Short Adventures

Vacation time is very precious. Some of our guests are restricted to just a week or so, while others like the idea of joining one of our trips but want to combine it with perhaps some time at the beach. Don’t let that stop you from joining us!

All of our itineraries can be adjusted to fit your own specific vacation time so you can join and leave a trip when it suits you. Our trips are multi-day, multi-activity but just click on one of the activities to select an itinerary and then let us know which dates work for you.

If you do not see exactly what you are looking for, just let us know which dates work for you and Contact Us for an idea on the price.

You will be amazed at how flexible we can be!

Just a Few Days

Many visitors to Costa Rica come with limited time. Taking a break from busy schedules is difficult enough and there are a lot of people who just want to use their vacation for some rest and relaxation. If that is your first thought, then often your second will be that in visiting Costa Rica you would not be doing this wonderful playground justice, if you did not take the opportunity to be active for just a few days. Our Just a few days and Shorter Adventure Programs cater for just these thoughts and offers a variety of one, two and three day activities. It is a chance to travel with a guide and find out a little more about the country.

» 1 day Whitewater Rafting | 2 day Whitewater Rafting | 3 day Whitewater Rafting
» 1 day Mountain Biking | 2 day Mountain Biking | 3 day Mountain Biking
» 1 day Hiking / Rock climbing / Rappeling
» 4 day Sea Kayaking

Whitewater Rafting (1 day Pacuare River)

The day begins with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the ‘put-in’ on the Pacuare River for our whitewater adventure. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III–IV rapids exploring this magnificent river valley. The Pacuare leads us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We maneuver through exhilarating rapids and observe the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time-out to have lunch on the shores of the river. "Taking out” near the town of Siquirres, we return to San Jose appreciating the breathtaking views as we pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park.

$95 per person

Price includes: Transportation from hotel, breakfast and lunch, all necessary equipment, and professional, bilingual and friendly guides.

Whitewater Rafting (2 days Pacuare River)

Day 1:

The day begins with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the ‘put-in’ on the Pacuare River for our two day whitewater adventure. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III–IV rapids exploring this magnificent river valley. This afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, “El Nido del Tigre”. Nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river, take time to explore this lush environment first hand by taking trails through the forest to spectacular waterfalls. You have the rare opportunity to visit the home of a wide variety of animals and birds but if the rigors of the day have been enough then relax in a hammock to the sounds of the river, watching for toucans and other bird-life as they fly over the rainforest canopy.

Day 2:

Today the Pacuare leads us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We maneuver through exhilarating rapids and observe the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time-out to do a side hike to some natural water slides and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres, we return to San Jose appreciating the breathtaking views as we pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park.

$250 per person (based on double occupancy)

Price includes: Transportation from hotel, all meals except dinner on 2nd day, overnight at El Nido del Tigre, all necessary equipment, and professional, bilingual and friendly guides.

Whitewater Rafting (3 days Pacuare River)

Day 1:

The day begins with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazu and Turrialba volcanoes to the ‘put-in’ on the Pacuare River for our two day whitewater adventure. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III–IV rapids exploring this magnificent river valley. This afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, “El Nido del Tigre”. Nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river, take time to explore this lush environment first hand by taking trails through the forest to spectacular waterfalls. You have the rare opportunity to visit the home of a wide variety of animals and birds but if the rigors of the day have been enough then relax in a hammock to the sounds of the river, watching for toucans and other bird-life as they fly over the rainforest canopy.

Day 2:

A full day at the camp to really appreciate the rainforest. Take the opportunity to hike through the forest and to nearby waterfalls, or float down a rapid with just a life jacket, horseback riding, or relax in a hammock.

Day 3:

Today the Pacuare leads us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We maneuver through exhilarating rapids and observe the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time-out to do a side hike to some natural water slides and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres, we return to San Jose appreciating the breathtaking views as we pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park.
$350 per person (based on double occupancy)

Price includes: Transportation from hotel, all meals except dinner on last day, two nights at El Nido del Tigre all necessary equipment, and professional, bilingual and friendly guide.

Mountain Biking (1 day Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley)

We begin with a scenic drive up to the Irazú volcano. After a hike around the lunar like crater we begin our mountain bike descent down the agriculturally rich slopes of the Volcano. The route goes through several communities and has a nice mixture of paved and dirt roads. There is plenty of time for stops along the way to enjoy the vistas of the Orosi Valley below. Lunch is along the way and we continue through coffee plantations alongside Lake Cachí. The ride ends in the village of Orosi where we load up and return to San Jose.

$85 per person

Price includes: Transportation from hotel, lunch, all necessary equipment, and professional, bilingual and friendly guides, entrance to Irazu National Park.

