Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Our new website: AutenticoAdventures.com

We are excited to share our new website with you. It better represents what we offer and the places, people, and nature you will experience on an adventure with us.

You will notice the visual appeal of our homepage. We hope our new website gives you a good look and feel into what we do here in Costa Rica.

It's always difficult to explain what it's like in our homestays deep into the Costa Rican rainforest, but we are very happy that we now have incredible photos and videos to better represent what we do.

our new homepage at http://AutenticoAdventures.com

Select the ideal adventure of interest:
select your ideal adventure for your interests

Navigate your options to select your adventure of interest.
your adventure opportunities with autentico adventures

Explore the adventure you're interested in thoroughly with our trip specific pages that include details like: map where you will be, what's included, price, physical level, food.

trip details page for 'The Hear of Costa Rica' trip
Contact us at AutenticoAdventures (@) gmail.com

Friday, June 20, 2014

Costa Rica Adventure Tours - Journey into the Rainforest

Selecting the right Costa Rica Adventure is important. It may be your first time traveling to Costa Rica, or you may visit our country often...regardless, it is important to understand what you will be doing on your adventure.

We work hard to make sure that you know what type of Costa Rican Adventure you will be experiencing with Autentico Adventures.

Many of our trips are focused on deep immersive cultural experiences in the rainforest's and rivers of Costa Rica. We work with several local families to allow you to experience exactly what it is like to live in Costa Rica. You get the opportunity to enter family's homes and connect with local people.

Practice your Spanish, it will come in handy to be able to better converse with your new family friends during your adventure here in Costa Rica.

Ranging from one day rafting and whitewater kayaking adventures, to 30 day long adventures throughout Costa Rica, it is important to decide what you're looking for.

Are you looking for a fully immersive experience that takes you into the rainforest far away from typical tourist destinations?

Or are you looking for an all inclusive resort?

We focus on experiences that allow you (the guest) to enter in to a Costa Rican lifestyle. Make your own homemade chocolate, bread, cheese, and cane sugar.

In our more intense Costa Rica Adventure Tours, we sleep under the stars with just a piece of canvas or taro above us. This is a great way to feel connected with the sounds, smells, and feel of the rainforest or river. We love it.

Regardless, we offer fully inclusive adventures from your airport arrival to your airport departure. All food, lodging, transportation, activities are covered by us.

What is your ideal adventure?

Send us a message. We are happy to help plan your ideal Costa Rica Adventure Tour.

Pura vida!

AutenticoAdventures (@) gmail.com


Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Costa Rica Weather, what can I expect?

What weather to expect on your Costa Rican Adventure


When going on a trip to Costa Rica, many people are curious about the weather here in Costa Rica.

What will the weather be like in December in Costa Rica?
What will the weather be like in July in Costa Rica?

When planning your vacation we understand that you would like to know what the weather will be like more of less. Of course, it is impossible to predict exactly what the weather will be like several months down the road, but a general overview can be helpful.

Generally speaking, the 'Green Season' of Costa Rica starts in May and goes through November. During this time you can expect warm rain showers in the afternoon and night time. Most mornings are without rain (many Costa Rican wake up early and start their day in sunshine throughout the whole year.

The peak rainy season typically occurs in October. During the month of October, the rivers are at the highest level (woohoo!) and provides great opportunity for whitewater kayaking and whitewater rafting on our rivers.

We offer trips throughout the year and have guests that enjoy different types of Costa Rican experiences. Many people love to be in the rainforest during the 'Green Season' or more rainy time. The vibrant greens and warm tropical rain is an incredible experience. Coming prepared for rain is of course important, and we advise our guests on what to bring to get the most out of their Costa Rican experience with rain.

Some guests enjoy a drier climate and visit us here in Costa Rica during the months of December through April, when it rains less. River levels are typically lower in most regions during this time, but there are rivers that we run all year round (due to topography, mountains, etc).

Costa Rica is a complex country in regards to weather patterns due to the fact that the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are so close to one another. The weather patterns in that have been describe typically occur for the Central or Pacific facing side of Costa Rica which is where many of our trips operate.

As mentioned earlier on, Autentico Adventures offers trips all year long whitewater rafting, hiking, and exploring Costa Rica. We happen to love all types of weather, so feel free to send us a message anytime for an adventure :)

AutenticoAdventures (@) gmail.com

Monday, June 16, 2014

Where is Autentico Adventures located in Costa Rica?


Autentico Adventures is located in San Isidro de El General in the canton of Pérez Zeledón. We are about a 3 1/2 hour drive from the capitol of Costa Rica, San José. It is a very easy bus ride from San José to Pérez Zeledón (Also know as San Isidro de El General).

Autentico Adventures Costa Rica Homebase
Three of the primary rivers that we offer rafting trips on surround this area of San Isidro del General. The Río General (for which San Isidro de El General gets it's name) is about 500 meters from our homebase. We offer up to 3 day long rafting trips on the Río General. This whitewater rafting experience is reserved for those who love big waves and sleeping under the stars at night.

Another river in this region of Costa Rica is the Río Savegre. We offer three distinct trips on the Rio Savegre. Ranging from the lower section featuring class II, III rapids to the upper section with up to class IV sections with lots of exciting rapids and technical turns in the river. The Savegre is one of our guides' favorite places to go rafting. The waterfalls alongside the river, wide array of rapids, and endless rainforest greenery make this river a favorite to many of our whitewater rafting guests.

The Río Guabo is also very accessible from this region of Costa Rica. The Río Guabo features rapids class II, III, and one class IV rapid that is only run when water levels make it safe to run. The Rio Guabo provides a beautiful setting to see a lot of wildlife and incredible rock formations. It is a river that is secret to many visitors, but we are happy to share it with you!

