INTRODUCTION
Costa Rica offers some of the world's finest whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers. Wild and untamed, these big, brash rivers plunge through spectacularly beautiful, largely unexplored tropical wilderness. Enjoy a tropical river with a skilled and reputable guide service, organized in 1985 to share the beauty and abundant whitewater of Costa Rica with the rest of the world.

The owners and guides have explored numerous rivers and participated in Olympic Games as well as several rafting and kayaking World Championships. A commitment to high quality, safety and exceptional service has helped them become the largest whitewater rafting and sea-kayaking outfitter in Latin America. Our outfitter has been recognized internationally for its efforts in conservation, reforestation and education of the local population.

THE FACTS

" Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
" Departure dates: Trip available anytime upon request. $895 Group departures available: Labor Day – August 31 - September 4, 2006 (if you are doing the Arenal extension you will come back one day later).
" Meeting point: Miami International Airport or San Jose International Airport
" Tour group size: 4-50 people
" Inclusions: Round trip air from Miami to San Jose (other departure cities available for an additional rate), 3 days of rafting, transfers, 4 nights lodging, meals while rafting.
" Exclusions: Gratuities, meals in San Jose, meals on optional extension to Arenal Volcano.

Costa Rica is a tranquil haven of democracy in Central America with no army, excellent hospitals, well-educated people, with a great respect for human rights. Ticos, as the Costa Ricans are known, are a friendly, helpful and tolerant people. A majority of Costa Rica's residents speak at least some English and will try to help tourists. They favor moderation, and therefore have managed to avoid the political fanaticism of their neighbors. This small country, roughly the size of West Virginia, has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. With much to see and do here, from the heights of active volcanoes to palm-fringed beaches, it is impossible to explore everything is just one week. Twelve percent of the land has been set aside as national reserves to protect the astonishing number of plants, birds, reptiles, insects and mammals. Ticos are proud of their country and all is has to offer and most willingly share their knowledge about the surrounding areas.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS

While in San Jose a comfortable, clean, and centrally located hotel is utilized. Each of the rooms has a private bathroom, telephone, and satellite television. There is a restaurant, bar, pool, and Internet access available for a small fee in the lobby. On the rafting expedition, the first night is spent in a rustic mountain lodge and the second night camping in bungalows along the river. The mountain lodge has private bathrooms with hot water, a restaurant, bar, and public telephone. While staying in the bungalows you will share bathrooms and showering rooms with the other guests. The bungalows are clean and comfortable, but have limited electricity and no hot water. Both charming places provide a relaxing and authentic slumber environment.

Meals are casual and there is plenty of food to go around. Highlights of the meals are the fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. Bottled water is available with every meal and at stops along the way. Special dietary needs can be accommodated only with advance notice.

Those considering this holiday should be:
" Prepared to learn to paddle a raft.
" Ready to get out of rafts (if necessary) for short walks.
" Willing to share a room/tent and bathroom in rustic settings.
" Able to swim in river conditions.

A valid passport, not within 6-months of expiration, is required for travel to Costa Rica.

The currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. The exchange rate fluctuates in relation to the US dollar. Major credit cards are accepted at many of the hotels and more expensive restaurants. Cash in dollars and traveler's checks can be exchanged in banks and some hotels. The best exchange rate can be acquired in the banks or at the ATM machines, but the lines are usually very long. ATM machines found throughout Costa Rica except mainly Plus and Visa cards, it is possible to find Cirrus machines at some of the larger banks. At many places in San Jose and the main tourist areas dollars are also accepted.

After booking your holiday with Alpine Adventures you will receive an information packet including:
" Detailed information on the meeting point.
" Phone numbers and addresses to contact your host.
" A packing list
" More in depth information on the rafting routes.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from Miami (or other departure city), arrive in San Jose, and transfer to the hotel. Day and evening free to relax by the pool or explore the colorful city with its outdoor markets and many museums. Everyone has the option of meeting for happy hour and a restaurant will be suggested for your evening meal.
Overnight: San Jose

Day 2: Transfer to Reventazon River. On the way, the rafting guides will point out many sites of interest. Upon arrival at the put-in station, the group will be given their rafting gear and safety talk by the guides. The group is divided into smaller groups of up to 6 people per raft, each with a guide. The first day is about 3-4 hours on the river with class II and III rapids. The river winds through plantations and virgin rainforest. Be sure to have a waterproof camera. After taking the rafts out of the river everyone is transferred to the company's operation center to clean up and eat lunch. Relax for a bit before 30-minutes to the mountain lodge near Turrialba. The evening may be spent relaxing in a hammock enjoying the view of the valley, lake, and two dormant volcanoes while sharing stories of the day's adventure. Dinner will be served at the lodge.
Overnight: Rustic mountain lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 3: After breakfast the group will pack up and get ready to conquer the next river. The Pacuare River is known to be one of the most picturesque rafting trips in the world. Everyone will help load 2 days worth of food and gear onto the rafts before having a safety talk and heading off to experience this amazing river. Lunch will be served picnic style along the riverside. If time and water level permits there may be a stop along the way to hike to a waterfall. An afternoon arrival at the award-winning jungle lodge and campsite gives everyone time to hike, relax or soak in the waterfall and pools. The bungalows are nestled in the jungle on a 1,000-acre private reserve. Private single and double rooms are spacious with beds and clean linens. There are shared modern bathrooms and showers. There is limited electricity so there is no need for hairdryers! The guides provide a festive happy hour followed by a delicious candlelight dinner. Overnight: Remote jungle lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 4: After a hearty breakfast and loading the rafts, the group will prepare to paddle 4-5 hours on the river down the Pacuare Gorge past waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. A stop will let the group explore waterfalls and waterslides. The afternoon is the most challenging part of the trip, full of exciting class IV rapids. A brief snack is served riverside before completing the remainder of the rapids and floating to the takeout spot. After taking the rafts out of the water transfer to the company's operation center for lunch and a shower. After lunch the group the group will split up, some will be transferred to San Jose for the night and the others will go on to relax at the Arenal Volcano and hot springs. The evening is free to explore the restaurants and nightlife of San Jose or relax in the luxurious surroundings at the volcano. Restaurants can be recommended for the group. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 5: Transfer to airport and return to USA…or optional extended stay to the live Arenal Volcano and hot springs (highly recommended).

**Highly recommended Arenal Volcano Extension: This is a great addition to the rafting trip. This two-night extension to the Volcano and hot springs is a great reward after rafting. The day can be spent soaking weary muscles in the hot springs or partaking in the many spa services. And don't forget the volcano! It will entertain with you with shows of hot lava, steam and explosions. Every room at Tabacon Resort has a view, as well as the swim up bar in the hot springs. For the more energetic, horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking can be booked at the front desk. Included: Roundtrip transfers from San Jose (approx. 3 hours), lodging, breakfast and entrance to the hot springs.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DATES AND PRICES

" Departure dates: Trip available anytime upon request. $895 Group departures available: Labor Day – August 31-September 4, 2006 (if you are doing the Arenal extension you will come back one day later).

Prices are based on double occupancy; single accommodations may be available for an additional fee:
" $895 land and air from Miami (air rates available from other cities)
" $129-$149 Arenal Extension
" $595 land only