Combine two of the Caribbean's best activities in this three day/two night trip. A 2 day/1 night visit to Tortuguero National Park and an overnight in the Lodge in the park, an overnight off the beaten path near Siquirres at Finca Moulinsart and a whitewater rafting trip on the world famous Pacuare River.

Tortuguero

Tortuguero National Park is located in the Limón Province of northeastern Costa Rica. It is the third-most visited park in Costa Rica, despite the fact that it can only be reached by airplane or boat. The park has incredible biological variety, due to the existence within the reserve of eleven different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches, and lagoons. It is located in a tropical climate, is very humid, and receives up to 250 inches of rain a year.

Its beaches are key nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, such as Hawksbill, Loggerheads, Green and Leatherbacks. The rivers within the park are home to sensitive populations of manatees, as well as caimans, crocodiles, and Tropical Gar, which is considered a living fossil. The forests are home to jaguars, three species of monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced Capuchin), and three-toed sloths. Basilisk lizards and poisonous frogs also inhabit the area, along with 375 species of birds including kingfishers, toucans, blue herons, peacocks, and parrots. There are more than 400 species of trees and approximately 2,200 species of plants.

This is the very best place in Costa Rica to spot wildlife. Monkeys, Sloths, Crocodiles, Toucans, and many colorful frogs and insects are all common sights. During the June to September turtle nesting season, this is definitely one of Costa Rica's Highlights. 

We have daily departures from San José, the Caribbean Coast and the Arenal Volcano, giving you the choice to start and end this tour at the place of your convenience.  At the end of your tour (on the evening of the 2nd day about dinner time for the 1 night tour) you are dropped off at your hotel in your choice of San José, the Caribbean Coast or the Arenal Volcano area.  (So this is a great trip to do on your way to or from the Caribbean Coast or Arenal as it includes your transport!)

Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River

This trip gives you the ultimate blend of wilderness exposure and invigorating excitement. The Pacuare River is world famous for its pristine beauty. A true river gorge, it is flanked by steep, green walls. Waterfalls cascade into the river from both sides as colorful, tropical birds fly right over your head. Amazing views of this virgin Tropical Rainforest appear before your eyes as you descend this true exploratory land.

The white water is equally exciting; the amount of rapids covered on this outstanding descent makes it one of the most memorable river trips you will ever experience. This is Costa Rica's premier river trip.

Upon arrival to the river we will gear you up with a life jacket, helmet and paddle and then brief you with a full safety orientation. Finally, it is time to take off down the rapids!

The first 4 miles consist of fun class II-III rapids which is a perfect time to test your new river skills and gain confidence in your team. Here you can find pockets of secondary growth forest that is extremely beautiful. After about 40 minutes we will enter the famous Pacuare River Gorge, which is made up of five miles of some of the best white water Costa Rica has to offer. The rapids here are Terciopelo Snake, Double Drop, Upper and Lower Huacas, and Pinball to name a few. You will also see the Huacas watefall, a 150-ft dramatic drop into the river.

Accommodations

Accommodation while in Tortuguero is at the Rana Roja Lodge.

Rana Roja features individual cabins with a double and single bed, mini-bar and safety box, all meals included. The lodge is located next to the Tortuguero National Park. The rooms are equipped with hot water and built in harmony with nature. On site there is a restaurant, laundry service, rental boats, canoes and 24-hour Internet Café.

There are many animals that visits Rana Roja Lodge, like the howler or the white-faced monkey with it's natural wake up call to your morning! The red frog lives in our lush gardens and the blue morpho butterfly flutters around the many green areas found on the property.

Accommodations in Santa Marta de Siquirres are at Finca Moulinsart. This is a small bed and breakfast farm well "off the beaten path", a place few tourists will see, with only three rooms.

Your hosts are a retired Belgium couple who sailed around the world for 10 years, and chose this magical mountain spot to settle down. The Finca has beautiful views of rainforest covered mountains, including the active Turrialba volcano. It is surrounded by lush gardens and is located a short drive (20 minutes) from the rafting exploration center and the river starting point (10 minutes)

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