Wild Costa Rica : Corcovado

Day 1: Arrive San Jose

Overnight in San Jose.

Days 2-3: Pacuare Whitewater (2B,2L,D)

This morning you head east towards the Caribbean and the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River for two days of whitewater rapids, jungle-clad canyons, and spectacular waterfalls. One of Costa Rica's most exciting whitewater vacations, you'll camp along the river tonight. You explore some of Costa Rica's remote rainforest in Braulle National Park, and, of course, plunge through the exhilarating rapids of the Pacaure River. It's back to San Jose at the end of Day 3 in time for dinner on your own and a relaxing evening before tomorrow's flight to the wild Osa Peninsula.

Days 4-6: Corcovado EcoLodge (3B,3L,3D)

Early this morning you board a flight to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula to explore the last Pacific coastal rainforest in Central America. From here you will transfer two hours to Carate, and then a horse will carry your luggage as you walk the thirty minutes along the beach to the tent camp. Corcovado is one of the only places in Costa Rica where large groups of the endangered scarlet macaw still color the sky. Look carefully into the almond trees that line the beach, and you're sure to see a group of the brilliant birds noisily cracking nuts. Your time here is filled with exploring the rainforest, splashing in the surf, and relaxing to the sound of crashing waves and tropical birds. Early the next morning it's off for a full day hike through Corcovado National Park. The path weaves between sandy beaches, primary and secondary forests, and a small stretch of mangrove. Corcovado National Park teems with wildlife ranging from spider, squirrel, and capuchin monkeys, coatimundis, two and three toed sloths, tapirs, peccaries, giant anteaters and even ocelot, jagaurundi, and others. This is one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot such elusive wildlife, and learn about rainforest ecology first hand. On your last day here, enjoy Corcovado as you wish. Optional activities include horseback riding, hiking in Corcovado, taking the canopy tour, kayaking, whale watching, surfing or take a visit to Cano Island for some snorkeling. The magic of sleeping in safari-style tents on the edge of the jungle and sandy beach makes this an unforgettable journey.

Day 7: Return San Jose (B)

This morning you head back to Carate and catch a short connecting flight to Puerto Jimenez, where you connect with your flight on to San Jose. Don't forget to watch the almond trees carefully for scarlet macaws. Upon your return to San Jose, you're on your own to explore the city, take a coffee tour, or just relax in your charming hotel. Pura vida!

Day 8: Return Home (B)

Return Home (B)