This 10-day itinerary offers an experience of Costa Rica at its most exhilarating, as you journey through the diverse habitats and stay at some of the finest lodges in the country. Both the Pacuare Lodge and Lapa Rios have received the acclaim of being named National Geographic's 'Unique Lodges of the World' and here you will discover unparalleled wildlife spotting opportunities and eco-adventure in equal measure. Traverse the rainforest clad mountains that tumble to the Caribbean and Pacific oceans; wake up to the sound of the cloud forest and rushing Pacuare River; and watch the waves at sunset from your private cabaña perched high over the Pacific on the spectacular and remote Osa Peninsula.
WILDLIFE AND ADVENTURE IN COSTA RICA
HIGHLIGHTS
- Exploring the flooded forests of the Tortuguero National Park by boat.
- Retreating to the exceptional rainforest hideaway of Pacuare Lodge, accessible by white-water raft.
- Searching for wildlife in one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet, the Osa Peninsula.
- Staying in world-renowned wildlife and adventure lodges
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive San José
Arrive in Costa Rica's capital city today where you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Hotel Grano de Oro in private vehicle. This traditional and elegant hotel is set in a converted mansion house, where no two rooms are the same but all have the charm and character of a bygone era
Overnight: Hotel Grano de Oro
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Day 2 Tortuguero National Park
You will be driven back to the airport for a 20 minute scenic flight to Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast. The national park covers 51,870 acres and is the region's major Atlantic Green Turtle nesting site. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to learn about the measures being taken to protect this endangered species. Tortuga Lodge is one of the best in the reserve with a wonderful riverside restaurant and pool, and light, spacious rooms. Boat trips will allow you to explore the waterways and provide excellent opportunities to view the incredible variety of birds, monkeys, sloths, river otters and reptiles.
Overnight: Tortuga Lodge
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Day 3 Tortuguero National Park
An early morning departure to see the rainforest at one of its most active times of day is recommended. You will be on the look out for curious species such as tiny poison dart frogs which hide in the undergrowth, and the remarkable basilisk or 'Jesus Christ lizard' which skates along the surface of the water in Tortuguero's wildlife-rich canals. Return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon siesta or some relaxation by the pool.
Overnight: Tortuga Lodge
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Day 4 Travel to Pacuare
After breakfast, a speed boat will whisk you off along channels and canals for approximately an hour to the vehicle rendezvous point at La Pavona. From here a scenic drive takes you through banana plantations, pastureland and dramatic rainforest-clad mountains to the small settlement of Santa Marta where you will travel through dense rainforest to the Pacuare River. After a novel arrival rafting along the white waters of the river, settle into your cosy rainforest casita.
Overnight: Pacuare Lodge
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Day 5 Pacuare Lodge activities
Pacuare Lodge has the most beautiful and peaceful setting one could imagine, providing a complete immersion with plenty of home comforts. The owners and managers, Roberto and Luz Fernandez, spend a considerable amount of time at the lodge ensuring its smooth operation and their attention to detail is evident everywhere. There's plenty to enjoy during your free day at the lodge, from nature walks to hidden waterfalls, bird watching, trekking to a remote indigenous community or taking an exhilarating zip wire ride through the canopy. Back at the lodge be sure to allow ample time to relax and listen to the sounds of the rainforest from the infinity pool.
Overnight: Pacuare Lodge
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Day 6 Departing Pacuare by white water raft
Today there's the chance to enjoy a 4-5 hour white water raft journey on one of the world's most scenic and pristine rivers. Class III-IV rapids will carry you through tropical Atlantic rainforest and spectacular canyons rising sheer on either side. Safety is paramount and all equipment is provided, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Showers and changing facilities await you at the end of the river journey, and you will then continue on to San Jose, arriving late afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel Grano de Oro
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Day 7 Scenic flight to the Osa Peninsula
This morning, take a spectacular flight south to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula. On arrival you will be met and driven to Lapa Rios Lodge, which lies in a 1,000 acre rainforest reserve and is one of the finest wildlife lodges in the country. The Osa Peninsula is home to the last significant area of tropical wet forest on the entire Pacific side of the Central American isthmus. Tonight fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle from your stylish bungalow perched in the canopy level of the rainforest.
Overnight: Lapa Rios
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Day 8 Osa Peninsuila activities
At Lapa Rios there is an enormous choice of rainforest activities designed to maximise your time in this spectacular region. Rise early to see vibrant bird families (over 300 different species recorded in the area) or take the medicine trail through the primary forest to learn the secrets of the indigenous tribe's medicinal uses of plants and seeds.
Overnight: Lapa Rios
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Day 9 Osa Peninsula activities
If you would like to venture off the reserve to the ocean in search of marine wildlife, boat trips can be arranged to view dolphins and whales. You could kayak through mangroves at a very gentle pace, and then return to the rainforest at dusk to search for the creatures which emerge at nightfall - accompanied by your expert guide you will be on the lookout for nocturnal reptiles and a variety of curious mammals such as giant anteaters and tapir.
Overnight: Lapa Rios
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Day 10 Depart
Take the short flight back to San José this morning in preparation for your flight home, or your onward arrangements.
Overnight: Overnight flight
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICE Per Person
| Low | $ 4,510 |
| Mid | $ 5,097 |
| High | $ 5,433 |
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast and all meals in Tortuguero and the Osa Peninsula.
- All transfers on a private basis (excluding group transfers operated by the lodges).
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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