During the Costa Rica Adventure Tour you can discover the rainforests, volcanoes, wildlife and beaches of the exotic "Rich Coast"!

Travel throughout Costa Rica from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast discovering primary tropical rainforests, volcanic landscapes, coral reefs, national parks, and plenty of exotic wildlife. Stay in some of the best eco-lodges in the country as you explore and experience the natural wonders in the jewel of Central America. You will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:

• A two-day white water rafting adventure on the Pacuare River
• Treks through several ecological reserves
• Jungle kayaking in the canals of Tortuguero National Park
• Horseback riding through an authentic Costa Rican cattle ranch
• Bathing in geothermal hot springs in two different locations
• Zip-lining and Rappelling in La Fortuna
• Discovering the geothermal wonders of Arenal Volcano and Rincon de la Viega  National Park
• Tubing Adventure on Negro River
• Personalized surfing instruction in Samara Beach
• Exploring the local nightlife in Heredia

Adventure Tour Itinerary (Caribbean Bound) Note: Depending on your departure date and allocated volunteer project, you may participate on the Pacific Bound (Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Coast) tour itinerary which operates in the opposite direction with minor variations.

Day 1 – Arrive in Heredia Say goodbye to your volunteer project and return to the city of Heredia. After the ISV Adventure Tour Orientation, which will take place in the afternoon, relax and explore the city. Day 2 – Heredia to Rio Pacuare Get ready for high-adrenaline whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, Class III and IV rapids (ISV Included Activity). The Pacuare is rated one of the top five rivers in the world to raft. Along the way, we will stop to swim in secluded, natural swimming holes. Overnight in the incredible Rios Tropicales Jungle Lodge and experience a traditional Costa Rican meal prepared by the local river guides. Day 3 – Rio Pacuare to Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Start the day with a hearty breakfast, then more exhilarating white water rafting. This afternoon we will travel southeast to the heart of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. For two amazing nights, you will stay in a unique environmentally friendly lodge while enjoying the Caribbean Sea, golden sand, coconuts and the reggae-vibe of paradise! Day 4 – Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Experience the rain forest, and be awakening by the howler monkeys. Today's eco-adventure will involve a hike into Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge (ISV included Activity) and relaxing free afternoon. Day 5 – Southern Caribbean to Tortuguero Travel to Tortuguero. Getting there is half the experience as we must take a motorboat from Caño Blanco and travel along the canals for 1 1/2 hrs to reach our final destination. Tortuguero is famous for its sea turtles and National Park. In the afternoon, we will explore Tortuguero Village and visit the sea-turtle information centre, the CCC. Day 6 – Tortuguero Get ready for another amazing day for wildlife viewing. Watch for sloths and monkeys in the forest while exploring the amazing canals and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park by kayak and also in motor boat (ISV Included Activity). Day 7 – Tortuguero to La Fortuna (Volcan Arenal) Travel to Volcan Arenal near the small town of La Fortuna. Volcan Arenal is the most active volcano in all of Costa Rica. In the evening, those with the ISV Optional Activity Package can relax in natural thermal springs and watch out for nature's fireworks. Day 8 – La Fortuna Discover Arenal Mundo Aventura, an ecological adventure park like no other in Costa Rica. Enjoy the fantastic zip-lines and learn about the indigenous "Maleku" culture through a visit to their mystical village (ISV Included Activity). If you have the ISV Optional Activity Package, test your courage on the largest rappel in Costa Rica! Descend 30m (90ft) free-rappel followed by 50m down Pino Blanco waterfall. Day 9 – Volcano Arenal to Rincon de la Vieja Travel to the beautiful Rincón de la Vieja National Park. In this park, you will find a volcano which is composed of nine volcanic craters. Stay for two-nights at the foot of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano in one of the best Costa Rican ecotourism lodges for adventure travel and nature lovers. As soon as you get to the hotel, you will have the opportunity to go and take a bath into Rio Negro Thermals Waters (ISV Included Activity). Day 10 – Rincon de la Vieja National Park For those who have the ISV Optional Activity Package, this is an action-packed day. You will start with a horseback ride through dry forest and scenic trails until we stop at Oropendola Waterfall, a 25m waterfall with emerald-green water. After this, get ready for the Rio Negro Tubing Adventure! Ride the rapids for 1 & 1/2 hours in your own inflatable inner tube. Following lunch, take a hike for 2 & 1/2 hours along the Las Pailas Trail, where you can observe steam vents, boiling mud and water and a very diverse vegetation. Finish this fantastic day at the unique Simbiosis Mud Spa. Day 11 – Rincon de la Vieja to Samara Beach Rise early and help the local workers to feed the horses and milk the cows at the local farmhouse. Travel to the beautiful Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Samara Beach is a long, beautiful beach, considered one of the safest in Costa Rica because of the coral reef that protects it and makes it an ideal place for ocean kayaking, swimming and water sports. Day 12 – Samara Beach If you have the ISV Optional Activity Package, this is a full day of activities. You will sea kayak to Isla Chora where fish, rays and marine turtles can be found in the surroundings waters. In addition, today you will enjoy two hours of surf lessons on this beautiful beach (ISV Optional Activity Package). It is a perfect day to relax, enjoy the beach and the magnificent sunset. Day 13 – Pacific Coast to Heredia After breakfast, you will return to the Central Valley, stopping on the way at the El Jardín Restaurant and Souvenir shop. This is a great place to obtain well-made Costa Rican souvenirs, particularly woodcraft, jewelry and masks. Enjoy a farewell dinner during the final night with the group. Day 14 – Departure The adventure ends, travel home, Hasta Pronto!

Accommodations All accommodations have been carefully selected for their comfort and ideal locations. Accommodations range from nice tourist class hotels to jungle lodges. Meals Most meals are provided by ISV. Meals during times of sightseeing will be the responsibility of participants. Activities ISV includes a minimum of five amazing activities to make your experience unforgettable. Activities are subject to change but may include activities such as white water rafting, zip lining and jungle kayaking, to waterfall rappelling and zip lining in the cloud forest. Disclaimer Exact dates, itineraries, accommodations and included activities will be given to participants in the ISV Participant Travel Manual approximately 30 days prior to departure. ISV reserves the right to change the ISV tour itinerary, accommodations and activities without notice. Any and all changes are within the discretion of ISV, Inc.

Optional Activity Package (OAP)

"All activities were healthy, active and eco-friendly. The hotels and excursion operators and guides were amazing. The tour is so great because you are given the opportunity to try something new and thrilling each day. What a great experience! Thank you!"

Wakefield Dominique, Brigham Young University