Mountain Biking (to Manuel Antonio 2 days)

Day 1:

We drive out of San Jose up to Cerro de la Muerte at an altitude of 2330 meters, high on the Continental Divide. We start our day with a 14km descent on a rarely traveled gravel road (there is a paved alternative route for those who prefer it). After a hilly section passing through the rich farming and coffee communities of Santa Maria and San Marcos, we leave the pavement and continue our trek on dirt roads towards the Pacific Coast. We have two routes to choose from depending on the weather, one involves an overnight in a local hotel, while the other is a camping night. Our campsite sits high on a mountain with a panoramic view of the valley.

Day 2:

Our second day of biking takes us through the sparsely populated and incredibly scenic Pacific slopes, a raucous and exhilarating downhill ride to the coastal plain, through a remote area of thick forest and isolated farms. Out of the hills, we cross the river at Paso Real and push on to the white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio. We arrive in time for a well deserved dunking in the hotel pool or plunge in the surf at the beach.

$250 per person (based on double occupancy)

Price includes: Transportation from hotel, all meals except dinner on last day, accommodation, all necessary equipment, and professional, bilingual and friendly guides.

Note: Trips leaves every Wednesday
"Return transportation from Manuel Antonio is not included"

Mountain Biking (Samara to Mal Pais 3 days)

During the next three days you will see an area of Costa Rica that can only be accessed by Mountain Bike or 4X4. The mostly dirt roads, trails, hard packed beach sand and rolling hills make for some great mountain biking. Animal life commonly seen en route includes a variety of monkeys, several types of small reptiles and rodents, birds, aquatic life and the odd snake. Evenings will be spent camping on beaches, feasting on hearty meals, gazing at the sunset, and dozing of to the sounds of the surf. We end the trip in the laid back town of Mal País

$350 per person (based on double occupancy)

Price includes: Transportation from hotel, all meals except dinner on last day, accommodation, all necessary equipment, and professional, bilingual and friendly guides.

Note: Return transportation from Mal País is not included

Hiking, Rock Climbing, Rappeling (Pico Blanco 1 Day)

Pico Blanco, a 2200-meter mountain peak above the city of San José is our destination for today. The adventure begins with an early morning departure from the city as we head up into the Central Valley Mountain range. After a short drive from San Jose, we trade motor power for hiking boots, and continue our trek to the summit. The journey to the top entails hiking through mist-covered cloud forest, scrambling over rocks and underbrush and technical climbing up rock faces. The reward at the top is an awesome view and a well-deserved picnic lunch. After lunch, we begin the equally exciting descent, the highlight of which is rappelling a 50-foot stone cliff. The day ends with a late afternoon return to San José.

$75 per person / Minimum of 4 people

Price includes: Transportation from hotel, lunch, all necessary equipment, and professional, bilingual and friendly guides.

Sea Kayaking in the Golfo Dulce (Osa Peninzula 4 days)

Day 1

A morning flight to Puerto Jiménez and a one hour ride in a 4x4 gets us to Rincón de la Osa on the banks of the Golfo Dulce. After some time to settle into our cabins and a hearty lunch we spend the afternoon getting accustomed to the sea kayaks and exploring a nearby river estuary. L,D
Day 2

We start off the day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast made by our host Doña Cecelia. After getting the support boat loaded up we begin our exploration of the Gulf. The day is spent kayaking 15kms along this wild and beautiful coastline. The reflection of the rainforest meeting the calm waters of the gulf is a perfect setting for sea kayaking. There is plenty of time to snorkel, fish, or just enjoy the area. Lunch is on an island with some time to swim before heading on to our camp for the night. From the camp there are several hiking trails, and one that leads to a waterfall where a swim in freshwater is very welcome. After dinner star gazing on the beach is highly recommended. B,L,D

Day 3

Back on the water! After a relaxing breakfast we continue our journey along this incredible coastline. An hour into the paddle we reach the mouth of the Esquinas River – here we head up steam to explore this wildlife rich estuary. Today’s lunch spot is a natural playground. A long lunch break gives us time to set up ropes for an assisted climb up one of the coconut palms for those with some extra energy – the reward at the top is some delicious coconut juice. Snorkeling a reef in front of the beach is also possible. A short paddle takes us to our 2nd camp. Here we settle in for another night of sleeping to the sounds of the rainforest. B,L,D

Day 4

An early morning departure allows for a spectacular crossing of the Gulf. The 18km crossing takes 3-4 hours with several stops for pictures and snacks. We arrive in Puerto Jiménez by mid-morning. After a refreshing shower, some time to relax, and a short walk to the landing strip, we board our local flight back to San Jose.

Note: From Puerto Jiménez it is also possible to continue your trip to Corcovado.

$685 p/p. (based on double occupancy) Minimum of 4 people

Price includes: Local flights & transfers, accommodation, all necessary equipment, support boat, meals where indicated and experienced, bilingual & fun guides.