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Southern Pacific Explorer's Adventure
Uvita, Corcovado
6 / 7 - days itinerary
This exciting adventure begins with a drive across Cerro de la Muerte, a mountain pass overlooking the scenic Inter-American Highway, and the highest point on your Southern Pacific adventure. You will then continue down to the sun-swept beaches of the Southern Pacific coast before arriving at Punta Uvita & Ballena National Marine Park, an endless expanse of untouched beaches and verdant rain forests where the exuberance of nature will overwhelm your senses. Here you can hike through coastal rainforests to sparkling waterfalls, while admiring the colorful variety of birds and wildlife, or try your hand at horseback riding, deep sea fishing, and thrilling ultra-light flights.
At Corcovado National Park, your final destination, you will encounter some of the most virgin yet accessible wilderness in Costa Rica. Take some time to submerge yourself in the wonders of Caño Island Biological Reserve, located off the coast of Drake Bay, where you can experience some of the finest snorkeling and scuba diving in the country. Let us know if you would like to modify your adventure package in any way - and we’ll assist you in planning an unforgettable custom-made adventure just for you!
Day 1 - Arrival in San José
You will be picked up at the airport and taken to San José for an overnight stay at the Hotel Don Carlos, located in the center of the capital city’s cultural district. This elegant Victorian home was built at the turn of the last century and has been completely refurbished and restored. This fine hotel’s tastefully designed and decorated rooms will provide guests with a pleasant ambience and a restful night’s sleep.
Day 2 - Driving to Punta Uvita
After a delicious breakfast you will travel southeast in your rental car along the Inter-American Highway toward Punta Uvita, your first stop. Your route will take you through Cerro de la Muerte, a highland habitat of stunted brush and the highest point on the highway. This area is home to a number of bird species native to this highland region including the sooty robin, volcano junco and the silky flycatcher. Near the town of San Gerardo, on the mountain’s western side, the resplendent Quetzal can regularly be seen during March through May, as well as at other times - though less frequently.
You will then continue down to the coast, passing through the charming beach town of Dominical and its pristine beaches before reaching Punta Uvita & Ballena National Marine Park, your second home base. You will be staying at the Hotel Villas Gaia, a cozy hideaway set on a hilltop overlooking the azure blue of the Pacific Ocean. Here you can explore luxuriant tropical gardens, relax in the soothing waters of the hilltop swimming pool, or simply doze off as the sun’s rays gently caress your body.
Day 3 - Punta Uvita - Hotel Villas Gaia
The Uvita area offers no shortage of options for the discerning adventure traveler. The following are a sample of the tour options available.
Hiking: Sign up for a hiking excursion along the panoramic Guabo River, and wander through verdant mountains and tropical rain forests of enchanting beauty. Perhaps you’d prefer to meander along the sun-drenched beaches of Uvita and Ballena National Marine Park, the latter created in 1990 to preserve the coastline's coral and rock reefs. The park is a nesting ground for brown boobies, ibises and frigate birds, and you may catch sight of humpback whales as they migrate along the coast with their offspring from December to April.
Horseback Riding: Another delightful option is a horseback riding tour to the village of Ojochal. Along the way you will encounter awe-inspiring waterfalls, picturesque forests, and magnificent panoramic vistas of the Pacific coastline.
Ultra-Light Flights: Let the wind caress your face as you fly low and slow over the spectacular beauty of the Southern Pacific coastline in the comfort and safety of an ultralight aircraft. This marvelous flying machine will allow you to sit back and relax as you soar over magnificent beaches, waterfalls, rivers and mountains that seem to continue endlessly toward the horizon. This is the perfect way to get a general overview of the area in a shot period of time.
| Price: US$65 to $150 per person. |
After your thrilling ride through the sky, you can enjoy a peaceful sunset happy hour and dinner at the restaurant of your choice in the area.
Day 4 - Sierpe - Drake Bay, Corcovado National Park
After a hearty morning breakfast you will continue your drive down to the village of Sierpe on the banks of the Sierpe River. Here you will drop off your rental car and board a speedboat that will take you down river and through dense mangrove forests to the startling blue of the Pacific Ocean. You will then continue south to Drake Bay, on the Osa Peninsula, and adjacent to Corcovado National Park. This will be your home base for exploring the exotic Caño Island Biological Reserve.
