Few are the visitors to Costa Rica whose notion of the ideal vacation is doing absolutely nothing and lazing away one’s time in a hammock. Statistics show that the vast majority of visitors come to do something fun, the more adventurous the better. In fact, the chance to partake of bicycling, golfing, or whitewater rafting is one of the great appeals of Costa Rica. The most popular activities are hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving, sportfishing, surfing, and whitewater rafting.

You don’t have to be fresh out of high school to take advantage of Costa Rica’s innumerable active adventures. Among the thousands of surfers who flock annually, for example, are no small number of baby boomers holding tight to their youth.

Several new golf courses have recently opened, with mixed success. Less traditional activities, however, have caught on, proving that many visitors to Costa Rican prefer to push the envelope. Options for zipline canopy tours are too numerous to mention. ATV (all-terrain-vehicle) tours by four-wheel motorcycles are increasing in popularity. And waterfall rappelling is coming on strong.

DAY 1:
Following arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, transfer to Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve or Chachagua Rainforest Lodge, with time for optional hikes.

DAY 2:
After a morning hike in the forest, transfer to La Fortuna. This afternoon, take a horseback ride or enjoy another activity.

DAY 3:
Give today to hiking and mountain biking at and around Arenal Volcano National Park, with time for an invigorating soak at Tabacón Hot Springs.

DAY 4:
You’ve earned a rest today , with options for windsurfing at Lake Arenal or kayaking on the Peñas Blancas river.

DAY 5:
Transfer to the highlands, stopping en route at San Lorenzo Canopy Tour for a thrilling zipline ride through the forest.

DAY 6:
Today, transfer to the Orosi Valley for an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip on the Pacuare River, a great way to see wildlife. Return to San José in the late afternoon.

DAY 7:
Transfer to San José for your departure flight.