Tropical Sea Kayaking subsidiary to MrTico S.R.L. Golfo Dulce Costa Rica The Most Biologically Intense Tropical Fjord in the World 10-Day Itinerary Including hiking CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK 1
COSTA RICA SEA KAYAKING & JUNGLE TREKKING 10 Days Golfo Dulce Kayaking & Hiking Corcovado National Park Join us on this massive 10-Day escape kayaking one of the few tropical fjords in the world, and experiencing the most abundant exotic flora & fauna to be found on this planet. You will paddle the calm, warm waters of the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) in a single or double enclosed, sturdy kayak while surrounded by the tropical backdrop of Rainforests and Jungle Mountains. Paddle up the Mangrove Rivers, and watch Dolphins, Turtles, False Killer Whales, and the migrating Humpback Whales swim next to your kayak. Continue with our 3-day guided hike in Corcovado National Park: The Most Biologically Intense Place on Earth (National Geographic). You ll experience the best of super-natural Costa Rica on this tropical adventure, and taste the natural flavors of the Costa Rican cuisine; all while staying at beautiful and comfortable eco-lodges & 1 Ranger Station in the midst of Corcovado National Park. Guiding Life s Greatest Adventures in Costa Rica At Tropical Sea Kayaking we strive for the greatest nature and adventure expeditions combined with unique lodging, tasteful & natural food, and highly experienced guides. Friendly and professional trip leaders, active adventures and some of the most incredible landscapes on earth are the framework for our success. With a genuine belief that sea kayaking adventures are exceedingly worthwhile life experiences, we have committed ourselves over the years to providing the best trips available, always with an eye on safety and improvement. Our team is professional and experienced in the field of adventure travel, no rookies here. All our trips have professionally trained fully bilingual guides, who always carry comprehensive medical kits and communication tools. With excellent on-water skills and experience, they will provide you with great confidence, and a handy range of tips, advice and encouragement to ensure you thoroughly enjoy your time paddling. Their wealth is of biological knowledge and understanding of our local culture & environment, beautiful and sensitive flora and fauna and ecology, including our spectacular marine wildlife. Please use this document as a resource for general information on your Costa Rica adventure. The information enclosed covers most everything you ll need to know before your trip. Of course, if you have questions that are not answered in this packet, we are happy to help! Simply contact us at info@tropicalseakayaking.com with your questions or to schedule a phone call. 2
ITINERARY: 10 Days Golfo Dulce Kayaking and Nature Experience Illustration of Golfo Dulce & Osa Peninsula with our 3 kayaking eco-lodge locations: El Chontal, Lapamar, and Saladero. On this extended kayaking trip you will also be staying in a luxury Ecolodge in La Leona & in the middle of Corcovado National Park at the Sirena Ranger Station. 10-Day Itinerary Overview (5 locations: El Chontal, Lapamar, Saladero, La Leona, Sirena) b=breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner Day 1 trip briefing and paddling intro. Stay at El Chontal ecolodge (LD) Day 2 paddling along coast & into Rincon estuary. Stay at el Lapamar lodge (BLD) Day 3 exploring mangrove river, swimming, r&r. Stay at lapamar lodge (BLD) Day 4 Crossing the Gulf in search of dolphins. Stay at El saladero ecolodge (BLD) Day 5 jungle Hike, snorkeling, mangrove paddling. Stay at Saladero Ecolodge (BLD) Day 6 coastal paddling & visiting mogos islands. Stay at La Leona Ecolodge (BLD) Day 7 Hiking Corcovado National Park. Stay at sirena ranger station (BD) Day 8 hiking surrounding trails at sirena. stay at sirena ranger station (Bd) Day 9 hiking from sirena to la leona. stay at le Leona ecologe (LD) Day 10 R&R until check out. End at la Leona ecolodge (B) Full Itinerary starts on next page 3
PROPOSED ITINERARY The following itinerary should be seen as an approximate guide only. We are on an expedition and the weather conditions, currents and tides can cause alterations and delays to our itinerary. DESCRIPTION OF DAILY SCHEDULE Day 1 Welcome to the start of this amazing Tropical Sea Kayaking & Nature trip! You will start and meet your trip guide at El Chontal Ecolodge, located in the tiny town of Rincón, Osa Peninsula. Peacefully located right on the banks of the Golfo Dulce, you ll have time to settle down into your cozy wooden jungle cabin, and wander around the lodge s gardens. At 1pm we ll invite you to the local family s house for a delicious home-made lunch, carefully prepared on location using the freshest ingredients grown from their own gardens. After your first TSK meal we head out to the water for our kayaking introduction where after we ll hop into our sturdy enclosed kayaks for coastal paddling. Late afternoon you can rest and relax and even enjoy the property s spacious palapa; a great place to