Location
Costa Rica
Wildlife, Volcanoes and Jungles of Costa Rica
Details
15 DAYS FROM 7250 PP
Best time to go
Year Round
Conservation Safari Costa Rica
Travel through the wildlife-rich regions of Costa Rica to get a sense of the country's incredible biodiversity, including visits to observe the turtles of Tortuguero National Park, the primates of Manuel Antonio and the elusive quetzal in the Monteverde cloud forests. On this safari, you will discover the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica against a backdrop of imposing volcanoes and lush rainforest. Visit a variety of unique ecosystems, from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the beaches and mangrove forests of the Osa Peninsula, and explore little-known sanctuaries such as the marine reserve around Caño Island. You will also stay in lodges located in the depths of the rainforests, ensuring you are in the best location for unbeatable wildlife encounters.
What to expect
- Explore the waterways and canals of Tortuguero National Park by boat.
- Marvel at the majestic Arenal Volcano and its surrounding rainforests.
- Search for all four of Costa Rica’s endemic primates in Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Wind your way through the estuaries and mangroves surrounding the Damas Island, a large area of protected forest which supports a vast diversity of wildlife such as herons, monkeys and iguanas. Journey through tunnels made naturally by trees, and admire the landscapes of this lush sanctuary.
- Board a short flight to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula, a remote region in the southwest of Costa Rica. From here you will be driven to Sierpe for your boat ride along the Sierpe River to your hotel in the depths of the jungle, only accessible by boat. Journey into Corcovado National Park and learn about the fascinating wildlife of the forest from your guide and visit a scenic waterfall, where you can go for a dip in one of the shaded pools.
- After sunset, enjoy rainforest walks with your guide to search for the unique nocturnal creatures that call this region home.
Why book this trip?
Wildlife, Volcanoes & Jungles
One of Costa Rica's best-known national parks, Tortuguero National Park is an important nesting ground for green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles. The forest interior is also home to tapirs, jaguars and sloths, while the winding waterways play host to manatees and crocodiles.
Lying dormant since 2010, Arenal Volcano is rich in activities, from rainforest trails to waterfalls and hot springs. Visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, where a series of winding trails and bridges criss-cross a 250 hectare area of lush rainforest, suspended over canyons, streams and waterfalls and take a guided walk along the trails.
Transfer by boat across Lake Arenal, against a dramatic backdrop of mountains and rainforest, before continuing on by jeep to the verdant mountains of Monteverde. This incredibly diverse region sits atop Costa Rica's continental divide and boasts several unique ecosystems, which are home to the resplendent quetzal, five cat species, over two dozen types of hummingbirds and many other species. Set off early to maximise your wildlife sightings during your visit to the private Curi-Cancha Reserve, a region of cloud forest reaching elevations of 5,300 feet. The reserve has an incredibly peaceful environment, and is home to a wide variety of birds - including hummingbirds, toucanets and the eluisve quetzal - and mammals such as coatis and agoutis.
Manuel Antonio is the only national park in Costa Rica where you can observe all four endemic primate species in their natural habitat, and is one of the best places to see sloths. Relax on the white-sand beaches or cool off in the ocean waters or head out into the park for a hike with your guide who will use a high-powered spotting scope to help spot birds, animals and intriguing plant life in the dense rainforest.
Accommodation Highlights
Tortuga Lodge & Gardens
Located on the Caribbean coast, tucked between the Tortuguero River and gorgeous, thick, plantation-style gardens, Tortuga Lodge & Gardens offers an award-winning getaway unlike any hotel in Costa Rica. Immerse yourself in the pristine rainforest from the moment your step out your door, the mystical jungle surroundings will beckon you to explore the mysteries of this complex ecosystem.
Casa Corcovado Lodge
The perfect base for a real experience in the depths of the Costa Rican jungle; sprawled out for exclusivity and privacy in Spanish colonial style bungalows, surrounded by nature and wildlife. Access is only via an hour and a half boat ride, where your adventure starts as you wind your way through the thick mangroves of the Sierpe River.