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Tropical Jungle Escapade
Pacuare, Tortuguero, Corcovado
8 - days itinerary
Immerse yourself in the adventure of a lifetime as you take on the challenge of rafting down the Pacuare River’s thrilling rapids, considered by expert white water rafters to be the most scenic class III-IV rapids on the planet. The Pacuare rushes down from the country's tallest mountain range to the lush coastal Atlantic lowlands, through one of Costa Rica's most important protected zones. Set amid this pristine wilderness environment is the Pacuare Lodge, our unique jungle oasis. Following two dynamic days on the Pacuare, you will journey to the Tortuguero Jungle Canals, an intricate system of natural waterways and manmade canals that crisscross Tortuguero National Park. Marvel at the variety and abundance of exotic wildlife species inside this natural haven that extends over nearly 14 miles of coastline. This is also one of the prime nesting sites for four species of marine turtles, as well as a refuge for countless exotic birds, monkeys and other tropical rainforest species. Things will only get better as you travel to Drake Bay, on Costa Rica's Southern Pacific coast, next to world-famous Corcovado National Park. The park is a refuge for many of Costa Rica's endangered species, and is the only remaining Pacific lowland rainforest of sustainable size in Central America. National Geographic Society has called this "the most biologically intense place on earth." A short boat ride from Drake Bay will take you to mysterious Caño Island Biological Reserve, which offers some of the best scuba diving in the country. Come on and join us in this intoxicating adventure!
Day 1 - Arrival in San José
You will be met at Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport, and transported to San José for your overnight stay at the Hotel Don Carlos. Set in the center of the capital city's cultural district, the hotel was once an elegant, turn of the century Victorian home, now completely refurbished and restored. The hotel’s tastefully designed and decorated rooms will provide guests with a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
Day 2 - Overnight Pacuare Jungle Adventure
You will be picked up early in the morning at your hotel and transported in a comfortable minibus to the Pacuare River. The two-hour trip will allow you to experience the picturesque old colonial capital of Cartago and the lush rolling farmlands that spread over the base of the Turrialba Volcano. En route we will stop for a delicious typical Costa Rican breakfast, before continuing on to the banks of the Pacuare River. Before entering the river our experienced guides will instruct you on all safety precautions, as well as providing you with all the necessary equipment. Once on board the raft you’ll experience a roller coaster ride of surging waves, down class III – IV rapids, followed by placid stretches through steep rugged canyons enshrouded within exuberant foliage. On your way down the river, keep an eye out for the many species of mammals and birds that abound in this tropical paradise.
The first day ends at our very own Pacuare Lodge; a magical retreat nestled in the midst of a tantalizing tropical rain forest. Surrounded on all sides by ancient majestic trees, the rustic style two-story main lodge provides comfortable dining facilities on the first floor, and plenty of relaxing hammocks in a charming second floor open-air lounge.
Palm-thatched modern wooden bungalows have been carefully constructed to merge into the surrounding rain forest. The bungalows are nestled beneath an enormous canopy of age-old trees that are home to a colorful variety of tropical birds. Enjoy a relaxing early evening at our upstairs bar and game area, followed by an exquisite dinner of superb gourmet cuisine. As the evening draws to a close, grab a lantern and head off to your comfortable bungalow for a deep soothing sleep.
Day 3 - Pacuare River Rafting & Overnight in Guápiles
Sunrise at the Pacuare Lodge brings on the melodious calls of exotic tropical birds and the pleasant drone of the river’s rushing rapids a few hundred feet away. Wisps of silvery mist cling tenaciously to the trees as you’re awakened to a hearty breakfast of freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee, pancakes, eggs, fresh fruit and tantalizing home made bread that will propel you on to an even more exciting final day of rafting.
The second day of this white water extravaganza is filled with challenging class III-IV rapids, providing an exciting and adventure packed 13-mile ride. You will certainly enjoy your river adventure even more today, as you put to the test the skills and practice gained from yesterday’s ride.
Your expert guides will stop the rafts along the way and lead you up paths and side streams to cascading waterfalls and spectacular natural water slides.
Take time to relax amid the stunning scenery, wade in deep crystal clear pools, and splash around to your heart’s content! At about midday a tasty picnic lunch of sandwiches and fruit will be served along the river’s edge.
The day ends with the triumph of having conquered one of the world’s most virgin and scenic rivers. At our river take-out, you may change into dry clothes in our private restroom facilities before boarding a comfortable minivan for the short ride to the Suerre Hotel, located in the town of Guápiles.
You will have the rest of the afternoon to relax and take advantage of the hotels’ excellent facilities. Head to the spa for a comforting soak in the jacuzzi or try a few laps at the hotel swimming pool. Maybe you’d prefer a pleasant tennis match or a light workout at the hotel gym. Come evening, you may choose to have dinner at the hotels’ superb restaurant, or visit the bar before heading to your bed for a good night’s rest. (Dinner on your own)
Day 4 - Tortuguero Jungle Canals
A delicious breakfast is the perfect prelude to an adventure-filled excursion to Tortuguero, located on the northern Caribbean coast, and home to an exotic world of natural and man-made waterways. The Pachira Lodge staff will pick you up at your hotel and transport you to their private dock in the town of Matina. Here you will take a delightful two-hour canal cruise, amid exquisite scenery, to Pachira Lodge - arriving just in time for lunch!
