Costa Rica ‘Must-Sees’ and More On Western River Expeditions’ Customizable Multi-Sport Adventure

The company that introduces North America’s iconic rivers to whitewater rafters also specializes in year-round rafting, hiking, nature and sun-worshiping trips in Costa Rica.

Western River Expeditions’ (http://www.westernriver.com/) 9-day tropical escape, for parties of two to 25, is an unbeatable core program that can be customized by lengthening or shortening the trip and by adding or deleting activities. Departures can be tailored to a traveler’s schedule and are offered year-round on a space available basis. The rate for the 9-day program begins at $3,395 per person; guides, in-country transportation, activities, lodging and many meals included.

The core Costa Rica Adventure itinerary represents as much action packed into each day as daylight allows. Think two half-day rafting trips on Class II-IV whitewater on the Pacuare River (rated among the top 10 rivers in the world by National Geographic). The warm waters (often nearly 80 degrees Fahrenheit) are perfect for floating along under the jungle canopy. Thirty-eight whitewater rapids over the course of just 16 miles offer plenty of excitement while heading downriver, stopping along the way to visit lush pools and thundering waterfalls.

Then consider zip lining over the canopy of a tropical rainforest before pumping adrenalin again on 15 suspension bridges that are part of a guided two-mile walk among the treetops in a private nature reserve, surrounded by monkeys, iguanas, sloths and exotic birds along the flanks of smoking Arenal Volcano (over 700 species of flora some 300 species of birds have been cataloged). Here, tired muscles get a soak in the waterfalls and thermal pools of Tabacón Spa and Resort.

It’s possible to begin recognizing by sight and sound a few of the many creatures inhabiting Manuel Antonio National Park (named one of the world's 12 most beautiful national parks by Forbes) on a 2.5-hour guided nature walk. Here guests may spot one of the 1,000 remaining endangered Mono Titi (squirrel monkey) that live in only one location in the world, the Manuel Antonio National Park biological corridor.

Leaving the jungle behind, guests then skip over to Playa Manuel Antonio, a crescent of ivory sand between the rainforest and calm waters, and to nearby Playa Espadilla, a long beach lined with coconut palms and Indian almond trees.

Days begin and end at four distinguished properties selected for panache, location and comfort: San Jose’s personable Hotel Grano de Oro; the Pacuare Lodge (National Geographic Traveler World’s Best Ecolodge), Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort where guests enjoy a swim-up bar, local and international gourmet cuisine; and Tulemar Bungalows (a Travel + Leisure World’s Best award winner). The rate includes accommodations; meals (eight breakfasts, three lunches and dinners each); equipment and guides for scheduled activities; and transfers between San Jose airport, the hotels and the activities.

Travelers wanting to modify these core iconic Costa Rica destinations and activities may shorten the set itinerary by omitting Arenal or Manuel Antonio or simply shortening a stay in either location. For visitors who desire to expand the action and time in-country, optional adventures can be added such as sport fishing or surf lessons in Manuel Antonio, a trip to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to scan the treetops for the Resplendent Quetzal and other exotic birds, or an excursion to the Caribbean-side of the country to experience Tortuguero National Park. The options are as endless as the wonders of Costa Rica.

For more details, please see http://www.westernriver.com/costa-rica-vacation-package.

For a copy of Western River Expeditions 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669), http://www.westernriver.com/.

About Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho, and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the "Best of State" award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for twelve consecutive years.