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central america: costa rica

Pacific Costa Rica

This active tour reveals the best of Costa Rica's Pacific coast in style. Explore Corcovado National Park, a biodiversity hotspot 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 a representative and transferred to your hotel in San Jose.

Accommodations: Grano de Oro or similar
Included Meals: n/a

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 off-shore at Cano Island National Park. Your guided trip includes boat, lunch, snorkeling, 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 - Manuel Antonio National Park

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

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 a bus waits to take you the short distance to Manuel Antonio.

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 a covered boat or a kayak excursion that will navigate 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 rainforest 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 San Jose

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 12:00pm 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



Extend 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.

Itinerary Notes: Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife or National Park regulation. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.

Included: Your accommodations , meals, naturalist guided activities, national park entrance fees and transfers.

Exclusions: Airfare to Costa Rica, airport departure tax, 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.

Arrival & Departure: The Pacific Costa Rica adventure begins and ends in San Jose, Costa Rica. Plan flights to arrive in San Jose anytime on day 1 and depart anytime after 12:00pm noon on day 9 of the itinerary. If your departing flight leaves before noon, we can make arrangements for you to overnight in San Jose on day 8.

Internal 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 & Cancellation: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days - 50% of deposit
90 to 31 days - 50% of total trip cost
30 to 0 days - 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



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

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com