Costa Rica
Destinations and Activities
We know that there is always a chance that our core trips might not necessarily fit everybody's schedule, or match everybody's idea of their perfect Costa Rica adventure vacation. With the ideas of flexibility and keeping satisfied customers in mind, we're happy to let you know that we specialize in private and custom trips, and will tailor an adventure to the desires and interests of your group of 4 or more. From a personalized departure date to a full-blown custom trip. Below is a small sample of destinations and activities to consider including in your customized experience:
Corcavado National Park: In the Southwest corner of the country, on the Osa peninsula overlooking the Pacific, this park has been called the most biologically intense place on earth by National Geographic; it is also among the most accessible rainforest in the country with a substantial trail system and access by road or boat. There are several lodges outside, but close to the park, on or near the Osa Peninsula, that provide easy access, often by boat. As with other rainforest areas, visiting with a knowledgeable guide greatly enhances the experience because guides are so much better at finding the wildlife—monkeys, toucans, sloths, and perhaps a tapir—than most travelers, and they are able to explain the fascinating plants and symbioses between plants and animals. In Corcovado, the rainforest meets pristine beaches, jaguars are known to sometime prowl the beaches in search of nesting sea turtles, and crocodiles and sharks meet where the Río Sirena empties into the sea.
The Pacuare River: Choose from 1 or 2 day excursions on this incredible river and you will quickly understand why it is famous among rafters and kayakers the world over. The whitewater thrills are matched only by the scenery of the jungle and canyon, with 16 miles of nearly constant Class III and IV rapids. The trip is typically done from San Jose as a base, as the put-in is about 2 hours from the city, with a stop for breakfast on the way to the river and a picnic lunch on the riverbanks. Guests choosing the two-day option stay overnight in a simple lodge along the river banks and will have the chance to explore the nearby jungle.
Volcan Arenal: Head north to this perfect example of a volcano and view the landscape through the eyes of expert naturalists as you hike forested trails and hanging bridges and zip through the canopy. Arenal is a popular tourist region, with numerous amenities: a variety of lodges and restaurants, hiking hanging bridges and trails, kayaking on the nearby Lake Arenal, enjoying a swimming hole at the base of a waterfall, soaking in hot springs while listening for boulders being shot out of the mountain, or zipping through the canopy on Costa Rica’s best zip lines. The town of La Fortuna is the base for exploring the region, although some lodges are outside the town and closer to the volcano. The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, known for birding and wildlife viewing, is easily reached on a day trip.
Volcan Tenorio and Monteverde cloud forests: Cloud forests are unique, high-elevation moist montane ecosystems with high levels of biodiversity and numerous epiphytes that live on the moisture available in the atmosphere. Monteverde is the best known protected cloud forest, with a well-developed trail system and many tourist amenities in Monteverde and the nearby town of Santa Elena. Volcan Tenorio National Park, in the off-the-beaten-path northern part of Costa Rica, near the town of Bijagua, offers clouds without the crowds. Tenorio has trails to and along the aquamarine Rio Celeste, visit these or other cloud forests on foot or on horseback with an expert in tropical ecology.
Pacific Coast beach options: The Pacific coast of Costa Rica offers numerous opportunities for snorkeling, surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beach. La Cusinga Lodge, and Hacienda Baru, towards the south near the towns of Dominical and Uvita, both offer hiking trails and are working to preserve the jungle and link forested lands. Dominical has good surfing and kayaking among mangroves, and the nearby Ballena Marine National Park offers excellent snorkeling. Our other favorite beach region in Costa Rica is the Nicoya Peninsula, with miles of sandy beaches. The town of Tamarindo has some of the best beginning surfing in the country, and nearby beaches offer challenges for experienced surfers. Tamarindo has many surfers and tourists, and although you’re likely to meet more foreigners than Ticos, it is an ideal place to unwind on the beach.
Lodging that supports the community: Costa Rica has some of our favorite examples of how we can use responsible tourism to benefit local populations by where we choose to rest our head at night. La Cusinga is a stunning eco-lodge set above the Parque Nacional Marino Ballena in the Pacific. They are closely tied to the local villages and work hard to be a good example of the success that can be created using sustainable practices. Set in the rainforests near Tenorio National Park, Heliconias is another beautiful eco-lodge we visit which is run by and for the local community .
If a custom trip sounds intriguing to you, please feel free to contact us directly for more details or with any questions.
