Highlights
- Dive into the clear waters around Isla del Caño on a snorkeling excursion
- Walk through a Costa Rican jungle at night and spot nocturnal animals
- Hike deep into Corcovado National Park, home to 2.5% of the world's diversity
- Look out for wildlife as you cruise through the Terraba-Sierpe Mangroves by boat
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José, Fly to the Osa Peninsula | Corcovado National Park |
| Day 2 | Snorkeling Tour of Isla del Caño, Night Walk in the Jungle | Corcovado National Park |
| Day 3 | Hiking in Corcovado National Park | Corcovado National Park |
| Day 4 | Terraba-Sierpe Mangrove Tour, Fly to San José | San José |
| Day 5 | Depart San José |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San José, Fly to the Osa Peninsula
Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival at San José's airport, you'll connect with a short flight to the Osa Peninsula, located on the country's southern Pacific coast. If wildlife is what you're looking for, there's no better location to base yourself. The region has an abundance of flora and fauna, some of which you can't see anywhere else in the world—National Geographic even named it "The most biologically intense place on Earth." You can also find secluded beaches, mangrove forests, and tropical rainforests, as well as the star attraction of Corcovado National Park.
Your flight will land at either Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez Airport, and from there, you'll receive a transfer to your hotel by land or boat. Keep your eyes peeled as you head to your lodge accommodations—you might get your first glimpse of the area's abundant birds, monkeys, or even whales. After settling into the lodge, you'll have the remainder of the afternoon free to relax, explore, grab a bite to eat, or head straight to the beach.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 2: Snorkeling Tour of Isla del Caño, Night Walk in the Jungle
Start your day off right with a guided snorkeling tour of Isla del Caño. Located 12 miles (20 km) from the coast of the Osa Peninsula, this marine biological reserve has clear blue waters, making it easy to see the copious amount of wildlife. On today's tour, you might spot turtles, stingrays, manta rays, and even humpback whales if it's the right time of year. Get your snorkeling equipment from your lodge staff and embark on your underwater adventure!
Day 3: Hiking in Corcovado National Park
Today, you'll explore Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places in the world. It's actually home to 2.5% of the planet's biodiversity and is so big—over 128,500 acres (52,000 ha)—that it has both a primary and secondary forest. But don't worry, you won't be walking the entire park. You'll find beaches, waterfalls, and tons of wildlife here as well, especially birds. There are an astonishing 494 avian species recorded in this national park, so keep your eyes on the trees. Start your hike at San Pedrillo Ranger Station and follow your guide down one of the winding trails.
You'll likely walk through different ecosystems on your hike, as the park has 13, including beaches, mangrove swamps, lowland rainforest, and highland cloud forest. Your expert guide will point out any wildlife and notable flora so you don't miss a thing. You can see Costa Rica's most famous animals, two-toed and three-toed sloths, as well as endangered wildlife like red-backed squirrel monkeys. If you didn't get lucky enough to see a jaguar or puma on your night walk, you have another opportunity today.
Day 4: Terraba-Sierpe Mangrove Tour, Fly to San José
One of the best ways to see the Osa Peninsula is by water, so today, you'll be jumping in a boat to explore the Terraba-Sierpe National Wetland. This 67,000-acre (27,000 ha) protected nature reserve is actually the largest mangrove system in Central America, making it the perfect home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish. Bird lovers will especially love this tour as there are over 100 species of birds here, including the endemic mangrove hummingbird that you can't find anywhere else on Earth.
Your naturalist guide will point out these birds and other wildlife and help you use binoculars to see creatures that may be hiding inside the dense mangrove foliage. Unlike the previous activities, there's no walking or swimming involved today—all you have to do is sit back and relax as your guide takes you down the maze of canals and rivers. After the tour, it's time to say your goodbyes and catch a flight back to San José, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the city.
Day 5: Depart San José
If you have a later flight, you'll have the morning to yourself in San José. For any last-minute shopping, you could leave your luggage at the hotel and check out the Mercado Central (Central Market). With over 200 shops, you can find plenty of unusual and unique souvenirs here. The market is also home to popular sodas (small traditional eateries), so you can fill up on local favorites like chifrijo (fried pork with beans) or chorreadas (corn pancakes) before your flight.
If you just want to explore, head over to Barrio Amón, a historical neighborhood with mansions from the 19th century. Stroll past a mix of Victorian, colonial, and classical-style buildings that are now galleries, restaurants, bars, and hotels. Keep an eye on the clock, as a driver will be picking you up at your hotel for your flight. Safe travels and pura vida!
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