Aventuras Bravas

Specially Priced Tours
for
Honkytonk Homeslice
Hoedown Attendees

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Reventazon River     Turtle Tour     Horseback Riding     Surf School     Kayak/Dolphins/Snorkeling     Fishing

Canopy Tour     Gandoca-Manzinillo     Cahuita Nat'l Park Hike     Bribri Reservation     Waterfall Hike/Swim

WHITE WATER RAFTING --- PACUARE RIVER
1-Day and 2-Day Trips

1-DAY PACUARE RIVER TRIP

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2-DAY PACUARE RIVER TRIP

The two-day option allows you to truly experience the magic of the Pacuare River, with more time to explore, swim, photograph, relax and take in the sights and sounds of the jungle from our riverside camps. The Sylvia Chaves family of the Indigenous Cabecar Tribe is our host. A portion of the proceeds help to support this tribe. Two of Sylvia's sons are our full-time river guides who grew up playing in these waters. There is a good chance that one of them will be a guide on the two-day trip. They have great eyes for wildlife on their home river.

This is comfortable camping. You will sleep in tents on raised and covered platforms with foam mattresses, pillows and fresh sheets. Facilities include a spring-fed shower, flush toilet, and a communal rancho built in traditional Cabecar style with a kitchen and dining area overlooking the river. This is likely as remote as you will get in Costa Rica, and it feels like it. Your guides will prepare delicious meals plus happy hour drinks and snacks while you relax.

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2-Days / 1-Night, about 36 hours. Pick up from Manzanillo/Puerto Viejo or San Jose between 6:00 am and 6:30 am. Arrive in Puerto Viejo or San Jose around 5:30 pm or 6:00 pm.

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2-Day Pacuare River Deluxe Trip ----- Information Coming Soon ....

WHITE WATER RAFTING - RIO REVENTAZOn Pascua Section or Florida Section

The Reventazon River rages through a mystical gorge steeped in natural beauty and railroad history. It is a great way to see the jungles of Costa Rica and another great way to get between Puerto Viejo and San Jose. It is a major Costa Rican River that offers two different sections:

1. The Pascua section is for those who want big water, class 4+ action. This is World Class Whitewater, with over 30 rapids to challenge the fit rafter. Passengers should have prior rafting experience and reasonable fitness. Minimum age is 15 years.

2. The Florida section is for those who want a little less adventure and less time on the water. Florida offers very fun class 3 rapids with many roller coaster-type waves.

The Reventazon River flows parallel and close to the Pacuare River, right between San Jose and Puerto Viejo, so like the Pacuare trips, we can pick you up in one city and drop you off in the other, by far the best way to travel!

BIG WATER CLASS 4+ PASCUA SECTION

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CLASS 3 RAPIDS - FLORIDA SECTION

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TORTUGUERO CANAL TOUR - PARISMINA

Like rafting on the Pacuare or Revntazon Rivers, this adventure is a great way to travel between Puerto Viejo and San Jose!

The Tortuguero area is probably the best place in Costa Rica to see wildlife: crocodiles, caimans, monkeys, sloths, iguanas and, of course, the famed marine turtles. Even jaguars and manatees, though you would be lucky to see these shy creatures. This is also a bird watchers paradise. With various habitats converging in one place: the ocean on one side, river mouths, canals and swamp on the other sides, and jungle all around, there are hundreds of avian species to enjoy. The area is also famous for world class snook and tarpon fishing. Another creature you will likely meet is our own "crocodile hunter"; Rick Knowles will be there to make sure your needs are met while in Parismina. He will arrange the best canal and turtle guides. (Rick is quite the character - I like to say that he is a drinker with a guiding problem; he just has to show you stuff or he goes crazy. He doesn't really hunt crocodiles, but if you encourage him, he just might jump in and wrestle one. Please don't encourage him.)

Parismina is a village of about 300 people situated on a small barrier island near the southern border of the park. Parismina was settled by black immigrants who came here to harvest sea turtles that once came to this beach by the thousands to lay their eggs (which were also harvested). But over-harvesting has taken its toll. Today the village is working together to save the turtles, and though poaching is still a problem, the few tourists who find their way here each year are helping to ensure that the conservation effort will continue and grow. Ex-turtle hunters (tortugueros) are now making a living as certified turtle guides and are active in the conservation effort. Here is your chance to help. To watch these creatures crawl up the beach, dig a hole, lay a hundred or so eggs, cover it up and crawl back to the ocean is something that everyone should see at least once. For many it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Just by showing up to witness this spectacle, you are helping ensure that maybe one of these hundred turtle eggs will survive the 25 years or so until it makes its long journey back to the same beach to make its first nest!

