Responsible Travel
This expedition is for curious families or small groups that would like to travel in a responsible manner to the most biodiverse areas of Costa Rica.
This expedition is for curious families or small groups that would like to travel in a responsible manner to the most biodiverse areas of Costa Rica. Activities like whales/dolphins watching, snorkeling around Caño Island, visiting the Corcovado National Park with certified guides and visiting an indigenous reserve; guarantee a fun and learning experience during this expedition.
SJO-SAN GERARDO DE DOTA-UVITA-DRAKE BAY-BORUCA RESERVE-SJO
- 13 nights at Eco-Lodges or CST certified accommodation.
- Meals as described.
- Transfer from and to SJO Intl Airport.
- Transportation as described.
- 24hrs emergency contact.
- Tours:
- Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Tour and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
- Marino Ballena National Park Hike.
- Caño Island Snorkeling Tour.
- Corcovado National Park Tour.
- Horseback Riding to Nauyaca Waterfalls.
Day 1: Arrival to SJO International airport. Pick up and transfer to your hotel in the Central Valley. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 2: Morning pick up for a Poas Volcano National Park tour, Doka Estate and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. As you ascend towards the volcano you will stop for a brief explanation of the coffee “golden bean” process. At the volcano you will have time to observe the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles. Then you will hike on a trail to the beautiful Botos Lagoon that will allow you to learn about the different ecosystems in the park. Later the trip continues towards La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a natural park where you will walk through many spectacular trails which will take you to the White Magic Waterfall, the most spectacular one in the area. Inside the park you will also visit the largest butterfly observatory in the country that is known as the house of collections of tropical jewels and the impressive hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the old house, the bird house and once the walk has finished, you will enjoy a delicious lunch buffet. Return to your hotel in the Central Valley. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 3: Morning pick up for a transfer to a beautiful mountain town called San Gerardo de Dota. This is a small farming community located in the narrow valley of the Savegre River. Sitting high up in the mountains, with an altitude of 2,200 meters above the sea level, this town offers tourists the fresh mountain air, lush cloud forests and some of the best points for bird watching in the country, that’s why this region is best known as the primary habitat for the resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds of Costa Rica making it a must visit destination. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 4: Day off to relax, visit the surrounding areas, or go to an excursion available such as: Cloud Forest Night Hike, Bird Watching, Horseback Riding, or exploring the moorlands at Los Quetzales National Park. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 5: Today you will be taken to Uvita de Osa, located in the South Pacific of Costa Rica. Uvita is a special place to enjoy a great beach holiday atmosphere. It’s near the Marino Ballena National Park, famous for being the mating place of humpback whales that migrate here each year from July to the end of October and December to March. Another interesting feature of this park is Punta Uvita or commonly called the "Tail of the Whale". A natural isthmus made of sand that is accessible when low tide. Room only included.
Day 6: Today you will enjoy a hike in the Marino Ballena National Park. Discover the magical wildlife of this park in Uvita beach as you walk in a trail between the beach and Mangrove forest and observe some mammals as sloths, raccoons, coatis and a great variety of birds including the red scarlet macaw and beach birds. The guide also will show you part of the town and some historical vestiges as you walk to the main trail. Room only included.
Day 7: Today the trip to Southern Pacific continues, now to Drake Bay. You will be taken on a shuttle transfer to Sierpe, from there a shared taxi boat will take you to one of the most beautiful places: Drake Bay! It is named after Sir Francis Drake who is believed to have ventured here in the late 16th century. With scattered hotels and lodges, Drake Bay is the ideal vacation spot for those wishing to relax and escape from it all. Room and meals included.
Day 8: Morning pick up for a Caño Island snorkeling tour. It takes about 40 min in the boat to get to the Island, on the way it is possible to see dolphins, whales, sea snakes, sea turtles and other species. The guide will accompany you in the snorkeling and will show different marine species that can be observed, these include many species of colorful coral fish, sea stars, eels, turtles, White tip sharks, among many others. Then you will move to San Josecito Beach to have lunch and enjoy the beautiful white sand beach. Afternoon at leisure when return to Drake Bay. Room and meals included.
Day 9: Early morning pick up for a tour to Corcovado National Park. The boat ride takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Along the way you will see beautiful panoramas of the beach, and possibly dolphins and whales. Once there, you will walk approximately 4 hours through trails around the station where is possible to see a lot of flora and fauna. This is probably one of the best places to see mammals in danger of extinction such as the tapir, white-lipped peccaries, monkeys, as well as many other species. Enjoy a delicious lunch and later return to Drake Bay. Room and meals included.
