1-877-725-6674 Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean on the other, tiny Costa Rica is a country that fights well above its weight. A wonderful mix of high mountains and lush rainforests, around 25% of the country s landmass has been set aside as protected reserves, the largest percentage of protected area anywhere in the world. A haven for a dazzling array of flora and fauna, this spectacular wildlife adventure takes you deep into national parks that are home to jaguar, dolphins, turtles and a quite astonishing collection of birds. In Tortuguero National Park you will be able to watch rare sea turtles nesting on the beaches, whilst the secluded landscapes of the Osa Peninsula provide a chance for whale watching and jungle hikes in the Corcovado National Park. A truly breathtaking journey into the wild heart of Central America, there is even time for some adrenaline filled white water rafting and a chance to snorkel amongst the rich marine life of the Caño Island Biological Reserve, before flying back to Costa Rica s bustling capital. HIGHLIGHTS: Visit the sea turtle nesting grounds of Tortuguero National Park Go white water rafting through the lush rainforests of Siquirres Enjoy the rich and varied wildlife of the Osa Peninsula Take a chocolate tour at a cocoa plantation Discover the marine wonders of the Caño Island Biological Reserve TOUR INCLUDES: 8 nights in three to four star boutique hotels 2 domestic flights in economy class 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private or shared basis Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: SAN JOSÉ Your journey begins in Costa Rica's bustling capital, one of the youngest in Central America. Set in a fertile landscape of coffee and sugar cane plantations, San José was founded in the middle years of the 18th century by order of Cabildo de León and today provides us with one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the region. On arrival you will be met at the airport by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. DAY 2: SAN JOSÉ - TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK The drive on towards the Caribbean coast today traverses most of Costa Rica's varied terrain, taking you across mountainous divides, through lush rainforest and past banana plantations towards the deserted beaches of the Tortuguero National Park. Encompassing a vast expanse of evergreen swampland and volcanic islands, the park is famed for its large green sea turtles, which come to these protected shores to lay their eggs during the nesting season (July and September). You will cross Braulio Carrillo National Park, banana plantations and the town of Guapiles until you reach the dock where you will board a boat to Tortuguero. The boat ride to Mawamba Lodge will take an hour depending on water levels. This afternoon you will have a privately guided visit to Tortuguero village. Learn and take part in the artisanal process of harvesting, fermenting and drying the cocoa beans and why cocoa was so important to the Mayas, Aztecs and Caribbean pirates. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant owned by the wonderful Miss Junnie. (B,L,D) DAY 3: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Boasting over 20 miles of coastline and 11 different habitats, Tortuguero is a haven, not only for turtles, but also for spectacled caiman, manatees, sloths and three of Costa Rica's four species of monkeys. You will spend the day visiting Mawamba Park within the lodges gardens. See the butterfly farms, frog garden, the bio-digester and river turtles' area. You'll then explore the lodges nature trails. This afternoon sees you navigating the parks tranquil canals by boat, discovering a beautiful and timeless landscape that was formed by a combination of river sedimentation and volcanic activity from the young mountains that lie farther inland. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: TORTUGUERO - PACUARE RIVER An adventurous journey begins by boat this morning, taking you to Pavona dock where you will meet your vehicle. Following a stop for lunch, you will arrive at Rios Tropicales Lodge. The Pacuare River begins at about two thousand meters in the Talamanca Mountain Range and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The rainforest surrounding the river is home to the indigenous cabecar community, as well as an abundance of flora and fauna. The powerful waters and topography of the river make this a dream area for adventure sports surrounded by the beauty of deep green forests, waterfalls and natural pools. (B,L,D) DAY 5: PACUARE RIVER - SAN JOSÉ After breakfast, you will go on an amazing white-water rafting adventure from the lodge to Siquirres. Floating deep into the surrounding gorges, you'll pass through a verdant setting teeming with birds, butterflies and tree frogs. The jungle canopy echoes to the sound of toucans and, as you drift past serene pools and cascading waterfalls, you'll enter a wilderness of breathtaking magnificence. There will be time to freshen up and change at the end of the expedition, before transferring back to San Jose. (B,L) DAY 6: SAN JOSÉ - PENINSULA DE OSA Flying out of the capital this morning, you head next for the pristine Osa Peninsula, one of Costa Rica's hidden gems. Occupying the secluded landscapes of the southwest, it provides a gateway into the rich, bio-diverse landscapes of the Corcovado National Park. On arrival, a boat and tractor transfer will bring you to Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, set within a 170 acre private reserve bordering Corcovado National Park. The lodge has fantastic views overlooking the ocean and Caño Island. (B,L,D) DAY 7: PENINSULA DE OSA A full day exploring the Corcovado National Park introduces you to a truly unique ecosystem. With thousands of species of fauna, some 400 species of birds and nearly 140 different species of mammals, it offers a chance to see scarlet macaws, wild boar and maybe even jaguars. You'll also have an opportunity to hike out to some of the jungle waterfalls for a swim and enjoy an alfresco lunch on the beach, before hiking back on the coastal trail to your lodge to bask in the late afternoon rays of a jungle sunset. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: PENINSULA DE OSA Your last day on the peninsula provides a chance to visit the Caño Island Biological Reserve, where you will be able to make full use of some of the most spectacular snorkelling spots along the coast. Famed for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs and marine life, these coastal waters are home to manta rays, sea turtles, white-tipped shark and a dazzling variety of fish. You may even spot pilot or humpback whale are certain time of year. (B,L,D) DAY 9: PENINSULA DE OSA - SAN JOSÉ The short flight back to San José this morning connects with your onward international flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION PENINSULA DE OSA CASA CORCOVADO Only accessible by boat, Casa Corcovado is a jungle lodge in a private reserve with luxurious individual bungalows. The accommodation is tastefully designed and constructed in an environmentally-conscious way to blend in with the surroundings. The bar opens up into the rainforest with the sound of birds and monkeys in the nearby canopy. The food here is really excellent, with fresh organic vegetables, seafood and tenderloin on the menu. You can enjoy the half-kilometre long pristine beach or take a dip in the spring-fed shaded swimming pool. SIQUIRRES RIOS TROPICALES Rio Tropicales is a simple ecolodge located in primary rainforest on the Pacuare River. There are dormitories here, but double and single ensuite rooms are also offered. The property is surrounded by hiking trails and waterfalls, with the main activity being white water rafting. Optional tours include ziplining, horse riding and bird watching. TORTUGUERO MAWAMBA LODGE Mawamba Lodge is a rustic eco-lodge in Tortuguero National Park. Their superb guides will help you get the most from your time exploring the area s maze-like lagoons, wildlife-rich rainforest and turtle beaches. Mawamba consists of 54 simple but comfortable standard rooms. Buffet meals are served at the family-style poolside restaurant whilst a café offers drinks and snacks along with complimentary Wi-Fi. When not exploring, it s nice to relax by the swimming pool and look out for the iguanas that roam the gardens, sip on a cool drink at the bar or unwind with a game of beach volleyball or pool. Within Mawamba s grounds are butterfly and frog gardens, while the beach is just a short stroll away. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel 1-877-725-6674 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com