Pure Adrenaline Adventure

The Pure Adrenaline adventure takes you from Turrialba’s green countryside to the stunning South Pacific coast. Outside Turrialba, rural back roads wind past working farms and fields edged with living fences, with the volcano rising above the landscape. Three nights at Hotel Villa Florencia give you a peaceful base for two memorable adventure days—and a pool and Jacuzzi to enjoy when you return.

On the Pacuare, Class III–IV rapids carry you between high canyon walls surrounded by rainforest, mountains and waterfalls. The next day brings a different view of the jungle: rappel four waterfalls, zip along four canopy cables and cross a hanging bridge. Lunch is included on both outings, and there is time afterward to settle back into your countryside hotel.

Then a transfer through the mountainous countryside brings you to Dominical, a laid-back surf village backed by the jungle-covered Talamanca Mountains. Surf shops, souvenir stands and open-air restaurants give the town its easygoing personality, while the long beach draws surfers from around the world. Hotel Villas Rio Mar sits across from the Barú River amid tropical gardens and jungle scenery, a short drive or longer walk from town. With three nights here and two days free of scheduled tours, you have time to enjoy the hotel pool, explore the village and take in the South Pacific coast. It is a satisfying balance of adventure and downtime, with room to make the week your own.

• For the river rush: Day 2 takes you onto the Pacuare’s Class III–IV rapids, with rainforest and canyon scenery along the way.
• For a change of perspective: Day 3 combines four waterfall rappels, four zipline cables and a hanging bridge in the same canyoning and canopy outing.
• For a softer rhythm: Compare Pejibaye rafting, Guayabo’s archaeological hike or a CATIE garden walk with the more energetic choices.
• For time by the Pacific: Days 5 and 6 have no scheduled tour. Enjoy Dominical at your own pace; surfing lessons and other guided outings are optional additions.

Private transfers take you from San José airport to Turrialba and back to the airport from Dominical. The included hotel transfer connects your countryside and coastal stays. Prefer the freedom of a rental car or a fully private transfer route? Compare those travel styles alongside your hotel and activity choices.

Stay with Villa Florencia and Villas Rio Mar, or compare Casa Turire’s boutique setting, Rancho Naturalista’s birdwatching country, Cuna del Angel’s hillside retreat and the simpler beach-area rooms at Domilocos. Each adventure day has its own choices: river rapids, mountain biking, horseback riding, archaeology or a gentler garden walk. Keep the thrills, mix in a quieter outing, or spend more of your time enjoying the coast.

The listed price includes the hotels, tours and transfers described. Travel dates, room occupancy and your chosen changes affect the final quote. Descriptions cover the featured itinerary; explorer choices are requests. Substitutions depend on what can be arranged for your dates, with room and meal details reflected in your quote before booking.

Activity limits: Pacuare rafting is for ages 12 and up, with rafting experience or good physical condition; canyoning and canopy is for ages 7 and up. Pejibaye rafting, CATIE biking and Guayabo hiking are for ages 8 and up; the garden walk is recommended for ages 8 and up. Horseback riding is for ages 8 and up, with a 220-pound limit and advance notice above 200 pounds. River conditions can change or prevent rafting.

Bring enclosed shoes that can get wet, a towel and dry clothes. Wear tennis or hiking shoes for canyoning and avoid jeans. Pack sun protection and insect repellent.