Day 10: You will depart on a shared taxi boat to Sierpe. From there you will be taken to Boruca Indigenous Reserve to spend the night. Borucas are indigenous people, they are about 2,600 inhabitants in the reserve and speak the language or dialect called “Brunka”. They are known primarily for their skills as craftspeople, using materials such as balsa and sometimes cedar wood, carved masks, arrows, drums, knives, jewelry and other objects. Room and meals Included.
Day 11: Today you will be picked up to continue your journey passing through pineapple plantations and beautiful landscapes towards San Isidro del General, located on a wide valley in the peaceful mountains of Costa Rica’s Southern Zone. This small city is bursting with local culture, moderate temperatures, beautiful landscapes, and convenience to shops and services just an hour from the beach and near from Costa Rica’s tallest mountain, Cerro Chirripó. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 12: Morning pick up for a Horseback Riding tour to Nauyaca Waterfalls. This is the ideal place for nature and adventure lovers featuring a forty-five meters high free fall waterfall forming at the bottom a 1,000 square meter and six meter deep pool. Upon arrival at the entrance, you will get safety instructions and explanation on the tour. This is a 12 kilometer route through lush forest, you will pass by Don Lulo’s house to have a delicious typical breakfast and continue the ride until arriving to the stunning waterfalls where you may dip in the warm water of natural pools. Enjoy the charming scenery and a delicious Costa Rican lunch. After a well-earned rest and a delicious cup of coffee, we begin the return trip to our starting point. Afternoon at leisure for you to visit and explore the town. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 13: Today you will depart back to the Central Valley. You will stop by a typical “Trapiche” Ranch to have a delicious lunch and a brief demonstration on how the Sugarcane mill is processed. Later, continue your trip passing through the “Cerro de la Muerte” to the Central Valley for your last night in the country. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 14: Transportation will be provided to the SJO International Airport. You need to be there 3 hours before your flight time.
Casual clothing like: sweater, loose shirts, pants, jeans, shorts, hat or cap and bathing suit. We also recommend: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking shoes, small backpack to carry on tours and activities, water bottle, flashlight, bug spray, raincoat, camera and binoculars.
- Rates are per person and they may change depending on the dates interested. Feel free to contact us to receive a quotation with your specific dates, number of travelers and their ages at [email protected] or fill the request form below.
- We offer accommodation options at budget, mid-range and upscale hotels, we’ll be glad to quote your preference.
- Local flights and transfers allow a maximum luggage weight of 25 pounds (12kg).
This expedition is for curious families or small groups that would like to travel in a responsible manner to the most biodiverse areas of Costa Rica. Activities like whales/dolphins watching, snorkeling around Caño Island, visiting the Corcovado National Park with certified guides and visiting an indigenous reserve; guarantee a fun and learning experience during this expedition.
SJO-SAN GERARDO DE DOTA-UVITA-DRAKE BAY-BORUCA RESERVE-SJO
Day 1: Arrival to SJO International airport. Pick up and transfer to your hotel in the Central Valley. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 2: Morning pick up for a Poas Volcano National Park tour, Doka Estate and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. As you ascend towards the volcano you will stop for a brief explanation of the coffee “golden bean” process. At the volcano you will have time to observe the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles. Then you will hike on a trail to the beautiful Botos Lagoon that will allow you to learn about the different ecosystems in the park. Later the trip continues towards La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a natural park where you will walk through many spectacular trails which will take you to the White Magic Waterfall, the most spectacular one in the area. Inside the park you will also visit the largest butterfly observatory in the country that is known as the house of collections of tropical jewels and the impressive hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the old house, the bird house and once the walk has finished, you will enjoy a delicious lunch buffet. Return to your hotel in the Central Valley. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 3: Morning pick up for a transfer to a beautiful mountain town called San Gerardo de Dota. This is a small farming community located in the narrow valley of the Savegre River. Sitting high up in the mountains, with an altitude of 2,200 meters above the sea level, this town offers tourists the fresh mountain air, lush cloud forests and some of the best points for bird watching in the country, that’s why this region is best known as the primary habitat for the resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds of Costa Rica making it a must visit destination. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 4: Day off to relax, visit the surrounding areas, or go to an excursion available such as: Cloud Forest Night Hike, Bird Watching, Horseback Riding, or exploring the moorlands at Los Quetzales National Park. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 5: Today you will be taken to Uvita de Osa, located in the South Pacific of Costa Rica. Uvita is a special place to enjoy a great beach holiday atmosphere. It’s near the Marino Ballena National Park, famous for being the mating place of humpback whales that migrate here each year from July to the end of October and December to March. Another interesting feature of this park is Punta Uvita or commonly called the "Tail of the Whale". A natural isthmus made of sand that is accessible when low tide. Room only included.