The Osa Peninsula’s biological diversity, remoteness and extensive primary forests have contributed to making it one of Costa Rica’s most important natural treasures. Corcovado National Park boasts eight distinct habitats that contain some of the country’s greatest wealth of wildlife species. Two hundred eighty-five species of birds, 139 species of mammals, 16 species of freshwater fish and 116 reptiles and amphibians call this world famous national park their home.
About an hour later you will arrive at the exclusive Aguila de Osa Inn, where you'll be warmly welcomed by the hotel staff. The Inn is perched on a bluff overlooking Drake Bay, and offers an extensive fleet of sport fishing vessels that provide an outstanding deep-sea experience.
After getting settled you will have a chance to explore the numerous trails that lead into the surrounding rainforest, which offers gorgeous views of the abundant tropical flora and fauna. There are also a number of lovely deserted beaches and scenic waterfalls just a few hours hike from your hotel. For a more leisurely pace, a quiet stroll along the beach and through the village of Drake Bay is also an option. An exquisite dinner and a thoroughly relaxing evening await your return to the Inn.
Day 5 - Drake Bay, Corcovado National Park
How about an early morning guided hike into the magical Corcovado National Park? Described as "one of the most biologically intense places on earth" by National Geographic Magazine, Corcovado is a treasure trove of natural wonders including an astounding diversity of flora and fauna hard to match anywhere else on the planet. A walk through this virgin jungle provides visitors with the sensation of entering a pristine sanctuary of rare beauty that should not be disturbed. Corcovado National Park is home to the majority of the peninsula's biological diversity, including thirteen major ecosystems that hold Costa Rica's greatest wealth of wildlife.
A peaceful afternoon at the hotel or a relaxing swim in the pool is the perfect way to wind down after your venture into the enchanted realm of Corcovado. As night descends, marvel at a brilliant canopy of stars and the rustling of the wind through the trees as you prepare yourself to bid farewell to this fairy-tale adventure!
Day 6 - Drake Bay - San José
A speedboat will be waiting for you after an early breakfast to take you back to the town of Sierpe, then onto Palmar Sur where you will board a small airplane for your return trip to San José. Stay overnight at the hotel of your choice and enjoy your last night in Costa Rica as you please.
Day 7 - After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home
The above itinerary includes: Transportation to and from the International Airport, two-night lodging at Hotel Don Carlos or similar, breakfast included, 2-day Rental Car (Rav 4 manual), 2 night stay at Villas Gaia Hotel in Punta Uvita, breakfast included; boat & taxi transportation to hotel, 2 night stay at Aguila de Osa Hotel in Sierpe, meals included and choice of tour: Corcovado National Park or Isla del Caño; Sansa return flight to San José.
Price per person
(double occupancy): |
US $1.023 |
Spend an extra day in the Corcovado area and lengthen your tropical escapade in this remarkable region!
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Price per person
(double occupancy): |
US $155 |
| Includes: |
One-night stay at Aguila de Osa Hotel and all meals. |
Optional Tours in Drake Bay:
Enjoy a full day of entertaining activities of your own choosing! These could include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, beach bumming, swimming, scuba diving or whatever suits your whim and fancy. At night sit back and gaze at the stars as you enjoy a fruit cocktail and contemplate the final day of this dreamlike adventure.
Corcovado Waterfall Hike: Those that missed the previous day's excursion into Corcovado National Park may choose to take this hike today. Otherwise, there are a number of trails that cross the rain forest surrounding your lodge providing beautiful views of the tropical flora and fauna that is so abundant here. Several pristine beaches and exquisite waterfalls are located just a few hours' hike from some of the suggested hotels. Depending on where you decide to stay, we can recommend the best hiking alternative for you.
