Girls at Play is renowned for giving our students results they can’t get anywhere else. Our skills foundation allows you to progress comfortably and confidently on the water. Add in tropical waters, toucans, lush scenery, delicious food, yoga and warm weather and you have got the perfect active winter vacation!
Skill Level and River Difficulty: This trip is for beginner-intermediate whitewater kayakers who have some experience in class II whitewater and who are familiar with the roll. We’ll continue to work on developing your roll in both flatwater and whitewater as well as work on river running skills on class II – III rivers.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arriving in Tropical Paradise
Girls at Play staff will greet you at the Juan Santamaria International airport in San Jose, Costa
Rica (SJO), upon your arrival. After leaving the airport, we begin the journey to our base in the town of Turrialba, about a two hour drive through orchards, small towns and beautiful coffee fields.
Upon arrival in Turrialba you will settle into your home away from home: comfortable accommodations with tropical courtyard, Volcano view balcony and relaxing hammock area. This evening you will enjoy a delicious and authentic Costa Rican meal prepared by our Chef, Flor. This will be a great opportunity to practice your high school Spanish, as you enjoy Tico company with dinner. The remainder of the evening is spent getting to know everyone, setting goals for the week and relaxing.
Day 2: Intro in the Pool
This morning we’re taking it easy with a morning yoga class, leisurely breakfast and outfitting of gear. After lunch we’ll head to the pool to get our rolls on! Working on reviewing the roll and getting comfortable in our boats for the afternoon. Dinner and relaxing this evening.
Day 3: Hitting the water for review
Early morning yoga will warm up the body and relax the mind. After yoga, we’re served a delicious Tico breakfast before heading to the Pejibaye river.
Starting with an easy-going section where we’ll work on stroke technique and river running technique. We’ll also focus on having lots of fun (which isn’t hard kayaking in the winter in Costa Rica!!) We’ll pay around in the river all day and then head back to the hotel. On the way we’ll stop at the Serpentarium to check out Costa Rica’s famous snakes (they are in aquariums/cages)!
Day 4: Pool followed by more river!
Yoga class helps to warm us up for more roll practice today. After breakfast we’ll hit the pool to review and refresh our rolls and then hit a nice section of river for some fun and moving water roll practice too! Today you’ll really start feeling your skills improving and you’ll feel way more confident on the water. You’re well on your way to becoming an intermediate paddler!
Dinner will be served after the river and we’ll enjoy a special evening of chocolate making. Learn how to roast the cacao bean and grind it up for a delicious local treat!
Day 5: River Running on the Sarapiqui!
We skip yoga this morning to head out early for an awesome day on the River Sarapiqui! The Sarapiquí is often referred to as the “Jewel of Costa Rica” with clear water, deep pools and excellent whitewater. After the river we head to our base for the night in the
town of Puerto Viejo Sarapiquí, close to the river, enjoying a post-kayaking yoga class, jungle setting and the use of a swimming pool. Depending on the skill level and confidence of the group, we may add a few rapids to our river run! We’ll continue to develop the skills we’ve learned and, of course, continue to enjoy the warmth and lushness of the tropics!
Day 6: More River Running!
Yoga and breakfast start the day before heading out to enjoy the beauty and rapids of the Sarapiqui again!
Day 7: Top Pacuare
After morning yoga we travel to the remote and absolutely beautiful mountains of the Pacuare headwaters. This rarely paddled section of river starts with class II and III rapids and progresses in difficulty as we continue downstream. There is a small road following the river during the first several kilometers – a quick shuttle gives us plenty of opportunities for learning to sur the friendly waves and enjoy our last day on the river.
We enjoy one last yoga class and a great breakfast sharing our experiences. We say our good-byes at the airport and we start making plans for your return to Costa Rica!
**We do our very best to adhere to the specific itinerary listed above, but activities and loca-
tions may be subject to change due to a number of reasons beyond our control (i.e. weather, water levels,
road and safety conditions).
Dates: February 4 – 11, 2012
Price: $1550.00 per person
PLEASE NOTE that our prices will go up in 2013. Booking this year is a great deal!! This is due to the last minute change of switching our trips from Mexico to Costa Rica.
Single Supplement
$300 – If you are traveling alone we will arrange shared accommodations with an appropriate roommate. If
you prefer single accommodations during the 7 nights, you have the option of paying the single supplement
fee to guarantee a single room during the week.
What does all inclusive mean?
All inclusive with Girls at Play means from the moment you step out of the San Jose airport and meet
your guides, all of your worldly needs are met, so you can focus on having fun in paradise. Bed and breakfast
lodging, freshly prepared meals, private transportation, quality equipment, and professional Girls at Play
staff will exceed your expectations
- Experienced Girls at Play guides always available
- All adventure activities and equipment
- Daily yoga class
- All trip accommodations
- All meals
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private ground transportation
- Entrance fees and permits
What is not included?
International airfare to San Jose – Costa Rica, yoga mats, alcoholic beverages, travel insurance, optional guide gratuities,
airport departure tax ($26 USD payable in cash or credit), and items of personal needs (snacks, laundry, sou-
venirs, etc.).
How to sign up
Call us at: 828.333.4482 and reserve your space with your credit card.
Question?
Please call us for more specific information you have or click HERE to Contact Us.







