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Agami Heron at nesting site in Pacuare Reserve

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 the endangered scarlet macaw 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 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!
Sunset on the Pacific coastPalm tree trioTaking advantage of the horses to explore! Pacuare River raftingA monkey clings to the treeWe're here!Caiman on the river bank in Costa RicaMacaw in flight - showing of its huge wingspanThe lunch scene on the Pacuare riverFamily horseback ride through the Costa Rican rainforestPuckering up at PacuarePacuare River at duskHorseback riding on the beachFeeling the rush of the rapids during a whitewater rafting trip in Costa RicaSpotting Tucans from the balcony!We are in the faded raft paddling upstream to the waterfall!Gorge on the PacuareZipline tour on Costa Rica vacationExplore the Pacuare Nature ReserveRios Tropicales areaLa Leona Lodge, Corcovado Tent Camp, Costa RicaGorge on the PacuareWhite water rafting on the Pacaure RiverFrog-finding in Costa RicaExquisite flowers A monkey looks for her next branchLa Leona Lodge, Corcovado Tent Camp, Costa RicaLa Leona Lodge, Corcovado Tent Camp, Costa RicaLa Leona Lodge, Corcovado Tent Camp, Costa RicaPacuare RiverA quiet canyon on the PacuareAgami Heron at nesting site in Pacuare Reserve
Highlights
  • Whitewater raft down the Class III 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 weaving paths between sandy beaches and the forest in Corcovado
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 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, tonight stay over at a lodge at the rivers edge. 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.

Day 4-6: Corcovado EcoLodge

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 transfer two hours to Carate, and then a horse carries 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 like spider, squirrel, and capuchin monkeys, coatimundis, two and three toed sloths, tapirs, peccaries, giant anteaters and even jungle cats like the ocelot and jaguarundi. 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, or a guided Night Walk. 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 to San Jose

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

La Leona Ecolodge

La Leona Ecolodge
La Leona Ecolodge
La Leona Ecolodge

Pacuare River - Hotels

San Jose - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,048 2-3 travelers

Notes

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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
  • Internal Flight: Nicuesa - San Jose
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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May
Jun
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Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

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