Snorkeling / Scuba Diving at Caño Island: Caño Island is located 12 miles west of Drake Bay, in an area considered by many to offer some of the best diving in the world. Schools of manta rays, white-tip reef sharks and dolphins are constant companions to divers as they explore this underwater paradise. Although seen less frequently, the mammoth whale shark and giant bull shark are sometimes spotted in the area. Water visibility ranges from 45 to 90 feet depending on weather conditions, and temperatures hover in the upper 70s to low 80s throughout the year. During your visit to mysterious Caño Island you will have a chance to visit actual pre-Colombian burial grounds and hike through the island's luxuriant undergrowth.
Price:
Snorkeling: US$75 per person.
Scuba Diving: US$110 (Two tanks) |
Sport fishing: The sport fishing here is simply unmatched, with more than 40 inshore and offshore world records having been registered in the area. Species include sailfish, black marlin, blue marlin, occasionally striped marlin, yellowfin tuna and wahoo; roosterfish and cubera snapper are found inshore.
Price per boat: US $550 - half-day
US $800 - full day
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Sea-Kayaking: Sea Kayaking Rio Agujitas and Drake Bay is the ideal way to spend an exciting afternoon in nature’s company. Enjoy the jungle’s melodious murmur as you leisurely explore the innermost secrets of this secluded river. Drake Bay’s tranquil waters also offer a pleasant kayaking experience as you paddle along the coast or surf in on one of its gentle waves.
Price per person: To be advised by Aguila de Osa Lodge upon arrival.
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Horseback Riding: Horseback riding tours are a delightful way to get better acquainted with the area and its customs. Anyone with an interest in exploring the primary rainforest outside of Corcovado can travel around the area with a local guide and his native horses; this is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Drake Bay’s outback lifestyle.
Southern Pacific Explorer's Adventure Package
Optional Tour Extensions
Two-Night Stay in Manuel Antonio, Quepos: Drive southwest out of San José to Quepos, on the central Pacific coast, for a two-night stay at the El Parador Hotel. The Manuel Antonio area is well known for its white-sand beaches and the exuberant wildlife of its highly celebrated Manuel Antonio National Park. Tourists visit this hilly tropical paradise year-round to enjoy the sun, gourmet restaurants, and some of the best sport fishing in the country. After your two-night stay, drive down to Punta Uvita on the Southern Pacific coast for the remainder of your explorer's package, turning your trip into an 8-night / 9-day adventure.
| Price per person: |
US$370 |
| Includes: |
Two-night stay at El Parador Hotel with breakfast guided tour to Manuel Antonio National Park (closed Mondays), 3 day car rental, with mandatory insurance included.
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One-night stay at San Gerardo de Dota, Cerro de la Muerte: Stay overnight at the Trogón Lodge, located amid verdant mountain cloud forests, and explore the enchanting home of the dazzling Quetzal (holy bird of the Mayas). This family-run establishment lies near the top of Cerro de la Muerte, 7,000 feet above sea level, within a magnificent mountain property. A cool mountain stream meanders lazily through the area and an extensive network of nature trails offer guests an opportunity to explore the scenic cloud forests at their own leisure. To get there take the Inter-American Highway to the turn-off to San Gerardo de Dota. The next day, continue on to the Southern Pacific coastline and Punta Uvita for the rest of your explorer's package, turning your trip into an 7-night / 8-day adventure.
| Price per person: |
US$142 |
| Includes: |
One-night stay at Trogón Lodge, all meals and bird-watching tour on the lodge's nature trails. Note: Quetzals are most likely seen between March and May, but often seen during the rest of the year, Car 1 extra day, with mandatory insurance included.
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| Southern
Pacific Highlights |
Enjoy
the flexibility of a rented 4x4 as you travel through several
biospheres, including passing over Costa Rica’s highest
mountain pass.
Relax
amid secluded beaches overflowing with nature, sun and surf.
Discover
the hidden wonders of Corcovado National Park and its incredible
beauty and biodiversity.
Optional
tours and attractions included ultra light flights, horseback
riding and snorkelling off an ancient Indian burial island.
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| Guest
Comments |
“Dear
Grettel:
We loved Costa Rica and look forward to returning again. Thanks
for putting together such a great vacation for us!”
Richard Brown-Whale
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comments...
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