rafting down class III and IV rapids<\/a> to your jungle lodge. You’ll stop off at a cacao farm to learn all about Costa Rica’s food of the gods: chocolate. Then it’s time to take to the river, on a journey that will be equal parts thrilling and beautiful \u2013 when you\u2019re not soaring over crashing waters there\u2019ll be plenty of chances to sit back and appreciate the dense, untouched rainforest and the exotic wildlife all around you. Eventually you\u2019ll pull up alongside your boutique cabins, where lunch will be waiting for you. This evening, you\u2019ll take a nocturnal walk to spot rainforest frogs (and hopefully other nocturnal wildlife), learning all about the weird and wonderful creatures.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"River rafting to rainforest lodge","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-Itinerary2.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Rainforest living","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Rainforest living","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"Waking up to the sounds of the rainforest, your immersion in secluded jungle living continues. Prepare for total disconnection from the real world here: with no signal and no WiFi, the whole experience will be a digital detox that will take you back to the beauty of simplicity. Yet, you can still expect certain luxuries, such as hot showers, flush toilets and comfy soft beds. You\u2019ll have the day free to enjoy the lodge\u2019s lush surroundings and take advantage of the many activities on offer. Your rafting guide can show you the way to some local waterfalls where you can bathe in a natural pool surrounded by untouched wilderness.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Rainforest living","text":"
Waking up to the sounds of the rainforest, your immersion in secluded jungle living continues. Prepare for total disconnection from the real world here: with no signal and no WiFi, the whole experience will be a digital detox that will take you back to the beauty of simplicity. Yet, you can still expect certain luxuries, such as hot showers, flush toilets and comfy soft beds. You\u2019ll have the day free to enjoy the lodge\u2019s lush surroundings and take advantage of the many activities on offer. Your rafting guide can show you the way to some local waterfalls where you can bathe in a natural pool surrounded by untouched wilderness.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Rainforest living","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-Itinerary32.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Travel to Arenal ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Back to civilization ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"
This morning you\u2019ll make your way back to civilization the way you came in: by paddling down the river to your rafting exit point. Expect plenty of thrills and spills along the way. You\u2019ll be picked up for a road trip towards the Arenal Volcano National Park and your beautiful hotel a few miles outside of La Fortuna town. The volcano may be dormant but the area around its base is a hub for adventure activities. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you choose. Explore the town, enjoy some local walks or simply spend the afternoon basking in creature comforts after your time in the middle of the rainforest.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Back to civilization ","text":"
This morning you\u2019ll make your way back to civilization the way you came in: by paddling down the river to your rafting exit point. Expect plenty of thrills and spills along the way. You\u2019ll be picked up for a road trip towards the Arenal Volcano National Park and your beautiful hotel a few miles outside of La Fortuna town. The volcano may be dormant but the area around its base is a hub for adventure activities. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you choose. Explore the town, enjoy some local walks or simply spend the afternoon basking in creature comforts after your time in the middle of the rainforest.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Travel to Arenal ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-ItineraryArenal.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Aerial adventures","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Aerial adventures","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"
It\u2019s back to adrenaline-seeking today as you head up the mountain via aerial tram to its highest point. From here, with views out to the lake and the nearby volcano, you\u2019ll tackle an adventure course of truly epic proportions. Your journey back down will involve conquering ziplines, hanging bridges, waterfall abseiling, canyoning, a tarzan swing…the list goes on. Of everything, be sure to give the superman zipline a go. Bundled into a secure suit that\u2019s connected horizontally to a zipwire, you\u2019ll have the chance to feel what it would be like to fly like superman through lush rainforest canopies. Still buzzing, tonight <\/span>you\u2019ll enjoy a traditional family-style meal cooked at a local restaurant.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Aerial adventures","text":"It\u2019s back to adrenaline-seeking today as you head up the mountain via aerial tram to its highest point. From here, with views out to the lake and the nearby volcano, you\u2019ll tackle an adventure course of truly epic proportions. Your journey back down will involve conquering ziplines, hanging bridges, waterfall abseiling, canyoning, a tarzan swing…the list goes on. Of everything, be sure to give the superman zipline a go. Bundled into a secure suit that\u2019s connected horizontally to a zipwire, you\u2019ll have the chance to feel what it would be like to fly like superman through lush rainforest canopies. Still buzzing, tonight <\/span>you\u2019ll enjoy a traditional family-style meal cooked at a local restaurant.