Our Local World Class Hard Core Adventures

Rafting The Pacuare River, Class IV. Named by National Geographic as one of the 5 best white water rivers of the world. The Pacuare is almost non-stop white water rapids. Each big rapid is followed by a brief gentle section, so you have time to recover your breath.

Rafting in Costa Rica is warm water, and half the fun is jumping in for quiet sections and swim along next to the boat. There are several operators we'd use for our own families - and a few we would not use.

There are also two great operators for private departures -- when you have 3 or more people in your group, or any children under 16, or you really want to push the limits, we highly recommend private departures. Private departures allow you to really "play" with the river instead of a "bus" trip down the river.

White Water Duckies, sort of a cross between rafting and kayaking. Duckies are a great way to feel the adrenaline and test your skills in a start to the more technical sport of white water kayaking. The Pejebeye River is nonstop white water fun, and hugely challenging and technical. It is fun to go with a guide for one or two descents, then try guiding yourself - with an expert behind you to make sure you make it safely to the take-out. Duckies are always operated as a private trip because it requires a guide with each boat. In one day you can run the river twice, the second time to push even harder or take the rear seat -- steer the boat, with your guide in front to rescue your novice strokes. The Pejebeye, using the &safe& channels, is also -- surprisingly -- the ideal place for very young paddlers -- down to about 8 years old.

Mountain Biking - the now world famous international mountain bike race Ruta de los Conquistadores passes right in front of Volare, so you know how good the biking is here. There are dozens of trails, for beginners up to tri athlete experts, and great guides and equipment. Biking is always operated privately, so you will go at your speed, not with a group. Prices includes bikes, helmets, guide, and energy food to take along. You provide the muscle.

Canyoning - rappelling down waterfalls and swimming in clear mountains streams. We have half a dozen good places to do this, some privately, others on commercial tours. It looks challenging, and it is, but it is also something almost anyone can do, when you have the right guides to teach you.

Paragliding - 15 minutes from Volare is a magnificent hillside and ideal place to jump off. Tandem rides -- you are with a competent pilot/instructor right behind you in a 2-person harness - will teach you how birds soar, ascending with gentle currents, playing with subtle winds. Flight is from 25 to 30 minutes, depending on weather.

Jungle Bushwhacking is extreme hiking, in primitive environments. The trail, if it exists, was formed by Indigenous people, or footpaths for jungle animals. It is unlikely to see a jaguar, but very likely to see their prints, if you are watching. You will have a machete and help blaze the way, or simply allow your guide to do the hard stuff. This is not a simple hike, and requires stamina and strength. The higher altitude (up to 6,000 feet, 2,000 meters) does make the temperatures comfortable and insects are not bothersome during the day. There is an option for overnight camping and continuing the following day, but all the gear comes in on your back.

Canopy Tour - the most popular and common tour in Costa Rica is the Canopy Tour - more than 100 zip line tours exist in Costa Rica. Some are not in forest canopies at all, but hooked to towers similar to the style used for power transmission lines. It is an adrenaline rush as you move across zip lines between platforms. The sheer number of participants makes this a true Disneyland style of adventure, with groups of 30 participants moving from platform to platform.

Our favorite canopy operator is in the Sarapiquí area (about 2.5 hours from Volare), en route between Arenal area and Volare. Volare can arrange this tour as a private departure (no waiting in lines).

Monte Claro Horseback Riding For beginners the trail riding in Pavones (about 25 minutes away from Volare) has good horses and great scenery. The horses are lovingly treated, and riding is very mild. Private rides can be arranged. The 350 acre farm is all organic, and owners Christian and Marie are very welcoming hosts.

Aciares Horseback The farm below Volare is the largest coffee plantation in Costa Rica. Until the 1970's plantation managers used horseback to inspect fields and move long distances to cover the 20 square miles of terrain each day. Aciares offers a horse tour (maximum 4 persons plus a guide) passing through coffee, village, and ends at Hacienda Esperanza, restored to its 1850's glory. No experience needed; all riding is at walking pace (about 4 hours total).