If your main goal in visiting Costa Rica is to see as much wildlife as possible, this 9 day, 8 night package is for you. The lush and beautiful, but sparsely populated, Osa Peninsula is in the southern part of the country, on the Pacific Ocean. Its vast acres of virgin rainforest are home to Corcovado National Park, where sloths, monkeys, macaws, toucans, coatis, tapirs, and countless other birds and wildlife live. This is the premier area for rainforest exploration. It is a challenge to get there, but so worth it! You’ll spend five nights here before moving on to Manuel Antonio for three nights. Manuel Antonio, while more populated than Osa, is home to a surprising number of wildlife species, along with some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. In both locations you’ll stay in top notch accommodations and will participate in hiking, birdwatching, and even a nighttime bioluminescent boat tour. This is a one-of-a-kind adventure!

 

Price

• $2,750 Per Person

• Based on a minimum of two people in a double occupancy room

• $1,000 per additional person staying in the same room (maximum two)

• Prices valid through 2023 (excluding Semana Santa / Easter week 4/2/2023 to 4/9/2023 and 12/20/2023 to 1/5/2024). All pricing subject to change until booked and confirmed. Lower rates may be available during "green season" (May to November). Inquire when booking.

 

Destinations

Osa Peninsula, Manuel Antonio

 

Duration

9 days, 8 nights

 

Itinerary

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 Day 1 

Transfer to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula

When you arrive in San Jose, you will be greeted by your private driver, who will transport you to the Osa Peninsula. It is a 6-7 hour drive. If your flight gets into SJO after 3:00 p.m. we might adjust the itinerary to include an overnight stay near the airport before transferring to Osa. But whenever possible, we prefer to have you wake up refreshed on your first morning in Costa Rica surrounded by a cacophony of wildlife sounds right outside your hotel. You will check into the Botanika Osa Peninsula (or comparable hotel), an environmentally sensitive and sustainably designed hotel. From the lagoon-style swimming pool to the walking trails, to the fitness center and the full-service spa, every detail has been attended to.

Note: Sansa, a domestic airline, offers flights from SJO to Puerto Jimenez. It is a short 50-minute flight. Depending on what time your flight comes into SJO, and the time of year (Sansa doesn’t operate these flights year round), we could look into a domestic flight to reduce the amount of travel time.

 

 Day 2 

Osa Peninsula

On your first day after arrival, we have kept your schedule light. You can explore the amenities of your hotel, while you get acquainted with the area. If you’re feeling like exploring, you can rent mountain bikes, or check with the tours desk for other ideas. As the afternoon comes to a close, you’ll experience a bioluminescent tour to witness one of nature’s most amazing phenomena, as you kayak in Golfo Dulce (sweet gulf), one of only three tropical fjords in the world. The mangroves provide a nursery for marine life such as sharks and shrimp, and at night the living organisms in the gulf emit biochemical light that is magical to witness. Note: The best times to see bioluminscence is just before or after a new moon, when there is less moonlight to interfere. But there's always some magic happening, no matter when you go!

 

 Day 3 

Osa Peninsula

Today you will explore Corcovado National Park, a real treat for nature lovers. The park encompasses more than 10,000 acres and contains old growth rainforests. There are 13 ecosystems which include mangrove swamps, highland cloud forest, lowland rain forest, palm forest and beach and marine habitats. There are wonderful shy animal species in Corcovado including jaguars, eagles, squirrel monkeys, tapirs, sloths, scarlet macaws, and more. National Geographic describes it as the “most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity.” Your early day will begin with a 1.5 hour boat ride from Puerto Jimenez to Sirena Station, one of four – and the largest – ranger stations within the Park. From there you will explore a series of trails, led by a knowledgeable naturalist guide. You’ll walk between 6 and 9 km, exploring as you go. There are other, more extensive hikes within the Park, and if you are interested in a chance to explore further, we can adjust the schedule to include a more extensive hike.

 

Note:  Corcovado National Park has a limit each day for number of people in the park, so making a reservation well in advance is recommended. 

 

Note: You are not allowed to bring any food or drinks into the park unless it is in reusable containers and reusable water bottles. No single use plastic products are allowed.

 

 Day 4 

Osa Peninsula

We’ve left your day wide open. If you were interested in a more extensive tour in Corcovado, there are overnight options, so this day could be the day you would return from a two day trip in the Park. If you are interested in a two day hike in the park, let us know and we will reconfigure the itinerary. But don’t worry - there is still plenty to do. Do some exploring on the resort’s nature trails, kayak in the mangrove estuary, avail yourself of the hotel’s spa services, or kick it into high gear in their state-of-the-art fitness center. Or, spend the day relaxing by the pool while you listen to rainforest sounds all around you.

