Description
Travel through the wildlife-rich regions of Costa Rica to get a sense of the country's incredible biodiversity, including visits to observe the turtles of Tortuguero National Park, the primates of Manuel Antonio and the elusive quetzal in the Monteverde cloud forests.
Despite its small size, Costa Rica is one of the most diverse regions on Earth, containing an estimated 6% of the world’s wildlife
Overview
Travel through the wildlife-rich regions of Costa Rica to get a sense of the country's incredible biodiversity, including visits to observe the turtles of Tortuguero National Park, the primates of Manuel Antonio and the elusive quetzal in the Monteverde cloud forests.
Despite its small size, Costa Rica is one of the most diverse regions on Earth, containing an estimated 6% of the world’s wildlife. On this safari, you will discover the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica against a backdrop of imposing volcanoes and lush rainforest. Visit a variety of unique ecosystems, from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the beaches and mangrove forests of the Osa Peninsula, and explore little-known sanctuaries such as the marine reserve around Caño Island. You will also stay in lodges located in the depths of the rainforests, ensuring you are in the best location for unbeatable wildlife encounters.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP EXTRAORDINARY
- Explore the waterways and canals of Tortuguero National Park by boat.
- Marvel at the majestic Arenal Volcano and its surrounding rainforests.
- Search for all four of Costa Rica’s endemic primates in Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of the remote Osa Peninsula.
Itinerary
Today you will arrive into San Jose, where you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Costa Rica's bustling capital.
Overnight: Grano de Oro
An early start this morning as you depart San Jose and head to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast.After a three hour drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park, you will arrive at La Pavona where you will take a boat ride through the canals to your hotel. In the afternoon you will have a guided tour of Tortuguero village, where you will learn about the history of the town as well as the important turtle conservation work of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation. Take a leisurely stroll back to your hotel along the beach, where the rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Overnight: Tortuga Lodge(B, L, D)
Today you will explore the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero National Park by boat. Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica's best-known national parks, protecting a 22-mile stretch of coastline which is an important nesting ground for green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles. The forest interior is also home to tapirs, jaguars and sloths, while the winding waterways play host to manatees and crocodiles.
Overnight: Tortuga Lodge(B, L, D)
Today is a free day for you to continue exploring Tortuguero National Park; head out on an early morning hike from Evergreen Lodge when the rainforest starts to wake up, or take one of the lodge's kayaks out if you wish to get back on the water and spot wildlife from this unique vantage point.
Overnight: Tortuga Lodge(B, L, D)
After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to the airstrip for your short flight to Tanque Airport, from where you will be driven to the foothills of the majestic Arenal volcano. Laying dormant since 2010, the area around the volcano is rich in activities, from rainforest trails to waterfalls and hot springs.
Overnight: Arenal Nayara Hotel(B)
This morning you will visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, where a series of winding trails and bridges criss-cross a 250 hectare area of lush rainforest, suspended over canyons, streams and waterfalls. Take a guided walk along the trails and learn more about the wildlife and the jungle canopy, after which you can explore the sleepy streets of La Fortuna or relax back at your hotel.
Overnight: Arenal Nayara Hotel(B)
You will be met by your guide this morning and taken on a scenic drive to the cloud forests of Monteverde. Start off with a boat transfer across Lake Arenal, against a dramatic backdrop of mountains and rainforest, before continuing on by jeep to the verdant mountains of Monteverde. This incredibly diverse region sits atop Costa Rica's continental divide and boasts several unique ecosystems, which are home to the resplendent quetzal, five cat species, over two dozen types of hummingbirds and many other species.
Overnight: Hotel Belmar(B)
Set off early this morning to maximise your wildlife sightings during your visit to the private Curi-Cancha Reserve, a region of cloud forest reaching elevations of 5,300 feet. The reserve has an incredibly peaceful environment, and is home to a wide variety of birds - including hummingbirds, toucanets and the eluisve quetzal - and mammals such as coatis and agoutis. You will enjoy a private guided walk along the reserves well-maintained trails, with your guide pointing out any hard-to-spot wildlife. This evening, after sunset, you will head back into the rainforest with your guide to search for the unique nocturnal creatures that call this region home.
Overnight: Hotel Belmar(B, L)
After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast (approximately four hours driving). Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Arenas del Mar(B, D)
Today you will head out into the park for a hike with your guide, who will use a high-powered spotting scope to help spot birds, animals and intriguing plant life in the dense rainforest. Manuel Antonio is the only national park in Costa Rica where you can observe all four endemic primate species in their natural habitat, and is one of the best places to see sloths. In the afternoon you will have time to relax on the white-sand beaches or cool off in the ocean waters, and have the option of hiking up to the scenic Cathedral Point where you will have spectacular panoramic views over the Pacific.
Overnight: Arenas del Mar(B, L, D)
This morning you will be met by your guide to start your journey to Damas Island, a large area of protected forest which supports a vast diversity of wildlife such as herons, monkeys and iguanas. Wind your way through the estuaries and mangroves surrounding the island, through tunnels made naturally by trees, and admire the landscapes of this lush sanctuary.
Overnight: Arenas del Mar(B, L, D)
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula, a remote region in the southwest of Costa Rica. From here you will be driven to Sierpe for your boat ride along the Sierpe River to your hotel in the depths of the jungle, only accessible by boat.
Overnight: Casa Corcovado Lodge(B, L, D)
After breakfast you will collect your snorkelling equipment and set off on a boat ride to Caño Island, looking out for humpback whales en route. The island was once an important ceremonial site and burial ground for the pre-Colombian indigenous populations, but now lies within a marine reserve that is home to wildlife such as manta rays, turtles and small white-tipped sharks. You will have time to go snorkelling in the warm waters before heading back to your lodge for a picnic beach lunch. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the sea or explore the surrounding area.
Overnight: Casa Corcovado Lodge(B, L, D)
Today you will journey into Corcovado National Park in the early morning, when the weather is cooler and the forest starts coming to life. Learn about the fascinating wildlife of the forest from your guide and visit a scenic waterfall, where you can go for a dip in one of the shaded pools. Afterwards you will wind your way downriver to San Pedrillo, where you will enjoy a sumptuous picnic lunch of fresh fruit and ice-cold drinks on the beach. In the afternoon you will have time to relax and reflect on your Costa Rican adventure.
Overnight: Casa Corcovado Lodge(B, L, D)
Today you will be transferred by boat back to the airport at Drake Bay for your short flight to San Jose, where you will catch your onward flight home.
Accommodation
- Arenal Nayara Hotel
- Arenas Del Mar
- Casa Corcovado Lodge
- Tortuga Lodge
- Grano De Oro
- Hotel Belmar
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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