Costa Rica Intrepid Adventure
I was surprised how unbelievably hassle-free traveling with Serendipity turned out to be. There were no issues with waiting in lines, waiting for tables, tipping, etc. -- it was so relaxing.
The trip was way more than I expected due largely to (Serendipity guide) Roger relating well to my kids. His temperament was ideal for my two girls, who are inquisitive and eager learners.
—John E., Palo Alto, CA, April, 2007
Costa Rica adventures in the rain forest climbing inside a 900 year old tree!
What could be better than horseback and hiking and climbing trees and wild rafting (the magnificent Pacuare), great food and nature and, of course, rain forests and hiking and rappelling into a jungle canyon and a lava-belching volcano with hot springs and a zip across the canopy tour on ropes and cables and a close-up look at crocodiles and monkeys and exotic birds from a silly little boat.
And don't think this is strictly a kid action trip — we'll guarantee you can do it all whatever your age or prior experience, if you have an open mind and good sense of humor. The INTREPID EXPLORER is a high-adventure quick-paced physically challenging exploration of three areas of Costa Rica — the cloud forest, the white water center near Turrialba, and the truly active volcano, Arenal.
Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica
A private vehicle and driver will meet your flight, and take you to a lovely country inn on the edge of Costa Rica’s most exclusive residential area. From here you can walk in the neighborhood or take a taxi into this vibrant city for night life, or, if an early arrival, take a taxi into San José for museums and people-watching.
Day 2: Costa Rica tree climbing
Eat a hearty breakfast, then we're off across the mountains. The destination is a primary forest (primary forest? Forest so ancient that it contains trees in excess of 600 years.) There are very few primary forests left in Costa Rica, because they have to withstand not just man's destruction but also nature's own forces of flood, lightning, and wind.
Within the forest is the awesome strangler fig. We'll explain what this is when you see it. And climb it (for those who have no fear of heights, or bats). Inside it. Wow!
Paddling down a river with nature all around us — you can even hop in for a swim
Day 3: Costa Rica Nature-filled exploration
There are a few gentle rivers near Arenal Volcano, full of glorious birds and wildlife — sloth, monkeys, toucans, and caimans (a dead-ringer for a crocodile). We'll explore one of these rivers in our inflatable one and two man kayaks (but remember it is not a crocodile... it just looks like one). These silent boats literally creep up on nature, and, if you are silent, you can often see animals that shy away from humans and noisy powerboats.
Day 4: Horseback through country villages and open high pastures
Country villages, farm lanes, pastures,
and the right horse for every person.
What a beautiful way to start the morning - climbing onto the back of a well-trained horse, then traversing fields and through small villages.
From the saddle you are in a much better position to observe everything around you — and our horses are very good at watching where they are stepping.
After the horses the hot springs beckon — a private place, with no sign out front. And after dark, if the fireworks are exploding atop the volcano, we can sneak over to the base of the volcano, ascend on a private farm, and watch, with no artificial light or sign of another human being, as Arenal rumbles and glows and spits in front of us. Even if cloudy and you can't see it, the sound of the volcano is earth-shuddering, and you feel a bit like David listening for Goliath to appear.
Serendipity has checked many canopy tours. Only a few have the integrity our clients demand. This includes double cables and two attachment systems.
Day 5: One of those famous Costa Rican canopy tours!
In the morning we start our move to the white water area. As we climb over a mountain range and view the diverse changes in climate.
We're stopping en route to take on this popular Costa Rican "sport" — an ascent into the higher branches of the forest with harnesses and zip lines. The cables connect massive trees, and you dangle from the cables, one after another, and zip across from platform to platform.
Day 6: Costa Rica white water rafting on the Pacuare River
The Intrepid Costa Rica adventure means you get to experience Serendipity's style of white water rafting on the Pacuare river.
It's time for a real teamwork expedition - the Pacuare River.
On the way to the river we'll stop to visit our friend who knows about the natural inhabitants of this area (especially those you need to look out for).
Today you will learn the essential skills of great rafting, then venture down into the canyons, with 8 Class IV rapids and almost nonstop action.
The Pacuare is threatened by plans for a massive hydroelectric project, so we'll enjoy it while we can even as we at Serendipity continue to work to prevent the river's destruction. (NOTE: In high water conditions, Serendipity will change the rafting to a smaller river, either the Pejebeye or the Sarapiquí. In extremely high water conditions we would need to cancel all white water, but this is extremely rare).
Serendipity is very proud of our guide training, emergency procedures and equipment backup system. We have extensive — AND CONSTANTLY REPLENISHED — first aid kits, first aid trained guides, always a bilingual guide with clients, a safety kayaker, an oar boat which also serves as a safety backup boat, ability to communicate with the outside world, and we have a wealth of experience, and respect, for the river. Our guide-to-paddler ratio is unprecedented in Costa Rica, and most other places of the world. These security measures may appear excessive, but we prefer not to test this...
You're sure to get wet as you slide down ropes in our tropical canyons.
Day 7: Canyoning! Ropes, Harnesses, Waterfalls, WOW!
Canyoning is all the stuff from the movies — going down waterfalls attached to ropes, trusting your Serendipity guides, your traveling companions, your harness, and your own adventurous spirit. We'll move from small to bigger to the biggest. And you'll appreciate the hot chocolate to rejuvenate your shaking hands — is it the cold water or the adrenaline?
We'll stay on the west side of San José tonight, with a lovely view of the lights of the Central Valley, or your last view of the lush nature around you.
Day 8: In San José in preparation for your return to civilization
Today, sadly, you have to depart, but you will definitely take with you some great memories and new experiences as well, and probably a few Serendipity bumps and bruises.
Fixed Departure Dates
September 6 - 13, 2008
September 20 - 27, 2008
October 11 - 18, 2008
October 18 - 25, 2008
November 15 - 22, 2008
December 6 - 13, 2008
January 24 - 31, 2009
February 14 - 21, 2009
April 11 - 18, 2009
May 9 - 16, 2009
June 6 - 13, 2009
July 25 - 1 Aug, 2009
August 22 - 29, 2009
September 26 - October 3, 2009
October 24 - 31, 2009
November 28 - December 5, 2009
Do you have your own group of four or more? This itinerary is available for private, self-formed groups of 4+ persons at the same price, but with any start date you desire in the period between April 1 - December 11. It is available during the period from January 5 - March 31 for an additional $120 per person.
Prices
$2790 per person, double occupancy. Single occupancy: add $390.
Printable version of itinerary and full terms of payment
The price includes all hotels (generally 3 star or better), breakfast and lunch each day, all adventures as listed (and some others you'll just happen upon as you move along from place to place), transportation in air conditioned vehicles. NOT INCLUDED are your airline tickets, alcoholic beverages, evening meals, your exit visa for Costa Rica ($26 per person), and the (optional) tips for your guides.
By the way, a lot of people decide to add a few days at the beach to recover. We can arrange this for you as well.
The first step to enjoying the Intrepid Adventure Tour is to contact us.
