Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica! This stopover adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. With over half the country's population living within its parameters, San Jose is a bustling capital city with lively markets, intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere. A good place to start exploring is the main plaza, a fant...

Today transfer to Turrialba (approximately 2 hours) and then saddle up for a bike ride to the Pacuare River. From here, hit the rapids of the Pacuare River for the thrilling final leg to tonight's rainforest lodge. The next two days here will involve some incredible white water rafting down the Pacuare River. This river has been rated as one of the ten top best rivers around the world; not only for its rapids, but also its pristine rainforest surrounds and waterfalls. On arrival at tonight's eco-lodge accommodation you'll have time to either chill out or take a self-guided walk along garden trails.

Hit the river again for more unforgettable white water rafting, and perhaps spot some wildelife along the way. You'll ride the Class 3 and 4 rapids for around two hours (or 14 kilometres). Afterwards, travel by local bus (approximately 1.5 hours) to Puerto Viejo, where bouncing reggae bars sit alongside palm-fringed beaches, and sample a taste of Caribbean life. 

Visit the idyllic palm trees and clear waters of Cahuita National Park, a protected area that encompasses both rainforest and 600 acres of coral reef. One of the first national parks to have been established in Costa Rica, these days Cahuita is managed by members of its nearby local community. Monkeys, reptiles, toucans and macaws can often be spotted in the park's jungle, while its waters are home to turtles, barracudas, sea urchins and more than 125 species of fish. See which critters you can spy during a 2.5 hour tour that goes to two different sections of the park, including some time for snorkelling. After a day exploring rainforests and splashing about, return to Puerto Viejo, where this stopover comes to an end.