Adventure Tours In Costa Rica

The terrain for biking depends on your skill. We have all levels, from easiest flat roads to the more difficult rough roads for experts.

All our bikes are front suspension. In all tours we provide bikers a support van in order to assist bikers with fresh water, nuts, candies, tropical fruits, and the opportunity to rest for a while if needed.

For groups, our company provide several tour guides in order to guarantee that every biker can get assistance. A mechanic is available when necessary and spare parts are brought in case we need to change something. Fast and easy, the tour goes with the assistance of our well trained and experienced team. For further information please contact us bikingcr@bikingincostarica.com

HIKING

Hiking in Costa Rica can get pretty vertical, even in dense forest. You need to wear good protective boots (yes, they will get wet), plus a fanny pack to carry your own water and snack food.

If it is a multi-day hike you'll need your own (comfortable) backpack that can carry your own sleeping roll and sleeping sheet (we'll provide these to you) and personal equipment. We'll provide machetes and porters for the big equipment. Best to speak directly with your tour operator leader when you are doing multi-day hikes with us.

While hiking the opportunity to meet multi-legged or legless creatures is obviously increased many times over. We want you to know what to do when you encounter snakes, etc., before we start off into the forest. Costa Rica Net Guide does NOT carry snake antivenin, because the antivenin can kill as fast as the snake. But we do have training, multiple times, on how to handle snake bites.

As of December 19, 1999, we have not needed to use our snake bite treatment training....please don't break our record. Listen carefully to your guide on how to introduce yourself to a snake, and how to know which snake is which.

CLIMBING, RAPPELLING, CANYONING

Shorts, T-shirt, strong shoes (we have the helmets, harnesses ropes, carabiners, etc.). In the jungle the climbing is in trees, and insect repellant is really appreciated. Again, shoes that can get wet--tennis shoes are good.

Tree climbing often puts you face-to-face with animals you are unlikely to encounter in your own garden. If you are prone to panic, please let us know.

We use a double system of equipment for climbing and rappelling activities, but nothing works better than paying attention to the guide. So far, everyone who has gone up with us has returned to the earth safely.

One client did pass out from insulin shock; she didn't let us know her diabetic condition before the trip. But we rescued her, anyway, and now she enjoys climbing in a gym in Chicago.

HORSEBACK RIDING

For horses, LONG PANTS that can get wet, plus tennis shoes (everything gets WET when you swim rivers). Long sleeve lightweight light color loose-fitting shirts are most comfortable.

Gloves (preferably leather) and a hat that protects the face and neck are your best option - the sun really beats on you. Don't forget SUNSCREEN at least for the back of your neck and the backs of your hands (if you forgot the gloves...)

Second to mountain bikes, the horses present the biggest opportunity for injury. The horses are well trained, but they can't see gopher holes in fields and they can trip, just like you or me.

So when you are riding with us, please, don't run off ahead of the guide in an open pasture -- we can run the horses where we know the tractors have smooshed all the gopher holes. For jousting, we select only wilted sugar cane, and no aiming at the head of your opponent.

HOT AIR BALLOON

Balloon flights in Costa Rica are made at sunrise because the air is most stable at this time. It also happens to be the most beautiful time of the day, when the world is still very fresh and animals are just waking up.

The flight will last from 45 minutes to one and a half hours. The balloon flight is very serene, but the start and the end can be somewhat more eventful. It is probable that at the end of the flight the basket will tip on its side, requiring all passengers to "hang on" as the envelope (fabric part) of the balloon deflates.

The pilot briefing will go over the procedures to follow. Also, sunrise can be chilly. Wear clothes in layers; once the sun is shining brightly it gets HOT in the balloon. Light weight, light colored clothing is advised, but long sleeves offer better protection from the sun and, when off the beaten path, against insects and foliage (sugar cane leaves are similar in abrasiveness to corn leaves).

Strong shoes (tennis shoes are sufficient) that offer full foot protection are mandatory; socks and long pants are strongly recommended (because of insects): the landing is rarely on cut grass. Long pants and strong shoes also are your best protection against the many-legged or legless ones in the fields.

Balloons are traditionally little-old-lady conveyances (in fact, your pilot may be one of the little old ladies), but sometimes the landings get, well, exciting. If you have any problems with altitude (including -- have you been scuba diving recently?), nervousness with altitude (we don't want you deciding to jump), vertigo, or any problem following pilot orders, or incapacity in your arms or legs which may make it difficult to hold on and support your weight with your arms during the landing, then let us know before booking the trip.

General Info about Costa Rica	Return to main page	General Info about Nicaragua
Tours in Costa Rica		Tours in Nicaragua
Rent a car in C.R.		Somoza
Hotel Reservation in Costa Rica		Pedro Joaquín Chamorro
Learn Spanish in Costa Rica		Presidents of Nicaragua since 1834
For further information or reservation please e-mail us crnguide@costarica-net-guide.com

BIKING

HIKING

CLIMBING, RAPPELLING, CANYONING

HORSEBACK RIDING

HOT AIR BALLOON