07 Aug 2025 5 min read Costa Rica Travel

Costa Rica Week 1: Whitewater, Wildlife & Jungle Adventure

Start your Costa Rica adventure with rainforest hikes, whitewater rafting, and Caribbean wildlife. This 5-day itinerary blends adrenaline and nature — with real gear tips, booking links, and local insights to plan your perfect trip.

Whitewater rafting the Pacuare River — epic rapids, jungle cliffs, and one of Costa Rica’s top adventure experiences.

Note: This itinerary isn’t just a travel guide — it’s my exact plan for an upcoming 21-day adventure across Costa Rica. I’ll be following this schedule and reporting back with real-time updates, tips, and firsthand experiences. Stay tuned as I explore each destination, test out the gear, and share what’s worth it (and what’s not) — all from the road!

Ready to dive into the wild side of Costa Rica? Week one of your 21-day adventure is all about exploring lush jungles, paddling pristine rivers, and spotting incredible wildlife on the Caribbean coast. Whether you're rafting through rainforest gorges or hiking along white-sand beaches, this week offers the perfect mix of adrenaline and relaxation.

Aerial view of Costa Rica’s lush jungle coastline — where rainforest meets the sea in breathtaking harmony.

Let’s kick off your Costa Rica journey with a bang.

Day 1: Welcome to San José — Culture, Cuisine & First Impressions

You’ve just landed in Costa Rica! After touching down at Juan Santamaría International Airport, you'll be greeted by your transportation service and taken straight to your hotel in bustling San José.

If you arrive early, stretch your legs with a walk through Mercado Central, a lively market packed with traditional food stalls and local crafts. Visit the Catedral Metropolitana and pop into the Museo del Oro Precolumbino or Museo del Jade to admire Costa Rica’s rich history.

Aerial view of San Juan, Costa Rica — a vibrant mix of culture, cityscapes, and mountain horizons from above.

In the evening, take a scenic drive to Escazú for dinner with panoramic views of the valley below. Choose from traditional Costa Rican dishes or fusion cuisine — San José delivers both in style.

Affiliate Tip: Pre-book your private airport transfer with Welcome Pickups for a smooth start.

Day 2: Whitewater Rafting the Pacuare River

Your adventure kicks off in earnest with a full-day whitewater rafting tour on the legendary Pacuare River — one of the world’s top whitewater experiences. This 18-mile route packs in 52 thrilling rapids (class III and IV) and weaves through dramatic rainforest gorges.

Expect to see sloths, toucans, parrots, and colorful frogs as you float past waterfalls and jungle cliffs. Midway, you’ll enter the narrow Pacuare River Gorge, where rapids like "Double Drop" and "Pinball" get your adrenaline pumping. Don’t worry, there’s also time to relax and spot wildlife during calm sections.

Drifting through the calm waters of the Pacuare River — rainforest cliffs and jungle serenity after the rapids.

The day wraps up with lunch and a cold drink at the riverside Exploration Center in Siquirres, before transferring to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a laid-back surf town known for its beaches and wildlife.

Golden sand, swaying palms, and the gentle rhythm of waves — the perfect Costa Rican beach escape.

Affiliate Tip: Book this exact rafting tour via Viator or GetYourGuide for a seamless adventure.

Day 3: Rainforest Hike & Kayak at Punta Uva

Today, head to the quiet, reef-protected beach of Punta Uva for a guided kayak and hike adventure. Paddle along a stunning coastline of cliffs, caves, and lush rainforest, keeping your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds.

A vibrant toucan perches on a fruit-laden tree deep in the Costa Rican rainforest — nature’s perfect splash of color in the jungle canopy.

After your kayak tour, enjoy a beach break with fresh fruit before hiking back through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, learning about the local ecosystem from your guide.

Day 4: Natural History Tour in the Southern Caribbean

Dive deeper into the Caribbean rainforest with a naturalist-led tour. Walk through diverse ecosystems, cross scenic hanging bridges, and cool off in a crystal-clear natural pool.

Suspended in the heart of the jungle, this hanging bridge offers a breathtaking view of Costa Rica’s lush rainforest — the perfect blend of adventure and serenity.

Your expert guide will explain the flora, fauna, and cultural history of the region, bringing the forest to life. Expect to encounter howler monkeys, vibrant birds, and tropical plants as you explore.

Bright and bold, this vibrant tree frog is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic jungle residents — keep your eyes peeled in the rainforest canopy for these dazzling amphibians.

Affiliate Tip: Book guided hikes via TripAdvisor to compare options and read real traveler reviews.

Day 5: Wildlife Hike in Cahuita National Park

Today, explore the biodiversity hotspot of Cahuita National Park. Hike a 5-mile coastal trail with stunning ocean views and some of the best wildlife spotting in Costa Rica. Expect to see capuchin monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and dart frogs along the way.

Monkey relaxing in the treetops of Costa Rica’s jungle — a common sight on rainforest hikes along the Caribbean coast.

Entrance from Kelly Creek is donation-based (bring cash), and your hike ends with a traditional lunch at a local soda (small family-run restaurant).

Here’s the exact gear I’m packing for this leg of the trip. Tested, practical, and perfect for Costa Rica.

→ Water Shoes
→ Reef-Safe Sunscreen
→ Insect Repellent Wipes
→ Phone Lanyard + Waterproof Case
→ Action Camera (Hands-Free Filming)
→ Dry Bag
→ UPF-Rated Sun Shirt
→ Lightweight Hiking Shoes
→ Compact Binoculars
→ Electrolyte Drink Mixes

These are affiliate links that help support the blog at no extra cost to you.

Week 1 Wrap-Up: From Rapids to Rainforest

This first week sets the tone for your Costa Rica trip — wild, beautiful, and unforgettable. Whether it’s whitewater thrills or serene rainforest walks, every day offers something new.

Ready for volcano views, hot springs, and more adventure? Week 2 is calling.

✅ Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?

We’ve made it easy by rounding up the same trusted tools we use to book flights, stays, insurance, and activities. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Costa Rica or relaxing on the beach, these resources have you covered.

Plan Your Trip with Our Trusted Travel Tools

Disclosure

This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting the blog — it keeps the adventures coming!