About your Dream Vacation in Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano Costa Rica is frequently described as "world renowned for its vast ecosystems, advanced conservation programs, stable political climate, friendly citizens and fantastic paddling." Travel to and then around Costa Rica is easy. Costa Rica itself is an island country of democratic stability in Central America. There has been no military presence in Costa Rica since the end of their civil war in the 1940's. It is a country in which education and culture are national icons. After each splendid day on the river, it is a pleasure to enjoy the warm hospitality and the "pura vida" of Costa Rica.

The people of Costa Rica, affectionately nicknamed "ticos", are friendly, good-natured and dedicated to the earth, making them the perfect hosts for a paddling vacation.

Three Toed Sloth The scenery of Costa Rica is spectacular. Driving through the country, you will pass by distant volcanoes, west coast sunsets, dense greenery, ox carts headed out to fields of sugar cane and bananas, and warm friendly people. As a geographic bridge between two continents, Costa Rica is home to animal forms both familiar and exotic. There is always an opportunity for a sighting of sloths, toucans, parrots, herons, hawks, oro pendulas and otters.

The weather averages 70 to 85 degrees during the day and 60 to 70 degrees at night. Our trips are planned for the tail end of the rainy season: late September through mid-December; when normally tapering rainfall maximizes opportunities on the river. This is also considered "low season' in Costa Rica, which means there are fewer tourists found traveling throughout the country.

And for whitewater kayakers, the quantity of rivers ranging from Class II-V provides uniquely diverse opportunities for whitewater paddling.

Enjoy Additional Days in Costa Rica:
Poor Mans Umbrellas You have gone out of your way to plan a paddling vacation to this great country.

If you have additional days available, plan to stay after your trip! Even if only one or two extra days in this eco-country, take the opportunity to experience the best of eco-tourism, including:

Tram ride/canopy tour through the rain forest
Beaches of the west coast featuring world class surfing and accommodations that range from quaint jungle lodges overlooking a deserted beach, to world class resorts where spoiling you is the theme.
Touring Cafe Brit coffee plantations
Butterfly/birdwatching at Monte Verde
Watching the lava flow at night (from a safe distance) at Arenal Volcano
Shopping: Costa Rica is not known for a wide selection of hand-crafted items, but there are beautiful gifts to be found. Costa Rican coffee is a great gift, as are wooden carved bowls and hammocks. And we have several local craftsmen who will display their handcrafted jewelry and sandals during the trip. Even the airport in San Jose offers turbo-shopping for those in need of gifts for returning home.

TRAVEL TIPS

Expect that the pace will be different than what you are used to in the States. Leave U.S. expectation at home and enjoy the cultural change
Travel Guide – we have copies of the Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit book in stock in our store. We can send a copy to you.
Before leaving home, photocopy your passport and have it in a separate spot than your original.
Pull out your Spanish! Costa Ricans will be most helpful in trying to figure out what you are saying, especially when accompanied by a smile.
Statistically San Jose is safe, but travel wisely as you would in any big city. Avoid flashy jewelry and keep track of your purse, wallet, backpack or fanny pack. If you are in downtown San Jose, watch out for pick- pocketers. If you are traveling out and about, avoid driving isolated roads at night. Streets are not well marked or well lit as they are at home. Rental cars have become targets for theft. Absolutely do not leave valuables in a rental car—especially your backpack with passport.
Be aware that pedestrians DO NOT have the right-of-way. Look before you cross any street.
Water- You can drink the water in Costa Rica.
There are Internet Cafes in San Jose and in most central tourist areas, but Costa Rica is way behind other countries in terms of internet access. Check with your cell phone company prior to departing to sign up for a short-term international plan-including text messaging.

READING LIST
Van rides/early nights do provide an opportunity to read that you might not have at home. Some guide/trip members reading lists include Costa Rica Guide books such as

The New Key to Costa Rica, Blake & Becher;
The Costa Rica Guide, Glassman;
Lonely Planet's Guide to Costa Rica.

Other interesting reading material found in the hands of paddlers on our trips:

Tropical Nature, Adrian Forsyth & Ken Miyata
River of Doubt, Candice Millard
Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson
any Christopher Moore or Carl Haissan book (guide favorite)
Latin American Heroes, Jerome Adams
When the Rivers Run Dry, Fred Pearce