As you journey across southern Costa Rica, you’ll discover one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, offering unique experiences and encounters with extraordinary wildlife, eco-lodges, and adventures ranging from whitewater rafting and jungle treks to boat trips across tropical waters that glow in the dark. The trip provides opportunities for both adventure and cultural immersion.
Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Your journey begins on the Pacuare River, a major hub of Costa Rica’s rafting scene. As you navigate the river’s rapids, you’ll be guided by expert raft guides like Marcello Delgado, known for his enthusiasm and passion for whitewater rafting. You’ll experience the thrill of rapids ranging from grades II to V, depending on your skill level, and enjoy stops along the way to swim beneath waterfalls and observe the rich biodiversity of the surrounding rainforest.
As you make your way down the river, you’ll be guided by the safety kayaker, Alex Cordero, who scouts the rapids ahead to ensure a safe and smooth journey. The pristine beauty of the river and its surroundings will captivate you as you encounter the song of the rainforest and stunning sights like the iridescent blue morpho butterfly.
Eco-Lodge Retreat
Your destination is Pacuare Lodge, an eco-lodge nestled in the Caribbean-facing Limón province that can only be reached by rafting. This secluded retreat, powered by water turbines, combines elegance with a sense of adventure. You’ll stay in beautifully crafted villas with open-sided dining pavilions, and enjoy activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and rappelling down waterfalls.
Bespoke Itinerary and Cultural Immersion
Your trip, curated by Audley Travel, spans nearly two weeks and takes you through southern Costa Rica’s most scenic and biodiverse enclaves. You’ll explore eco-lodges that prioritize sustainability by employing locals and minimizing their environmental impact. In addition to the adventures and natural beauty, you’ll have the chance to engage with the Cabécar people, Costa Rica’s largest indigenous group.
During your stay at Pacuare Lodge, you’ll hike through the hotel’s 930-acre forested reserve with lodge guide Giovanni Taylor Damien, who will help you unravel the sounds of the rainforest, including the songs of various bird species. You’ll also venture into the Nairi Awari Indigenous Reserve, where you’ll meet members of the Cabécar community and learn about their traditions, culture, and natural remedies.
This journey across southern Costa Rica offers a rich and transformative experience, blending adventure, nature, and cultural exploration in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
Birds of a feather
As you drive through the foggy mountain pass known as ‘Cerro de la Muerte’ (or ‘Hill of Death’), you may find yourself on a thrilling journey to a bird-watching haven called San Gerardo de Dota. This breathtaking region is home to the resplendent quetzal, a near-endangered bird species of mythical beauty. This extraordinary destination combines stark, almost-Alpine landscapes with thriving wildlife populations, offering a chance to see some of the country’s most iconic birds.
Exploring San Gerardo de Dota
Your journey takes you through diverse terrains, from the Central Valley’s farmlands and volcanoes to the highlands of southern Costa Rica. The Trogón Lodge, your cozy resting spot nestled on the edge of Los Quetzales National Park, provides a stunning location to rest under a clear, star-filled sky. The pristine beauty of the area, combined with its quetzal population, draws dedicated travelers and bird-watchers from around the world.
Bird-Watching with Greivin González
At dawn, you join fellow bird enthusiasts and experienced birder Greivin González outside the lodge. Wrapped up in warm clothing, the group sets out on a quest to spot the resplendent quetzal, an almost sacred bird in Mesoamerican cultures. Greivin, with his vast knowledge and gentle demeanor, keeps you all engaged with fascinating facts about the quetzals while being careful not to scare them away.
A Spectacular Sighting
After a few hours of anticipation, the group is suddenly treated to the sight of a female quetzal perched on a branch. Her deep turquoise feathers and cherry-red chest are a sight to behold, with her black-and-white tail feathers adding to her beauty. Soon after, a vibrant male quetzal joins the scene, his long, serpentine tail feathers almost at full length. The male’s striking colors shine brightly in the sunlight, creating a dazzling display.
The resplendent quetzals’ visit may be brief, but their vivid colors and graceful movements leave an unforgettable impression on you. Their ethereal appearance amidst the lush greenery of San Gerardo de Dota is a mesmerizing experience you won’t soon forget.
When it rains
Your journey continues to the Osa Peninsula, one of Costa Rica’s most remote and biodiverse regions. This turtle-fin-shaped outpost offers a unique and immersive experience, showcasing the country’s stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
Traveling to Osa Peninsula
The journey to Osa Peninsula is an adventure in itself, taking you through winding roads and various modes of transportation. The trip starts with a drive along the Pan-American Highway, offering breathtaking vistas and coastal views as you make your way toward Puerto Jiménez. From there, a hardier vehicle takes you on dirt tracks through the lush Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve, leading you to the town of Carate.
Reaching La Leona Eco Lodge
Arriving at the edge of a dark-sand beach in Carate, you encounter your unique mode of transport: a cart horse and a quad bike. With the tide quickly coming in and a storm approaching, you hop on the quad bike for a thrilling ride along the beach to La Leona Eco Lodge.
La Leona Eco Lodge Experience
The lodge seamlessly blends with its surroundings, offering simple, ocean-front safari tents and alfresco showers overlooking the water. By night, the property is illuminated by stars and candlelight, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Over a traditional Tico dinner, lodge manager Agustín Briones shares tales of the local wildlife, including a puma that once wandered through the lodge.
