Day 1: Upon arrival you will be met by a member of our staff who will greet you outside the customs and immigration area. Our first evening will be at the Hotel San Gildar in Escazu. Located just outside the capital city of San Jose, Escazu offers a quiet and relaxed setting. The Hotel San Gildar is open and airy with a refreshing swimming pool and within easy walking distance to the center of Escazu. After dinner we will gather for a brief trip orientation. Welcome.
Lodging - Hotel San Gildar
(While airport transfers are not included in your trip price we will attempt to meet all arriving flights on Day 1 of your trip. Transfers are based on the availability of our staff and van at that time. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of the trip, we will make every effort to meet your flight, again this will be dependent on staffing and van availability. Transfers can be confirmed by our office prior to your departure.)



Day 2: We plan to have an early breakfast and then leave the hustle and bustle of the central valley and head into the deep fabric of the country. Our first day is a full day. We will travel through the central valley and cross into the Caribbean lowlands. Along the way we pass fields of coffee and sugar cane. The countryside unfolds in front of us with new sights and sounds. After our morning journey we have reached the put-in on the Rio Penas Blancas. This is the ideal river for our first day of paddling. The gentle current leads us through quiet countryside with plenty of opportunity for birdwatching. Following an enjoyable paddle we will be welcomed at Hotel Monte Real, located in the small village of Fortuna. We will have time to settle into our rooms before exploring the town and enjoying a typical Costa Rican dinner. Lodging – Hotel Tacotal
Note – Dinner is on your own this evening.



Day 3: Our river choice today is the Rio Penas Blancas. A wonderful river, with scenery dominated by panoramic views of Arenal Volcano, lush forests, vibrantly colored birds and the mystery of being in a new place. These waterways are a haven for a collection of birds including Northern Jacana, Little Blue heron and Fly Catchers. We may want to allow time in the afternoon to enjoy swimming and relaxing in the nearby hot springs. Also there is the opportunity for a hike near the Arenal Volcano, and the chance to watch the volcano put on a show, from low rumbles to hot rocks tumbling down; it is truly a unique experience.
Lodging – Hotel Tacotal
Note – Dinner is on your own this evening. There is an additional park entrance fee to Arenal Volcano National Park.



Day 4: This morning after a full breakfast of gallo pinto and fresh fruit we are off for a day of paddling. Our river today is the Rio Arenal. The river offers a mix of quick water and quiet water. Throughout its length the river provides many opportunities for birdwatching, relaxing in the sun and perhaps going for a swim. The sights and sounds inundate us through the day and with a careful eye there is always something interesting to see. The end of the day brings us to the small village of Cano Negro. We will settle into our cabinas and perhaps opt for a paddle at sunset, or a walk to enjoy watching the birds return to roost for the evening.
Lodging – Cano Negro Lodge



Day 5: We have an early departure planned this morning as we look forward to a day of paddling on the Rio Frio through the Cano Negro Wildlife refuge. A wildlife reserve, Cano Negro, is very remote and provides a haven for ducks, ibis, cormorants, wood storks and anhinga, just to name a few. River otter, cayman, sloths, howler monkeys and an array of other mammals and reptiles also make their home in the refuge. It is a full day of paddling and birdwatching and after taking out of the river we will settle in for a bit of a drive to our next lodge. Tonight we will enjoy an evening at Hotel Monte Escondido. Located near the small town of Boca Arenal, Monte Escondido is an oasis among surrounding pineapple plantations. We are warmly greeted by the staff of the hotel and can look forward to relaxing in hammocks by the pool before gathering for dinner. Lodging – Hotel Monte Escondido
Note – There is an additional park entrance fee for Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge



Day 6: Early morning enthusiasts can enjoy birdwatching in the gardens and grounds before we gather for breakfast. Once we are finished with breakfast we will load up and be on our way to our next river, the Tres Amigos.
This intimate tree-lined stream river offers clear water, attractive scenery and abundant birdlife, providing the perfect setting for a day of paddling. Our take out is on the way to Laguna del Lagarto lodge. A comfortable lodge in the hinterland of Costa Rica. Laguna del Lagarto lodge is located near the remote village of Boca Tapada on the northern border of Costa Rica. This tropical setting consists of 750 acres of rich diverse habitats. The lodge has many trails that allow us to explore on our own the wide collection of tropical flora and fauna.
Lodging – Laguna del Lagarto Lodge



Day 7: We continue are stay at Laguna del Lagarto today. After a leisurely breakfast of fresh fruit, aromatic Costa Rican coffee, gallo pinto, and other homemade treats the day is ours to enjoy. Choices include taking a walk on one of the many trails the lodge has to offer. The forest is lined with towering liana-draped trees that attract many birds such as oropendolas, hummingbirds, toucans and parrots. If we like, we can enjoy a guided walk through the forest and learn about the rich variety of plants and animals that live in this bio-diverse area. Optional horseback trips are also available to explore the surrounding farmland and forests. Paddling in the laguna is also an option. With it's dark waters and thick vines cascading down the trees like waterfalls, the Laguna provides a wonderful place to explore and let your imagination run. Whatever we choose to do we will find ourselves drawn to this wonderful setting and reap in all it has to offer.
Lodging - Laguna del Lagarto Lodge



