3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Costa Rica will not be allowing anyone to enter the country without proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.). If you are travelling through a few countries in Central America, you will need to show proof of your itinerary and a departure ticket from your last destination. Please print the itinerary and voucher and bring it with you.

You should NOT participate in rafting if you fall into any of the following categories – pregnant, have had major surgery in the last 6 months or major injury e.g. spine or neck problems.

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Our accommodation for the Pacuare Rafting Expedition is in a rustic lodge which has multi-share dormitory-style rooms, with shared bathroom facilities.

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

On day 10, follow your CEO and cycle palm-shaded coastal roads to one of Puerto Viejo’s inviting beaches. After a safety briefing, pull on a rash guard and learn to catch Caribbean swells with local surf instructors. Warm water, a sandy bottom, and gentle sets make this a perfect place to stand up and ride.

Puerto Viejo blends Afro-Caribbean rhythms, cacao heritage and relaxed beach culture. Between lessons, watch for pelicans skimming the breakers and soak in the laid-back seaside atmosphere. The session emphasizes technique and confidence, so you finish the day salty-haired, smiling, and in tune with this easygoing stretch of coast.

As darkness falls in Monteverde, join a naturalist guide for a guided night walk in the cloud forest (additional cost; bookable on tour). Move by flashlight along damp trails in search of red-eyed tree frogs, sleeping toucans, kinkajous and industrious leafcutter ants. The forest feels alive with chirps, clicks and the rustle of nocturnal life.

Monteverde’s high-altitude ecosystem is a sanctuary for epiphytes and rare species. Learn how moisture-laden trade winds create the misty mountain passes that sustain this habitat, and hear stories of conservation shaped by local communities and Quaker settlers. Typically offered on day 2 or 3 in the evening, this is the forest at its most secretive and spellbinding.

Embrace your adventurous side with a zipline canopy experience above Monteverde’s valleys, then slow the tempo on suspended hanging bridges through the treetops (additional cost; bookable on tour). Feel cool cloud-forest air as you glide between platforms and step onto skywalks for eye-level views of orchids and bromeliads.

Guides explain the ecology of this biodiversity hotspot and help you spot wildlife—from hummingbirds to the distant call of a quetzal. Usually arranged on day 3, this pairing balances adrenaline with observation, showcasing how the forest layers knit together from the shadowy understory to the sun-catching canopy.

After an active day in La Fortuna, slip into geothermal pools warmed by Arenal’s volcanic heat (additional cost; bookable on tour). Move between mineral-rich springs of varying temperatures, drift beneath palm fronds, and let the jungle night chorus—tree frogs and distant river sounds—set a restful rhythm.

These waters flow from deep beneath Arenal’s slopes, a reminder of the region’s geologic energy. Typically enjoyed on day 6 in the evening, the soak is a restorative counterpoint to biking, hiking and rafting—leaving muscles relaxed and spirits restored for the adventures that follow.

Crave more river time? Tackle the class II–III rapids of the Río Balsa near La Fortuna (additional cost; bookable on tour). After a safety briefing, learn paddle commands and thread through playful wave trains with guides at the helm. Calm pools in between offer moments to jump in for a refreshing swim.

The Balsa flows through lush foothills where toucans, kingfishers and herons frequent the banks. Expect a mid-journey fruit stop and stories about how rivers shape local livelihoods. Usually arranged on day 5, it’s a lively complement to your Pacuare expedition, suited to first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike.

Harness up for a canyon adventure and rappel down jungle waterfalls near La Fortuna (additional cost; bookable on tour). Guided by expert instructors, descend slick basalt walls, wade clear streams, and finish with a short hike through forest alive with birdsong and the hum of insects.

Arenal’s volcanic history forged these narrow canyons and cascades. On day 5, this high-energy outing blends technical thrills with close-up views of rainforest plants clinging to the rock. Expect to get wet, grin broadly, and leave with a fresh appreciation for the landscapes carved by water.

From Puerto Viejo, head to nearby Cahuita for a boat-supported snorkel on the protected reef followed by a guided coastal walk (additional cost; bookable on tour). In clear conditions, spot parrotfish, angelfish and swaying sea fans over sandy patches and coral gardens.

Back on shore, stroll beneath sea almond and coconut palms as guides point out sloths, howler monkeys and bright land crabs along the trail. Typically available on day 11, this combination experience reveals the Caribbean side’s twin treasures—living reef offshore and wildlife-rich forest edging the beach.

Arrive in the capital and meet your CEO and fellow travellers on day 1 for a relaxed briefing in San José. Your leader outlines the journey ahead, shares local tips, and answers questions so you can start the adventure with confidence. Cap the evening by enjoying a free night to find dinner together in the lively downtown streets.

Set against the backdrop of the Central Valley, San José blends historic plazas and coffee culture. Hear practical guidance for moving through Costa Rica’s diverse regions, from misty mountain passes to the Caribbean coast. This gathering sets the tone for a friendly small-group atmosphere and ensures you begin the trip with a clear sense of rhythm, safety, and shared purpose.

On day 4, cross Lake Arenal by boat, linking Monteverde to La Fortuna in the most atmospheric way possible. Glide over wind-rippled water with views of Arenal Volcano’s classic cone, passing tiny islets where herons hunt and swallows skim the surface. Cameras at the ready for pause-for-photos and reflection moments along the route.

Created in the 1970s for hydropower, Lake Arenal now frames some of Costa Rica’s most iconic scenery. This calm crossing is more than a transfer—it’s a window into the region’s volcanic story and rural life clustered along the shore. Step off the boat refreshed and inspired for La Fortuna’s adventures to come.

On day 6, set out on a guided half-day ride and cycle quiet village roads and farm tracks around La Fortuna. Pedal roughly 15 km across a patchwork of papaya, yuca and plantain fields with mountain silhouettes on the horizon. Your guide sets an easy pace with stops to chat, hydrate, and pause for photos and reflection.

As you roll through the foothills of Arenal, learn how volcanic soils nourish the region’s crops and hear about daily life in Costa Rica’s rural communities. Look and listen for oropendolas and the distant call of howler monkeys. The ride wraps by late morning, leaving time to enjoy a free afternoon or continue exploring La Fortuna at your own speed.

From day 7, raft the emerald Pacuare River, threading through jungle-clad canyons on class II–III rapids toward a remote riverside lodge. Between runs, stop to swim beneath waterfalls and wander hidden side canyons. As evening falls, settle into rustic cabins, lulled by the river’s steady rush and the chorus of tree frogs.

The Pacuare flows from the Talamanca Mountains toward the Caribbean, carving one of Central America’s most scenic river corridors. On day 9, you’ll paddle a lively finale of class III–IV rapids through narrow gorges before taking out and transferring onward. It’s an immersive blend of adrenaline, rainforest immersion, and the unhurried rhythm of life along the river.

On day 8, step off the rafts and explore the Pacuare rainforest on foot. Follow local guides along leaf-strewn trails to secluded cascades and clear jungle pools where you can cool off with a swim. The pace is unhurried, allowing time to notice heliconias, bromeliads, and the flutter of blue morpho butterflies.

This valley is the homeland of the Cabécar people, and your guides share insights into traditional uses of plants and the value of protecting this watershed. Between hikes, sway in a hammock and tune into the echoing rainforest soundscape—toucan calls, river roar, and the whisper of wind through towering trees.