Exploring Corcovado National Park
The following morning, you venture into Corcovado National Park with local guide Alvaro Montoya. As the largest park in Costa Rica, it boasts a wide variety of species. From squirrel monkeys in the canopy to self-assured anteaters strutting ahead, you witness the richness of the rainforest. Scarlet macaws fly overhead, while multicolored toucans and other vibrant birds add splashes of color to the lush landscape.
Learning from Nature
Alvaro’s anecdotes and observations provide insight into the delicate balance of the natural world. Though nature can be harsh, with birds preying on eggs and monkeys showing their sharp teeth, there’s a sense of wonder in every sighting. Your days become filled with moments of awe as you witness the incredible biodiversity of the region.
Finding Your Place in Nature
As you settle into the rhythm of the Osa Peninsula, you find yourself waking up at dawn to explore the tide-washed beach and observe sea turtles’ nesting sites. You begin to recognize different bird calls and appreciate the changing sky and sea at dusk. The Osa Peninsula reveals its magic to you, making your journey an unforgettable experience in the heart of Costa Rica’s wild beauty.
Let there be light
After several days of adventuring and exploring Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes, you find yourself at the final leg of your journey on the Gulf of Nicoya. Here, you experience the magic of the region’s natural beauty and marine life.
Kayaking in the Gulf of Nicoya
You glide across the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Nicoya in a kayak, taking in the rugged islands and rock stacks that seem freshly formed, like newly minted creations of the earth. As you paddle, your guide, Christian Rosáles, head of activities at Isla Chiquita glamping hotel, shares stories of the marine life he’s witnessed in these waters, including humpbacks and orcas.
Connecting with Nature
Christian’s love for the ocean is evident as he whistles to the kingfishers and calls out to the pelicans. His passion for the marine ecosystem is contagious as he recounts tales of mangrove replanting and saving giant turtles from fishing nets.
Experiencing Artisanal Fishing
As the sun sets, you embark on an artisanal fishing trip with Christian, using a hand-held line and bait. You patiently wait for a nibble while surrounded by the cries of frigate birds circling overhead. Though it takes time to perfect the skill, you eventually catch a red snapper, marking your successful contribution to dinner.
Exploring the Bioluminescent Waters
After your fishing adventure, you journey into the night, weaving around the nearby islands in the warm, silky air. Your guide steers you to a secluded cove shielded from the starlight and moonlight. Once there, you dip your hand into the water, creating a burst of bioluminescence.
The water glows and shimmers where you touch it, and you can see the sparkling trails of fish and rays beneath the surface. Christian explains that the glow comes from dinoflagellates, a type of marine plankton found in the tropical bays of Nicoya.
Awe-Inspiring Moments
Christian collects some of the glowing water in a jam jar, letting you marvel at the sparkling specks up close before pouring it out, leaving your feet dusted with bluish embers. The sight fills you with a sense of wonder, a childlike joy that you savor and treasure.
Christian’s laughter and splashes in the water reflect his shared excitement, reminding you of the magic of experiencing the world anew. This unforgettable night on the Gulf of Nicoya serves as a fitting conclusion to your journey, encapsulating the wonder and enchantment of Costa Rica.
Getting there and around
If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, here’s how you can get there, navigate around the country, and choose the best times to visit:
Getting There
- Flights: You can fly direct to Costa Rica’s capital, San José, from Heathrow with British Airways. Other carriers offer one-stop routes from major UK cities such as London and Manchester.
- Websites for booking flights:
- British Airways: ba.com
- Air Canada: aircanada.com
- Air France: airfrance.co.uk
- KLM: klm.com
- Swiss International Air Lines: swiss.com
- Virgin Atlantic: virginatlantic.com
- Websites for booking flights:
- Flight Time: Direct flights from London to San José take around 11.5 hours.
Getting Around
- Car Hire: Car hire is widely available throughout the country. Costa Rica’s roads are generally in good condition, but they are largely unlit, so it’s advisable to avoid driving at night.
- Domestic Flights: You may choose to fly to different regions within the country to save time.
When to Go
- Climate: The Caribbean coast and Pacific south receive rain year-round. The west and northwest Pacific coast experience a drier season from December to April.
- Temperatures: Average temperatures range from 26-32°C on the coast and 23-26°C in the highlands.
- Activities: Rafting on the Pacuare River is best from June to December. The resplendent quetzal can be seen in full plumage from December to May.
Where to Stay
- Pacuare Lodge: Rates from US$621 (£502) per person, per night, full board with activities and transfers. Minimum stay of two nights. Mandatory conservation fee of US$25 per person, per stay.
- Trogón Lodge: Doubles from US$160 (£130), B&B.
- La Leona Eco Lodge: Doubles from US$175 (£142), B&B.
- Isla Chiquita: Doubles from US$186 (£150), B&B.
More Information
For more information on visiting Costa Rica, you can go to visitcostarica.com.
How to Do It
A 13-day tailor-made trip to Costa Rica with Audley Travel costs from £10,800 per person (based on two sharing), including stays at all the accommodations mentioned above as well as in San José. The price includes international flights, transfers, car hire, accommodation, and excursions.
Happy travels!