Costa Rica

A Grassroots Extreme Adventure in the "Land of Pura Vida"

Home of amazing flora and fauna, adventurous activities, coffee and so much more. A 21-day adrenaline filled adventure in this friendly, tropical Central American country, taking part in a diverse range of activities.

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Come along for three weeks of adrendaline filled adventure. Raft on Costa Rica's best rivers, stay in a remote jungle lodge, enjoy hot springs, ride on zip lines and quad bikes, go canyoning, mountain biking, horse riding, white water kayaking and learn to surf or enjoy the waves if you already know how. Hike through national and regional parks full of tropical wildlife. This tour is designed for adrenaline junkies but active people with no knowledge of any of these extreme activities are welcome to come along and experience the trip of a lifetime.

Some of the activities planned

• Hiking – We will have a three day hiking excursion in La Danta, a private reserve that borders Braulio Carrilo National Park. There will also be a hike up the base of Arenal Volcano, near La Fortuna and another one in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

• White Water Rafting – A three day rafting bonanza in Class III and IV rapids on the Reventazón and Pacuare Rivers. If these are unable to be run due to water conditions, rivers of a similar class will be substituted.

• Mountain Biking – A full day ride, mostly off-road, through farm and bushland. All equipment provided ie helmets, bikes, gloves plus experienced guide and support vehicle.

• Canyoning - Truly an amazing experience as you abseil through a beautiful canyon. 4 wet descents and one dry one. All equipment provided and experienced guides throughout.

• ATV Tour – Four wheelers are so much fun and your riding skills will be put to the test as you cover a variety of terrain.

• White Water Kayaking – A fun day out with thrills and spills assured as you descend this class II and III river in inflatable kayaks. Hard shell kayaks are available for experienced kayakers.

• Horse Riding - A gentle ride on well kept horses with American style saddles allows for amazing scenery and beautiful memories around the shores of Lake Arenal.

• Zip-lines – These are to Costa Rica what bungy jumping is to NZ. They have taken the flying fox and turned it into an extreme activity where you are in control of your speed as you soar through lush rainforest canopy.

• Surf School – 4 nights and 3 days at a surf school on the Pacific Ocean located on the beach of Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Two hours of surf lessons daily then the rest of the day to practice your skills and hang ten or go lay in a hammock if you need a break.

Draft Itinerary Outline

Day 1. Auckland to San Jose – flight departs late afternoon and arrives just before midnight
Day 2. Off to Jungle lodge, hiking
Day 3. Jungle lodge, hiking
Day 4. Jungle lodge, hiking
Day 5. Head to Guapiles
Day 6. Full day rafting, Guapiles
Day 7. Full day rafting, afternoon land activities, riverside camp
Day 8. Full day rafting, overnight La Fortuna
Day 9. Mountain biking, Hot Springs, La Fortuna
Day 10. Abseiling / ATV tour, La Fortuna
Day 11. Kayaking / Volcano hike, Hot Springs, La Fortuna
Day 12. Horse riding / coffee plantation tour
Day 13. Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest - bird watching / zip-lining
Day 14. Off to the surf camp
Day 15. Surf camp morning tuition / afternoon free
Day 16. Surf camp morning tuition / afternoon free
Day 17. Surf camp morning tuition / afternoon free
Day 18. Back to San Jose, for one final night out
Day 19. Fly out, via Mexico City and Los Angeles
Day 20. (cross date line)
Day 21. Auckland - arrive early morning

Trip Style

Experience, Health And Fitness: This is an action packed itinerary especially designed for Adrenaline Junkies. You will want to be as fit as possible in order to partake in and enjoy all activities. Apart from knowing how to ride a bike, no previous experience is required for the other activities, as all will be fully guided & demonstrations provided for your comfort and safety. However if you are experienced in any of them and prefer a higher difficulty factor, this can be arranged for most activities (advance requests would be appreciated).

As with all Grassroots trips a medical clearance for those over 60 is required but your age should not keep you from participating in this itinerary as it is more about having a desire to try these activities (even for a first time) and a positive frame of mind.

Services and facilities: these will differ greatly depending on the itinerary. We will stay in two small rustic lodges (La Danta, near Guapiles and Zopilote Surf camp), and there is also one night camping during the Pacuare rafting excursion. Most other hotels will be small family run bed and breakfasts. Our itinerary will include most breakfasts, 9 lunches and 12 dinners. Allow NZ$20+ a day to cover other meals. (Note this doesn’t include drinks).

Transport: There will be a mixture of transport including: public & private bus/van, horse, 4WD jeeps and boat services.

Weatherwise: Costa Rica essentially enjoys a warm tropical climate and we will be visiting in the Dry Season. Expect temperatures in the 20s and 30s however in Monteverde the weather can be inclement and often misty. It may still rain in the Dry Season but these showers are normally short and sharp.

Party Size and Leadership: Up to 14 travellers, accompanied by a Spanish/English speaking Grassroots leader. English speaking local guides will also be used in most areas.

Baggage and other Gear: A big day pack would be useful to take on 2 and 3 night excursions when big bags are stored elsewhere (e.g at La Danta Hiking lodge and on overnight rafting trip). Otherwise a medium sized travel soft-sided pack/ roll bag/wheelie bag(60-70 ltr). No suitcases. In addition you should also take a small daypack for activities and one with a platypus type drinking system for hiking and biking would be particularly useful. The General Preparations Notice will contain detailed information and a full packing list for each part of the trip.

Criteria for Travel : None of the activities require previous experience except for the biking i.e. you should know how to ride but it is not necessary to have done much mountain biking. The trip is open to all ages and the most important thing you can bring is your sense of humour and a love of testing your limits in the great outdoors. A ‘give it a go’ attitude is highly recommended.

Price Includes

Our itinerary will include most breakfasts, 9 lunches and 12 dinners. Accommodation, transport, flights in the class budgeted, sightseeing/activities and guides.

2009 Departure Cancelled: Regrettably we are unable to operate our planned 2009 departure.

Please read our Frequently Asked Questions for important general information. For more specific details about this trip (including an itinerary) please Contact Us.