Wild Costa Rica - Corcovado

8 days starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica. Sat-Sat
$1360

After an exhilarating two-day whitewater rafting trip, we head toward the untamed Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park - one of the only places in Costa Rica where large groups of the endangered scarlet macaw still color the sky.
Off the beaten path enough to avoid the Costa Rica vacation crowds, Corcovado will reward you with spectacular scenery and unmatched opportunities to spot elusive wildlife. We'll use the park's trail system to stroll along the deserted beach, marked in places with cascading waterfalls, as well as to penetrate the dense interior rainforest. National Geographic calls Corcovado "the most biologically intense place on Earth" - surely a destination to put on your "don't miss" list!

Full Itinerary Additional Details
Spider Monkey relaxing in the tree
Spider Monkey relaxing in the tree

Summary

  • Day 1 : Arrive San Jose
  • Days 2-3 : Pacuare Whitewater
  • Days 4-6 : Corcovado Tent Camp
  • Day 7 : Return San Jose
  • Day 8 : Return Home
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Travel Highlights
  • Pacuare River
  • Corcovado National Park
  • Osa Peninsula
  • Pacific Coast
  • Rainforest
  • Paddling
    PaddlingIncludes paddling activity such as sea kayaking or rafting.
  • Nature Viewing
    Nature ViewingIncludes intentional opportunity to observe flora or fauna with an experienced guide.
  • Snorkeling
    SnorkelingIncludes opportunity for snorkeling or possibly SCUBA.
  • Hiking
    HikingIncludes guided hiking excursions. Hikes may vary from easy and optional three hour hikes to more difficult multi-day treks.

Details

Day 1 Arrive San Jose lodge

Overnight in San Jose.

Days 2-3 Pacuare Whitewater lodge

(2B,2L,D)

Whitewater rafting the Pacuare River in Costa RicaThis morning you head east towards the Caribbean and the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River for two days of whitewater rapids, jungle-clad canyons, and spectacular waterfalls. One of Costa Rica's most exciting whitewater vacations, you'll camp along the river tonight. You explore some of Costa Rica's remote rainforest in Braulle National Park, and, of course, plunge through the exhilarating rapids of the Pacaure River. It's back to San Jose at the end of Day 3 in time for dinner on your own and a relaxing evening before tomorrow's flight to the wild Osa Peninsula.

Days 4-6 Corcovado Tent Camp lodge

(2B,3L,3D)

Early this morning you board a flight to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula to explore the last Pacific coastal rainforest in Central America. From here you will transfer two hours to Carate, and then a horse will carry your luggage as you walk the thirty minutes along the beach to the tent camp. Corcovado is one of the only places in Costa Rica where large groups of the endangered scarlet macaw still color the sky. Look carefully into the almond trees that line the beach, and you're sure to see a group of the brilliant birds noisily cracking nuts. Your time here is filled with exploring the rainforest, splashing in the surf, and relaxing to the sound of crashing waves and tropical birds.

Early the next morning it's off for a full day hike through Corcovado National Park.

The path weaves between sandy beaches, primary and secondary forests, and a small stretch of mangrove. Corcovado National Park teems with wildlife ranging from spider, squirrel, and capuchin monkeys, coatimundis, two and three toed sloths, tapirs, peccaries, giant anteaters and even ocelot, jagaurundi, and others. This is one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot such elusive wildlife, and learn about rainforest ecology first hand. On your last day here, enjoy Corcovado as you wish. Optional activities include horseback riding, hiking in Corcovado, taking the canopy tour, kayaking, whale watching, surfing or take a visit to Cano Island for some snorkeling. The magic of sleeping in safari-style tents on the edge of the jungle and sandy beach makes this an unforgettable journey.

Day 7 Return San Jose lodge

(B)

This morning you head back to Carate and catch a short connecting flight to Puerto Jimenez, where you connect with your flight on to San Jose. Don't forget to watch the almond trees carefully for scarlet macaws. Upon your return to San Jose, you're on your own to explore the city, take a coffee tour, or just relax in your charming hotel. Pura vida!

Day 8 Return Home

Accommodations:

3 nights safari tents, 1 night river lodge, 3 nights comfortable hotel

Single Supplement: $335

Meals Included:

All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation:

flights, minibus, boat

Notes:

Internal Flights San Jose - Puerto Jimenez - San Jose not included. Please add $290 per person

Group & Staff:

Min 2, 12 Max

Personal Budgeting:

Allow $60 for meals not included, $80 for optional excursions, $27 international departure tax, gratuities

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations:

Share US$65, Single US$120

Is it for Me?

An adventurous itinerary of stunning beaches, pristine jungle, and exhilarating whitewater. The safari style tents bring nature right to your door and the main lodge serves up delicious meals making this a truly unique experience. There's no electricity at the lodge and showers are fresh water.

Arrival / Departure Transfers:

1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person

Weekly Departures

Map

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Rafting the Pacuare
Colin Explores Costa RicaI've dreamed of visiting Costa Rica for several years now, and that dream was finally realized when I made it there on an Adventure Life Journey. The trip from Missoula, Montana to San Jose, Costa ...
- Colin Sorenson
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The trip was everything we expected and more. Overall, we were blown away!
Taylor Freshley
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