What better way than a scenic riverboat cruise, guided hike, and choice of aerial tram or zipline adventure to give you a whirlwind immersion exploring Costa Rica’s amazing tropical rainforest! Especially designed for those whose vacation time is short and who want an authentic, exciting first hand experience.
This awesome three in one tour begins when you are picked up from your hotel, bright and early, and driven to your first stop, the Sarapiqui River. Here, deep in the rainforest, you will board a sightseeing riverboat equipped with comfortable seating and overhead protection.
Your naturalist guide, who has local knowledge of the secret hiding spots within the forest canopy along the banks of the river, will point out and help identify all kinds of interesting wildlife. If you are a birder, you will enjoy checking several tropical species off your list. The Sarapiqui is an extensive scenic waterway that not only supports leisurely riverboat cruises but also provides excellent whitewater rafting in other parts of the river.
After your cruise, you will be taken to the Selva Verde Eco Lodge where you’ll go on a guided nature hike to stretch your legs. This eco-friendly hotel and learning center, situated on 500 private acres, is dedicated to introducing visitors to its many diverse rainforest ecosystems. Along the trails, you’ll likely encounter such jungle inhabitants as howler monkeys, keel-billed toucans, iguanas, and fascinating insects.
Of special interest to birdwatchers are the green macaws, woodrails, sunbitterns, violet-crowned woodnymphs, and toucans living in the area. As you continue, you'll come to an almond orchard before being surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens where you can stroll through lush tropical foliage and admire the colorful flowers of Costa Rica.
After your hike you’ll hop back into the van and go to a local restaurant for a traditional meal called a “casado”. Literally meaning a “marriage” of beans and rice, meat or veggie option, pico de gallo, plus fried plantains, this delicious and filling meal is typically eaten every day.
Up next, you’ll be driven to a private reserve bordering the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Here, you will have a choice of taking the Rain Forest Aerial Tram or going on an exciting zipline adventure. Either way, you’ll see amazing views of the rainforest below. Supported by heavy cables, the tram will safely carry you up in the air above the forest to explore the tropical landscape from an aerial perspective. If you choose the zipline experience, you’ll soar over 7 cables landing on 11 strategically placed forest platforms, all with the assistance of professional guides. The reserve, dedicated to preserving the rainforest and its inhabitants, offers visitors a chance to learn about and enjoy seeing the local wildlife without disturbing the natural habitat.
The Rainforest 3 in 1 Adventure tour includes bilingual guides, entrance fees, lunch, plus transport from San Jose, Alajuela, and Escazu. One way transportation to the first tour activity typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending upon your hotel location and local traffic conditions. Combined time of all three tour activities, lunch, and round-trip transportation can take up to 10 to 12 hours. NOTE: This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
Come experience the primal jungle vibe of a Costa Rican rainforest!
The Rainforest 3 in 1 Adventure is available from Alajuela, Alajuela suburbs, Escazu, Heredia, and San Jose
3 and up
Latitude: N 10° 10' 57.33"
Longitude: W 83° 55' 14.25"
09/18/2019
We made a wide circle today on the tour with us being the first pick-ups & the first to get off. We traversed SJ in the early morning to get the others. The driver was calm, friendly while driving us. Our guide let us know where we were going & explained the itinerary well. The canopy ride was a great overview of the rainforest with interesting info provided & questions answered. The boat ride on the Sarapiqui river was informative as well, showing us the birds & alligators along the way. The nature walk was the most strenuous as it was later in the day & the heat combined with the lack of any breeze, made for a soaking wet arrival for lunch. Watching our step every step of the way was tiring & made it difficult to see the surrounding forest. Arrival for lunch & the fans was welcome. We enjoyed the ride back to Xandari.
01/20/2017
This was a very nice day!