rest, read, lie in a hammock, or even practice yoga. Dinner s served after we ve witnessed a colorful sunset! Day 2 This morning after breakfast we ll get an early start by paddling along the coast and into the estuary of the Rincón River which provides a full on mangrove forest experience. We ll use the gentle currents to paddle downstream and into the Gulf again. We ll keep paddling along the lush shores and tiny beaches which we use for short breaks to stretch our legs, and for a quick swim. Eventually we will reach Playa Blanca (White Beach), where Lapamar Lodge is located. After we get our comfortable cabins appointed for a refreshing shower, a cold drink and delicious, freshly prepared lunch awaits us. This afternoon is at leisure; siesta, hammock time, bird spotting, swimming, more kayaking are among many of the options. Dinner is served after witnessing a colorful sunset. Day 3 For the early birds, we suggest rising at dawn to witness the beautiful sunrise over the Golfo Dulce while a gentle breeze wakes you up. You will not be alone as Scarlet Macaws will be flying overhead, landing in the trees nearby. LODGING & MEALS El Chontal Ecolodge (cabin) This family owned, operated, designed and built environmentally friendly Eco Lodge sits right on the beach and serves as a perfect landing point after a long kayaking stretch. The property s rustic and quirky decoration and design will certainly make you smile. Trails, and communal areas such as the pavilion for relaxing and the waterfront platform for yoga and reading add to this lodge s charm. Doña Azucena, the co-owner, will cook delicious traditional meals for us. Lunch & Dinner Lapamar Lodge (Cabin) Teaming with Scarlet Macaws and Toucans, this family owned and operated Ocean front lodge is a truly off-the-beaten path destination. With only 4 spacious en-suite cabins you will probably find this place all to yourself. The gorgeous ample lawn in front, the tall trees, the vegetable and fruit garden, and the simple but delicious restaurant on site await your arrival by kayak. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Same as above Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 4
When you ve grasped the reality of the Gulf s natural beauty and tranquility, we invite you to a traditional Costa Rican breakfast with natural juices, coffee, and tea. Then we re off again in our sturdy kayaks, paddling along the coast until we reach the hidden entrance of the Mangrove river. This one is narrow, which enables us to get a close up view of the vegetation and its inhabitants. On our way back we suggest paddling in total solitude as we keep a certain distance from one another. This sensation adds to a wonderful experience of tropical sea kayaking the jungle river. When we ve gathered on the open water, we paddle back to Playa Blanca for yet another welcoming lunch with downtime in the afternoon. After our last dinner at Lapamar, we offer the option to join us on a night hike in seach of nocturnal wildlife. Day 4 We re in for an early start to cover the 18 km (11 miles) long stretch to Saladero Ecolodge with good opportunities to spot dolphins! Once we get to Saladero, lunch awaits us where after we ll take the afternoon off to relax at this beautiful place. At 4 o clock tortilla chips with salsa is offered in the lounge area where you can order your drink of choice. Dinner s served after we ve witnessed a colorful sunset. Glamping : Your very comfortable Glamping tents await for a welldeserved night rest. Glamping (which stands for glamorous camping) is really the best way to experience the Golfo Dulce Jungle by night. Huge sturdy tents on elevated platforms and with real mattresses allow you to enjoy the sounds of the nocturnal animals at nights, and wake up to the songs of the tropical birds. Day 5 We ll start with a delicious breakfast at an amazing location offering awesome views. Once you re up for it we can pick one of the following activities..or, do all of them! Kayaking - We are in the most protected area of the Golfo Dulce and the waters are very calm. Snorkeling - There is a coral reef only 15 minutes away by kayak with a beautiful shaded beach. Birdwatching - We are surrounded by Piedras Blancas National Park, the least visited park in Costa Rica, and adjacent to the Rio Esquinas so we have the birds that normally inhabit primary rainforest, secondary rainforest, sea shore and mangrove/rivers. Exploring the Rio Esqinas Manrove Estuary - Home of the largest red mangroves in the world, explore many of the small channels leading into the mangroves. Swimming - The Golfo Dulce Sweet Gulf is salt water but with a large influence from the fresh water rivers. 83 degrees (28 Saladero Ecolodge (Glamping) Nestled between the brilliant turquoise waters of the Golfo Dulce and the lush green mountains of Piedras Blancas National Park, the Saladero Eco Lodge is a place for ocean adventure and relaxation. This vast, waterfront property with green fields, gardens, and rainforest jungle trails truly is paradise for any sea kayaker looking for a mix of tranquility and untouched nature. Delicious homemade meals are served in the lounge area overlooking the Gulf. This rainforest style ecolodge is only accessible by boat. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Same as above Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 5
