Rain and water are the fuel for life in Costa Rica. Around each corner, waterfalls seep from the Earth and rivers carve their way through the jungle, shaping the valleys and coastal plains of Costa Rica. Today you will hop aboard a raft (or inflatable kayak for the adventurous bunch) and navigate down class III-IV white water rapids. Twist and turn along this remote stretch of river while gaining a true understanding of their importance to the local communities and also their raw power and ever-changing features. Along the way, stop for a lunch with a view and enjoy a refreshing dip beneath a nearby waterfall. Finish the day watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodations: Beach Hotel

Okay, so we don't typically say this but...by far our favorite day of the trip! Today we embark on an adventure of a lifetime! After a short drive, we will arrive at a trailhead that will be the starting point for a 2-3 hour hike that will lead us to our own hidden oasis for the evening. With our overnight bag in hand, we will set out on this nearly vertical climb through the jungle, but not to worry, we have had everyone from the fittest athletes to the older, adventurous souls on this journey! Along the way, search for playful monkeys in the canopy and explore undiscovered taste buds when we stop to try exotic fruits and herbs at the high-altitude garden midway. The final stretch of the trail will guide us to a view that will have you questioning if you are in Costa Rica or the film set for the latest Indiana Jones or Hollywood adventure flick! Continue on behind a series of towering waterfalls and into the cave that we will be calling home for the night. The cave is outfitted with sleeping pads, a kitchen designed for royalty and fully functioning bathrooms. This evening we will watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from atop a 120 ft waterfall...uh yeah, we know! Finish the evening dining by candlelight, enjoying a campfire overlooking the jungle and falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the waterfall steps away from our sleeping quarters. 

Accommodations: Cave "glamping"

This morning we will take a short hike to a series of smaller waterfalls for a day of canyoneering. Take the plunge from the top of a 30 ft waterfall or simply swim beneath the falls. On the way back, we will skip the trail and instead pull on a harness, rope up and step backward to rappel off the 100 ft waterfall that we slept behind the night before. Before touching the ground, free hang for a few moments to take in the overwhelming beauty of the surrounding area and this seldom-seen view. After lunch, we'll pack our belongings and begin the hike back to civilization. We will spend the remainder of the day at a farm perched in the paramo highlands learning the lifestyle of the local family on this farm and relaxing in this unique highland homestay. Reminisce on the adventures from the days gone by, tonight is our final night in Costa Rica.

Accommodations: Eco-lodge homestay

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end...or do they! Although we head home today, the unforgettable experiences and new friendships will forever be a part of your life! We will head back to the airport where we began. Along the way, we will stop for lunch and a few obligatory souvenirs for friends and family back home.

Accommodations: Your own bed!

Our 7-day itinerary offers a more relaxed pace of the 5-day itinerary and also allows us to travel deeper into the very remote stretches of the rainforest. For a detailed 7-day itinerary please contact us at info@beyondthemap.org or call 724-757-6474.  For a general overview, these are some of the additional activities that you can expect on the 7-day itinerary. 

-Surfing lessons or snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean

-Backpack into a rural homestay to go caving and waterfall swimming

-Traditional Costa Rican sauna and river ceremony

-Learn traditional cooking & dessert recipes such as chocolate & sugar production

-Hike through the highlands region of Costa Rica

-Experience a local homestay at an off-the-grid, eco-lodge