Explore the famous Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park on this 9-day active hiking tour in Costa Rica. Spend two days on the Pacuare River plunging through the Class III-IV rapids. Then head to the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. It's the perfect base for exploring for outdoor enthusiasts, as you'll see countless birds, reptiles and other rainforest wildlife as you hike through the 13 unique ecosystems found on this tiny peninsula. Opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and snorkeling make this an unforgettable vacation!
Highlights
Raft the Pacuare River for two days, plunging through class III-IV rapids
Stay at a remote tent camp, accessible only by foot, on the beach
Hike the many trails watching for the abundant wildlife around each turn
Enjoy options to horseback ride, hike, kayak, go whale watching or snorkel
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
The adventure begins with an early traditional Costa Rican breakfast, followed by a briefing on safety measures. Then splash right into your incredible rafting journey. Famous for its spirited waters and beauty, the Pacuare River plunges through mountain gorges and powerful rapids in a rainforest alive with the sounds of howler monkeys, toucans, sloths and ocelots. Today's rafting trip takes a couple of hours. This afternoon arrive to Rios Tropicales Lodge on the bank of the river where you overnight. Choose from a variety of activities to fill your afternoon. Go for a hike to a waterfall in the forest, try the zipline canopy tour (additional cost), play dominoes or cards, or just relax.
Today continue the rafting adventure - putting yesterday's skills and experience to use. After breakfast launch the rafts again for the second day of rafting. You may stop to explore side streams that lead to striking waterfalls inviting you to jump right in. Tackle the most challenging set of rapids on the river towards the end of your spectacular float. Enjoy lunch on the river banks and then you finish your adventure and transfer back to San Jose this evening.
This morning enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Drake Bay. From here you transfer to the shoreline and board your boat to the Sirena Ranger Station, the headquarters for Corcovado National Park. It offers extensive facilities for researchers and outdoor enthusiasts as a base to explore the rainforest. Offering well maintained trails in the area, it is a great introductory spot for your hiking trip. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the hiking trails and spotting wildlife in the area.
Today is yours to hike in the area as you choose. Your guide is at your disposal to take you on an exploratory loop hike from Sirena Station. Multiple trails and maps are available for you to select a hike of the distance and difficulty you prefer today. Keep your eyes on the look out for the abundant wildlife that calls Corcovado National Park home. Over 375 species of birds have been spotted, over 50 species of bats and 100 species of reptiles and amphibians. Also keep your eyes peeled for one of the 4 species of monkeys, the anteater, sloth, river otters, and one of the many cat species in the area. National Geographic named this location one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.
This morning you depart early for your hike to the next lodge you will stay in, La Leona ecolodge on the shore. The hike entails about 6-7 hours (16km) along a sandy and at times rocky beach with several parallel forest trails possible for further exploration. The trails are maintained and well marked. During two sections, you may have to take a rainforest route to avoid high tides! Enjoy a picnic lunch on your way. While much of the hike today is shaded, the humidity of the region may make it a hot day. Arrive to your lodge for the evening and settle in with a nice dinner. Sleep in safari-style tents on the edge of the rainforest tonight.
Enjoy today free to explore the park from another location. Optional activities from the lodge include horseback riding, hiking, taking the canopy tour, kayaking, whale watching, surfing or take a visit to Cano Island for some snorkeling.
Enjoy your last morning in Corcovado before taking the short 30-minute hike to nearby Carate for your overland transfer to the airport. Fly back to San Jose and transfer to your hotel. Spend this evening free to explore the city on your own.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,907
Notes
Pricing is estimated for low season and fluctuates by departure date. For the most current pricing and details, please request a quote from a Trip Planner.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
We keep coming back to Adventure-Life for custom tailored, out of the ordinary, non-touristy trips and they deliver the best every time. The trip planners know how to put together just what we are looking for.
Judith P. NYC
3 weeks ago
We have been working with Adventure Life for 5 years now and it is very easy to plan out our trips. Our holidays include customization of activities and side trips along with the standard packages available on the Adventure Life website. Kevin, Jess, Mary Rose and their teams have many recommendations that have enhanced our travel.
Joe
1 month ago
We had a great experience- they were very helpful in trip planning and making sure we got to do all the activities and see the places we wanted. There were some things we couldn't do/see due to the time of year being the rainy/low season and they steered us away from those. We had never been to Costa Rica before and it gave us a good overview of this lovely country.
Jody Dice
2 months ago
Jess was terrific and patiently guided us to make what we feel will be a wonderful family adventure.
David Herr
3 months ago
Jessica was extremely helpful and generous with her time. She was very responsive to our questions and comments and in a very timely fashion. She worked with us in partnership to plan a trip specifically for us and our wants and needs.