This adventure is designed for wildlife aficionados who want to experience Costa Rica’s world-famous biological diversity while visiting some of the more remote, less-trodden parts of the country. The parks and reserves featured on this itinerary have been hand-selected to provide a diverse sampling of Costa Rica’s different ecological zones and species, from the magnificent sea-turtle nesting grounds of the Caribbean to the charismatic marine mammals of the Pacific Coast to the monkeys, sloths, and magnificent tropical birds who call the cloudforests home.
As one of only four tropical fjord-like estuaries in the world, the Golfo Dulce on the Pacific Coast is the perfect place to view whales, dolphins, rays, and sharks. Each day of exploration in this remote and pristine paradise reveals astonishing abundance and natural beauty in one of the most hidden corners of Costa Rica. Glide through the turquoise waters on a whale-watching trip, snorkel right beside your lodge in search of a dazzling array of rainbow-colored reef fish, or hike to hidden waterfalls within the lively rainforest that surrounds you. From scarlet macaws to toucans to anteaters and sloths, there is no shortage of wildlife to be spotted in the forest or the oceans of this idyllic ecosystem.
Known for protecting one of the most beautiful and intact cloud forests on Earth, Monteverde is a must-visit destination for people who love birds. Home to more than 400 bird species, including the resplendent quetzal and the unmistakable three-wattled bellbird, you will also find a variety of frogs, reptiles, and mammals like agoutis, coatis, and the elusive jaguarundi. Soaring through the treetops on a zipline, whizzing past panoramic views of distant mountains and endless forest, will be a highlight of your time here.
This itinerary winds down on the Caribbean coast in Tortuguero, home to the most important green sea turtle nesting grounds in the western hemisphere and also home to four different sea turtle species. Only accessible by boat, the beaches, canals, lagoons, and wetlands of this remote enclave provide excellent habitat for wetland birds, crocodiles, sloths, and monkeys. Kayak the intricate network of waterways or hike to the summit of Cerro Tortuguero by day, then head out on a twilight tour of the jungle at night to spot snakes, roosting birds, and poison dart frogs as the howler monkeys bid you goodnight.
A relaxing visit to an organic coffee farm in the lush, rolling hills outside of San Jose is a fantastic way to wind down this amazing adventure before it’s time to head home.
Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica’s mountainous capital city! You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel by your private driver. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax in the hotel or explore the local neighborhood.
This morning your private driver will take you to the airport to catch your flight to Golfito. A driver will meet you upon arrival and bring you to the dock, where a shared boat transfer will take you to your lodge on the shores of the Golfo Dulce.
Based out of a luxurious eco-resort nestled in lush rainforest only accessible by boat, you will have two full days to discover the diverse wildlife that call the Golfo Dulce and Piedras Blancas National Park home. Hike the lodge’s trails to hidden waterfalls, the on-site organic garden, or secluded beaches, watching out for agouti, white-faced monkeys, and peccaries along the way. Embark on a rainforest birding expedition to see some of the region’s 250+ species of birds after a relaxing morning yoga session, or venture out on a night walk to explore the nocturnal wildlife with your expert naturalist guide. Your time here includes a dolphin and whale-watching excursion in Golfo Dulce, one of only four tropical fjords in the world, and in addition to cetaceans, you may also encounter sea turtles, manta rays, and marine birds.
This morning you will enjoy a shared, scenic boat transfer back to the airport at Golfito. You will then fly back to San Jose, where you will be met upon arrival. Enjoy a private transfer to Monteverde (three hours).
Welcome to Monteverde, the most magical place in Costa Rica and home to one of the most pristine cloud forests on Earth! Monteverde was the birthplace of ziplining and during your two full days here you will explore the diversity of the rainforest from a unique perspective as you traverse the mist-shrouded treetops by sky tram, ziplines, and suspension bridges. You will also enjoy an amazing all-day adventure by foot and on horseback to explore the lower-elevation rainforests of the Arenal Volcano, passing cascading waterfalls, traversing across tree bridges, and swimming in refreshing natural pools. With more than 400 bird species in the area, keep an eye out for the quetzal, various hummingbirds, and the three-wattled bellbird, or head out on a night walk into the rainforest in search of snakes, kinkajous, and two-toed sloths.
After a leisurely breakfast your private driver will escort you back to San Jose, where you will catch a flight out to Tortuguero. You will be met upon arrival and you will enjoy a scenic boat transfer out to your lodge.
You will have two full days to partake in the array of eco-adventures offered at Tortuga Lodge. Kayak the mystical canals of the national park with your naturalist guide, keeping an eye out for grazing manatees in the placid waters and spider monkeys crashing through the trees overhead. Hike to the summit of Cerro Tortuguero, learning all about the sloths, monkeys, and poison dart frogs who call this mystical forest home. Head to the beach to watch baby sea turtles hatch (July – October) and begin their perilous journey toward the sea. With over 300 species of birds, diverse flora, and charismatic wildlife in both the forests and the sea, you will be delighted at the rich biodiversity to be found in this beachfront paradise.
This morning you will say goodbye to the Caribbean as your private driver takes you inland to your next accommodation, a working coffee farm nestled in the rolling green hills outside of San Jose. Take an afternoon farm tour to learn the nuances of producing organic, shade-grown coffee and enjoy tasting the final results. Explore the lush grounds of the plantation and end the day with a refreshing dip in the gorgeous infinity pool.
This morning you will say hasta luego to the coffee plantation as your private driver takes you back to San Jose to catch your departing flight home.
Other accommodations are available. Please call to see what may fit your style of travel best.
