Overview
This experience leads you through lush rain forest, world-class rapids of the Rio Savegre, and surfing in a nationally protected beach in Uvita. We consider this area the 'heart' of Costa Rica. Many of the areas we travel by are protected reserves full of wildlife and beautiful scenery. This trip isn't just about the incredible rain forest, but also about the people that call it their home. Live like a local on this truly authentic Costa Rican experience.
Basic Info
| Start: | Duration: | Physical Demand: |
|---|---|---|
| San Isidro del General | 7 Days | 4/5 |
| End: | Distance: | Age Requirement: |
| Playa Uvita | 22 km | 14+ |
| Physical Demand: | Age Requirement: | |
| 4 | 14+ | |
| Accommodations: | Group Requirement: | |
| Transportation, lodging, meals, rafting, surfing |
2 - 40 People | |
| Accommodations: | Group Requirement: | |
| Transportation, lodging, meals, rafting, surfing |
2 - 40 People | |
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
Arrive at the Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO). Travel to San Isidro de El General and stay at homestay. Meet your guides, pack, orientation, and get ready for an adventure into the Costa Rican rain forest. |
| Day 2 |
6am departure from San Isidro to Brujo driving 4x4 for 2 hours into mountains. Eat breakfast in San Isidro. Begin hike into rain forest to arrive at Piedras Blancas for the first night in the rain forest. This hike will be approximately 4 hours. Eat home-cooked meal and enjoy surrounding area. |
| Day 3 |
Piedras Blancas with a home cooked meal at the Lopez family house. Most likely on this day, we will rappel down the 120 foot waterfall. In the afternoon we explore the village, play soccer, and enjoy our new homestay. At night, we make tortillas and eat dinner for a great night of sleep with the sounds of the Savegre. Make sugar out of sugarcane using traditional system of the 'Trapiche'. Explore a 900 feet deep cave in the rain forest where you'll see stalactites and stalagmites. |
| Day 4 |
After eating Gallo Pinto for breakfast, we hike to the Fonsecas Family Eco-Lodge alongside the Savegre River. Take in the beautiful views of the Savegre River and enjoy the natural gardens that surround this area. Activities here include: canopy over the Rio Savegre, tree climb, medicinal plant tour, make homemade chocolate. |
| Day 5 |
2 hour hike to Brujo to arrive at the Rio Savegre to begin our 16 mile rafting trip! Eat lunch alongside the river and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls and great rapids. After rafting we get to stay at another homestay alongside the Rio Savegre with Don Miguel y Doña Fanny. |
| Day 6 |
Travel to Uvita National park for surf instruction – enjoy the waves and the monkeys that frequent this area. Travel to San Jose for our last night of the trip. Stop for souvenirs on the way back to San Jose. |
| Day 7 |
Fly out day at SJO. |
Route
Typical Meals
Varies day to day but this provides a good overview. We can change items based on diet requirements!
Breakfast
- Gallo Pinto - scrambled or fried eggs, fried plantains, fruit, black beans and white rice mixed with wild cilantro, onion, and seasoning.
- Fresh Costa Rican coffee, chocolate milk, or homemade lemon cane sugar water
Lunch
- Casado - chicken, green salad with tomatoes and onions, avocado, fresh pineapple, mangoes, with white rice and black beans.
- Fresh juice, rain forest spring water, or lemon cane sugar water.
Dinner
- Casado - choice of meat, local mixed vegetables, white rice with wild cilantro and locally grown black beans.
- Hot chocolate, rain forest spring water, or lemon cane sugar water.
Pricing Details
Price includes:- Transportation from San Isidro de El General
- Final transportation to San Isidro de El General, Uvita,
Dominical, or Manuel Antonio - Lodging
- All meals
- All safety equipment for activities
- All activities mentioned
- Roundtrip transportation from San Isidro de General
- 24 hour bilingual guide(s)
- Hiking backpacks (if needed)
- Flight to Costa Rica
- Transportation from San Jose
- Gratuities