Travel to Costa Rica: Osa Peninsula Wildland Adventure

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Osa Peninsula Wildland Adventure

			DAYS: 8 GRADE: II-III, Remote, optional long hike define PRICE: From $3225 per person (Includes Local Air) * New Trip! * HIGHLIGHTS: Drakes Bay Noctournal walk at La Paloma Cano Island snorkeling Whale watching Sirena Hike Lapa Rios Wild waterfalls hike Yaguara Wildcat Research ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

When I heard that actor/writer Andrew McCarthy had an assignment to write a story about Costa Rica's remote Osa Peninsula, I was intrigued. After all, my professional career in conservation and ecotourism began working for the National Park Service of Costa Rica in the 80's and I've been traveling back there since we started Wildland 25 years ago. So when Andrew asked if I wanted to accompany him on one leg of the journey deep into the wilderness of the Osa Peninsula, it was an offer I couldn't refuse. Read the back story behind the story.

Kurt Kutay, President

Venture deep into the heart of Corcovado National Park to explore and discover the vast, pristine rainforest wilderness of Costa Rica's remote Osa Peninsula, identified by National Geographic as "One of the most biologically intense places on the planet. Based from the premier ecolodges of La Paloma and Lapa Rios located on each side of Corcovado National Park, we hike, kayak, snorkel, swim, and explore miles of wilderness trails and waterways among the rainforests, rivers, waterfalls and pristine tropical beaches of the Osa."

Everywhere colorful scarlet macaws fly overhead and monkeys cavort in the forest canopy. We spot spectacular tropical bird species and are always on the lookout for tapir, anteaters, coatimundi, peccary herds and other wildlife. We travel by boat along the wilderness coastline to reach the Sirena Ranger Station where jungle cats including puma and jaguar roam, and then either hike or fly out of this jungle wilderness. Local research biologists share firsthand the Yaguara Wild Cats Conservation Project supported by proceeds from your trip to protect the neotropical felines of the Osa. We engage local people who share their stories about life in the wilds of Costa Rica. An optional overnight in the remote and rustic facilities of the Sirena Ranger Station on Day 4 is available on request.

DAY 1 :  SAN JOSE
Arrive at San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport and transfer to the charming Hotel Grano de Oro, a renovated stately mansion built at the turn of the century and updated with the comforts and amenities of a modern hotel. Hotel Grano de Oro is located on a quiet street near many fine restaurants, theaters and shops. Enjoy a tropical beverage in their open-air Jacuzzi and be sure to try the chocolate cake!

	Absorb the sounds of the rainforest on your noctournal walk.

DAY 2 :  NORTHERN OSA PENINSULA - NOCTURNAL WALK
We leave the city behind as our plane heads south to the wild and lush Osa Peninsula (50 min.). A short drive takes us to our boat along the Agujitas River to our rainforest lodge perched on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific. The rest of the day is free to explore Cocalito Beach, kayak along the Agujitas River, fly over the treetops on a canopy zip line or join the amazing "Bug Lady" and "Reptile Man" on a nocturnal walk in search of amazing spiders, snakes and frogs! (Zip line not included). Overnight at La Paloma Lodge in one of seven deluxe thatched roof bungalows perched on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean. [BLD]

Relax and enjoy the tropical island air with a picnic lunch on the beach.

DAY 3 :  NORTHERN OSA PENINSULA - CANO ISLAND
Get your mask and snorkel ready to spend the day at the beach. A 45 minute boat ride takes us to Cano Island. Keep a sharp eye out for whales which are commonly seen migrating here almost year round. In a calm, protected bay of the island we float along the surface of the ocean watching schools of colorful reef fish darting through the water below. Starfish, octopus, conch, and moray eels hide in the underwater rock and coral formations (perfect for first time or experienced snorkelers). Take a break from snorkeling and wander up the island trails to indigenous burial sites. We enjoy a fresh picnic on the tropical island beach leaving plenty of time for another swim before heading back to the lodge. Don't forget an underwater camera and sunscreen, though there is shade on the beach from the palms. Overnight at La Paloma Lodge [BLD]

DAY 4 :  CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK - SAN PEDRILLO OR SIRENA
Option I: Grab your hiking shoes and hop on board a boat for the short trip to the San Pedrillo Ranger Station at the northern boundary of Corcovado National Park. Our guide takes us on a hike along beach trails from through mangrove to montane forests, habitat of four species of monkeys, as well as coatis, sloths, anteaters, and much more, as well as a wide variety of birds, including tanagers, flycatchers, kingfishers, manakins, trogons, crested guans, and spectacular scarlet macaws and toucans. Keep a sharp eye and with luck you may see a Harpy eagle, tapir, a big cat or a crocodile! After lunch at the ranger station there is a short hike to a beautiful waterfall and a refreshing swim in the cool clear water! Return to overnight at La Paloma Lodge. [BLD]

Option II: More ambitious travelers willing to rough it for a night in order to have more time in the tropical wilderness of the Sirena Ranger Station can ride the boat a little further down the coast and spend the day exploring the multitude of trails in this pristine rainforest teaming with wildlife. The best chances of seeing the most wildlife is in the late afternoon and early morning so sleeping at the Sirena Station and waking up the next morning is the most in-depth wildlife experience in Corcovado National Park. The Sirena Ranger Station provides accommodation but is not an ecolodge and does not provide any kind of guest services! You sleep in screened-in rooms with 2 bunk beds in each (possibly shared with up to 4 persons), no air-conditioning or fans, and simple meals prepared by the park kitchen staff. [BLD]

More information about Sirena Ranger Station.

