Costa Rica Wildlife Explorer

Duration 11 days
Price guide
From
  PP
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This 11-day adventure brings you through the lush and vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica, where pristine nature and diverse wildlife await at every turn. Your journey begins in San Jose, the bustling capital city of Costa Rica before setting off to the Osa Peninsula, a remote paradise renowned for its untouched rainforests and abundant wildlife. Spend the next few days immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of the region, exploring lush jungle trails, spotting scarlet macaws and howler monkeys. Then, head inland to the mystical cloud forests. Embark on guided hikes along suspended bridges, traversing through a canopy alive with the sounds of exotic birds and elusive mammals. Spend your last days in Manuel Antonio National Park, where dense rainforest meets pristine beaches along the Pacific coast.

Trip highlights

  • Spot jaguars and pumas in the Osa Peninsula
  • Go bird watching in the ethereal Cloud Forests
  • See swinging monkeys, sloths and toucans in Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Go waterfall chasing on a hike around El Silencio

Bespoke trips with Jacada

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Privately guided tours
  • Private transfers
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance
  • Days 1-2 San Jose
  • Days 2-5 Osa Peninsula
  • Days 5-8 The Central Cloud Forests
  • Days 8-11 Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica Wildlife Explorer
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1-2 San Jose
  • Days 2-5 Osa Peninsula
  • Days 5-8 The Central Cloud Forests
  • Days 8-11 Manuel Antonio

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1-2

An introduction to Costa Rica's capital city

In the heart of the Central Valley, San Jose, the vibrant capital city of Costa Rica, is a captivating blend of culture, history and modernity. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history through its landmarks, including the majestic National Theater, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture and the historic Barrio Amón, known for its beautifully preserved colonial buildings. Art enthusiasts will delight in the city’s numerous galleries and museums, such as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of indigenous artifacts. Beyond its cultural treasures, San Jose offers a thriving culinary scene, with an abundance of restaurants serving up traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as international cuisine.

Days 2-5

Three nights along the Osa Peninsula

The pristine rainforests and the rugged natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula make this region among the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica. Declared ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth’ by the National Geographic Magazine, the Osa Peninsula along with Drake Bay is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including mammals such as white-face capuchins, margays, ocelots, tapirs, jaguars and pumas. Scarlet macaws, pelicans and woodpeckers are just some of the birdlife to enjoy and you can watch humpback whales and dolphins cavort in the gulf inlet.

 

Days 5-8

Exploring the Cloud Forests

Time to enjoy the natural evergreen environment of the misty Cloud Forests. This unique environment is almost always shrouded in mist giving it an ethereal feel, as if nothing else beyond the cloud exists. The forests are home to colourful birds, butterflies, ocelots and an incredible array of lichen, moss and orchids.

A birdwatching adventure

Venture into the forest accompanied by an expert guide to witness the area’s incredible birdlife. Marvel at the tiny hummingbirds, catch sight of rare black guans, and seek out the elusive quetzals.

 

 

 

Days 8-11

A grand finale in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio stands out as the nation’s premier coastal getaway, and it’s not hard to see why. With its thoughtful development, protected marine areas, expansive national parks and pristine white-sand beaches, it offers an unparalleled experience. Here, you can bask in the tranquility of secluded spots or dive into an array of exhilarating water activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and even dolphin watching.

A trekking adventure through Manuel Antonio National Park

Visit Manuel Antonio National Park and delve into one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking natural reserves. Accompanied by a seasoned guide, you’ll traverse through this vibrant ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for various monkey species, sloths, coatimundis and an array of other fascinating creatures.

Established in 1972 to safeguard the lush forests and pristine beaches, Manuel Antonio boasts a rich biodiversity, serving as a sanctuary for many of Costa Rica’s endangered species.

Despite its modest size, this park is renowned as one of the country’s finest, offering visitors an unforgettable immersion into its unparalleled natural beauty.

“A true Costa Rican adventure‌”

Planning my daughter and my adventure with Berni and Jen was easy and fun. We outlined the key things we wanted to do and they put it all together. Throughout our holiday, we enjoyed ziplining, nature walks and sloth searches, traversed the hanging bridges, hiked to waterfalls, rafted into and out of our amazing lodge in the rainforest and were…

Published 12th June 2023 on Trustpilot
Jennifer Erpenbeck