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Aerial adventures","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-Itinerary5.jpg"],"day":5},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Free day in Rincon De La Vieja National Park","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Jungle time","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"After the intense adrenaline of yesterday, you\u2019ll be looking forward to a relaxing day of slow living in the Rincon De La Vieja National Park. Upon arrival, you\u2019ll be checked into your hotel, then it’s up to you how to spend your afternoon. Perhaps a forest therapy session will tempt you, or a day of therapeutic hot springs, working your way from the coolest natural pool to the hottest. Or there’s horseback riding, birdwatching and waterfall hikes on offer – even a jungle waterslide. With sustainability, adventure, nature, culture and wellness all in one place… this is what you came to Costa Rica for.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Jungle time","text":"
After the intense adrenaline of yesterday, you\u2019ll be looking forward to a relaxing day of slow living in the Rincon De La Vieja National Park. Upon arrival, you\u2019ll be checked into your hotel, then it’s up to you how to spend your afternoon. Perhaps a forest therapy session will tempt you, or a day of therapeutic hot springs, working your way from the coolest natural pool to the hottest. Or there’s horseback riding, birdwatching and waterfall hikes on offer – even a jungle waterslide. With sustainability, adventure, nature, culture and wellness all in one place… this is what you came to Costa Rica for.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Free day in Rincon De La Vieja National Park","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-ItineraryDownTime.jpg"],"day":6},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Palo Verde National Park private boat & rum tasting","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Wild wetlands & on to the coast","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"
Palo Verde National Park is calling today. A spectacular wild world of rivers, marshlands and mangroves; you\u2019ll have the chance to go deep into its wonders on a private boat along the Tempisque River. Look out for an abundance of bird life, crocodiles and monkeys as you journey further into this wildlife refuge before hopping back onto dry land to explore Hacienda el Viejo. On this tour, you’ll be taken to a working sugar mill as you trace the steps of rum making. Taste the sugar cane before moving on to real rum tasting, a completely unique experience in what feels like the middle of nowhere. Before you leave for your first night on the coast in the sparkling Gulf of Papagayo, there\u2019ll be a little surprise in store \u2013 but that’s all we\u2019ll say for now…<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Wild wetlands & on to the coast","text":"
Palo Verde National Park is calling today. A spectacular wild world of rivers, marshlands and mangroves; you\u2019ll have the chance to go deep into its wonders on a private boat along the Tempisque River. Look out for an abundance of bird life, crocodiles and monkeys as you journey further into this wildlife refuge before hopping back onto dry land to explore Hacienda el Viejo. On this tour, you’ll be taken to a working sugar mill as you trace the steps of rum making. Taste the sugar cane before moving on to real rum tasting, a completely unique experience in what feels like the middle of nowhere. Before you leave for your first night on the coast in the sparkling Gulf of Papagayo, there\u2019ll be a little surprise in store \u2013 but that’s all we\u2019ll say for now…<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Palo Verde National Park private boat & rum tasting","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/7.jpg"],"day":7},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Private catamaran","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Private catamaran on the Pacific","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"
Your last full day, and you\u2019ll be going out in true, paradise island style. After a morning relaxing on the sand of Panama Beach or at the pool, you\u2019ll be picked up by your own private catamaran. Your luxurious vessel will be taking you off for an afternoon of cruising to small islands, secret coves, snorkelling spots and hard-to-reach beaches. Everywhere you look will feel like the best photo opportunity of your life \u2013 crystal waters, white sands, vibrant coral and secluded bays where you\u2019ll anchor up for a private beach BBQ. Enjoy drinks overlooking the Pacific and, as you sail back to your hotel, watch the sun fire up the horizon before you. Back on dry land, it\u2019ll be time for one last meal as a group beneath a blanket of stars.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Private catamaran on the Pacific","text":"
