Details
11 DAYS FROM 5500 PP
Best time to go
Sep - Jul
A thrilling Costa Rica safari taking in the wildlife highlights of Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio National Parks and the Osa Peninsula. Costa Rica is synonymous with rainforests and tropical beauty, and on this trip we take you to the renowned ‘land of the turtles’ Tortuguero National Park, whose canals, rivers, beaches and lakes are a working laboratory of rain forest, freshwater, and marine biology. Experience the contrasting Pacific region in Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks, with marine reserves, pristine beaches, snorkeling amongst rays and turtles in an ancient Indian burial ground and excellent primate-spotting, before completing your adventure with a day of beautiful waterfalls and coffee estates.
Arrive into San Jose and be driven through the spectacular Braulio Carrillo National Park and banana plantations to the pier. A two-hour boat ride through the canals will take you to Tortuguero's National Park; home to manatees, crocodiles, tapirs, jaguars, monkeys and sloths – a true tropical wildlife haven. Enjoy a guided visit of Tortuguero village to learn about the history of this little town and way of living of local residences.
After an internal flight back to San Jose you are driven to your hotel in Manuel Antonio National Park. Settle into your charming rainforest resort, dramatically blending beach and nature and set within walking distance of the park. This is also the only national park in Costa Rica where it is possible to see all four endemic species of primate, and is a great place to spot sloths in the wild, both inside and outside the perimeters of the park itself, as well as appreciating the pristine beaches and coastline. Some of the optional tours available include whale watching, horse riding and guided early bird watching.
Catch a short flight to Palmar Sur, on the Osa Peninsula – a brilliantly off-the-beaten track part of Costa Rica. Accessed only by boat from Sierpe, Casa Corcovado is the perfect base for immersing yourself in the jungle and the closest lodge to the national park. The Corcovado region is the last remaining piece of sustainable forest of its type left in Central America. Wildlife is abundant, with frequent sighting of monkeys, coatimundis, squirrels, spiders, macaws, bats, leaf cutting ants, and other animal species. Later, you will find a river and then discover an incredible waterfall.
Try snorkeling near Caño Island - an ancient Indian burial ground lying offshore - a great opportunity to explore the coral reefs around the Island to see a fantastic number of fish, rays and sometimes turtles. This is also one of the best dive spots in Costa Rica. At the Doka coffee estate, you can learn about the production, the harvesting and the roasting of coffee beans and how the various altitudes and microclimates in Costa Rica alter the flavor.
The perfect base for a real experience in the depths of the Costa Rican jungle; sprawled out for exclusivity and privacy in Spanish colonial style bungalows, surrounded by nature and wildlife. Access is only via an hour and a half boat ride, where your adventure starts as you wind your way through the thick mangroves of the Sierpe River.
Uniquely combining nature and beaches, Arenas del Mar caters for those looking for more than just a luxury getaway. Just a short walk from Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast, this is where the jungle meets the sea, resulting in an eccentric, yet very sustainable place to stay. Elegant and sophisticated, the buildings are made to fit around the existing trees which climb around the outside as if reclaiming it. Inside, the walls are peppered with Costa Rican artwork by local artists and there is a real authentic and spacious feel.
Tristan is the best! This is our second trip and we really enjoy the wildlife emphasis. Traveling with NWS is truly a pleasure!