Day 8: Our river journey continues today with a bit of a difference. If the political mood and weather are safe, we plan to travel by motorized dugout canoe down the San Carlos river to the San Juan River. The San Juan forms the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. We will continue our journey to the confluence of the Rio Sarapiqui where we will head upstream to the small village of Puerto Viejo.
This river journey is one that few people take, other than locals, and will provide us with sweeping views of virgin rainforest dotted with small village settlements. Rivers are the lifeblood of this area as they provide transportation, communication and livelihood for families living along the shoreline. If we opt to paddle today we will head for the Rio Toro. The Toro is a boisterous, but intimate, tree lined stream with clear water, attractive scenery and abundant birdlife providing the perfect setting for a day of paddling. Evening will find us at La Quinta Lodge, our final destination. La Quinta is a converted cattle hacienda that is surrounded by attractive gardens, a butterfly garden and lush lowlands and large trees that are great for birdwatching.
Lodging - La Quinta Lodge
Note -- The Rio San Juan boat trip is optional and will have an additional fee.



Day 9: The Sarapiqui river flows near La Quinta providing a perfect choice for paddling today. Throughout its length, the emerald green water of the river is bordered by verdant tropical rainforest, along with quiet farmland. Trees flank the banks and are laden with orchids and bromeliads. The enchanting river lowland is home to parrots, toucans, oropendolas, sun bitterns, kingfishers, cormorants, and herons just to name a few. The Sarapiqui combines magnificent scenery and a variety of small rapids that provide some excitement to the calm stretches. The river also offers some wonderful swimming holes, quiet spots for lunch and the opportunity to do some exploratory paddling on its tributaries. We will enjoy another evening at La Quinta Lodge where we can choose from absorbing the forest's wonder in a hammock, relaxing in the open air dining room enjoying fresh tropical fruit, or strolling the grounds birding and admiring the gardens.
Lodging - La Quinta



Day 10: Another day of river choices. We may choose a different section of the Sarapiqui, or the Rio Puerto Viejo. We may opt for a short section of river that will allow us to return to San Jose in the mid-afternoon where we will have time to visit the markets and museums. Whatever we decide, it will be a fitting end to our tour of rivers and rainforests of Costa Rica. As we end our day on the river and head back to the Hotel San Gildar for our final evening, we have time to reflect on the scenic wonders of our journey and start thinking of our next trip.
Lodging - Hotel San Gildar



Day 11: Today we say our farewells and depart from San Jose to home. Or for those who want to do some exploring on your own, we can arrange/suggest some extension trips.

· Passport (carrying a photocopy of your passport is also a good idea--just in case)
· Three changes of lightweight cotton or cotton mix clothing--pants and short sleeve tops for off river and evenings
· Lightweight long sleeve shirt and pants for cool evenings and/or sun protection
· Lightweight sweater or pile top
· Lightweight rain jacket for cool evenings and the occasional rain shower
· One pair of comfortable walking shoes
· Wide brimmed hat
· Sunglasses with security strap
· Sunscreen
· Insect repellent
· Lip balm or chapstick
· Water bottle
· Personal toiletries
· Personal medications
· Personal first aid kit
· Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb
· Small hand towel
· Bandana
· Camera and film
· Binoculars
· Day use backpack

Additional Clothes for Paddling
· 2-3 pairs of shorts
· 2-3 t-shirts or comfortable paddling tops
· Swim suit
· Light weight paddle jacket and rain pants for rain and/or sun protection. Preferably nylon or other fast drying material.
· Canoe shoes that can get wet for paddling such as sandals or booties. Avoid sandals that have velcro straps. The velcro straps do not do well in muddy conditions

Optional Gear
· Pocketknife
· Collapsible umbrella
· Field guides, bird books, and travel books
· Journal notebook, pen and a good book to read
· Extra eye glasses, sunglasses and security straps
· Ear plugs

This list is intended to be skeletal, and we anticipate you will have your own ideas of what is "necessary." In general bring half the clothes you think you will need and twice the film.
Getting wet is always a possibility when canoeing, and river clothing has to keep you warm even when wet. Try to avoid cotton. The problem with cotton is that once it is wet it absorbs water and does not dry out quickly. During our travels we will be staying at places where casual clothing is acceptable. Long pants, short sleeve shirt or blouse and shoes or sandals are our common form of dress. Remember shorts are not generally recommended except for sports use.

Our standard accommodation is two per room, generally with a private bath. Usually singles and triples are available. We provide three meals per day, beginning with dinner on the first evening and ending with lunch on the last day (except where noted).
Solo Travelers
If you're traveling alone and would like to assure yourself of a private room, there is a single supplement surcharge of $45.00 per evening. Singles willing to share will be matched with a roommate. If unavailable, a forced single supplement of 50% of the full supplement will be charged.
Bringing the Kids
We believe that sharing an adventure with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. Children twelve years of age or older are welcomed on all trips.

Passports
Passport valid for at least 30 days after arrival or for the length of stay, whichever is greater.
Passport Note
(a) Nationals listed above must obtain an exit visa from the Immigration Department in San José at least three weeks before leaving Costa Rica. Those who stay for less than 30 days are exempt if in possession of a disembarkation card.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA for stays over 90 days;
(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Bulgaria and Ireland for stays over 30 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The immigration authorities are strict about detaining foreigners who are undocumented or tourists who have overstayed.