You will be here toward the end of the leatherback turtle season. Leatherbacks are the world's largest marine turtle, and Parismina is the best place to spot these enormous creatures. In fact Parismina receives many more leatherbacks than the more famous village of Tortuguero, which is why we've decided to offer you this destination; your chances of seeing a turtle are much higher here. (If this were green turtle season we'd be sending you to Tortuguero.) And because this will be toward the end of the season, you also have a chance to see hatchlings from the early arrivals break free from their nest and make their way to the ocean. Amazing!

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HORSEBACK RIDING

A wonderful way to experience the beauty of the beaches and jungle. YOU decide how long you want to ride and where you want to go: beach, jungle, or both. We try to match riders up with like experience. It's no fun for advanced riders to wait for beginners, or for beginners to try to keep up with advanced riders.

Our horses are healthy, beautiful and have plenty of energy, yet quite manageable. You will love our horses. We love them very much, and we treat them accordingly. We feed and groom them well, and we do not believe in over-working them.

Of course, if you have experience, we'll let you run our horses some. Heck, we like to run, too, and so do our horses. But our guide will be there to make sure you don't overdo it. Like we said, we love and protect our horses. Don't even ask us to go without a guide.

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SURF SCHOOL

Our coaches are some of the best in the area. They love their work (who wouldn't?). We feel so strongly about our coaches' skills, passion and dedication that we offer a GUARANTEE* on our private and semi-private lessons: you will surf or you will get a second lesson FREE! (Please read the Guaranty Exclusion Notice below.)

Puerto Viejo usually has excellent waves for lessons. On heavy surf days, our first choice is Black Beach (Playa Negra). There the waves are usually small, slow-breaking, forgiving, and consistently break in the same spot, in the same direction. There is little current, making it easy and safe to teach and learn. It doesn't get any better than that for beginners.

If the ocean at Black Beach is too quiet, we go to Playa Cocles. This spot usually has heavier surf, strong currents, and some amazingly talented surfers. But when the ocean calms down, the experienced surfers go away, often leaving nice beginner waves for us. It's not always perfect - with surfing we have to work with what nature brings us. But we almost always find something that will work.

Each class includes a surf coach, surf board and rash guard/lycra top. We use long, soft surf boards designed specifically for learning.

We offer three different types of classes: Private, Semi-private, and Introduction to Surfing (group lesson). You get a 10% discount for series of three lessons, paid in advance.

Surfing 101 - Introduction to Surfing

Designed for those who want to get a taste of surfing without committing to a private or semi-private class. It features a comfortable price, a larger student/teacher ratio (4-6 students per coach) and less time: 20 minutes of beach instruction (safety, standing up, and positioning), and an hour of PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

Important: Minimum 4 students, maximum 6 students per teacher. Groups smaller than four may take a Semi-private or Private lesson. Our Guarantee does not apply on this lesson. Because of the larger student-to-teacher ratio, for safety reasons we will not offer these classes unless the ocean conditions are favorable. In that case students have the option to step up to a private or semi-private lesson.

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Surfing 102 - Private and Semi-Private Lessons No experience necessary

Private Lessons (1 on 1 instruction) and Semi'Private Lessons (2 or 3 students per coach) are designed for those who want to dive into the action and get the most out of a lesson. These lessons are great for the pure beginner or the more advanced surfer wanting to bump up her/his skills. They cost a bit more but are worth it. You get more individual attention and more time for instruction and practice. In fact we are so confident that we GUARANTEE* that you will surf or we will give you a second lesson FREE!

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*GUARANTY EXCLUSION NOTICE: The guaranty applies only to private and semi-private lessons. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to exclude anyone from the guaranty if we believe the student is not reasonably fit and not over 190 pounds (men) or 160 pounds (women). A student must ask us for the guaranty before the lesson begins and at that time we have the right to grant or deny the guaranty. Our decisions may seem arbitrary and unfair, and we are sorry for that. If we exclude you from the guaranty, we certainly hope you won’t be offended. We're not saying you won’t get up. You probably will. We're just not going to guarantee it.

PUNTA UVA RIVER KAYAK TOUR

Easy float trip, many animals along the way: howler monkeys, sloths, turtles, Jesus Christ lizards, birds. Start out by the coast and paddle easily upstream under the canopy. When we can go no further, turn around and float to Punta Uva beach.

Here, ocean kayak out to the point, swim in the friendly waves, hike to the point, or relax on the beach. Ever wanted to Kayak Surf? The waves at the point are considered some of the best for kayak surfing. No experience needed; we'll help with pointers.

Option: Add snorkeling over the reefs at Punta Uva Beach for only $10 more! Includes snorkel and mask, snorkel guide and an extra hour.

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SUNSET KAYAK TOUR

The Sunset Kayak Tour begins in front of the Aventuras Bravas sales shack.

