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.

Cost:

Golfo Dulce
Piedras Blancos National Park
Monteverde Cloudforest
Tortuguero

Seasonality:

Best: Dec - Apr (driest season);
July - November
(best for whales & sea turtles)

Travel Style:

Wild, Classic