Wildlife of Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Wildlife

Turtles, sloths and whales - spectacular wildlife of Costa Rica

16 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Prepare for a wildlife adventure like no other as you discover the incredible flora and fauna of Costa Rica. After arriving into the capital city of San José, head for Sarapiquí Rainforest, widely recognised as one of the world's most important tropical rainforest areas. Take a bird-watching tour as your expert guide helps you to see and hear birds including the great green macaw, great potoo and ocelated antbird. Closely observe bats that are being studied in research projects and visit the acclaimed La Selva Biological Station, before taking an in-depth look at the hard-working leaf-cutter ants that are found in forests across the country. Travel north to the Caribbean coast's magnificent Tortuguero National Park to explore the waterways that host a rich variety of wildlife including caiman, howler monkeys, sloths, snakes and iguanas. If you visit between July and October, prepare for the wildlife experience of a lifetime as you witness green sea turtles coming to shore to lay their eggs, then the hatchlings taking their very first steps as they scramble back to sea. Next, travel south to the lush Central Valley to stay in the peaceful Turrialba area and enjoy the flora of the surrounding countryside. Continue south to the cloud forest region of the Savegre Valley and Los Quetzales National Park, where lucky visitors may see the iconic resplendant quetzal. Continue to the Pacific coast to visit the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, home to many sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys and white-tailed deer, then head to the Marino Ballena National Park, one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in Costa Rica. Finally, travel to the remote Osa Peninsula for an unforgettable experience in Corcovado National Park, where the cries of scarlet macaws and howler monkeys fill the air, humpback whales glide through the turquoise waters, and pumas and jaguars prowl the rainforests.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • One of the world's most important rainforest areas, Sarapiquí
  • The excellent research facilities of La Selva Biological Station
  • Wildlife and lush waterways of Tortuguero National Park
  • The picturesque mountain village of San Gerardo de Dota
  • Excellent birdwatching in the Savegre Valley
  • Unique ecosystems of Los Quetzales National Park
  • Concentrated flora and fauna of Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Marine life of Marino Ballena National Park
  • The spectacular Osa Peninsula, the 'most biologically intense place on Earth'

Places Visited

San José - Sarapiquí - La Selva Biological Station - Tortuguero National Park - Turrialba - San Gerardo de Dota - Savegre Valley - Los Quetzales National Park - Manuel Antonio National Park - Manuel Antonio - Marino Ballena National Park - Osa Peninsula

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flight from Osa Peninsula to San José
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival in San José

Arrival to the Juan Santamaria International Airport, San José, where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore San José at your own pace.

Overnight in Hotel Presidente, San José

Meal plan: n/a

The capital city of Costa Rica, San José is located in the Central Valley region with the Talamanca Mountains to the south and volcanoes to the north. Although on first glance the city seems to be all concrete blocks and thunderous traffic, scratch beneath the surface and you will discover fascinating museums, colonial architecture and a thriving gastronomy scene.

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Day 2 : San José - Sarapiquí Rainforest

After breakfast, depart for the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica and arrive at Sarapiqui, widely recognised as a lowland tropical rainforest with lush vegetation and a wide variety of plants, animals and insect life. Check in at your hotel and have some time to explore the grounds with your guide.
 
In the afternoon, visit La Tirimbina Biological Reserve for a chocolate tour. Originally from Central America, this plant has an extraordinary history; it was one of the most important products for the Mayan and Aztec cultures, as well as other Central American cultures. The discovery of America led to the introduction of chocolate in Europe, transforming it into the product we know today. The cacao plot, which is no longer in commercial use, used to be cultivated in the ancient way. It was then for research purposes several decades ago and is currently used for environmental education, showing the traditional processes.
 
Dinner is available in the local restaurant, and then you will participate in a bat tour. This activity consists on a presentation of the natural history of bats, then you have the chance to closely observe some of the bats trapped humanely during the night for research projects in the reserve.

Overnight in Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge , Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

Meal plan: Breakfast

Just two hours north of San José lies the hidden paradise of Sarapiquí. Considered one of the world’s most important tropical rainforest areas, it stretches up to the Nicaragua border and hosts a rich variety of exotic wildlife, including dippers, turtles and monkeys. The fertile land along the shores of the Rio Sarapiquí is perfect for the cultivation of bananas, pineapples and cacao. The river was the first transport route between Costa Rica and Europe; nowadays it draws thrill-seekers for white-water rafting and nature-lovers for boat trips to catch glimpses of caimans, hummingbirds and toucans.

La Tirimbina is a secluded biological reserve, research centre and lodge just outside of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. Known for its impressive 200-metre hanging bridge over the Rio Sarapiquí, the reserve covers 852 acres of tropical forest and 9 km of trails. With over 132 different species recorded, visitors are sure to spot keel-billed toucans, howler monkeys, broad-billed motmots, iguanas and plenty of exotic insects.
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Day 3 : Sarapiquí Rainforest: La Selva Biological Station

After breakfast, depart for the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) at La Selva Biological Station. Here you will be able to hike on the trails with your guide, looking out for interesting wildlife.

In the afternoon, participate in an ant tour. Learn about the hard-working leaf-cutter ants and how they are organised in colonies.   A local guide will explain to you about the high subterranean social level of these incredible insects, all directed by a queen, and with an advance agricultural system based on a mutual relationship (symbiosis) between the fungus and the ants. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge , Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

Meal plan: Breakfast

La Selva Biological Station is one of the most important sites in the world for the research of tropical rainforests. Established in 1954 by Dr. Leslie Holdridge as a farm dedicated to experimentation on mixed plantations for the improvement of natural resources management, it was purchased in 1968 by the Organization for Tropical Studies and declared a private biological reserve and station. La Selva is home to over half of the species of birds in Costa Rica, including the unique bare-necked umbrella bird and the tropical red-capped manakin. The station is recognised internationally as being one of the most productive research facilities of its kind, hosting over 300 scientists and over 100 university courses every year. 

