Clouds & Jungle
Wildlife and forest
Costa Rica
12 days
High
Middle
Shuttle transfer & private 4WD trucks
2018
Single, double or triple (2 beds)
from 2 travelers
Trekking pants and a thin fleece; warm fleece or wool sweater; windproof jacket; comfortable trekking shoes; UV filter sunglasses; sun hat; sunscreen; repellent; daypack.
Día 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
Día 2: On road to Savegre Cloud Forest
Día 3: In search of the Resplendent Quetzal
Día 4: Mountain Spirit…
Día 5: Extreme Forest Park…
Día 6: La Cusinga Lodge
Día 7: Exploring La Cusinga
Día 8: To the Rain Forest
Día 9: Corcovado National Park
Día 10: Caño Island Snorkelling
Día 11: Return to San José
Día 12: Good Bye
Day1
Welcome to Costa Rica
Accommodation in Presidente Hotel or similar
On arrival into the International airport Juan Santamaría in San José, you will be met by your driver and taken to your charming hotel located in the center of the capital. You will find yourself in the heart of San José, where you will find plenty to explore including museums, the national theater, el Mercado Central, restaurants and coffee shops.
Day2
On road to Savegre Cloud Forest
Accommodation in Savegre Hotel or similar
In the morning your shared transfer will take you to a very special cloud forest reserve, the Savegre Cloud Forest: This area is made up of the Savegre Valley and the Los Santos Forest Reserve which is commonly referred to as the Savegre Cloud Forest. It provides a great alternative to the far more visited Monteverde cloud forest further north. Savegre area was declared a Forest Reserve in November 1975 and covers some 62,000 hectares. Three different forest zones blend together in this area: premontane rain forest, low mountain rain forest and mountain rain forest. Elevation ranges from 2000m to 3000m above sea level in Cerro de la Muerte. At this high elevation, temperature ranges between 0 and 17 degrees Celsius, with an annual rainfall of between 2500-3500 mm per year. The fauna is also diverse and more than 175 different species of birds have been identified. It is famously home to the Resplendent Quetzal, who lives here year round, as well as other species such as Trogons, Hummingbirds, Great Tinamou, sooty robin and woodpeckers, among others. You might also be lucky enough to spot bigger animals including as felines, tapirs, brockets and coyotes.
Day3
In search of the Resplendent Quetzal
Accommodation in Savegre Hotel or similar
Wake up early and go on the Quetzal watching tour (shared with other guests not included) that lasts around three hours. Go in search of the resplendent Quetzal with its iridescent green feathers, its long, graceful tail and bright red breast! In the afternoon, go on a 2 hour-waterfall self-guided hike: walk on your own along the trails into the cloud forest and waterfall.
Day4
Mountain Spirit…
Accommodation in Tamì Lodge
After breakfast you will meet your new driver who will take you on your next adventure. You will head off the beaten track in a 4WD truck to the amazing Tamì Lodge. The next 2 nights will be spent deep in the cloud forest surrounded by nature and with access to all your basic needs and amenities. Experience Tami Lodges’ unique luxury tented camp with spectacular views of the Los Santos Region. The lodge has 10 tents distributed onto 6 bungalows, 4 doubles and 2 singles. Every tent has its own private bathroom with hot running water. The showers are unique as they mimic waterfalls flowing over natural rock and the views are spectacular as the windows open up to the cloud forest and the valley
Day5
Extreme Forest Park…
Accommodation in Tamì Lodge
This amazing experience begins with you climbing a strangler fig tree from the inside, giving you a chance to view the forest canopy from the top.
After you have taken in the incredible views, you will rapell 50 meters back to solid ground before moving on to the next experience, via the 50 meter Monkey bridge, where you will have the chance to try out your balancing skills on a slackline.
You will continue on the self-guided trails until you reach 70 meters long canopy cable, part of the amazing Tarzan Swing.
In case your adrenalin is still pumping you will have another 25meter rappel back down to the ground.
The best is saved for last as your final activity sees you to take on the Jungle Fly where you will soar through the forest in a harness, reaching a height of 15 meters.
We finish with an “Extreme Lunch” at the ecological restaurant Cascadas del Savegre. Enjoy the rest of the day in the stunning surroundings including see beautiful waterfalls.
Day6
La Cusinga Lodge
Accommodation in La Cusinga Lodge
In the morning you will be met by your private transfer and travel to La Cusinga Lodge. La Cusinga Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge dedicated to the satisfaction of its guests and the conservation of the natural environment. Steadfastly committed to sustainable development, the buildings at La Cusinga are made from reforested woods and local materials, and are nestled harmoniously into the surrounding area. All electricity is generated from solar and hydroelectric power and the food served in the restaurant is supplied by both local organic growers and the lodge’s garden.
