Gems of Costa Rica

After breakfast, you will drive first to the local airport for your flight to the South Pacific area of Costa Rica, specifically the area of Drake Bay. This region of the South Pacific of Costa Rica is currently called ‘The Final Frontier’ or ‘The Navel of Life’, as described by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth”.

The region is home to 350 species of birds, 150 species of mammals, over 100 species of reptiles and amphibians, about 5500 insects, and 500 species of trees. Staying in this area will allow you to have a deeper connection with nature, especially for those seeking a unique and eco-tourism vacation.

Please note that the maximum luggage for the flight is 40 pounds per person plus 10 pounds for carry-on luggage.

The next day, you will visit one of the most breathtaking National Parks!

Corcovado National Park

After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Corcovado National Park, located in the Osa Peninsula. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the primary and secondary forests, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. The boat trip to the ranger station takes approximately 30 minutes, but this is dependent on the weather and the sea. Whenever possible, as you approach the park entrance, your guide will try to show you the ocean whales, dolphins, or other marine species which are sure to bring excitement.

The first part of the walking trail is up a steep hill that leads through the secondary jungle. Large slabs of tree trunk are strategically located on the ground to allow for an easier walk. Just before reaching the plateau, on your left side, there will be a viewpoint overlooking the resort and the Pacific Ocean. While enjoying a light lunch on the veranda and a short break, you will have the opportunity to capture stunning shots, and from this point, you will be able to see whales and dolphins.

Caño Island Biological Reserve

On your final day, you will visit Caño Island Biological Reserve, which is located just 12 nautical miles from the coastline. The boat ride to the island takes about 45 minutes, but it depends on the weather, sea and other conditions. The island, which is located 90 meters above sea level, rises to a wide plateau, which is covered with a forest of evergreen high. On the island, it is possible to observe the stone spheres made by the first civilisations that inhabited the area. Right in front of the ranger station, there is a beach area most often used to relax and have fun.

The real beauty of Caño Island is not on the land, but underwater, as it is surrounded by five platforms of coral reefs, where experts have identified more than 15 species of stony corals. The dark volcanic rock is home to many impressive species of marine flora and fauna. The water is relatively shallow and suitable for snorkelling, allowing an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the marine life surrounding Caño Island.

On Day 5, you will travel from The Lodge to Sierpe, passing by tropical Mangroves on the Sierpe River. Once in Sierpe, you will be handed your car rental with full coverage insurance and you can continue your trip to the Central Pacific in the Uvita area, until you reach your hotel destination where you will stay the night.

Over the next two days, you will stay in the Bahia Ballena area. Enjoy the beautiful views from the hotel overlooking the whale tail formation which is possible to see on low tide and disappears on high tide. Visit the National Park Marino Ballena to see this on the front line. Take one of the local tours by boat for whale and dolphin watching. Please note that the Whale season is from July-Oct and from Jan-March.

Continue your trip to the Northern plains into the Mountains of Bagaces in the Cordillera of Guanacaste. The travel time from Uvita to Bagaces will take about 4½ hours.

Immersed in the tropical dry forest, the Rio Perdido Hotel offers some unique attractions, such as passing by a river with warm natural thermal waters, as well as adventure tours such as Canopy through the river canyons. This will be your home for the night.

The next day, you will have the day to relax in the hotel and make use of their facilities. Take one of the local tours or have a spa treatment with natural ingredients.

Lovers of eco-adventures will be absolutely thrilled with the activities in and around Rio Perdido. There is so much to do in this wonderfully undiscovered area – from exciting zip-line tours through the canyon to exhilarating mountain bike rides. From scenic whitewater tubing excursions and scenic hikes to soothing hot springs. Should you wish to take a trip beyond the property, the hotel is just a short drive from amazing attractions such as the majestic Miravalles Volcano and the Llanos del Cortés Waterfalls.

Today you will travel to the Pacific coast, specifically the Papagayo Gulf area. Your stay will be at Kassiiya Papagayo, an exclusive small boutique hotel surrounded by the tropical dry forest of the area, with an exclusive beach that can only be reached from the hotel property or by sea, giving it the feeling of a truly remote getaway.

Your days in Papagayo Gulf will be spent at your leisure; allowing you to relax and enjoy the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.

There is something for everyone to enjoy during your stay in Papagayo Gulf. For adventure lovers, take in an aerial view as you zipline from treetops, or for a change of pace enjoy a relaxing horseback ride through the forest. Alternatively, take in the nature by connection with the surroundings, whether that be the stunning Rincon de la Vieja Volcano or the crystal blue waters which surround you and can be found running down beautiful waterfalls.

After some relaxing days on the beach, it is time to drive back to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica. The travelling time from Guanacaste to San Jose will take approximately 3½ to 4 hours

After returning your car, you will be taken to the airport. Please take into consideration you may be required to arrive 4 hours prior to departure time in order to have enough time to return the car and transfer to the airport so you can be at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight.