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
From
USD $1,670