Set on a private nature reserve, La Cusinga protects more than 250 hectares of virgin rainforest, with an extensive network of trails that wind through lush vegetation and lead to pristine beaches. While hiking, guests may spot howler monkeys swinging through the trees or toucans soaring through the air. Naturalist guides are available for those desiring more informative hikes through the reserve. La Cusinga also offers a variety of other activities, including trips to national parks, surfing lessons, sport fishing, whale-watching tours and more. Guests seeking relaxation can enjoy cleansing yoga courses or trips to the lodge’s spa, which offers massages, haircuts, pedicures and manicures.
Day7
Exploring La Cusinga
Accommodation in La Cusinga Lodge
Hike down the different trails the lodge has to offer:
Punta Pargo trail
Los Ajos trail
Playa Arco trail
While hiking in the virgin rainforest, you may spot howler monkeys, Morpho butterflies, Jesus Christ lizards walking across the water, toucans, and a lot more of flora and fauna
Day8
To the Rain Forest
Accommodation in Drake Bay Wilderness
Today you will be picked up by your shared transfer for the southern town of Sierpe. Over there you will meet a representatives of your lodge who will take you the lodge by boat
Located at the south end of the Pacific coast, the Osa peninsula includes the primary rainforest area of Corcovado National Park, which is home to the greatest variety of plants and animals of any national park in Costa Rica – and that is saying something! In true Costa Rican style you will find a range of lodges for you to stay at, from guest houses to luxury jungle hideaways, all developed with nature and sustainability in mind.
This area is one of the most impressive parts of the country for its vast areas of wilderness and untouched forests. Although time spent on the peninsula can reward visitors with glimpses of sloths, monkeys or even tapirs, it’s also a great location to get closer to some of the communities that live there and the unique experiences they offer. The waters of the coast are awash with small islands, offering great chances to see tropical fish, dolphins and manta rays. If you have even one adventurous bone in your body, then Osa is definitely worth a visit.
Day9
Corcovado National Park
Accommodation in Drake Bay Wilderness
Situated just 20-30 minutes by boat, Corcovado National Park is world renown as one of Costa Rica’s crown jewels of rich bio-diversity and spectacular scenery.
San Pedrillo Ranger Station: San Pedrillo is Corcovado National Park’s northernmost ranger station, and this excursion provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the dense jungle of primary and secondary rainforests adjacent to the ranger station. Your guide will point out many of the diverse species dwelling around the trails during an hour and a half hike.
You may see white-faced and howler monkeys, white-lipped peccaries, scarlet macaws, coati, and more. The trails are clearly marked and easy to navigate, ascending and descending through the verdant rainforest.
After the first hike and a break for lunch, you will have the opportunity to hike to a beautiful waterfall, the perfect chance to take some photos and swim under the smaller falls nearby.
Day10
Caño Island Snorkelling
Accommodation in Drake Bay Wilderness
Only 12 nautical miles from the Drake Bay coast, Caño Island is a paradise for snorkelers, scuba divers, swimmers, and sunbathers alike! The Island can be seen just minutes after leaving the protected cove of the hotel, and the boat ride takes about 45 minutes.
During the months of the Northern and Southern migrations (December to April and July to November) you may be lucky enough to spot humpback whales or dolphins frolicking in the ocean on your way to the Island! Your boat will anchor at two different sites close Caño Island, and your snorkeling guide will point out the diverse species living just below the surface.
The dark, volcanic rock and the open water around the Island are home to a variety of marine life including Olive Ridley and Hawksbill Sea Turtles, White-Tipped Sharks, several species of Moray Eels, Mobula and Sting Rays, big Cubera Snapper, schools of Horse-Eyed Jacks, King Angel fish, Grunts, Barracudas, and much, much more.
Between snorkeling trips, you will have time to relax on the beach and enjoy the beauty of Caño Island. After your second snorkeling tour you’ll depart for San Josecito beach, a beautiful white sand beach which is approximately a half hour ride back towards the hotel. Upon arrival you will be dropped off while the boat crew anchors the boat. This will also give you another chance to snorkel or just take a quick swim as your Naturalist guide will prepare your lunch.
Your tour lunch will be served around midday on picnic tables under the shade of the Coconut trees overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Lunch includes a variety of tropical fruits and drinks, salad, sandwiches, and cookies. Then after lunch maybe a rest or take a walk on the beach; there are usually plenty of Macaws in the almond trees or white face monkeys to observe while the naturalist guides pack everything up for the ride back to the hotel, arriving around 2 pm
Day11
Return to San José
Accommodation in Presidente
In the morning you will say good-bye to this wild paradise and head back by boat to Sierpe. On arrival you will meet your shared transfer for the fairly long 6 hour land transfer back to the capital San Jose and to your hotel for the final evening.
Day12
Good Bye
It is time to say goodbye to Costa Rica and you will be transferred to the airport in time for your return flight home.
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