Costa Rica Off the beaten Track

Arrival San Jose. Transfer to hotel
Located at 1149 m above sea level, San Jose maintains an average all year round temperature of 24°C and is home to the main museums and cultural centers: the Gold, Jade, National, Contemporary Art and Children's museum, in addition to the maximum architectural jewel of Costa Rica: The National Theatre, built in 1897 through a self-imposed coffee tax and reflecting European cultural influence.

Hotel San Gildar Only 20 minutes away from the international airport. Well appointed rooms, with air conditioning, TV, telephone, bathroom. Facilities include: restaurant “Terraza del sol”, the terrace “Rincón de la Vieja” and bar, swimming pool. Tropical gardens and very pleasant atmosphere make you feel at home at the tropics.

For further information please visit: http://www.hotelsangildar.com/

Transfer San Jose – Rara Avis ( B, L, D )
Stay in a very remote virgin jungle and experience one of the most diverse environment in Costa Rica.

In Rara Avis, you will be in a remote pristine jungle - true wilderness - bordering Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Zona Protectora La Selva. At 700 meters (2000 ft) above sea level, the climate stays cool and comfortable year-round (25 degrees C).

Accommodation at Waterfall Lodge, a comfortable but rustic lodge with rooms set in the jungle, each with a private bath and wrap-around balcony. The lodge is located about 200 meters from a double waterfall. Visitors in good physical condition can swim at the base of the waterfalls in good weather.

Trails & Nature walks: An extensive series of trails through untouched virgin forest, ranging from moderate to difficult. All trails have muddy and uneven footing. You may hike alone or accompanied by one of the staff naturalists who will help you see and understand the complex, incredibly diverse life of the jungle. An introductory walk is usually offered every afternoon. Each morning, a guided nature walk takes you through the forest. You’ll learn about birds and wildlife along the trails; you’ll learn about the jungle. Later, you may be able to swim in the large crystalline pools at the base of the waterfall or visit the butterfly farm and small orchid garden. Or you could make arrangements with the climbing teacher to explore the canopy !

Meals: Three hearty country-style Costa Rican meals per day as part of basic charge. All meals are family style. Special menu requests will be honored within reason if given advance notice.

For further information, please visit http//: www.rara-avis.com

Rara Avis ( B, L, D )

Truck transfer Rara Avis - Guapiles.( B, L )
Hotel Suerre offers comfortable rooms, air conditioned, telephone, hot water, cable television, safe-deposit box and other services. The hotel also features two restaurants, two bars, Gym, sauna, Jacuzzi surrounded by nature, tennis court & swimming pool.

Transfer to Tortuguero ( B, L, D )
Mawamba Lodge is situated on the Northeast area of Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast on a sand bar between the Tortuguero Canals and the Caribbean Ocean, an excellent location that provides direct access to the pristine beach and the canals. The Lodge is a 15-acre beachfront property located on the right side of Tortuguero, offering nice views to the Tortuguero Lagoon and the canals.

It's beautiful gardens and rustic accommodations, blend with the exuberant jungle vegetation, exotic birds and wildlife creating the perfect balance of nature. All rooms feature a private bathroom with hot water and ceiling fans and offer tranquil garden views.

The Family style restaurant caters International and local cuisine and a pool - area surrounded by beautiful gardens where you can enjoy exotic tropical cocktails, are some of the facilities that you will find at the Lodge. In the pool area a "Red-eyed tree frog" project, where you will observe these lovely animals in their natural habitat. Private nature trails featuring an open sky butterfly farm provide the opportunity to discover the different species of trees, palms trees, heliconias and many other plant species that abound in the Tropical Rainforest.

Tortuguero ( B, L, D )
Boat trips by the canals will enchant your eyes with the nature that surrounds the zone.

Self drive to Gandoca Manzanillo ( B, D )
After having breakfast at Mawamba Lodge, boat and ground transfer to Guapiles where you will receive your 4WD vehicle. Self-drive to Cahuita at Caribbean Coast. 25 kilometers south from Cahuita National Park, southern part of the Limon Province at the Caribbean Coast, in the heart of the Gandoca – Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

This is a rare opportunity to get a feeling for the jungle, living in the wild while maintaining a level of luxury.
Each tent in Almendros y Corales Lodge lies under giant trees in a forest so dense that the sunrays hardly touch the ground. Each tent is placed over a platform lifted up on stilts and orchids hang from the branches and like in a fairy tale, as you walk through the enchanted forest, by passages on stilts, suddenly you are in front of the magnificent Caribbean with your feet on golden sand, coconuts and the bay of Manzanillo.

