Costa Rica became the poster child for eco-tourism in the 1990’s and remains at the forefront of that movement today. Thirty years ago, the images of eco-tourism are vastly different than what is available with today’s technology, so you can “go green” even while enjoying high end hotels and fine dining. In this 7-day package you will enjoy an authentic Costa Rican experience by combining the mystical cloud forests and waterfalls of the northern mountainous zone with the tropical rainforest, beaches, and amazing wildlife in the exotic Osa Peninsula. Enjoy surprisingly comfortable accommodations at leading eco-luxury hotels that practice sustainability and harmony with nature.
San Jose International Airport (SJO)
Trip may include activities like jungle walks, hiking, snorkeling and stairs.
Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) where one of our airport representatives will meet you before Immigration holding a sign with your name on it. Outside the airport your private transfer will be waiting to help you with your luggage and whisk you on your way. Drive 90-minutes into the mountains surrounding San Jose until you reach the magical cloud forest region of Bajo del Toro. You will stay here at the El Silencio Lodge and Spa, which sits on 500-acres of primary and secondary cloud forest. This intimate eco-luxury boutique combines the harmony of nature with upscale comfort and a delicious culinary experience. For dinner this evening, enjoy a farm-to-table meal with panoramic mountain views and the sound of a rushing river at Las Ventanas Restaurant.
Start your day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto, organic coffee, and fresh fruit. This is a paradise for outdoor lovers as there are miles of trails to hike right on-site, some of which end at gorgeous waterfalls. For a bigger challenge you can also venture off-site to see one of Costa Rica’s biggest waterfalls, the namesake Bajos del Toro Waterfall. After a morning of hiking and a well-deserved lunch you can offset your carbon footprint by planting a tree during a complimentary guest experience. You can also learn about the coffee brewing process while sampling different local brews. Once your day of adventuring is done cap it off with a nice soak in your own private jacuzzi back at the room.
We will drive you back to San Jose so you can take a flight down to Costa Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula in the very southern part of the country. You will be met at the airstrip, taken by van into the small town of Drake Bay, then you will board your boat from the beach as your eco-lodge is only accessible by water. You will spend your final four nights in Costa Rica at one of our top-rated eco-luxury lodges where you will be surrounded by the most pristine rainforest in the country. Despite the exotic location you can still enjoy amenities like a pool, private bathrooms with hot water showers, comfortable bedding, and even air conditioning – not bad for a place that did not have electricity a decade ago!
After breakfast you will head down to the beach and jump on the boat so you can explore Costa Rica’s creme de la creme – the Corcovado National Park. Despite the fact that large amounts of gold have been found in these mountains, the leaders of Costa Rica had the foresight in 1975 to protect more than 42,000 hectares of land converting it into the world famous national park we enjoy today. It is said to be home to up to 3% of the biodiversity in the entire world and National Geographic referred to it as “the most biologically intense place on Earth”. After an hour boat ride south your trained naturalist guide will take you into the rainforest as you keep your eyes peeled for sloths, all four species of monkeys found in Costa Rica, birds, frogs, snakes, and large mammals like the elusive tapir. Take a rest between hikes to eat lunch and refresh, then head back to the lodge by late afternoon for a refreshing swim in the pool.
The beauty of the Osa Peninsula is not just about the Corcovado National Park as just seven miles off the coast you will find the Caño Island Biological Reserve. This small island is home to an abundance of marine life and is one of the best places in the country to enjoy snorkeling and diving. Jump into our warm Pacific waters to enjoy the chance to swim with sea turtles, rays, white-tipped sharks, dolphins, and hundreds of smaller reef fish. In the heart of migratory whale season, which is August through October, this is also one of the best spots to view humpback whales to come into the area to breed and raise their young.
Enjoy your final day in paradise! We are happy to help you customize your experience by choosing to visit the second ranger station deeper into the Corcovado National Park, go horseback riding on the beach, kayaking on your own from the hotel, dolphin & whale watching, or even sport fishing. You can also simply relax and enjoy the beach and pool as you soak in every minute of this untouched natural paradise.
Take a domestic flight back to San Jose for your international flight home.