Celcius), calm and crystal clear in the dry season. Somewhere in between these marvelous nature tours we ll have to squeeze in some time for lunch, snacks and tropical drinks at 4, and dinner after yet another beautiful sunset. Pretty sure we ll manage; this is tropical paradise! Day 6 Today after an early breakfast we ll say hasta la vista to our wonderful hosts at Saladero Ecolodge, and start paddling to the Mogos Islands. From there we ll be crossing the Gulf to spot dolphins and other marine life until we reach our take out location in Punta Rincón, at the familiar El Chontal Ecolodge. After today s amazing last paddling session we ll fresh up and enjoy a home-made lunch at El Chontal Ecolodge. Together with your kayaking guide you will look back at a wonderful Tropical Sea Kayaking trip in the Sweet Gulf. BUT, your adventure is not over yet!! As you say goodbye to your kayaking guide, your driver will take you from El Chontal Ecolodge to Puerto Jimenez (25 min. drive) where you will meet your expert naturalist guide who will be with you for the next 3 days. After some shopping, which your guide will help you with, you will continue to the start of Corcovado National Park where you ll stay the night at a wonderful Ecolodge with amazing Pacific Ocean views. This property will serve as the staging area for the next portion of your expedition. Over dinner your guide will do the trip briefing for the days to come. Surely you ll sleep like a rock in your marvelous private cabin, dreaming of all the wildlife you ll encounter starting in the morning. Day 7 This morning after breakfast we ll gear up for our 3-day hike through 'the most biologically intense place on Earth'. From the Ecolodge we re just minutes away from 'La Leona' ranger station- the entrance to the king of parks. Depending on our pace and the tides, our final destination for today will be reached in 6 to 8 hours hiking. We will be hiking the beach, through the jungle, crossing rivers, climbing hills, and facing the sun's heat and possibly very local showers. When we encounter a welcoming bay, you can jump in to cool off (beware of the rip currents). Naturally the best part of Corcovado is its overwhelming beauty of flora & fauna. All sorts of species will be crossing your path. Your Corcovado Licensed Bilingual Naturalist Guide! On this part of the trip we will be accompanied by a Corcovado National Park dedicated naturalist guide. Besides educating you on everything you ll come across, he will keep track of tides, times, weather, and minor hazards. After a strenuous but truly amazing hike you ll reach 'Sirena Ranger Station' well before dark and in time for dinner. This place is unique in the sense that we find ourselves among merely nature lovers. No La Leona Ecolodge (Cabin) This family owned environmentally friendly Eco Lodge is located on a protected 500 Acres of primary rain forest, stretching along the beach of the Pacific Ocean and right next to the entrance of the Corcovado National Park. This is the place for true nature lovers, and for adventurist seeking great hiking among the most wildlife Costa Rica has to offer. With its marvelous surroundings, and luxury cabin tents on elevated platforms, comfortable quality mattresses, a private deck with spectacular Ocean/Rainforest views, this is the best place to start and end your multi-day hiking trip. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Sirena Ranger Station (Dorm room) This is a VERY basic place, which lacks in comfort you normally take for granted. The surrounding flora & fauna is what visitors come for, therefore only the necessary is offered: bunk beds, cold shower, toilet, and a spacious deck to sit and rest. The station is set in a beautiful natural environment, with ample green fields surrounded by thick rain forests of which its inhabitants are clearly heared and seen from the station s deck. The Pacific waters are reached in a mere 5 minutes walk. Their tab water is potable, and the food served is plentiful and delicious. Breakfast & Dinner 6
party people, no trouble makers, no mass tourism. Observing nature is the focus while staying at Sirena Ranger Station, therefore no luxury amenities are offered. Lights are out at 8 Pm to respect the animals and motivate guests to go sleep for an early rise the next day. Day 8 What an amazing feel to wake up to the sounds of the jungle, the real jungle! After early breakfast, your guide will take you hiking on several different trails that are looping Sirena Ranger Station, which is considered the heart of Corcovado National Park. The trails are named Claro, Guanacaste, Espaveles, Ollas/Corcovado, Sirena, and Naranjo and take anywhere from 2-4 hours hiking. The extraordinary diversity and concentration of wildlife in the Corcovado Basin, which contains Sirena Ranger Station, means that spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities are liable to present themselves at virtually any time at nearly any part of any trail. Though the best times for viewing wildlife are in the early mornings, late afternoons, and at night. (you ll carry your own lunch which you ll buy in the afternoon of Day 6) Same as above Breakfast & Dinner (Snacks you bought on day 6 can substitute for lunch) Your guide might even suggest a hike at dawn which takes you to the river and back in time for breakfast! None of the animals are hunted, so they do not have much fear of human beings. As a result, tapirs often feed at night on the landing strip in front of the Station, and herds of peccaries numbering more than a hundred individuals frequently roam in front of the ranger station itself. Surely you ll hear the howler monkeys in the early morning and evening. We ll continue exploring, hiking, and learning throughout the day, depending on your wishes. In between the hikes you can rest & relax on the huge porch. After yet a fulfilling day a well-deserved dinner awaits you. From experience we know that guests are eager to hit the sack before lights are turned off. You ll sleep like a log! Day 9 This is our third and last day in Corcovado National Park. To make the most out of it, we suggest we ll start hiking before sunrise for two reasons. One, we ll dodge the sun beating on us in the afternoon, and two, perhaps more importantly, at this hour wildlife encounters are the greatest. After crossing rivers, beating the high tide at a specific rocky beach, swimming some sheltered creeks, and spotting all sorts of mammals, reptiles, and insects, we ll finally reach the familiar Ecolodge in La Leona. Here we ll enjoy a cool drink and a welcoming lunch! Your naturalist guide will leave you on this day, so the remainder of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy the best bits of this incredible place. La Leona Ecolodge (Cabin) As you ve experienced on day 6, this family owned environmentally friendly Ocean front Ecolodge offers luxury cabin tents on elevated platforms, comfortable quality mattresses, and a private deck with spectacular Ocean/Rainforest views. Simply the best place to end your multi-day hiking trip. Lunch & Dinner Day 10 7
Waking up & enjoying breakfast at such a breathtaking location makes you never want to leave. However, all good things must come to an end. Over the past 10 days you ve experienced some of the best nature & adventures Costa Rica has to offer. You will take home great memories, amazing photographs, likely some real Costa Rican coffee, and probably a sore but fulfilling body!! Trip End Breakfast Please let us know prior to trip start if you like us to include transportation from here to your next destination. END OF ITINERARY Please don t hesitate contacting us at info@tropicalseakayaking.com for modifications to this itinerary, any questions you might have or to book this vacation package as presented. TRIP PRICE The above itinerary for 9 nights/10 days is US$ 2399 per person (based on double occupancy). Discounts apply for bookings of 5 people or more Single supplement: 10% surcharge Children 8-12: 25% discount on trip rates if traveling with at least 2 adults Included in Your Trip Cost Skilled, professional adventure & naturalist guide services 9 nights lodge accommodation (based on double occupancy) All meals as outlined in the itinerary Ground transportation from El Chontal Ecolodge to Carate (Le Leona Ecolodge) All activities and equipment as outlined in the itinerary Not Included in Your Trip Cost International flights to and from Costa Rica Insurance of any kind, including travel or mandatory medical evacuation insurance Alcohol and personal items (an equipment list will be provided) Guide gratuities (optional) RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS To secure your trip, we require a down payment at the time of reservation. This can be done by Bank Wire Transfer or by Credit Card/Paypal. We charge a down payment of $500 per person and the balance 60 days prior to your arrival date. As Paypal is our default method of payment, we will send you a Paypal request for both the down payment and final payment(s). Let us know if you wish to pay via bank wire, where after we will send you our bank details by e-mail. 8
CARE FREE TRAVEL & ENHANCEMENTS Tropical Sea Kayaking subsidiary to MrTico S.R.L. For care free travel and enhancements we offer the following add-on to supplement this trip. ADD-ON 1: FULL PACKAGE TRANSFORMATION (RECOMMENDED!) $749 per person We take care of all your travel arrangements from your arrival to Costa Rica, all the way up to your departure with the following features: First & Last Night in San Jose Extra Night & Meals at El Chontal All Ground Transfers Round Trip Domestic Flights San Jose-Puerto Jimenez INFORMATION PROVIDED AFTER BOOKING: Packing List Vouchers (if applicable) with detailed information (e.g. pick-up times and locations) Costa Rica Travel Information Document TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Meeting Place & Time This trip starts at El Chontal Ecolodge, Rincón, Osa Peninsula (meeting time depends on your travel