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. Costa Rica Adventure Vacations strike the perfect balance of Pura Vida (a local saying meaning “pure life”) with lots of action-packed adventure as well as opportunities to slow down for rest and relaxation. Discover Rincón 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.
Costa Rica Adventure Tour Highlights
Zipline through the lush green canopy on an exclusive adventure in Guanacaste
Hike to the alluring Las Chorreras waterfall surrounded by a blue pool that invites visitors to swim
Tube down the Rio Negro on class II and III rapids, appreciating the surrounding tropical scenery
Keep an eye out for monkeys, armadillos, iguanas, and birds as you hike to Cangreja Falls
Get the best view of Rincon de la Vieja volcano on the Las Pailas Loop Trail, where steam and sulfur come from natural fumaroles in the soil
Sea kayak, snorkel, and explore a stunning coral reef at Isla Chora
What is a Costa Rica Eco Adventure?
This Costa Rica Adventure is an Eco Tour. Eco Adventure’s are the combination of adventurous activity with environmental awareness. It’s responsible travel to natural areas that help conserve the environment and the local people. Costa Rica is well known for eco-tourism as more than 1/4 of the land in Costa Rica is National Parks and protected areas.
A few more reasons why you've gotta go to Costa Rica:
01
Outdoor activities: You won't run short on nature-based adventures where you'll get to experience the tropical environment in a unique way
02
Learn new skills: Perhaps you've never been on a stand-up paddle board or have gone surfing before. Now's your chance to try it!
03
The national park creatures: With over 300 species of birds and specially wild animals like agouti and armadillo, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a sight to be seen
Welcome to Costa Rica! Your guides will pick you up in the morning from the Liberia Airport or your pre-trip hotel. Get introduced to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, a reserve that boasts rolling green hills, gushing waterfalls, and lush cloud forest. The park attracts travelers 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.
About Hacienda Guachipelin
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is an eco-lodge located at the foot of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. This is the ideal place to stay for an active and unforgettable vacation. 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.
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!
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.
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.
Hike about three miles to Cangreja Falls, a challenging hike to the largest waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja 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.
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.
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 four hours to Playa Carrillo, a charming fishing village. 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.
The beaches of Carrillo have some of the most tranquil waves in Costa Rica. It is the ideal place to begin your paddleboarding 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.
About Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows
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.
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.
Surf’s up! Choose the option of learning from a professional how to surf on Samara Beach at an additional expense. Your gear will be provided and the ocean is yours to explore by board.
On Day 1, arrive at Liberia Airport where you will be picked up and transferred to Hacienda Guachipelin. On Day 6, you will be transferred to Liberia Airport and fly out of the international airport in the afternoon.
Activities
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.
Cultural Discoveries
Costa Rica, a tiny country that forms the land bridge between North and South America, is almost too good to believe. Although slightly smaller than West Virginia, it boasts a world-famous National Park system, unmatched flora (including over 3,000 species of wild orchids), world-class rivers, active volcanoes, and more species of mammals and birds than the continental United States and Canada combined. Did you know that a sloth has a unique sort of fur that is a breeding ground for algae? (The algae help it blend in with its environment!) Could you have guessed that an armadillo is a good swimmer and can hold its breath for up to six minutes? Were you aware that when a number of howler monkeys let loose their lungs in concert, often at dawn or dusk, the din can be heard up to three miles away? Come explore “The Crossroads of the Americas!”
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions are included as indicated by the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire, and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Price of your Costa Rica Adventure Vacation
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners as indicated by 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 and luggage tags.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in the Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Meals as not indicated by the detailed daily itinerary.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Costa Rica Expert
Carol Austin
Want to know how to fully experience the depth of beauty and culture in a place? Ask Carol Austin. A Montana native who treasures the land and people in her own backyard—be it Yellowstone, the Beartooths, or the family around her dinner table—Carol knows how to embrace any destination she explores, a feat at 40+ countries and counting. And with more than 20 years in the travel industry, she’s really good at helping guests plan—and fully enjoy—their adventure vacation, too. She co-founded Austin Adventures with her husband, Dan Austin.