DAY 5 :  CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK AND HIKE TO LA LEONA
If you spent the last night at La Paloma you catch an early morning launch for the short trip (45 min) to the Sirena Ranger Station in the heart of Corcovado National Park.  Sirena is considered the best area in Corcovado National Park for wildlife viewing with an abundance of local trails that traverse a wide range of habitats, from wild tropical beaches to mountainous highlands covered in dense virgin rainforests, and the Sirena and Claro River estuaries where crocodile and bull sharks lurk.  We begin the day early to maximize our time exploring this area. Depending on tides and conditions we begin the long, hot 6 hour hike on a beautiful trail weaving in and out of the forest and palm-fringed white sand beaches where monkeys, macaws and anteaters can often be seen in the trees overhead. If lucky it's possible to see a harpy eagle, tapir, jaguar, puma or a crocodile! We enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of a palm tree and refresh ourselves with fresh coconut water served up on the beach by our machete-wielding naturalist jungle guide.

From La Leona Ranger Station on the south boundary of the park we walk for 30 more minutes down the beach to Carate where a 4WD vehicle is waiting to take us to Lapa Rios Ecolodge, our home for the next 3 nights.  Perched on a hilltop with stunning views to the sea, the Lapa Rios ecolodge offers 16 spacious open-air bungalows perched on a hillside overlooking the sea with queen size beds, hardwood floors, private bath and shower inside and out, and a tranquil private balcony with spectacular views and wildlife outside your door and on your roof.  Lapa Rios is one of the first award-winning ecolodges in the world.   Overnight at Lapa Rios Ecolodge [BLD]

Optional Flight:  During the hike you only carry a day pack with lunch and two liters of water while luggage is transported ahead to the Lapa Rios. If you don't want to hike, a charter flight can be arranged from the Sirena Ranger Station airstrip to Puerto Jimenez. (Ask about additional cost).

	See colorful wildlife including parrots and monkeys!

DAY 6 :  LAPA RIOS RAINFOREST RESERVE
Enjoy a full day hiking and exploring among the many rivers, waterfalls, and natural pools for swimming on miles of wilderness trails winding through the private rainforest reserve of Lapa Rios. Resident naturalist guides identify wildlife and share their deep knowledge of the complex ways that animals and plants co-exist in the tropical rainforest ecosystem. Relax and be on the lookout for wildlife from your veranda always listening and watching for birds flitting through the forest or fruits falling from above as monkeys and parrots feed in the canopy outside your door! Enjoy the pristine beach and tide pools by day and join an optional rain forest night walk. You can also take their 'Twigs, Pigs and Garbage' tour to learn firsthand their commitment to sustainability and maybe get some ideas how you can live a greener way of life (even without a pet pig)! Overnight at Lapa Rios Ecolodge [BLD]

DAY 7 :  WATERFALLS HIKE AND WILD CAT RESEARCH
Start your day with fresh Costa Rican coffee delivered to your bungalow, then plan any number of options from enjoying a massage or setting out on more hikes in the rainforest including very adventurous forays recommended for hardy hikers looking for a challenge (wet walking and steep trails) or easier more relaxing walks and birdwatching. This afternoon you have an opportunity to learn first-hand about jaguars, pumas and other wildcats of the rainforest alongside local wildcat researchers working in the field to conserve felines in the Osa Peninsula. They make a presentation of their research project and findings, and invite anyone interested in participating in activities from setting up and checking heat sensor triggered cameras that monitor the movements of wildlife, tracking and collecting footprints, analyzing cat scat determining their diet and presenting research findings to local schools and community groups, etc. Overnight at Lapa Rios Ecolodge [BLD]

DAY 8 :  SAN JOSE - DEPART OR EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Awaken as the sunlight emerges over the sea and the jungle begins to stir. Transfer to Puerto Jimenez airstrip (45 min) for scheduled Nature Air flight back to San Jose (50 min). Assistance for transfer to the international terminal in time for your onward departure, or extend your Wildland Adventure in Costa Rica.

Note: Your return international departure must be scheduled from 12 noon or later in order to allow time for connecting with the flight from the Osa Peninsula. Otherwise, we will make arrangements for an extra night in San Jose with optional walking exploration of the city or begin your trip extension.

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Grettel Calderon 1(800)345-4453