Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve and Adventure Park from San Jose

After early morning pickup by minivan from your San Jose hotel, head north on a 2.5-hour drive to Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve and Adventure Park. Located along the Costa Rican Bird Route, the park is part of Finca Pangola, multi-use farmlands that include protected habitats for wildlife and practice a sustainable forestry project. At the park, follow a naturalist guide for a tour along an elevated boardwalk that meanders into primary growth forest of lowland flood zones. Enjoy a great vantage point from this height, which allows you to gaze at the variety of tropical plants and wildlife without coming into contact. During the approx. mile-long (1.2-km) boardwalk — the longest one in all of Central America — come across the five majestic ceiba trees, hundreds of years old, which gave the park its name. Listen for howler monkeys, toucans, bats and many red-eyed tree frogs, and watch for parades of leaf-cutter ants carrying flowers. Look for hummingbirds and the endangered great green macaw in the treetops. At midday, dig into a hearty meal featuring Costa Rican comfort foods and fusion cuisine at the park’s restaurant overlooking the Rio Pangola, a perfect place to unwind. During your day at the park, you’ll also be provided with a snack (sandwich and beverage).  Then enjoy one of the following activities: kayaking, horseback riding or an oxen wagon tour. Colorful buses at the visitor center take you to the site of your selected activity. Lockers and changing rooms are available for use throughout the day. Kayaking After a safety briefing, board a single or double kayak and cruise down the slow-moving Rio Cuarto that winds into a forest. With the trees forming a canopy, soak up gentle thrills on the changing river currents. As you paddle along, see monkeys hanging from branches and spot sloths, kingfishers and sunbitterns. Horseback Riding At the stables, receive a safety briefing for this laid-back ride anyone can enjoy. Follow your guide into pastures, where the Chaperron mountains and distant volcanoes come into view, and then travel into the jungle along the Rio Cuarto. Oxen Wagon Tour Not interested in getting wet or riding a horse? Hop aboard a covered wagon pulled by two oxen. As you tour the grounds, a guide tells you all about Finca Pangola’s history, as well as the on-site cultivation of heliconia and fruits like banana and papaya. Stop at a nursery and learn about the local reforestation, native orchids and other plants. When it’s time to leave Cinco Ceibas, board your minivan and arrive back in San Jose in the evening. -------------------- ITINERARY -------------------- Kayaking  After a safety briefing, board a single or double kayak and cruise down the slow-moving Rio Cuarto that winds into a forest. With the trees forming a canopy, soak up gentle thrills on the changing river currents. As you paddle along, see monkeys hanging from branches and spot sloths, kingfishers and sunbitterns.  Horseback Riding At the stables, receive a safety briefing for this laid-back ride anyone can enjoy. Follow your guide into pastures, where the Chaperron mountains and distant volcanoes come into view, and then travel into the jungle along the Rio Cuarto.  Oxen Wagon Tour Not interested in getting wet or riding a horse? Hop aboard a covered wagon pulled by two oxen. As you tour the grounds, a guide tells you all about Finca Pangola’s history, as well as the on-site cultivation of heliconia and fruits like banana and papaya. Stop at a nursery and learn about the local reforestation, native orchids and other plants.