The exotic Pachira Lodge sits on the main Tortuguero canal, and across from the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Well-marked trails thread inland allowing guests easy access into this exotic jungle habitat. As you enter deeper into the jungle don’t be surprised if you spot Howler monkeys playing tag amid the treetops or see brightly colored toucans perched amid the rain forest canopy.
Following a hearty midday meal, you will have a chance to unpack and relax before starting your adventure. In the afternoon there will be a guided jungle hike and a canal boat trip to better acquaint you with the surrounding jungle. The hike will allow you to experience a small portion of this magnificent tropical rainforest, which covers an area of more than 47,000 acres and provides refuge to an abundant and thriving wildlife population. With nearly 14 miles of coastline, Tortuguero National Park is one of the most important nesting sites for four varieties of marine turtles, including the massive Green Turtle, which can weigh over 400 pounds. The Tortuguero Canals are a network of navigable natural and man-made lakes and canals used both for basic transportation and jungle exploration tours. A trip through these waterways will provide visitors with spectacular scenery and the chance to observe up to three different species of monkeys, as well as crocodiles, iguanas and numerous multi-colored birds in their natural environment.
After a day filled with wonder and adventure, return to your room for a hot bath or a relaxing nap. Later, enjoy a striking sunset as you drift lazily in the swimming pool under the comforting watch of luscious palm trees, or slide into a steaming Jacuzzi for a soothing dip. For dinner you will be treated to exquisite international and local cuisine at a spacious family-style restaurant staffed by friendly local residents. Your evening doesn't end here though; between the months of July and October an amazing night tour to the nesting site of the giant Green turtle will put a crowning touch to an already fabulous experience! Witness these magnificent creatures as they lay their eggs on a secluded beach, then cover them up and return to the ocean - one of Nature’s most remarkable spectacles!
Day 5 - Corcovado, Osa Peninsula
Today you will board an early flight back to San José before continuing on to the town of Sierpe. Savor a cup of hot Costa Rican coffee as you wait to transfer to another aircraft for the continuation of your trip. A 45-minute flight will get you to the Southern Pacific town of Palmar Sur at about 9:30 a.m. From here you will be taken to the river village of Sierpe, located 30 kilometers from the ocean. Next, a speedboat will ferry you down a lush mangrove-lined river to the ocean, and on to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. Corcovado National Park, a stone’s throw away, is the ideal starting point for a number of exciting excursions, including an unforgettable visit to Caño Island Biological Reserve.
About an hour later you will arrive at the charming Aguila de Osa Inn, where you'll be warmly received 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 acquainted with the lodge, you will have a chance to explore the numerous trails that lead into the surrounding rainforest, and which offer magnificent views of the abundant plant and animal life. There are also a number of lovely deserted beaches and scenic waterfalls just a few hours hike from your hotel.
Day 6 - Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula
Early mornings are the ideal time for exploring the exuberant Corcovado rainforests, where sunrise is around 5 a.m. and sunset about 5:30 p.m. This is the perfect time for engaging in exciting outdoor activities. These include hiking, horseback riding, beach combing, fishing, swimming and scuba diving.
How about an early morning guided hike into enchanting Corcovado National Park? Described as "one of the most biologically intense places on earth" by National Geographic Magazine, Corcovado’s pristine rare beauty, and its astonishing diversity of flora and fauna are what most impress visitors to this protected refuge.
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 tranquil 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 gentle rustling of the wind through the trees, as you prepare to bid farewell to this fairy-tale adventure!
Day 7 - Drake Bay, San José
After an early morning breakfast, a speedboat will 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 8 - After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home
Above itinerary includes: Round trip transportation service from international airport to hotel and back, two-night stay at Hotel Don Carlos or similar, two-day Pacuare Adventure, transportation and all meals included; one-night stay at Suerre Hotel or similar, breakfast included, one-night stay at Pachira Lodge, transportation, guided jungle hike & canal boat tour and all meals included; Tortuguero-San José flight & roundtrip flight San José-Corcovado; two-night stay at Aguila de Osa Hotel or similar, with all meals included and choice of tour: Corcovado National Park or Caño Island excursion on day-six.
Price per person
(Double occupancy): |
US$1.420
Extra night at Aguila de Osa
US $154
Note: Land transfers are handled by Aventuras Naturales and Pachira Lodge.
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Optional Tours in Drake Bay
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 most exceptional diving in the world. Manta rays, white-tip reef sharks and dolphins are constant companions to divers as they explore this underwater paradise. Although less frequently observed, the gigantic whale shark and massive bull shark are sometimes spotted in the area. Water visibility ranges from 45 to 90 feet depending on weather conditions, and water 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 per person: |
Snorkeling: US $75
Scuba Diving: US $110 (Two Tanks)
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Sportfishing:
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: Kayaking Rio Agujitas and Drake Bay is the ideal way to spend an inspiring afternoon enjoying the best nature has to offer. Discover the jungle’s innermost secrets as you leisurely explore the hidden nooks and corners 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 wonderful way to get better acquainted with the area and its customs. Anyone with an interest in exploring virgin 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.
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| Tropical
Jungle Highlights |
Experience
the thrill and adventure of rafting down a class III-IV river
to the exotic Pacuare Lodge.
Explore
an intricate system of natural waterways and manmade canals
that crisscross Tortuguero National Park.
Discover
a lost world of crystal-blue seas, emerald rainforest and thriving
wildlife at Corcovado National Park.
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| Guest
Comments |
“The
trip was spectacular. The guides were very knowledgeable. The
food was out of this world. Your staff were kind and helpful.
The only trouble is I can’t do it again next week.”
Trudy Torrence
La Habra, CA
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