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Scarlet macaws perched in the rainforest

Wild Costa Rica Corcovado

Example 8 Day Tour
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This 8-day Costa Rica trip is perfect for the active traveler hoping to experience Corcovado in the most engaging way possible. After an exhilarating 2-day whitewater rafting trip, head toward the untamed Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park - one of the only places in Costa Rica where large groups of endangered scarlet macaws still color the sky. Off the beaten path enough to avoid the Costa Rica vacation crowds, Corcovado rewards you with spectacular scenery and unmatched opportunities to spot elusive wildlife. Use the park’s trail system to stroll along deserted beaches, marked in places with cascading waterfalls, and 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!
Agami Heron at nesting site in Pacuare Reserve Sunset on the Pacific coast Palm tree trio Taking advantage of the horses to explore! Pacuare River rafting A monkey clings to the tree We're here! Caiman on the river bank in Costa Rica Macaw in flight - showing of its huge wingspan The lunch scene on the Pacuare river Family horseback ride through the Costa Rican rainforest Puckering up at Pacuare Pacuare River at dusk Horseback riding on the beach Feeling the rush of the rapids during a whitewater rafting trip in Costa Rica Spotting Tucans from the balcony! We are in the faded raft paddling upstream to the waterfall! Gorge on the Pacuare Zipline tour on Costa Rica vacation Explore the Pacuare Nature Reserve Rios Tropicales area La Leona Lodge, Corcovado Tent Camp, Costa Rica Gorge on the Pacuare White water rafting on the Pacaure River Frog-finding in Costa Rica Exquisite flowers A monkey looks for her next branch La Leona Lodge, Corcovado Tent Camp, Costa Rica La Leona Lodge, Corcovado Tent Camp, Costa Rica La Leona Lodge, Corcovado Tent Camp, Costa Rica Pacuare River A quiet canyon on the Pacuare

Highlights

  • Whitewater raft down the Class III-IV rapids of the Pacuare River
  • Search for elusive wildlife such as scarlet macaws, sloths, and anteaters
  • Camp on sandy beaches along the jungle's edge
  • Explore paths weaving between sandy beaches and the forest in Corcovado

Activities

Places Visited

Activity Level: Moderate

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.

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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in San Jose

Arrive in San Jose and make your way to your hotel for the evening.

Day 2-3: Pacuare Whitewater

This morning you head east toward the Caribbean and the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River for two days of whitewater rapids, jungle-filled canyons, and spectacular waterfalls. One of Costa Rica’s most exciting whitewater vacations, tonight you’ll stay at a riverside lodge. On the way there, you’ll drive through the spectacular rainforest of Braulio Carrillo National Park. After two thrilling days plunging through the exhilarating rapids of the Pacuare River, you’ll return 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.
 

Day 4-6: La Leona EcoLodge

Fly from San José to Puerto Jiménez, then travel overland and on foot along the beach to reach La Leona EcoLodge, a secluded tented camp on the edge of Corcovado National Park. Stay in an ocean-view tent with direct access to Costa Rica’s most remote rainforest. Hike with a bilingual guide into the park to spot monkeys, macaws, and other rare wildlife. Enjoy time to explore independently, walk quiet forest trails, or relax at the lodge.

On your last day here, enjoy Corcovado as you wish before walking to Carate on a 30-minute coastal walk, crossing one river and soaking in the wild coastal scenery. From Carate, take a land transfer to Puerto Jiménez, where you'll catch a flight to San José. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.

Day 7: Return to San Jose

This morning, head back to Carate to catch a short connecting flight to Puerto Jimenez, where you connect with your flight 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

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, enjoy your last moments in San José. Extend your trip with a visit to Arenal Volcano or the Pacuare River. Click here to see our Costa Rica tours!              

Accommodations

La Leona Ecolodge

La Leona Ecolodge

La Leona Ecolodge

The exceptional La Leona Ecolodge is a vacation spot which offers a unique experience for nature lovers and follows the philosophy of ecotourism. La Leona's close proximity to Corcovado National Park makes it a wonderful place to stay while touring Costa Rica.
La Leona Ecolodge
La Leona Ecolodge
La Leona Ecolodge

Pacuare River - Hotels

Pacuare Lodge

Pacuare Lodge

Tucked away deep in the heart of Costa Rica’s most pristine rainforest environment, on the banks of the Pacuare River, lies the Pacuare Jungle Lodge. Surrounded by nature in its purest and most primitive state, here you will experience that most coveted of travelers’ rewards, an opportunity to savor the spirit of a place.
Views of the Pacuare River right outside your lodge

Rios Lodge

Rios Lodge offers an immersive rainforest experience in Costa Rica, featuring comfortable rooms with river views, delicious local cuisine, and a variety of exciting activities. Surrounded by lush rainforest on the bank of the Pacuare River, this eco-lodge provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in a sustainably built, carbon-neutral setting. Rios Lodge caters to nature lovers and thrill-seekers with guided tours, hiking trails, and zip-lining.
Cabins perch high on the riverbanks

Ave Sol River Sanctuary

Nestled on the Pacuare River, Ave Sol Lodge offers a rustic retreat to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature. Experience breathtaking views, native wildlife, and sustainable living in comfortable cabins. Enjoy river activities, hiking trails, and a serene environment that supports conservation efforts.

San Jose - Hotels

Casa Conde

Casa Conde

Casa Conde, Apartotel & Suites, located just 5 minutes from San José and 30 minutes from the Juan Santamaría International Airport, offers the most sophisticated and modern facilities to a very demanding Local and International Corporate Market.
Hotel El Rodeo

Hotel El Rodeo

El Rodeo offers guests Costa Rican charming warmth, plus exceptional service in a natural and peaceful environment. Located within minutes from both the San Jose airport or downtown, enjoy the amenities of the proximity but relax in the serenity of this beautiful country inn.
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Hotel Grano de Oro

Grano de Oro

Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colon, San Jose’s main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the 40-room hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home and is a great place to relax on a Costa Rica trip.

More San Jose Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$2,392

Notes

Pricing is estimated and fluctuates by departure date. For the most current pricing and details, please request a quote from a Trip Planner.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Arrival Airport Transfer
  • Departure Airport Transfer
  • Park Entrance Fee
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

Jan
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Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
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2 months ago
I have worked with Jess in the past and enjoyed working with her again on a fun adventure. We were able to create a custom itinerary that worked within our timeline and budget.
Suzy Horvath
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4 months ago
Kassandra is so knowledgeable and makes appropriate recommendations for what is suitable to our needs.
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5 months ago
Erin is super at helping with travel, this is the second trip she has arranged for us.
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5 months ago
Karilyn was very helpful with suggestions and very easy to work with. She was able to combine two different trips in Costa Rica into one that seems to be just perfect for us. I recommend her highly and will hopefully do another trip she puts together for us!
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It was easy and quick Love working with everyone here.
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