Day 6: Today you will enjoy a hike in the Marino Ballena National Park. Discover the magical wildlife of this park in Uvita beach as you walk in a trail between the beach and Mangrove forest and observe some mammals as sloths, raccoons, coatis and a great variety of birds including the red scarlet macaw and beach birds. The guide also will show you part of the town and some historical vestiges as you walk to the main trail. Room only included.
Day 7: Today the trip to Southern Pacific continues, now to Drake Bay. You will be taken on a shuttle transfer to Sierpe, from there a shared taxi boat will take you to one of the most beautiful places: Drake Bay! It is named after Sir Francis Drake who is believed to have ventured here in the late 16th century. With scattered hotels and lodges, Drake Bay is the ideal vacation spot for those wishing to relax and escape from it all. Room and meals included.
Day 8: Morning pick up for a Caño Island snorkeling tour. It takes about 40 min in the boat to get to the Island, on the way it is possible to see dolphins, whales, sea snakes, sea turtles and other species. The guide will accompany you in the snorkeling and will show different marine species that can be observed, these include many species of colorful coral fish, sea stars, eels, turtles, White tip sharks, among many others. Then you will move to San Josecito Beach to have lunch and enjoy the beautiful white sand beach. Afternoon at leisure when return to Drake Bay. Room and meals included.
Day 9: Early morning pick up for a tour to Corcovado National Park. The boat ride takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Along the way you will see beautiful panoramas of the beach, and possibly dolphins and whales. Once there, you will walk approximately 4 hours through trails around the station where is possible to see a lot of flora and fauna. This is probably one of the best places to see mammals in danger of extinction such as the tapir, white-lipped peccaries, monkeys, as well as many other species. Enjoy a delicious lunch and later return to Drake Bay. Room and meals included.
Day 10: You will depart on a shared taxi boat to Sierpe. From there you will be taken to Boruca Indigenous Reserve to spend the night. Borucas are indigenous people, they are about 2,600 inhabitants in the reserve and speak the language or dialect called “Brunka”. They are known primarily for their skills as craftspeople, using materials such as balsa and sometimes cedar wood, carved masks, arrows, drums, knives, jewelry and other objects. Room and meals Included.
Day 11: Today you will be picked up to continue your journey passing through pineapple plantations and beautiful landscapes towards San Isidro del General, located on a wide valley in the peaceful mountains of Costa Rica’s Southern Zone. This small city is bursting with local culture, moderate temperatures, beautiful landscapes, and convenience to shops and services just an hour from the beach and near from Costa Rica’s tallest mountain, Cerro Chirripó. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 12: Morning pick up for a Horseback Riding tour to Nauyaca Waterfalls. This is the ideal place for nature and adventure lovers featuring a forty-five meters high free fall waterfall forming at the bottom a 1,000 square meter and six meter deep pool. Upon arrival at the entrance, you will get safety instructions and explanation on the tour. This is a 12 kilometer route through lush forest, you will pass by Don Lulo’s house to have a delicious typical breakfast and continue the ride until arriving to the stunning waterfalls where you may dip in the warm water of natural pools. Enjoy the charming scenery and a delicious Costa Rican lunch. After a well-earned rest and a delicious cup of coffee, we begin the return trip to our starting point. Afternoon at leisure for you to visit and explore the town. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 13: Today you will depart back to the Central Valley. You will stop by a typical “Trapiche” Ranch to have a delicious lunch and a brief demonstration on how the Sugarcane mill is processed. Later, continue your trip passing through the “Cerro de la Muerte” to the Central Valley for your last night in the country. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 14: Transportation will be provided to the SJO International Airport. You need to be there 3 hours before your flight time.
- 13 nights at Eco-Lodges or CST certified accommodation.
- Meals as described.
- Transfer from and to SJO Intl Airport.
- Transportation as described.
- 24hrs emergency contact.
- Tours:
- Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Tour and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
- Marino Ballena National Park Hike.
- Caño Island Snorkeling Tour.
- Corcovado National Park Tour.
- Horseback Riding to Nauyaca Waterfalls.
Casual clothing like: sweater, loose shirts, pants, jeans, shorts, hat or cap and bathing suit. We also recommend: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking shoes, small backpack to carry on tours and activities, water bottle, flashlight, bug spray, raincoat, camera and binoculars.
- Rates are per person and they may change depending on the dates interested. Feel free to contact us to receive a quotation with your specific dates, number of travelers and their ages at [email protected] or fill the request form below.
- We offer accommodation options at budget, mid-range and upscale hotels, we’ll be glad to quote your preference.
- Local flights and transfers allow a maximum luggage weight of 25 pounds (12kg).