Participants will travel throughout Costa Rica including the Pacific and Carribean coasts, discovering primary rainforests, plentiful varieties of wildlife, volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, reefs, national parks, private reserves while stay in some of the best eco-lodges in the country. You will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:

• Snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean
• White water rafting on the Pacuare River
• Treks through several ecological reserves
• Jungle kayaking in the canals of Tortuguero National Park
• Horseback riding through a typical Costa Rican farm and a private secondary forest with views of the Pacific Coast
• Zip-lining and Rappelling in La Fortuna
• Observing two of Costa Rica's many volcanoes
• Tubing Adventure on Negro River
• Get personalized surfing instruction in Samara
• Exploring the local nightlife in Heredia

 

"ISV deserves a standing ovation. Everything was planned very well. I’m so blessed to have had a chance to participate in this wonderful experience. Thank you"
Jenny Celin
University of North Carolina Greensboro

Adventure Tour

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
Awake to the sounds of the rushing river. Early risers can enjoy some phenomenal bird-watching and get ready for the best-ever waterfall hike. Relax in the evening and enjoy the tranquility of the river; this is truly one of the country’s most scenic locations!

DAY 4 – 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 south east 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 5 – 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 and relaxing bike ride (ISV included Activity).

DAY 6 – 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 ½ 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 7 – 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 8 – 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 9 – 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 50 m down Pino Blanco waterfall.

DAY 10 – Volcano Arenal to Samara Beach
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 snorkeling, swimming and water sports.

DAY 11 – Samara Beach
If you have the ISV Optional Activity Package, this is a full day of activities. You will kayak to Isla Chora and snorkeling into the beautiful clear waters and experience tropical marine life of Costa Rica. Participants will also have the opportunity to scuba dive at an additional cost. Also, today you will enjoy two hours of surf lessons on this beautiful beach. It is a perfect day to relax, enjoy the beach and the magnificent sunset.

DAY 12 – Samara Beach to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
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 13 – 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 25 m waterfall with emerald-green water. After this, get ready for the Rio Negro Tubing Adventure! Ride the rapids for 1 & ½ in your own inflatable inner-tube. Following lunch, take a 2 & ½ hr hike 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 14 – Pacific Coast to Heredia
Rise early and help the local workers to feed the horses and milk the cows at the local farm house. After breakfast, you will return to the Central Valley, stopping on the way at the El Jardín Restaurant and Souvenirs 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 15 – 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)