schedule). Travelers arriving into Costa Rica before day 1 of this trip can have their lodging and transfers/domestic flight to the Golfo Dulce arranged by T.S.K. for an additional cost. Getting to El Chontal Ecolodge El Chontal is located in the Osa Peninsula, along the dead end road (Route 245) which leads to Puerto Jimenez and eventually to Corcovado National Park. El Chontal is located in the tiny community Rincón, 40 kilometers from the Chacarita Intersection, where you deviate from Highway 2. It s approximately a 5 hour drive from San Jose, all along a paved and in good condition, therefore suitable for any vehicle, no SUV needed here. The Costa Rican style address is 300 meters south of the School of Rincon. Another (faster) option is to fly into Golfo Dulce, into the town of Puerto Jimenez. The flight from San José takes about 50 minutes, and the drive from Puerto Jimenez to El Chontal Ecolodge only 30 minutes. We organize domestic flights and transfers to El Chontal Ecolodge from anywhere in Costa Rica. Please contact us if you like to add transportation to this trip. Getting to San José, Costa Rica From the United States, these are some of the carriers offering services to Costa Rica: American, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, United Airlines, US Airways, Copa, Aeromexico, TACA and Air Canada. 9
From Europe you can find flights with Condor, Iberia, KLM, United Airlines, British Airways, Thomson Airways, among others. After Your Trip This trip ends at La Leona Ecolodge after breakfast (check-out: 9 Am). Travelers who wish to continue their journey in Costa Rica can have their lodging and/or transfer to their next destination arranged by T.S.K. for an additional cost. Pre- And Post-Trip Accommodations This trip includes lodge accommodation for the number of nights according to the itinerary. If you plan to arrive early or stay late, please contact our office if you would like assistance in booking preor post-trip accommodation at one of our hotels or lodges (anywhere in Costa Rica). We recommend you make reservations well in advance in order to guarantee lodging. CANCELATIONS & REFUNDS If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, please notify us as soon as possible. The cancellation fee after you ve made your deposit can range up to the entire trip cost, based upon the number of days prior to your trip that we receive your cancellation notice (by e-mail). We regret we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies. For this reason, we strongly urge you to investigate trip insurance (for more info see INSURANCE below). Date of Cancellation Cancellation Fee 60 days or more prior to your trip Deposit per guest 59-15 days prior to your trip 50% of the trip price per guest 14 days or less 100% of the trip price per guest MEDICAL Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying a T.S.K. trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician s approval before taking an adventure travel trip. INSURANCE We advise you purchase emergency medical evacuation insurance when participating in this expedition. We also strongly recommend that you protect yourself, your belongings, and your vacation through the purchase of a travel insurance plan. A travel insurance plan covers your nonrefundable payments in most cases, should you have to cancel your trip due to illness or injury yours or that of an extended family member even at the last minute. Check that the plan you choose includes the required emergency medical evacuation coverage mentioned above. Evacuations can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Personal belongings and cameras are carried entirely at the owner s risk, and T.S.K. accepts no responsibility for lost, damaged, delayed or stolen property. OTHER VALUABLE TRIP INFORMATION 10
For International travelers, we recommend flying into and out of Juan Santamaria International Airport of San José (IATA Airport code: SJO ) This trip starts at El Chontal, Rincón, Osa Peninsula This trip ends at La Leona Ecolodge, Carate, Osa Peninsula Domestic transportation (ground & air) to and from trip start point available on request Additional days/nights/tours anywhere in Costa Rica available on request All trips are fully guided by professional, bilingual adventure and naturalist guides All trips include top notch kayaks and gear (single and tandem kayaks available) All kayaking trips include 3 nutritious meals daily & fruits, coffee/tea, water, natural juices Trips run all year with the exception of the months October and November Trips can be booked as private from 5+ people, and can start on any day Instead of cabin & glamping style lodging, this trip can be booked based on tent camping All private trips can be customized to match your wishes and needs (subject to availability) Minimum age for all trips is 8 years old (contact us to discuss if younger), for which a discount applies up to 12 years old Please don t hesitate to contact us for inquiries & reservations at info@tropicalseakayaking.com We d love to have you join us on this great adventure! The Tropical Sea Kayaking Team [END OF DOCUMENT] 11