Gandoca Manzanillo ( B, D )
Explore the different beauties that this zone offers to you. Optional Tours: Searching for dolphins, Kayaking and Snorkeling at Punta Uva or Manzanillo, Green Iguana Project at kekoldi Indian Reserve, Cachabri Indian Village, Crazy Monkey Canopy Tour.

Self drive to San Gerardo de Dota ( B )
This will be a long driving day, on your way towards the last fronteer! The Savegre Mountain Hotel, is located in San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca Mountains in the midst of a precious ecosystem... Here you will find a deep cloud forest filled with massive oaks and other native species. The woods serve as a sanctuary for a large number of mammals and innumerable species of insects, amphibians, amazing plants and colorful birds, a paradise for birdwatchers. In the midst of exuberant tropical cloud forest and bounded by gardens with colorful flowers surrounded by hummingbirds, you find comfortable facilities. The rooms are equipped with heating systems or fireplace, private bath.

The pure mountain air adds to the feeling of peace and relaxation that you will experience while staying in Savegre Hotel, great nights just on the edge of an amazing tropical cloud forest, the song of birds in the awakening, and the harmonious countryside, are just a few of the elements that will turn your visit a great experience.

For further information please visit http//: www.savegre.co.cr

San Gerardo de Dota ( B )
The misty and beautiful surroundings provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the views and sounds of the cloud forest, as well as discover the wonders of Costa Rica's unspoiled ecology. Mystic, tranquil, quiet, romantic… the ideal hideaway to get away from it all.

Self drive to Puerto Jimenez. Breakfast not included.

Puerto Jimenez is a small town on the northeast tip of the Osa Peninsula. It is the gateway to national park Corcovado and the coastal villages of Cabo Matapalo and Carate. The town itself is just a couple of gravel streets, with a noticeable soccer field, a block of general stores, some inexpensive sodas, a butcher shop, and several bars. Scarlet macaws fly overhead, and mealy parrots provide wake-up calls.
To the south of Puerto Jimenez, lies a string of beautiful white-sand beaches, including good surfing at American, Backwater, Pan Dulce, and Carbonera beaches. Beach lovers push from Puerto Jimenez to Cabo Matapalo or Playa Platanares, and beach-park people wind up in Carate.

Agua Luna is located in Puerto Jimenez featuring simple seaside cabinas with air conditioning. Private bathrooms. The hotel does not offer restaurant service.

4WD Transfer to Carate. Corcovado National Park
Today you will arrive at one of the most exuberant and magical Costa Rica’s virgin rainforest.

La Leona Eco Lodge is located on the Carate Beach, at the edge of the Corcovado National Park, one of the most biologically intense areas in the world.

The tents at La Leona are set amidst tall shade trees overlooking the ocean and a black sandy beach. A beach often totally deserted as far as the eye can see is great for sunbathing and the sea suitable for swimming.

The 9 acres of beachfront property are backed by 75 acres of primary rain forest, bordering Corcovado National Park. The wild life knows no boundaries that is why animals that can be seen in the park can be spotted while hiking on La Leona’s trails.

Corcovado National Park
Opportunity to explore the Corcovado NP.

Transfer to P. Jimenez. Self drive to Manuel Antonio
Walk by the beach. 4x4 Taxi to Puerto Jiménez. Manuel Antonio NP, Hotel Espadilla, Standard Room.

Manuel Antonio, on the Pacific Coast with an estuary, mangroves, a lagoon, beaches and winding paths, all this on 638 hectares of land and 55.000 hectares of protected marine environment. Take a walk through the tropical forest and find mosses, ferns, flowers and epiphytes growing thickly on every tree.
Throughout the park, you will find the famous wildlife Costa Rica is known for, monkeys, sloths and lots of birds among others. Licensed local guides are available at the park's entrance and are worth the investment. A splendid combination of nature experience and beach fun.

Lodging at Hotel Espadilla , at 100 meters from the beach. Large, attractive units with a/c, TV and private baths with hot water. Small bar and restaurant, swimming pool, tennis, private reserve with trails.
The area of Manuel Antonio offers restaurants. Aside from the park, there are several activities that you can enjoy in the area. Horseback riding, volleyball, and sea kayaking are just a few. For further information please visit http//: www.hotelespadilla.com

Manuel Antonio ( B )

Self drive to San Jose airport ( B ).
Drop off car. Departure flight.