Costa Rica is brimming with adventurous activities. This breathtakingly beautiful country is a heaven for daredevils. How about ziplining through the jungle, mountain biking near a volcano, or perhaps white water rafting? Go for the maximum adrenaline rush!
The area around the active Arenal Volcano seems to have been made for mountain biking. Hop on your bike in the village of La Fortuna and ride ‘The Old Trail’ along the beautiful Arenal Lake to the Arenal Volcano National Park. The ride ends in picturesque El Castillo. The volcano remains within sight throughout the entire ride and with any luck you may even hear it rumble.
Some of the most beautiful trails run along the coast near the beach town of Las Catalinas. Here the mountain bike trails offer fantastic views of the ocean before turning deep into the jungle for a ride in the shade. Wildlife sightings are common here, so don’t be alarmed if you have to share the trail with a monkey, deer or pizote (the local coati).
Every year around mid-November, Costa Rica hosts one of the most challenging and demanding mountain bike races in the world: La Ruta de los Conquistadores. The route runs from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea and lasts four days.
The Savegre River is one of the cleanest rivers in Central America and popular among rafters. A trip along it offers everything from gently flowing water to rapids with evocative names like the Washing Machine and Boca del Diablo (Devil’s Mouth). Looking for a bigger thrill? Go rafting on the Tenorio River but be ready for some sharp bends, fast twists and an almost four-metre high free fall (Grade 5)!
Hooked on rafting? Book a multi-day rafting safari. A two-day or three-day trip on the roaring Pacuare River takes you deep into the jungle, to places not easily accessible by land. After a wild day on the water, relax in a lazy hammock at the Pacuare River Lodge. All you hear at night are the sounds of the jungle and the constant flowing water.
High above the trees in the Central Valley you’ll find the Monteverde Extremo. This zipline extravaganza consists of 14 platforms. The Superman Zipline is by far the biggest attraction; zip 180 metres above the jungle in Superman style (real fans will assume the horizontal position with one arm outstretched). If ziplining isn’t exciting enough for you, the park also offers bungee-jumping. Scream away as you fly through the air!
The Montezuma Waterfall tour is also very popular. Boasting nine ziplines and 13 platforms, this tour is not for the fainthearted. As you ‘fly’ through the jungle, you may even spot parrots, monkeys and iguanas. For those who have worked up a sweat with these thrilling activities, there is time to cool off under the beautiful Montezuma Waterfall that is also part of this tour.
