Corcovado National Park | Rainforests | Pacuare River

We begin our adventure in San Jose. Then we fly to world-famous Corcovado National Park and the Cano Island Biological Reserve.

Corcovado is a paradise of tropical wilderness and beaches, catalogued by the National Geographic Society as “one of the most biologically intense places on Earth!” It has truly spectacular wildlife, including many species of monkeys, crocodiles, exotic parrots, toucans, and an incredible diversity of species. Resident naturalists lead several hiking and boat excursions with snorkeling which are included in the trip price. There is access to post card perfect beach 5 minutes from the hotel.  Our accommodations in Corcovado will be the spectacular La Paloma Lodge. regarded as one of the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica and is  \just a short walk from the cool waters of Agujitas River and secluded black-sand beaches.

After leaving La Paloma, we travel by boat through a beautiful mangrove and up the Sierpe river to the small jungle town of Sierpe. Here we meet our comfortable bus and drive up the west coast to the beautiful Savegre River Valley, where we stay at the Rafiki Jungle Lodge, which is patterned after deluxe Africa Wildlife Lodges. During our stay at Rafiki, you can do hiking with a naturalist, horseback riding, bird and wildlife watching, and a beautiful class 3 whitewater trip down the. Savegre River.

After two days at Rafiki we fly back to San Jose and prepare for our two day rafting trip on the Pacuare river. Rated one of the top rivers in the world, you’ll experience the intimate nature of the rainforest as you raft right through it. The warm water, cascading waterfalls, and opulently lush rainforest with its brilliantly colored plants, animals, and birds indulge your senses on every level. Enjoy an evening at a remote eco-lodge, nestled in the rainforest on the banks of the Pacuare River. The Rios Tropicales Lodge, complete with hydro-powered electricity, is a model of ecotourism and deluxe accommodations.

Day 1: Arrive to San Jose. Overnight at the nearby Marriott Airport Hotel. (No Meals.)

Day 2-6: Our group will fly to Drakes Bay on the Osa Peninsula. The next four days are spent at the spectacular La Paloma Lodge which nests atop a high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and nearby Cano Island. A naturalist will guide us on a tour of Corcovado National Park. The National Park has been cited by National Geographic as “one of the most biologically intense places on earth”. Our group will also enjoy snorkeling and beachcombing on a guided trip to the beautiful marine biological reserve of Cano Island.

The remaining days at LaPaloma you can choose from an exciting menu of optional activities. Options include: sea kayaking, horseback riding, guided natural history tours, hiking, bird watching, deep sea fishing, scuba diving or snorkeling. (B+L+D)

Day 6: Early morning spectacular wildlife tour / boat transfer up Sierpe River from La Paloma to town of Sierpe. Van transfer of guests to beautiful Rafiki Lodge on the Savegre River. This romantic lodge is patterned after an African Safari Lodge. It is in a breathtaking setting and wildlife abounds (B,L,D)

Day 7: Choice of activities at Rafiki Lodge including guided nature walks, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, world class birding; Overnight Rafiki Safari Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 8: Flight to San Jose. Free day on your own. Many decide to soak in the pools at the Marriott and enjoy the spa, while others may go visit one of the animal rehabilitation centers. (B)

Day 9 and 10: Drive 2 hours to the Pacuare River. Over the next two days, you will experience tropical white water rafting and a night at the Rios Tropicales Lodge.  The remote Rios Tropicales Lodge is nestled in the rainforest on the banks of the Pacuare River.  Complete with hydro-powered electricity, this is a model of ecotourism and deluxe accommodations.

From our ecolodge’s remote, riverside location, you can enjoy ziplining through the canopy (additional cost), rainforest hikes with naturalist guides, self-guided walks to waterfalls and pools, relaxing in a hammock overlooking the beautiful Pacuare River, and birdwatching. Dine in the open air with wine and exceptional meals, more stars than you can imagine, and the vibrant sounds of the jungle.

Rated one of the top rivers in the world, you’ll experience the intimate nature of the rainforest as you raft right through it. The warm water, cascading waterfalls, and opulently lush rainforest with its brilliantly colored plants, animals, and birds indulge your senses on every level. Add in two sections of the exciting Class III-IV white water rapids and you have a tropical adventure packed with rich experiences that last long after you’ve returned home. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Return in the early evening and overnight at the Marriot airport hotel.  (B+D)

Day 11: Depart (B)

La Paloma Lodge

La Paloma Lodge sits atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and backed by the lush tropical jungle. The property is located on 14- acres; just a short walk from the cool waters of Agujitas River and secluded black-sand beaches. Our accommodations are equipped with air-conditioning and offer a sanctuary for those looking to reconnect with nature. Relax amidst the richness and splendor of the tropical jungle.

“This has long been one of my favorite nature lodges in Costa Rica, and for good reason. The views are to die for, the setting is sublime, and the wildlife viewing and adventure opportunities are as good as it gets…”
— Frommer’s

Rafiki Lodge

Rafiki is a wilderness luxury tent camp and conservation project focusing on adventurous sustainable tourism. The lodge is nestled on 842 acres of pristine jungle along the Savegre River, 30 km south of Quepos and Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica.

Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities such as whitewater rafting, horseback riding, hiking to waterfalls, and world-class birding. The luxury Safari tents are set atop hardwood decks, each with rocking chairs, so you can sit back and admire the view in privacy. Imported from South Africa, the tent’s design lets you experience nature up close while keeping the insects at bay.

JW Marriott San Jose

Drink in the unique architecture, elegant furnishings and luscious surroundings of Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose. Voted by Condé Nast as one of the best hotels in Central America, the beautiful colonial hacienda sits on a 30-acre coffee plantation and serves up modern amenities in a laid-back environment.

Unwind in either of the two swimming pools, or take a stroll on the lush garden paths. The state-of-the-art fitness center or well-lit tennis courts are the perfect place to work up a sweat, while our full-service Kuö Spa will pamper with luxurious treatments and services.

Rios Tropicales Eco-Lodge

At Rios Tropicales Lodge, you will be surrounded by the beauty and splendor of primary rainforest without having to sacrifice luxury or comfort. Sustainably built using reclaimed wood and hydroelectric powered, the ecolodge is a model of ecotourism (there are numerous awards to prove it).

At the ecolodge, you can relax, explore and enjoy all that Costa Rica offers on our 2,000-acre private reserve at the mouth of the Pacuare Gorge. There are more than 40 miles of hiking trails and numerous waterfalls, streams and pools. The open-air dining pavilion and lounge let you watch the local wildlife and listen to the sounds only found in a tropical paradise.

La Paloma Lodge

Rafiki Lodge