La Quinta Sarapiqui Lodge, in the vicinity of the Sarapiquí River, the Braulio Carrillo National Park and the world wide known La Selva Biological Station, is favored with unique flora and fauna.

         In our area, we offer our guests prime fresh water rapids ideal for white water rafting, ranging from Class I to Class IV. There are other more relaxing experiences as well, such as scenic cruises on the Sarapiqui river, horseback rides, canopy, night tours in the forest, volcanoes, waterfalls and more! Other educational activities are also available such as the pineapple tour, chocolate tour or coffee tour.

We will be pleased to help you at the front desk with information and planning for your tours and activities.

Sarapiquí River

         This scenic tropical river has its origins high on the northern slopes of Barva and Poás Volcanoes, but by the time it reaches the San Juan River on the border with Nicaragua, it has received water from as far away as Irazú Volcano via the Sucio River. The Sarapiquí River, which is navigable upstream from the San Juan River (which flows into the Caribbean) as far inland as Puerto Viejo (Old Port) de Sarapiquí at the volcanoes’ base on the northern side, was an important transportation route for those few hardy settlers who first moved into this region. Continuing upstream from Puerto Viejo, the river picks up gradually and becomes one of the country’s finest rivers for kayaking and whitewater rafting. The further upstream you go, the more challenging the rapids become.

         Venture down the Sarapiquí River for an unforgettable two hour ride in a comfortable and safe powerboat. Enjoy more than 200 species of beautiful tropical birds, howler monkeys, sloth, crocodiles and river turtles. We have a flexible schedule from 8:30AM through 3:30PM.

One of the premier neotropical sites for biological studies, La Selva is a Mecca not only for scientists, but also hardcore birders and serious naturalists. The state-of-the-art laboratory facilities on the edge of the rain forest have allowed researchers the opportunity to make many exciting new discoveries about the workings of the most incredibly complex and biologically diverse ecosystem on planet earth. La Selva Biological Station is favoured with a unique flora and fauna viewing experience. Nearly half of the 850 species of birds in Costa Rica inhabit these lowlands, more than 70 species of bats and 5 of the 6 species of felines in the country.

La Selva Biological Station

Tirimbina Rainforest Center

Tirimbina Rainforest Center (TRC) is an internationally recognized, non-profit organization created to conserve the tropical rainforest of Costa Rica; provide environmental education to the local community, students and ecotourists; and accommodate scientific research. TRC is a Private Wildlife Refuge which protects 345 hectares (852.5 acres) of mid-elevation (pre-montane) forest through which 9km (5½ mi.) of trails pass. One third of the forest is used for ecotourism and environmental education, keeping the majority of the Reserve naturally intact.

Discover the secrets and marvels of one of the favorite foods of human kind.

Cacao: Originally from Mesoamerica, with a rich and extraordinary history. The discovery of America took it to Europe, transforming into the product we know today. This tour highlights one of our native and most historic plants, and includes:

• Guided walk through Tirimbina suspension bridge through the forest and wild cacao plantation
• Natural and cultural history of the cacao
• Process: From cacao to chocolate (Harvesting, fermentation and drying) 
• Cacao and organic chocolate tasting

This is an activity that we offer as part of our social responsibility program. The program is called “Escuelas Felices” or “Happy Schools” and we visit 5 schools in our community. Children make a brief presentation for the visitors and then there is time take pictures, sing, eat or play. 

         We ask visitors to provide a donation to the school, anything that is useful for the students ranging from a pencil to a computer. We coordinate beforehand with the school on their necessities at the moment, and will let the visitors know. In the past, our guests have donated: fans, kitchenware, pencils, markers, paper, notebooks, paints, etc. We have also made arrangements for cash donations, which are used to improve the schools’ infrastructure (build a new classroom, repair a ceiling, paint the roof, etc.)

          This is not a tour. There is no charge for it. We depend on the approval of the school’s principal. The purpose is to support the children in their education and empower the community. This will only be available during school terms and takes no longer than 1 hour. 

This activity starts with a guided walk to our vegetable garden where you can harvest fresh produce to cook. Then we proceed to the cooking class, where you will learn about the properties of each vegetable and participate in cutting, boiling, or frying to prepare the dish for dinner. In the meantime, you will sample other dishes. 

         The cooking area is a beautiful thatched roof building next to a pond on the trail. The main dish we usually prepare is a heart of palm dice or a green papaya dice and the snacks we sample are tortillas, fried yuca, fried bread fruit and pineapple.

Nearby, on the Sarapiquí River, are prime spots for white water rafting, ranging from Class I to Class IV. Arrangements for this safe but exhilarating and breath-taking adventure can be made at the reception area.

• Class I-II: From Chilamate to Puerto Viejo (Floating): This 7-mile journey takes you through the small communities of Chilamate and Puerto Viejo. This trip is especially attractive for bird watchers and tropical forest lovers of all ages, including small children. This level does not require previous experience. The journey on the inflatable rafts is calm enough for passengers to take their cameras, phones and binoculars with them.

• Class II-III: From La Virgen to Chilamate: This 7.5 mile trip takes you through the communities of La Virgen and Chilamate in Sarapiquí. It is a trip especially suitable by crystalline ponds and agitated rapids. Along the journey one can enjoy four Class III rapids and about 20 Class II rapids, all of which have a good technical level. Half way of the journey on a peaceful pond, passengers can swim and eat the tasty tropical fruits of the season. No previous experience required. 

• Class IV: From San Miguel to La Virgen : This 5 mile long trip takes you through the steepest slope of the river. This is a 100% adrenaline and experience is a must. No beginners or intermediate riders are allowed on this journey.

Plant a Tree

Tubing

Tubing around Costa Rican rivers is a favourite hobby for locals, and Sarapiquí is one of the best locations to enjoy this fun family-friendly activity. To ensure that the ride will be safe and exciting, we chose our neighbour, the Sardinal River.

This adventure starts with a 15 minute walk. A safety orientation talk will follow and the actual descent takes about 45 minutes. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to spot many of the more than 400 species of birds that live in this area. For this adventure, make sure to bring:

• River shoes or sandals with straps
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit or light clothes
• Towel and dry clothes to change

Tubing is strictly subject to the weather conditions at the moment not only on site but on the mountains as well. If there are heavy rains in the mountains, even if there is no rain in La Quinta, tubing is not permitted as there is a high risk of having dangerous and rapid rises in the water level. On the other hand, if during summer the water level is too low, tubing is not recommended as the tubes need a certain amount of water to slide and cruise properly.

This activity consists of a walk through a pineapple plantation. The guide offers an interesting talk about the history and cultivation of pineapple and shows all the stages of pineapple growth, from planting to harvest. You will also visit the packing plant and the organic pineapple project. Everyone is invited to a generous snack of piña colada, fresh pineapple and fresh pineapple juice.

Pineapple Tour

Zipline

This amazing experience consists of 12 ziplines located in Hacienda La Linda, from which you can enjoy incredible passages through fields of ornamental plants, an exciting tropical rainforest of 114 hectares, as well as the magnificent Sarapiquí River, which you will cross twice during the trip. This exciting journey includes:

• All specialized equipment for ziplining
• Special harness for children
• Specialized and certified guides
• Tropical fruit snacks 

This tour combines two hour horseback ride along the Sarapiquí riverside and a visit to a dairy farm. Tour guides are bilingual and the property is located 8 kilometres away from La Quinta.

• A minimum of two passengers is required.
• Transfer is not included in the rate.
• Tour run between 8AM and 2PM, pending availability

Pozo Azul

Wilson’s Horseback Riding