trip specifics

price

This active itinerary reveals the best of Costa Rica's Pacific coast in style. Explore Corcovado National Park, a biodiversity hot spot recognized by the National Geographic Society, from Casa Corcovado, a stunning lodge and reserve located adjacent to the park's remote northern boundary, accessible only by boat. Enjoy the magnificent beaches and stunning wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park. Raft the Savegre River, explore a coastal mangrove by boat and experience the National Park by foot while searching for monkeys, coatimundi, crocodiles, iguanas and countless species of birds. Hotel La Mariposa in Manuel Antonio offers elegant rooms with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the National Park.

Day 1 - Arrive San Jose

Upon arrival at San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport you are met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in San Jose.

Accommodations: Grano de Oro or similar
Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Drakes Bay, Osa Peninsula

Fly to Palmar where a short drive leads to the agricultural town of Sierpe near Costa Rica's southern Pacific Coast. Board a boat for the exciting voyage down the Sierpe River to the Pacific Ocean, where whales and dolphins are sometimes spotted. Journey along dramatic coastline toward Corcovado. Your base for the next three nights is Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, a 170-acre private reserve bordering Corcovado National Park. Carefully designed with the highest concern for conservation in harmony with the landscape the lodge offers luxury accommodations and unparalleled access to the crown jewel of Costa Rica's national park system. Explore the trails surrounding the lodge with your naturalist guide. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloth, kinkajous, anteaters and numerous birds including macaws, toucans and oropendulas.

Accommodations: Casa Corcovado or similar
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Corcovado National Park

With over 400 species of bird, 20 of which are endemic to Corcovado, early morning bird walks are a popular activity. Corcovado National Park covers 136,347 acres and the National Geographic Society has called its location along the isthmus connecting North and South America 'the most biologically intense place on earth'. The park is a final stronghold of primary forest along the Pacific coastline and remains home to important endangered species such as sea turtles, Spider monkeys, crocodiles, Scarlet macaws and jaguars. A 6-hour hike into Corcovado National Park includes a beautiful waterfall, lunch on a secluded sand beach and a visit to the San Pedrillo ranger station. This hike is well known for a large number of Scarlet macaws as well as other birds and abundant wildlife. Return to the lodge in time to relax and enjoy the evening overlooking the Pacific.

Accommodations: Casa Corcovado or similar
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Cano Island

Enjoy a full day of hiking and snorkeling off-shore at Cano Island National Park. Your guided trip includes boat, lunch, snorkel gear and guides for an up close exploration of Costa Ricas most diverse reef and island system. Return to Casa Corcovado for dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodations: Casa Corcovado or similar
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Pacific Costa Rica

Boat drive and fly from north the Osa Peninsula to Manuel Antonio. Arrive at your ocean view hotel with ample time to take a swim and enjoy the afternoon.

Accommodations: Hotel la Mariposa or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 6 - Naranjo River Rafting

Enjoy an exciting whitewater rafting trip on the Naranjo River. During the high water months, May through November, the river is an exciting class II-III whitewater experience. During the low water months, December through April, the river is a more relaxing float, suitable for watching birds and wildlife. The river journey highlights the pristine nature of the canyon and the environmental threats to this unprotected treasure. Take out downstream where our bus waits to take us the short distance to Manuel Antonio. Hotel La Mariposa, our base for the next three nights, is perched magnificently on a hillside with panoramic views of the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park.

Accommodations: Hotel la Mariposa or similar
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 7 - Isla Damas Mangrove Exploration

Experience the complex estuary and canal system of Damas Island. Choose covered boat or a kayak excursion that will penetrate the thick mangrove system while your naturalist guide points out the diverse and unusual relationships among many organisms that make the mangrove home. This delicate habitat is home to crocodiles, monkeys, sloth, anteaters, iguanas and numerous birds. The exact time of the mangrove tour will be determined by the tides, as the mangrove canals are only accessible during high tide. The remainder of the day is free to relax at the beach. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Accommodations: Hotel la Mariposa or similar
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 8 - Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the smallest, yet most diverse and popular parks in Costa Rica. Despite its size of only 682 hectares the park boasts everything people come to Costa Rica to see; including stunning beaches, a magnificent setting with offshore islands, and lush rain forest laced with a network of well maintained trails accessing a tremendous amount of wildlife. Explore the park with a naturalist guide early this morning when wildlife is most active. This afternoon is free to relax on the beach. Bring your beach gear with you, as several of Manuel Antonio's most spectacular beaches are located within the national park.

Accommodations: Hotel la Mariposa or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 9 - Depart

Fly back to San Jose and transfer to the international airport before your flight's scheduled departure time or begin your trip extension to the Arenal Volcano area, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, or the Caribbean coast. Additional nights at Casa Corcovado or La Mariposa can also be added to this itinerary.

Note: Your departing flight must leave San Jose no earlier than 12 P.M. in order to make the connection from Manuel Antonio. If your departing flight leaves before noon we will make arrangements for you to overnight in San Jose on day 8.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Notes on Itinerary:

Single Travelers: Single rates available upon request.

Land Cost Includes: Your accommodations , meals, naturalist guided activities, national park entrance fees and transfers.

Not Included: Airfare to Costa Rica, excess baggage charges, taxes and port fees, gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Domestic Flights: There is a 25 lb. weight limit for your checked baggage on all flights within Costa Rica. AdventureSmith Explorations suggests packing a small empty duffel bag inside of your checked baggage. Use this smaller bag for the segments of your trip where you will be flying. The remainder of your baggage can be left in a secure office in San Jose.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

Qualifications: This trip is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure. Options for more rigorous or mild activities are available.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to other regions of Costa Rica. We offer custom extensions to Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tortuguero National Park, and many other great options.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

return to top of page

AdventureSmith Explorations

Travel Specialists  |  Contact Us