6th Annual Costa Rica River Adventure!

A Special 11 Day Adventure of Paddling and Exploration with
SOAR Inflatables

Winter trip dates offered in 2011:

January 16 - January 26, 2011 ( FULL )
January 30 - February 9, 2011 ( 10 SPACES AVAILABLE )
February 13 - 23, 2011 ( 8 SPACES AVAILABLE )
March 20 - 30, 2011 ( 7 SPACES AVAILABLE )

Costa Rica Itinerary

Day 1Upon arrival in Costa Rica, you will be met by Rodolfo Campos-Montero, SOAR's Costa Rican guide and naturalist. You will be whisked away in our comfortable bus to begin our journey deep into the fabric of Costa Rica. We'll travel through rugged mountains, lush coffee plantations and small villages on our way to the Caribbean lowlands and the Puerto Viejo River. After a satisfying first meal together, we will visit to a private preserve. (L, D)

Day 2 In the morning we'll hike La Selva Biological Preserve with biologists or researchers studying the rainforest. La Selva is part of OTS, a group of 68 universities around the world studying the rainforest. This biological preserve features dense, old-growth rainforest and is home to three species of monkeys, sloth, iguana, peccaries, coatimundi, agouti, paca, and 400 species of birds including extremely colorful mot mots, honeycreepers, and the enchanting calls of montezumas oropendulas. In the afternoon we will paddle the Puerto Viejo river (Class I) a remote flat-water river that rarely sees any other paddlers. Its slower moving water offers ideal conditions for wildlife viewing, revealing 400 species of birds including great green macaws, parrots, laughing falcons and great jacomars, as well as monkeys, iguana and caiman. (B,L,D)

Day 3 We go north past Pital on our way to the Tres Amigos river using private access.Tres Amigos is a wonderland of exciting bird and wildlife. This evening we'll transfer to the Arenal Volcano, where we'll experience its intermittent rumblings, and perhaps catch a glimpse of lava escaping from Costa Rica's most active volcano. (B,L,D)

Day 4. Rancho Margot, Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs Today we visit one of Costa Rica's most sustainable farms on the shore of Lake Arenal. We will explore the farm, hike to an amazing vista of the Arenal Volcano, or perhaps rappel down a waterfall.

After a day of adventure, we'll go to a wonderful hot springs to soak, relax and enjoy spring-side libations. Dinner and a rainforest night hike follow.

Day 5 Rios Peñas Blancas (Class I-II), Maleku Tribal Art, La Pure Vida!  In the early morning, we will float quietly under the canopies of majestic trees in search of a wide variety of birds, monkeys and reptiles.  After our Penas Blancas float, we will travel a short way before stopping at the Maleku Indigenous Reserve where we will have a chance to hear about the Maleku people and purchase their indigenous crafts made from calabash and other native woods.

By early afternoon, we will arrive at a wonderful eco-lodge on the flank of the Tenorio Volcano. The lodge is run by three ticas who cook the most amazing meals on a wood stove or wood grill in their immaculate kitchen. All food: meats, fish, cheese, breads, vegetables and coffee are grown on or near the farm and prepared fresh daily. Candle-lit at night and without electricity, it doesn't get more organic than this!

In Costa Rica, the motto is "Pura Vida"..."The Sweet Life" This afternoon offers numerous options: hanging in hammock, swimming in a glorious swimming hole, lounging in a wonderful wood-fired hot tub, bird watching, hiking or riding horses in the surrounding hills with our tico vacquero guide, or rowing leisurely and fishing on the serene laguna. After this day, you will understand the true meaning of Pura Vida (B,L,D)

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Day 6 Tenorio & Corobici Rivers (Class I-II) Early this morning we drive towards Canas and cross into the dry forest region where we run both the Rio Tenorio and the Rio Corobici. The gentle Rio Tenorio, an intimate tributary of the Corobici, offers a chance to see rare boat-billed & agami herons roosting as well as an abundance of other wildlife, including caimen.

After a late riverside lunch, we will head back for a relaxing evening at the eco-lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 7. Rio Celeste In the morning we will hike and explore a montane rainforest, making our way to the Rio Celeste, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Falling 150 feet into a travertine pool, the waterfall will invite us to swim and explore. In the afternoon we return to the eco-lodge for more Pura Vida. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Canopy Tour / Zip Lines, Scarlet Macaw Migration - Early in the morning we will leave our mountain paradise and head south towards the Central Pacific coast. Along the way we will spend several hours exploring the canopy via an exciting Zip Line with fourteen platforms. Finished with this adventure, we will transfer to the nearby resort town of Manuel Antonio, looking for scarlet macaws along the route. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Savegre River (Couple of class III & then I-II ) Located north of Manuel Antonio, the Savegre is a beautiful, boulder-filled white water river with stunning scenery that rivals any river in Costa Rica, yet features the entirely different ecosystems of the Pacific coast. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Manuel Antonio or Dominical
Our final full day in Costa Rica will be oriented around the Pacific Ocean and the exploration of Manuel Antonio National Park. The rainforest and abudant wildlife abound in both locales. Beach time is scheduled for those of us wanting to dip our toes in the warm, blue Pacific Waters.

Day 11 Tarcoles, Sarchi, Return to San Jose Our last day still contains excitement! We will stop at the famous Tarcoles "Crocodile" Bridge and watch these giant predators. Before returning to San Jose, we will stop in several quality souvenir shops for any last chance gifts you might want to bring home. Arrival in San Jose by mid afternoon. (B,L)

Reservations and Additional Information: Call Larry @ SOAR Inflatables 707-433-5599. Email: larry@soar1.com