Costa Rica Adventures

OARS has two different Costa Rica itineraries to choose from. Both the 7-day and 9-day trip offer a variety of activities, including whitewater rafting, ziplining and wildlife viewing. The primary difference between the two is the longer trip allows an extended visit to the coast and Manuel Antonio National Park towards the country’s southwest coast. Both trips have a minimum age of 12. The 7-day itinerary includes a visit to Tortuguero National Park to see Atlantic green sea turtles nesting, which only occurs July through September. The 9-day trip visits Arenal Hanging Bridges and nearby hot springs. This itinerary is available October through May. See the Costa Rica Rainforest & River trip page (9-days) and the Costa Rica: Pura Vida trip page (7-days) for detailed information.

OARS has offered Costa Rica trips for 20 years. Along with our partners, we’ve developed engaging and unique itineraries with a ton of activities and just the right amount of time to relax. 

Since 1969, OARS has led active travelers of all ages and abilities to some of the most naturally alluring and vibrant locations on Earth. We thrive on creating adventures that take you off the beaten path and away from the crowds to exotic landscapes. Our safety-conscious guides are multi-lingual and know the ins and outs of traveling in Costa Rica. We provide the best guide-to-guest ratio in the adventure travel business, thus ensuring your questions are answered and your concerns are given the personal attention you deserve. Our local guides will share their knowledge of Costa Rica’s rich history, landscape and wildlife.

OARS believes it is a fundamental part of eco-tourism to work with local guides, while at the same time bringing our wealth of experience to the table. We’ve chosen our Costa Rica connections carefully, so you can rest assured you will be in good hands. That’s where experience and thoughtful planning comes into play. All of our trips have undergone rigorous exploration, development and review by our knowledgeable staff.

From five-star boutique hotels to cozy lodges nestled in lush jungle, OARS Costa Rica trips visit several different properties, depending on the itinerary. At all of our partner lodges, you can expect comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. Amenities vary by property. More details on each stay can be found on the Costa Rica Pura Vida page and the Costa Rica Rainforest & River Explorer page.

The Pacuare River has several raftable sections with rapids ranging from Class II-III and Class III-IV. The easier sections provide a great warm-up for the more technical rapids. During calm sections, there’s plenty of wildlife and tropical bird sightings to keep paddlers busy. Depending on water level and timing, guides often try to stop for a hike up one of the river’s many tributaries.

Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for families due to its winning combination of natural beauty, diverse activities, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The country’s well-developed tourism infrastructure ensures a welcoming and convenient travel experience. For families with children over 12, OARS’s Costa Rica trips promise an unforgettable family vacation.