You assembled quite a variety of high-quality experiences that were both exciting and satisfying.
What more could I ask for? It greatly exceeded any expectations I may have had ... Another measure of a great trip is ... the effects haven't worn off yet! " — Gordy Ruesch, Medford WI
Detailed
Itinerary
Day 1 Upon arrival in Costa Rica, we will be met by Rodolfo "Fofo" Campos-Montero, our Costa Rican guide and naturalist. We will be whisked away in our comfortable bus to begin our journey deep into the heart of Costa Rica, traveling through rugged mountains, lush coffee plantations and small villages on our way to the Caribbean lowlands and the Puerto Viejo River. (L,D)
Day
2 In the morning, we'll hike La Selva Biological Preserve with biologists or researchers studying the rainforest. La Selva is part of OTS, a group of 68 universities around the world studying the rainforest. This biological preserve features dense, old-growth rainforest and is home to three species of monkeys, sloth, iguana, peccaries, coatimundi, agouti, paca, and 400 species of birds including extremely colorful mot mots, honeycreepers, and the enchanting calls of montezumas oropendulas. In the afternoon, we will paddle the Puerto Viejo River (Class I), a remote flat-water river that rarely sees any other paddlers. Its slower moving water offers ideal conditions for wildlife viewing, revealing 400 species of birds, including great green macaws, parrots, laughing falcons and great jacomars, as well as monkeys, iguana and caiman. (B,L,D)
Day 3 We go north past Pital on our way to the Tres Amigos River, via private river access. The Tres Amigos is a wonderland of exciting bird and wildlife. This evening we'll transfer to the Arenal Volcano, where we'll expeirence its intermittent rumblings, and perhaps catch a glimpse of lava escaping from Costa Rica's most active volcano.(B,L,D)
Day 4 - Rancho Margot, Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs - Today, we visit one of Costa Rica's most sustainable farms on the shores of Lake Arenal. We will explore the farm, hike to an amazing vista of the Arenal Volcano, or perhaps go rappelling beside a waterfall. After a day of adventure, we'll go to a wonderful hot springs to soak, relax and enjoy spring-side libations. Dinner and a rainforest night hike will follow.
Day 5 - Rio Penas Blancas (Class I-II), Maleku Tribal Art, La Pura Vida! In the early morning, we will float quietly under the canopies of majestic trees in search of a wide variety of birds, monkeys and reptiles. After our Penas Blancas float, we will travel a short way before stopping at the Maleku Indigenous Reserve where we'll have a chance to hear about the Maleku 
people and purchase their indigenous crafts made from calabash and other native woods.
By early afternoon, we will arrive at a wonderful eco-lodge on the flank of the Tenorio Volcano. The lodge is run by three ticas who cook the most amazing meals on a wood stove or wood grill in their immaculate kitchen. All meats, fish, cheese, breads, vegetables and coffee are grown on or near the farm and prepared fresh daily. Enjoy dinner by candlelight and fireside conversation. Off the electric grid, it doesn't get more organic than this!
In Costa Rica, the motto is "Pura Vida" or "The Sweet 
Life." This afternoon offers numerous options, from lounging in a hammock, swimming in a glorious swimming hole, relaxing in a wonderful wood-fired hot tub, bird watching, hiking or riding horses in the surrounding hills with our tick vacquero guide, or rowing leisurely and fishing on the serene laguna. After this day, you will understand the true meaning of Pura Vida (B,L,D).
Day 6 - Tenorio & Corobici Rivers (Class I-II) - Early this morning, we drive towards Canas and cross into the dry forest region where we run both the Rio Tenorio and the Rio Corobicí. The gentle Rio Tenorio, an intimate tributary of the Corobici, offers a chance to see rare boat-billed and agami herons roosting as well as an abundance of other wildlife, including caimen.
After a late riverside lunch, we will head back for a relaxing evening at the eco-lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Rio Celeste In the morning we will hike and explore amontane rainforest, making our way to the Rio Celeste, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Falling 150 feet into a travertine pool, the waterfall will invite us to swim and explore.
In the afternoon, we return to the eco-lodge for more Pura Vida. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Canopy Tour/Zip Lines, Scarlet Macaw Migration - Early in the morning, we leave our mountain paradise and head south towards the Central Pacific coast. Along the way we will spend several hours exploring the canopy via an exciting Zip Line with fourteen platforms. Finished with this adventure, we will transfer to the nearby resort town of Manuel Antonio, looking for scarlet macaws along the route. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Savegre River (optional, with a couple of class III's and then I-II's) Located north of Manuel Antonio, the Savegre is a beautiful, boulder-filled whitewater river with stunning scenery that rivals any river in Costa Rica, yet features the entirely different ecysystems of the Pacific coast. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Manuel Antonio or Dominical - Our final full day in Costa Rica will be oriented around the Pacific Ocean and the exploration of Manuel Antonio National Park. The rainforest and abundant wildlife abound in both locales. Beach time is scheduled for those of us wanting to dip our toes in the warm, blue Pacific waters.
Day 11 - Tarcoles, Sarchi, Return to San Jose - Our last day still contains excitement! We will stop at the famous Tarcoles "Crocodile" Bridge and watch these giant predators before returning to San Jose, we will stop in several quality souvenir shops for any last minute gifts you might want to bring home. Arrival in San Jose by mid afternoon, in time for your flight back home later that day or the next. Plan to stay longer if you can! (B,L)
Reservations and Additional
Information:
Contact Gail Orchier
415-312-3112
Email: go@RiverGuidess.com
RiverGuidess Journeys
http://www.RiverGuidess.com
May the River Guide Us!