Paddles And Pedals, What To Bring

As you will not be carrying your luggage duffels may be more convenient than backpacks. Make sure you bring a smaller daypack, as when you are on the river your main luggage will not go to the camp. You should be sure to have sunglasses and a hat (optional) every day and make sure you pack a rain jacket.

Day 1/Day 2 - Whitewater Rafting the Pacuare River

You will leave San Jose early in the morning (after breakfast). For the rafting trip you should pack a small daypack containing:

• Towel
• Set of dry clothes for the evening. It is generally not cold at the camp but you may want to bring a long sleeved shirt and/or pants as protection from insects.
• Toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellent
• Dry shoes/sandals to wear around the camp
• Headlamp
• Lightweight rain jacket (green season only)
• Sunglasses

You may want to wear your rafting clothes under your traveling clothes although there are facilities for changing when you arrive at the river put-in. Some suggestions for the rafting section are:

• Swimwear
• Shorts
• Polypro shirt (optional)
• River shoes/Teva Sandals or an old pair of running shoes
• Waterproof camera (optional)

You will be supplied with:

• Life Jacket
• Helmet
• Paddle

Your main luggage will travel with you to the river and then be transported to the take-out on Day 2 so make sure you have everything with you for the 2 day rafting section as you will not see your main luggage at the camp. Your daypack will be put into dry-bags and transported to the camp by raft.

You will get wet in the raft so if you have quick drying clothes you may be more comfortable. Cotton t-shirts once wet will remain wet and can make you feel cold.

The weather on the river can be unpredictable. When it is sunny it is very hot and you will need to be sure to be wearing sunscreen. You will be paddling in the raft and so are unlikely to be cold whilst running the rapids but there are a few calm sections where, if it is raining, it can get chilly.

Once at the camp you can change into your dry clothes but if you go on a hike it is advisable to wear your rafting clothes. The hikes are in the rainforest and sometimes up waterfalls to swimming holes so once again you will get wet. If you are not sure-footed while hiking, perhaps sandals are not the best option for you so consider river shoes or an old pair of running shoes. In the evening you will have your dry clothes to change into. For the second day of rafting you will be wearing the same clothes as the previous day.

When you reach the end of the second day of rafting, there are showers available and this is where you will meet with your main luggage so you can change ready for the journey to Arenal. You may want to rinse your wet clothes under the shower before putting them into a separate plastic bag for the journey. The hotel has a laundry service if you want to have these clothes washed and dried but make sure they are aware of your departure time.

Day 3 – Hiking in Arenal

Hiking clothes are really a matter of choice, but for Costa Rica lightweight breathable, quick drying clothes are the best. As for hiking shoes, it will depend on the route chosen by your guide but heavy hiking boots are not necessary. A strong pair of breathable hiking boots works well. If you are hiking to waterfalls, it is often possible to swim in the pool at the bottom but you should keep your shoes on, so it would be advisable to wear the same wet shoes as you wore on the rafting section. You can put your hiking boots in the vehicle to change into. A lightweight rain jacket may also be a good idea. You may want to carry a bum bag for essential items such as sunscreen, cash, personal items.

Later in the afternoon you will visit the Hot Springs. These are outdoor pools heated by the lava from the Arenal Volcano. You should take swimwear and a set of dry clothes to change into for dinner. You will be provided with a towel.

Day 4 – Sea Kayaking – Travel to Samara – Mountain Biking/Sea Kayak

Depending on the weather, you may be sea kayaking across Lake Arenal this morning. Your luggage will travel with your driver and you will have a chance to get changed before lunch. You should wear similar clothing to the rafting section.

Wear comfortable clothes for traveling.

Upon arrival in Samara you will either sea kayak in the ocean in the late afternoon or mountain bike to your hotel. Your guide will let you know the schedule. You will have a chance to change into either biking shorts or your kayaking clothes. As you near the beach the temperature will increase. For mountain biking you should wear:

• Biking shorts, although today the biking is a short distance and so are optional.
• Polypro top or t-shirt. Cotton t-shirts once wet can make you cold.
• Lightweight hiking shoes or running shoes.
• Bum bag (optional) for sunscreen, bug repellent, personal items
• Biking gloves (optional)
• Cambelbak/water bottle
• Biking helmet
• Gel saddle (optional)

Day 5 – Sea Kayaking – Mountain Biking – Samara

You may start the day either sea kayaking or mountain biking and clothing is as outlined in Day 4 although you will be mountain biking for longer today and so biking shorts are advisable.

Day 6 – Mountain Biking – Samara

A full day of mountain biking –don’t forget the sunscreen!

General Note: Casual clothes are very acceptable in Costa Rica. It is generally not necessary to dress for restaurants. There are however some expensive restaurants in San Jose where customers may dress a little less casually so check when making a reservation.

PADDLES AND PEDALS - REMINDER LIST

General

• Duffel Bag
• Small Day Pack
• A couple of plastic bags

Whitewater Rafting

• Swimwear
• Shorts
• Polypro shirt (optional)
• River shoes/teva sandals/running shoes
• Waterproof camera (optional)

At El Nido del Tigre

• Towel

Tent Camp

• Set of dry clothes (long pants & long sleeved shirt optional)
• Toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellent
• Dry shoes/sandals
• Lightweight rain jacket (optional)
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses
• Sleeping Clothes
• Hiking
• Lightweight hiking clothes
• Hiking shoes
• Lightweight rain jacket (green season only/optional)
• Bum bag (optional)
• Sea Kayak
• Swimwear
• Polypro shirt/t-shirt
• Shorts

Mountain Biking

• Biking shorts
• Polypro top or t-shirt
• Lightweight hiking shoes or running shoes
• Bum bag (optional) for sunscreen, bug repellent, personal items
• Biking gloves (optional)
• Camelbak/water bottle
• Sunglasses (optional)
• Biking helmet
• Gel saddle (optional)

Hot Springs

• Swimwear
• Sandals
• Toiletries

Evenings

• Casual Clothes

This information is intended as a guide of what you should pack for the trip, we hope it helps!, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us.

Paddles and Pedals