 

 Day 5 

Osa Peninsula

Your day will begin early with a birdwatching tour that sets off at 5:30 a.m. You’ll see many of the more than 400 bird species that have been documented here. Some of the most sought-after species in Osa include the Scarlet Macaw, the Keel-billed Toucan, the Collared Aracari, the Green Ibis, and the White Crowned Parrot. While you’re out, you are also likely to see monkeys, sloths, various amphibians, and more! After you return and eat some breakfast, we recommend that you rent bikes from the hotel and pedal about 5 km to Playa Plataneres, a pretty local beach. You’ll bike past tropical forests and small farms, and once you arrive at the beach, you may find you have it all to yourself. Enjoy your last day and night on the Osa Peninsula!

 

 Day 6 

Transfer to Manuel Antonio

You will check out of your hotel after breakfast, and a private driver will take you to Manuel Antonio, an interesting drive of just over 3 hours. You will check into the Parador Nature Resort and Spa (or comparable hotel), which sits atop Punta Quepos promontory, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This luxury property is surrounded by 12 acres of lush rainforest. You might see monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, and more, right from your balcony. Enjoy the ocean views, the nature trails, and all the amenities the resort has to offer.

 

 Day 7 

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park is the country’s smallest national park, but one of the most beloved, and one of the few places where rainforest is combined with beautiful beaches. The trick to a successful day in Manuel Antonio is to go early, and to use an excellent guide. It is possible to see sloths, monkeys, and many exotic birds, and the earlier you go, the more likely you are to see them. You will be picked up from, and returned to your hotel. We know you will love your time in the park, which will be greatly enhanced by the skills and experience of your guide. The vibe is definitely different from the Osa Peninsula, but we think you will enjoy having both types of wildlife experiences.

 

Note: You are not allowed to bring any food or drinks into the park unless it is in reusable containers and reusable water bottles. No single use plastic products are allowed.

 

 Day 8 

Manuel Antonio

Your day is free to explore. The resort’s nature trail is a great place to spot additional wildlife. We can also recommend taking a walk to Playa Biesanz, or another nearby beach. Bring water shoes! There are vendors on the beach selling drinks, umbrellas, chair rentals, and snorkel equipment. On your last night in Manuel Antonio, you will take a night tour at Biophilia Biological Reserve & Environmental Education Center. Transportation will be provided to and from your hotel. The rainforest comes alive after dark, and you can expect to see an assortment of frogs, reptiles, insects, and even sleeping birds.

Note: Bring a waterproof bag to the beach so you can keep your valuables with you. It is never advisable to leave your belongings unattended on the beach. There are many waterproof cross body bag options available online.

 

 Day 9 

Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO for departing flight

You will check out of your hotel after breakfast (depending on your departure flight), and your private driver will transfer you to SJO (approx. 3.25 hours).

 

Included

• 5 nights at Botanika Osa Peninsula (or comparable hotel)

• 3 nights at Parador Nature Resort and Spa (or comparable hotel)

• All hotel and activity taxes are included in price

• Private transport from SJO to Puerto Jimenez

• Private transport from Puerto Jimenez to Manuel Antonio

• Private transport from Manuel Antonio to SJO

• Breakfast on days 2–9

• Nighttime Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

• Corcovado Sirena Station Guided Tour

• Early morning birdwatching tour

• Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park

• Guided night tour at Biophilia Biological Reserve

• In-country assistance via text, phone and email

 

Not included

• You are responsible for lunches and dinners, except for lunch on day 3.

• Price does not include gratuities - it is customary to tip drivers, tour guides, housekeeping staff. There is a 10% gratuity added to restaurant bills, but additional tips for good service are greatly appreciated.

• International airfare not included.

 

What to bring

• bathing suits, casual wardrobe, fast-drying athletic wear

• sun glasses, hat, ocean-friendly sunscreen, insect repellent

• Your footwear options should include water shoes, flip flops, sports sandals, and closed-toe shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots (if preferred)

• Reusable water bottle (no single use plastics allowed in national parks)

• You will be staying along the coast where it is almost always warm and tropical. But it is a good idea to have a few long sleeved shirts and/or sweatshirt and a light jacket. 

 

Note

We always have one or more comparable back-up hotels. The further out you book your vacation, the better our chances of booking our preferred hotels. If hotel availability is going to have a significant impact on your stay, we will discuss alternatives with you prior to making hotel reservations on your behalf.

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