Your last full day, and you\u2019ll be going out in true, paradise island style. After a morning relaxing on the sand of Panama Beach or at the pool, you\u2019ll be picked up by your own private catamaran. Your luxurious vessel will be taking you off for an afternoon of cruising to small islands, secret coves, snorkelling spots and hard-to-reach beaches. Everywhere you look will feel like the best photo opportunity of your life \u2013 crystal waters, white sands, vibrant coral and secluded bays where you\u2019ll anchor up for a private beach BBQ. Enjoy drinks overlooking the Pacific and, as you sail back to your hotel, watch the sun fire up the horizon before you. Back on dry land, it\u2019ll be time for one last meal as a group beneath a blanket of stars.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Private catamaran","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-Itinerary91.jpg"],"day":8},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Departure","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Hasta la vista, Costa Rica","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"
After breakfast, it\u2019ll sadly be time for goodbyes \u2013 never easy when you\u2019ve had such a memorable adventure amongst untouched natural beauty. Our tip: it\u2019s best to fly out of nearby Liberia Airport. Or…never leave?<\/span><\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Hasta la vista, Costa Rica","text":"After breakfast, it\u2019ll sadly be time for goodbyes \u2013 never easy when you\u2019ve had such a memorable adventure amongst untouched natural beauty. Our tip: it\u2019s best to fly out of nearby Liberia Airport. Or…never leave?<\/span><\/p>\n","snapshot":"Departure","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-Itinerary8.2.jpg"],"day":9}],"alternative_itinerary":null,"theme":null,"gallery_uris":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-USPBoatWetlands-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-USPElMangr-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-CatPrivUSP.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-USPZiplining-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-USP2.1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-USP4.jpg"],"trip_highlights":[],"included_highlights":[],"included":["b","p","Max. 14 people per trip","Everyone at a similar life stage","90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch"],"videos":[{"source":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Costa-Rica-Website-Header.mp4","codec":"mp4"}],"faqs":[{"question":"Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code","answer":"Fly into San Jose Airport (SJO) and fly out of Liberia Airport (LIR).\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?","answer":"At 5 pm you will meet your guide and and the other Flashpackers before our welcome dinner at a top local restaurant. We recommend arriving no later than 3 pm.\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight depart on the last day?","answer":"There are no activities planned for the last day, so you can leave any time you wish. We end at an amazing beach property so you might want to leave late and spend the day enjoying the facilities.\u00a0The airport is approximately 20 minutes away from your final hotel.\n"},{"question":"Are airport transfers included? ","answer":"If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.\nArrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.\nWe don\u2019t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. However, your Pack Leader will offer you support with finding a local taxi.\n"},{"question":"Do I need a visa? ","answer":"You do not need a visa if you\u2019re visiting as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada. Please check with your local consulate\/embassy if the country you are travelling from requires a visa. \nAlternatively, you can check the requirements here: https:\/\/migracion.go.cr\/Paginas\/Visas.aspx\nWe recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.\n"},{"question":"What sort of travel insurance do I need? ","answer":"Please bear in mind that this trip includes adventurous activities, such as canyoning and rafting. Your travel\/medical insurance should cover you to raft up to and including class IV rapids.\n"},{"question":"What fitness levels do I need for this trip?","answer":"Overall, Costa Rica is one of our more active adventures with a few hikes and rafting.\u00a0We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.\n\u00a0\n"},{"question":"Do I need to be able to swim?","answer":"Whilst it\u2019s not compulsory that you\u2019re able to swim in order to book this adventure, we can only let competent swimmers take part in the rafting activity due to health and safety requirements. If you can\u2019t swim or simply don\u2019t want to do the rafting, that\u2019s no problem \u2013 we\u2019ll be able to arrange other means of transport for you.\n"},{"question":"Do I have to take part in the whitewater rafting? ","answer":"None of the activities on this trip are compulsory and if you don\u2019t feel comfortable taking part in the rafting, you can travel by 4\u00d74 to the rainforest lodge. Please note that there won\u2019t be an alternative activity provided instead of the rafting, but the lodge itself is a lovely place to relax in the rainforest.\n"},{"question":"Are there any other special requirements?","answer":"As you\u2019ll be rafting to your remote lodge on Day 2 and leaving your main luggage behind (which you\u2019ll be reunited with on Day 4 in Arenal), we ask that you bring a separate smaller bag with you to Costa Rica. You\u2019ll use this to pack everything you\u2019ll need for the few days you\u2019re in the rainforest (2 full days, one morning).\n"},{"question":"Will the itinerary change?","answer":"These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control \u2013 but we\u2019ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.