Paddle out through the Salsa Brava reef channel and head southeast to a beautiful rock island near Playa Cocles. Rising abruptly out of the sea, this island is a haven for numerous species of birds including the California brown pelican, snowy egret, heron and dove.

Going around the island, feel the energy as the sea rises, falls and explodes against the shear cliff wall. Depending on ocean conditions, swim, explore the island, or kayak surf at Playa Cocles. Paddling back into the sunset, enjoy the shimmering water and colorful landscapes of Puerto Viejo and Playa Negra.

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DOLPHIN & SNORKEL TOUR

Take a boat journey deep into the Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge to the Punta Mona (Monkey Point) area. Search for 3 species of dolphin: Bottlenose, Atlantic spotted and Brazilian tucuxi. Near Punta Mona, enjoy some of the best snorkeling on the Caribbean.

Afterwards, relax on the beach, bathe in the fresh-water creek, or explore the Punta Mona permaculture farm. You'll get an eye-opening tour for $6 per person. Or offer a couple dollars donation (1000 colones), and wander on your own. You can stroll the refuge where you may see monkeys, sloths, iguanas, birds and more. What a day!!

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SNORKELING CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK

Cahuita National Park features the largest coral reef on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. This reef spreads out like a fan off the coast off Cahuita Point and measures about 593 acres. Both elkhorn and smooth brain coras are the most common species on the reef along with a variety of other marine life. A boat will take you to the best snorkeling spots. This tour may also be combined with a hike through the national park.

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FISHING

Try your luck WITH SOME ocean fishing Caribbean style. The most common catches included red snapper, jack fish, mackerel, king fish, tarpon, tuna and more. You decide to fish close to shore or farther out. You can keep all legal size fish and cook them later. If conditions are favorable, you can snorkel, too!

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ZIP-LINE CANOPY TOUR

Want an exciting, adrenaline-filled day? A must-do experience? Take a canopy tour and fly through the forest on 20 different zip lines. Certainly not a sport for the faint hearted. It's a fantastic way to explore a truly unique habitat.

<<<--- Click on this picture on the left for a better view.

Buckled into your safety equipment, you zip through the tops of the rain forest. Canopy tours are the ideal way to get a bird's eye view of a primary Forest: an uncut, biodiverse and healthy ecosystem. The guides will help you look for monkeys, sloths, birds, iguanas, etc. Be sure to ask about the "walking trees".

You control your flight, going at a heart-stopping speeds, or gliding smoothly from platform to platform.

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GANDOCA-MANZANILLO REFUGE HIKE

The refuge stands out for the beauty of its beaches, coral reefs, and tropical forests vibrant with life. Its extraordinary biodiversity is comprised of many ecosystems. The refuge is composed primarily of hilillo palm, sajo and cativo, coconut palm, sea grape and heleconia - a plant that grows to two meters conspicuous and beautiful , brightly colored bractlets of red and yellow. Its estuary is made up almost exclusively of red mangrove.

The refuge protects several species of animals in danger of extinction such as the manatee, crocodile, tapir, caiman, and paca. Monkeys and sloths may also be seen. Birds that may be spotted include the crested mandible toucan, ornate hawk eagle, red lord amazon, manakins, parakeets, motmots, aracari, and woodpecker.

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CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK HIKE

The park is made up of various habitats including swampland, mixed forest, mangroves, and beaches. A variety of wildlife can be spotted. Frequently seen animals include monkeys, sloths, iguanas, snakes, white-nosed coati, and several species of swamp forest birds such as the green ibis, green and rufous kingfisher, yellow crowned night heron, and northern boat billed heron, among others.

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BRIBRI INDIGENOUS RESERVATION

The indigenous people od Talamanca are part of the Amazon Basin Indian cultures and heritage. The Bribri speak their native language, Bribri, and Spanish, wear western clothing, and participate in regional political and economic life, but they also maintain beliefs and customs of their ancestors. The Talamanca-Bribri Reservation covers a large area of the interior Talamanca Mountains. Bribri people believe that "Sibo" created all things on earth, and that all things have supernatural guardians that permit human beings to kill wild animals and use forest pruducts only as necessary for human subsistence. Through traditional agriculture, hunting, fishing, and use of forest products, the Bribri have maintained a respectful relationship with their natural environment. Visits to Rancho Grande, Volio waterfall, and Kekoldi Reserve are included in this tour. At Kekoldi the Bribri are working to restore the threatened green iguana. You may also learn about medicinal plants and cures and organic agriculture. And you will have a chance to acquire handcrafts.

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VOLIO WATERFALL HIKE / SWIM

The Volio Waterfall is located in the tropical rainforest of the Bribri Indigenous Reserve. The moderate hike through the forest has several river crossings and affords the opportunity to view many different species of flora and fauna including the beautiful heliconia flowers, poison dart frogs and toucans. Once you have arrived, a swim in the waterfalls pools is refreshing.

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