Caribbean Trek

Day 1: ARRIVE AND GET ACCLIMATIZED

We know all about long flights and jet lag. In Costa Rica we have approximately 12 hours of sun light year round, give or take a few minutes. We will come and get you from the airport, introduce ourselves, suggest a good place for dinner, then have you checked in for the night. Get your beauty rest, relax, we know you have been anticipating this trip for months. Let go of all that anxiety because tomorrow the adventure begins.

Day 2: CANYONING – ROPES, HARNESSES, JUNGLE

Good morning and welcome to heaven, well almost!

We’re headed to Turrialba, one of the most famous towns among adventurers visiting Costa Rica.

Nothing in a climbing gym prepares you for the thrill of jungle canyoning. Waterfalls and ropes, rocks and massive trees. The canyon gets chilly when the sun drops below the rim. Serendipity loans you a fleece and a warming jacket, plus some hot chocolate, good for the adventurous soul.
Tonight we’re sleeping where the very active Turrialba volcano is located –In the morning when you wake up you’ll often see the pure white column of steam rising, and if you are luckier, an eruption. A gray column of ash and smoke.

Day 3: MOUNTAIN BIKING IN PARADISE (or visit a water fall)

Turrialba is a central location for international mountain bike competitions (like the “Ruta de los Conquistadores”). We have dozens of backroads to go uphill, hundreds of ways to go downhill, and at least as many ways to get wet when you’re done. We’ll determine which route to take when we see how well everyone relates to fat tires.

If you are not up for biking, you can choose to do a waterfall tour (on foot or horseback) instead.

Day 4: WHITE WATER RAFTING ON THE PACUARE RIVER

The magnificent Pacuare river is well known for its beautiful scenery, pristine wilderness, and continuous class III and IV rapids. Hands down the best rafting in Costa Rica
Of course you will not only raft, but also swim and hike, and there will be a rescue kayaker right next to you when you fall out (we sort of know the tough spots, and your safety kayaker is standing by with the right equipment to be sure you exit the water, laughing at yourself). Pure adrenaline. You’ll be amazed at what you have experienced.
This afternoon we’re headed to the next destination, the South Carribean beaches.

Day 5: CARIBBEAN COAST IMMERSION

We are at the Caribbean coast, where Latin and afro cultures mix up, creating a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Today is a day to relax and enjoy the sand, surf and sun in Cahuita National Park. The Caribbean communities of Puerto Viejo, Cocles and Chiquita team with nature and personality. The lively village of Puerto Viejo is nearby for great food options, artisan shops and reggae beats.

Later we can also  *Jaguar Rescue Center is just down the road or the *Chocolate Farm can be interesting too…. No schedule, no structure, falling into rhythm with the local pace comes naturally (and it’s wonderful).

Day 6: Caribbean immersion

This morning we’ll use our 4WD capabilities once again, this time to venture inland from the coast, into Bribri indigenous territory. Today we will visit a tribal community and enjoy a special lunch prepared by Bribri women and served inside of a real-life thatched-roof structure. Our hosts will take us to their cacao center for a demonstration of their organic farming practices and witness the artisanal method of producing one of the world’s favorite foods.

The afternoon is flexible, and we’ll play it by ear –

*Standup paddle is always a choice!

Day 7: MORE BEACH TIME

We drive south to the charming village of Manzanillo, arguably one of the last bastions of authentic afro-Caribbean heritage.This is a good spot to grab sea kayaks and paddle out to where our dolphin guru friend swears there are dolphins who will carry on lengthy conversations.
The coastal trail inside the national park is splendid, but even just relaxing on the beach or mingling with locals can be interesting.

Day 8: DEPARTURE DAY

It’s about a three hour drive to the international airport so we’ll depart the beach after an early breakfast. The drive back will give us the chance to exchange thoughts about the days behind and the challenges met.
Your Serendipity guided adventure has come to an end, but we are sure we will meet again.

This (SAMPLE) itinerary includes:

This is your trip with your departure date, your private activities. We do not add you to a set itinerary, combine you with other people, or suggest that other people join your trip.

The sample pricing reflects lodging in 3-4 star hotels -(all located within reasonable distance of the adventures). However, we’ll design your travels with you, so if you have a special hotel request or want to opt for a higher level of lodging, we’ll be happy to adjust the itinerary accordingly.

All meals, snacks, and interesting things we encounter en route – fruits you pick from trees, fish you catch, home made candies or home made beer. We are expert with dietary requirements like Kosher or vegan — and the opposite extreme as well.

Serendipity’s strong 4×4 adventure vehicle — no rigid schedules, no cramped bus. Our vehicles give you access to places closed to tourists.

Completely private adventures in places you sometimes simply can’t reach without our 4×4’s or our amazing guides. Even popular tours like canopy zip lines are operated in private mode for Serendipity guests

Serendipity’s amazing support, before and during your travels – paddle jackets to keep you warm, helmets with sun visors on the river, well equipped first aid kits, communication equipment, comfort items like clean towels, sunscreen lotion and bug spray for your convenience. Just arrive here with your essentials – we have all the extras.

The key to your enjoyment is your Serendipity leader, who is with you throughout the expedition, always pushing you to try something new, challenge you physically, or mentally, or both.

To better understand the logistics of “group size” and to give you a rough idea of what a custom private vacation with Serendipity will cost, here’s what the 8 day Caribbean Trek itinerary would cost per person for the following size groups and room sharing, in peak and non-peak seasons. We accommodate larger groups by adding guides and vehicles and equipment as needed, which gives you great flexibility in designing a trip with different action for different people in your group. The important thing to remember is that everything we do, from rafting to horseback to canopy zip lines — is private for you. No lines, no buses, no compromising how hard you want to push, or how softly.

8 DAY Caribbean Trek itinerary prices per person

LOW SEASON: May, September – October

HIGH SEASON: November – April, June – August

PEAK SEASONS: add 5 % to high season rates

(Christmas, New Years, Spring Break and Easter)

Your final price will depend on how many people will be in your self-formed group, your preferences for action, and what tourist season or holidays are involved.  Included:  All lodging, all meals and snacks. A dedicated adventure leader who will serve as your personal guide, concierge and driver. A full size 4 WD vehicle for transportation. All adventures listed, always operated in private mode for your group. Not included: alcoholic beverages, and (optional) tips for the guides.

The hotels we’ve selected for this trip would be classified as 3-4 star. In each location, we’ve selected the hotel which provides the best service and is most central to the activities. This reduces the time spent getting places and allows more time away from tourist centers. Hotels are remote from road traffic, with gardens and trails and intrinsic natural beauty. If you prefer other accommodations, we are pleased to use them, with a price adjustment.

The first step to enjoying a Serendipity adventure is to contact us.