\n"},{"question":"What are the Covid-19 requirements for visiting Costa Rica?","answer":"Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Some countries do still require travelers to comply with pre-arrival testing and\/or vaccination requirements. Links to the key consular services can be found on our Safety page.\n"},{"question":"What other vaccinations and medication will I need? ","answer":"We recommend checking with your local travel clinic six to eight weeks before your trip to see if any medications or vaccinations are required.\n"},{"question":"What should I pack?","answer":"Your Costa Rican adventure involves a huge variety of activities, so you\u2019ll need to pack a range of clothes. Generally, we recommend loose-fitting and light casual wear to keep you cool in the tropical heat, but one warmer layer may be required for the evenings and rooms with strong air-conditioning. Rain can occur at any time of the year, so it\u2019s definitely worth bringing a lightweight rain jacket.\nWhat you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Costa Rica, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.\nBaggage\n\nA large backpack or suitcase. It\u2019s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase, but either way, a soft-sided bag is best for packing into transfer vehicles.\nA smaller luggage bag big enough to hold two or\u00a0three days\u2019 worth of essentials and clothes. This will be\u00a0used when you raft to your remote rainforest lodge on day two. You\u2019ll be reunited with your main luggage on day four in Arenal.\nA day bag. This will need to be big enough to fit your daily essentials in, such as water and your camera.\n\nClothing\n\nLightweight clothes. T-shirts and shorts are perfect in Costa Rica\u2019s tropical climate.\nActivewear. Breathable and lightweight materials will help you stay comfortable during the more energetic activities, such as hiking.\nSwimwear. You\u2019ll have plenty of chances to get in the water, so it\u2019s worth bringing two pairs of swimwear so that one can dry.\nSunglasses\/sunhat. The sun is likely to be very strong during the day, so protecting yourself with sunglasses and a sunhat is vital.\nA light waterproof jacket. Rain showers can occur at any time of the year, so it\u2019s worth packing a light waterproof jacket or a poncho.\nLight sweater. It\u2019s unlikely to get cold, but you may want to bring a light sweater for any rooms with strong air-conditioning and for the plane.\nLinen trousers. Always handy for keeping the sun off of your legs.\nAn evening outfit. Whether or not you bring evening wear is up to you, but you may want one set of nicer clothes for the bars and restaurants in San Jos\u00e9.\n\nShoes\n\nHiking boots\/shoes. Some of the hiking you\u2019ll be doing will be on muddy, slippery terrain. If you plan on hiking in sneakers, please make sure they are breathable and sturdy, with a good amount of tread on the soles.\nComfortable sneakers. You\u2019ll need a comfortable pair of breathable shoes for day-to-day activities.\nSandals\/flip-flops. It\u2019s a good idea to bring a comfortable pair of shoes for relaxing in.\n\nAccessories\n\nElectricals, chargers and accessories.\nPlug socket adaptor. Costa Rica uses the same plugs as the USA. They have 2 flat prongs and are known as type A.\nRefillable water bottle. This will reduce your group\u2019s plastic footprint.\nHead torch\/torch\nBook or music. For transfers and any relaxed evenings, you may want a book or some music.\nEye mask and earplugs. If you\u2019re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs.\nBeach towel. You will need a towel for the beach. A travel towel is a good alternative if you want to save space in your bag.\n\nToiletries\/medical\n\nHigh SPF factor sun cream.\nMoisturiser.\nLip balm with SPF.\nInsect repellent.\nAnti-bacterial gel.\nPainkillers.\nShampoo and conditioner. Most hotels will be able to provide these, but we recommend bringing your own as small plastic bottles aren\u2019t environmentally friendly.\nPersonal toiletries including a toothbrush, deodorant, razors, hairbrush etc.\n\n"}],"hotels":[{"name":"ARENAL SPRINGS HOTEL","short_description":"Tropical getaway with lush views over Arenal Volcano ","description":"Set close to the Arenal Volcano and thus brimming with hot springs, the real draw of this resort has to be its abundance of attractive landscaped thermal pools boasting views out to the volcano. And who doesn\u2019t like a swim-up bar?\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-Hotel2.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"POC LODGE","short_description":"","description":"Accessed by rafting down the scenic Rio Pacuare, you\u2019ll be surrounded by tropical gardens and awaken to the sound of bird calls and monkeys. The cabins are beautifully designed \u2013 and with no electricity or WiFi, plus an open wall out into the rainforest, it\u2019s a true back-to-nature experience.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-HotelPOC.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"EL MANGROOVE","short_description":"EL MANGROOVE","description":"This is four-star boutique beauty. Chic, sumptuous rooms, a long pool framed by sun and day beds, an enviable position on the beach and endless activities like kayaking, yoga and paddleboarding. It\u2019s a wonder anyone ever checks out.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/CR1-HotelElMangroove.jpg","is_alternative":false}],"wellness_rooms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip\/20458"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/trip"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/96018"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20458"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}