Undiscovered Costa Rica

Early morning departure to San Gerardo de Dota visiting the Irazu Volcano on the way. Our first visit will take us the Irazu Volcano (11,155), the highest volcano in the country. This active volcano, presently in a dormant phase, is located about a 90 minute drive from San Jose and about 45 min drive from Cartago, the countrys former capital city. Our drive will take us through a rural landscape formed by colorful villages, plantations and patches of forest with impressive views of El Guarco Valley as you gain altitude. Once on the top, take a short walk to the mouth of its two craters, where you’ll be able to observe the volcano in all its magnitude. Our tour continues with a drive to Santa Gerardo with a lunch stop on the way. Check in at your lodge and rest of the day at leisure. San Gerardo de Dota, submerged between the mountains that make up part of the Continental Divide and surrounded by extensive cloud forests, offers an ecological paradise in its purest state. Explore the abundant biodiversity of the tropical forest during a hike along the various nature trails and discover why this is considered one of the most authentic natural destinations in the country. Due to its high altitude at more than 2000 meters above sea level, San Gerardo de Dota benefits from a template and cool climate, which combined with the mystery emanating from the cloud forest, make this a perfect destination for natural history lovers and hiking. (B,L)

Today, you’ll enjoy a pleasant five-hour guided hike in the highlands of the scenic Cerro Buena Vista. From your hotel, you will be transferred to the starting point at 11,450 ft above sea level, the top of Buena Vista mountain, to follow a trail leading down through the cloud forest that ends in the secluded valley of San Gerardo de Dota, elevation 7,220 feet. The hike travels through a sub-alpine forest characterized by dwarf vegetation. This zone, also known as pramo, is only found at the high elevations of the Talamanca Mountain Range and in the Andes. On a clear day, it is possible to see the central and southern Pacific Coast as well as some of the volcanoes of the Central Mountain Range. On the descent, you watch the eco-system change until you are totally immersed in cloud forest with its huge oaks, perpetually green vegetation and stunning wildlife. You will be returned to your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at your selected hotel. (B,L)

Early morning transfer from your hotel to the area of Uvita at Bahia Ballena on the southern Pacific coast, about a three and a half hour drive from San Gerardo de Dota. Bahia Ballena is named for the humpback whales that arrive annually for courting and calving. This beautiful coast is comprised of many unique, beautiful deserted beaches and majestic mountains that meet the sea. The area also features lush tropical forests, teeming with wildlife, scenic waterfalls and plenty of opportunities for adventure. On the way, near the village of Dominical, you’ll stop and take a guided hike to the impressive Nauyaca Waterfalls, considered some of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. The Nauyaca Waterfalls lie deep in the tropical rainforest in southern Costa Rica and sits in a wide canyon that is covered in lush greenery, made even greener from the constant mist of the cascading water. With two sets of falls measuring a combined 61 meters (200 feet) tall and a large natural pool for swimming, the Nauyaca waterfalls are indeed a sight to see. Our hike will take you through an emerald rain forest following a well-maintained trail that goes parallel to the beautiful Baru River and then ascending a steep hill proving great chances to spot some wildlife, like monkeys or birds. From the trailhead, the hike is 2 miles in each direction (about 1 hr. each way). The trail is very easy in places, following a rough dirt road, and moderately difficult in others, with a few steep, rocky areas near the falls. Once we reach the falls, you will have time to admire both, the upper and lower falls and take a swim to cool off in a huge pool of blue water with plenty of room for everyone to have their space and relax. You’ll have some snacks around the pool before our hike back to your vehicle. After completing your hike, you will be transferred to your hotel in Uvita. Guide/driver at your disposal for the rest of the day.

Option to take a 4 X 4 transfer to the waterfall. Please confirm in advance.

Todays Costa Rica tours provide an overview of the area. The half-day boat tour starts at Punta Uvita Beach and visits the famous Punta Uvita Whale Tale, Ballena Island, Tres Hermanas Islets and Ventana Sea Caves. During the tour, you will search for humpback and pilot whales as well as three different species of resident dolphins. Humpback whales regularly pass through Costa Ballena between mid-July and October, and again in December through March, as they migrate to and from feeding and mating grounds. With luck, you will see and hear the humpback whales or observe the acrobatics of the dolphins. You also visit the coral and rock reefs to snorkel and search for the abundant marine wildlife. While cruising along the beautiful coastline of Costa Ballena, you will observe the diversity of pelagic birds in the islets and the amazing caverns of Ventanas Beach. If conditions permit, your experienced boat captain will navigate through these natural water passages for some spectacular views. You are returned to your hotel around noon and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at your selected hotel. (B)

In the morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to Sierpe, about a one-hour drive. Upon arrival at the Sierpe dock, you’ll take a ninety-minute boat ride downriver, viewing mangrove wetlands along the river’s edge until reaching your jungle lodge on the Osa Peninsula. After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the nature trails and the beach. Overnight at your selected lodge. (B,L,D)

Casa Corcovado / Most other Corcovado Hotels CLOSED September 1-November 14

These two memorable days of Costa Rica ecological tours will be spent observing wildlife. This wilderness park is home to many endangered species: monkeys, jaguars and tapirs as well as 400 bird species including the country’s largest population of scarlet macaws, making it a popular stop for tropical biologists and eco-tourists alike. Here you will enjoy full-day excursions to Corcovado National Park and Cano Island Biological Reserve accompanied by a naturalist guide (the order of the tours may vary depending on weather conditions). The tour to Cano Island includes time to snorkel. A picnic lunch will be provided on both tours. You will be returned to the lodge in the afternoon. Overnight at your lodge on the Osa Peninsula. (B,L,D)

Casa Corcovado / Most other Corcovado Hotels CLOSED September 1-November 14

In the morning (depending upon the tides), you will depart the coast to fly from Palmar Sur or Drake Bay back to San Jos to connect with your international flight home. (B)