To arrive to San Isidro de El General by bus from San José, go to the MUSOC bus station in San José. The MUSOC BUS STATION is located at Avenida 22 y Calle 1 en San José. It is right next to the the national women's hospital (Hospital Nacional de las Mujeres Adolfo Carit Eva).

Buses from the MUSOC station run once about every hour starting at 7:30am to 7:30pm in the evening. PLEASE understand that these times do change and you need to check with MUSOC directly at: 2770-3533

It is advised to take a taxi from other areas in San José when going to the MUSOC bus station.

The price per person should be around 2 mil per person or around 3 or 4 dollars. The buses are nice and comfortable and make a stop on the way to use the bathroom and grab something to eat (10 minutes). The stop is at the top of Cerro de la Muerte and it can be cold, so a sweater is a good thing to have available.

Please view the map below for the location of the MUSOC BUS STATION in SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA:
MUSOC Bus Station in San Jose, Costa Rica (google).
Pura vida from Autentico Adventures!

AutenticoAdventures (@) gmail.com



Tuesday, June 10, 2014

The experience of a rainforest homestay in Costa Rica

Bridge over the beautiful Rio Savegre, one of the cleanest rivers in all of the Americas.



Homestays in the Costa Rican Rainforest

Drips of water slowly land from leaf to leaf until finally hitting the rainforest floor. Your eyes captivated by the rich greenery that surrounds as far as your eyes can see. You're far away from roads, cars, and even cell phone signals. You walk to the sounds of a rushing river, walking slowly, quick to observe the nature that provides an endless supply of inspiration and thought.

The path winds down to the river where you find the wooden laid suspension bridge to cross over the Rio Savegre. Don Ormidas, carrying his freshly cut plantains, says 'Hola amigo! Como estas?'. You find your words and respond 'Muy bien, y usted?'.

Don Ormidas smiles and says 'PURA VIDA!'.

You're here. You're in Costa Rica. You're in the remote and beautiful village of Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica. Full of 'PURA VIDA', or in english, 'Pure Life'.

This is your new home for the next few days. Soak it in.

Listen deeply to the exotic sounds of the birds, monkeys, and other creatures that surround this area full of virgin rainforest.

Welcome to Costa Rica. Welcome to PURA VIDA.

Go to the rainforest with us: AutenticoAdventures (@) gmail.com

Monday, June 9, 2014

Custom Courses with Autentico Adventures

Leadership Training Organization on Custom Journey with Autentico Adventures


One of our specialties here at Autentico Adventures is designing the ideal adventure that fits your needs. We have had the opportunity to work with distinguished universities, multi-national companies, organizations, and families to create an authentic Costa Rican customized adventure.

Our custom adventures range from 3 day escapes into the rainforest and rivers of our homeland, to 30 day experiences that fully immerse you into the culture and nature of Costa Rica.

Custom journeys typically include full services from start to finish. That means that we pick you up at the airport and drop you off at the end of your journey.

There is no need to worry about logistics for your entire journey once you have landed in Costa Rica.

We do not book your flights to and from Costa Rica, but everything else during your journey with us is taken care of us here at Autentico Adventures.

EXAMPLE of a 9 day custom course here with Autentico Adventures: Click HERE.

Contact us at AutenticoAdventures (@) gmail.com


Activities available:
  • Rafting 
  • Rio Pacuare 
  • Rio Savegre 
  • Rio General 
  • Rio Guabo
  • + more 
  • Whitewater Kayaking 
  • Whitewater Duckies 
  • Hiking into rainforest 
  • Homestays 
  • Waterfall rappelling 
  • Traditional sauna 
  • Surfing 
  • Homemade sugar making (from sugarcane) 
  • Homemade chocolate making (from freshly grown cacao) 
  • Zip lining 

Certification courses available 
  • CPR for the Professional Rescuer (Red Cross) 
  • Wilderness First Aid (Wilderness Medical Institute) 
  • Whitewater Rescue Technician (Rescue III International) 
  • Whitewater Raft Guide License Class I-II or III (International Rafting Federation)
  • Scuba Diving (certification courses) 

Contact us at AutenticoAdventures (@) gmail.com



       

Monday, June 2, 2014

Welcome to Autentico Adventures: As Costa Rican as it gets.

Part of the family of Autentico Adventures in Costa Rica
We are excited to introduce you to the new Autentico Adventures logo. We have put a lot of thought and energy into this and we hope that you enjoy it (we have much more on the way!)

There are many things going on here at Autentico Adventures, and we will be sharing these happenings here on this blog. Be sure to subscribe by email on the right hand column in desktop view.

Autentico Adventure is a 100% Costa Rican owned business.

We have been in operation for over 6 years providing culturally immersive adventures deep into the rainforest and remote villages in Costa Rica. We have been fortunate enough to work with international businesses, organizations, and universities to provide experiential learning courses and trips.

The reciprocal exchange of guests teaching us, and us Costa Ricans sharing our knowledge is something we love.

Our adventures range from a 1 day adventure on the Rio Savegre, to a 25 day long custom course that explores many of Costa Rica's whitewater rivers, rainforests, and beaches.

We offer certification courses for the very adventurous.

These certification courses include: 
  • Wilderness First Aid,
  • Swift-water Rescue Training,
  • First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer
  • Whitewater Rescue Technician 
  • Whitewater Raft Guide License

We pride ourselves on our professional services and our several years of instruction for both Costa Ricans and international guests. 

Felipe Lopez and Carlos Grandos are the owners of Autentico Adventures with a combined 30 years of experience leading adventures throughout Costa Rica and Central America. 

We look forward to being in touch with you as you plan your adventure in Costa Rica. 

Thank you and most of all... PURA VIDA!

Autentico Adventures Familia