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Day 4 : Sarapiquí Rainforest - Tortuguero National Park

After breakfast, depart with your guide to the north Caribbean of Costa Rica. Arrive to La Pavona where you will be transferred by boat to your lodge close to Tortuguero National Park. A two-hour boat ride will take you through the waterways surrounded by rainforest. From the boat, you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this area. Upon arrival, there will be a short briefing on the lodge and the activities included during your stay, followed by lunch.
 
In the afternoon, visit the village of Tortuguero where you will learn about the lifestyle of local residents and the significant conservation efforts that some NGOs have developed to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 22 miles of protected coastline.

Please note: Tours and transfers in Tortuguero National Park are shared with other passengers. Transfers may be shared with up to 40 passengers; tours may be shared with up to 20 passengers.

Overnight in Aninga Lodge, Tortuguero National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Covering an area of over 300 km2 on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park is one of the country's principal attractions. The park experiences exceptionally high rainfall and this, combined with the unique environment created by the combination of freshwater and seawater, makes the beaches, canals, lagoons and wetlands of Tortuguero areas of exceptional biodiversity. The protected beaches are home to a great number of nesting turtles, including green sea turtles, leatherbacks and hawksbill, and the forests host several monkey species, sloths, snakes and spiders.

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Day 5 : Tortuguero National Park

Today, explore the secondary canals of this paradisiacal place with your guide, where you can see different species of mammals, birds and reptiles. After this tour, you will return to the lodge for a delicious lunch.
 
The afternoon is at leisure. You may book optional tours locally at an additional cost.

Overnight in Aninga Lodge, Tortuguero National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 6 : Tortuguero National Park - Turrialba

During the morning, take a boat transfer back to the disembarking point in La Pavona. Upon arrival, you will be met by a guide and transferred to Guápiles for lunch. Then, continue to your next stop, Turrialba, for a one-night stay in a hacienda-style hotel. You will have the chance to relax or walk in the hotel grounds with your guide.

Overnight in Casa Turire, Turrialba

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The charming town of Turrialba lies in the beautiful Central Valley, just east of San José. The town's quaint streets lie before the mighty Turrialba Volcano, which offers dramatic scenery surrounded by the tropical Costa Rican landscape. It forms a part of the undiscovered Turrialba Volcano National Park, where the rapids of Pacuare and Reventazón flow through the rocky forested valleys.

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Day 7 : Turrialba - Savegre Valley

After breakfast, travel to Hacienda Tayutic to learn the basics about coffee and sugarcane production in Costa Rica, while enjoying breath-taking views of Turrialba Volcano. Then, continue your way to the central highlands of Costa Rica until you reach the cloud forest region of the Savegre Valley. Check in at your hotel where dinner can be taken in the restaurant, and overnight.

Overnight in Hotel Savegre Natural Reserve & Spa, San Gerardo de Dota

Meal plan: Breakfast

The mountain village of San Gerardo de Dota is set deep within the valleys of the Talamanca Mountain Range and is known for its rich diversity of wildlife. The crisp, cold air of the highlands attracts an array of high-altitude bird species, including the resplendent quetzal and dozens of hummingbird species. Coyotes and peccaries can be seen scurrying through the misty forests, whilst an abundance of trout splash through clear waters of the Saverge River. A network of trails of varying lengths provide excellent hiking opportunities, while the village also provides easy access to Los Quetzales National Park.

The Savegre Valley is a bird watcher’s paradise. Situated almost 3,000 metres above sea level, it is surrounded by rainforests of superlative trees, crystal clear waterfalls and spectacular bird species. The area is famed for its sightings of the resplendent quetzal, which unlike in other areas, can be viewed all year round. Its marvellous cloud forest is also home to another 200 species, which can be sighted on many of the valley’s exotic hiking trails.

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Day 8 : Los Quetzales National Park

After breakfast, visit Los Quetzales National Park with your guide. You will be able to see lots of wildlife during the tour, and if you are lucky, you may even see the resplendent quetzal.
 
In the afternoon you will have the chance to explore other areas and trails near the hotel with your guide.

Overnight in Hotel Savegre Natural Reserve & Spa, San Gerardo de Dota

Meal plan: Breakfast

Situated along the mist-covered caps of the Talamanca Mountains is Los Quetzales National Park. Stretching across 12,355 acres, it encompasses three types of rainforest and 14 different ecosystems, each with unique qualities. Previously the Los Santos Reserve, the park protects sections of the Savegre River, which originates high up on the Cerro de la Muerte and flows through the picturesque valley of San Gerardo de Dota. There are a number of walking trails visitors can take that showcase the park’s tropical flora of more than 500 orchid species and multiple giant tree species; as well as the park’s vibrant namesake, the quetzal bird. Visitors may also catch glimpses of hummingbirds and trogons, and even pumas, jaguars and sloths. 

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Day 9 : Savegre Valley - Manuel Antonio

After breakfast, begin the journey down to the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, heading to the area of Manuel Antonio. On arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

Overnight in Hotel Villabosque, Manuel Antonio

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 10 : Manuel Antonio National Park

This morning after breakfast, travel to Manuel Antonio National Park for a guided tour along the park's trails. In Manuel Antonio, enjoy a charming combination of tropical forest, beaches and coral reefs, all providing a home to sloths, iguanas, monkeys and millions of colorful marine creatures.
 
The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hotel Villabosque, Manuel Antonio

Meal plan: Breakfast

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the smallest, yet most spectacular, parks in Costa Rica. It is home to some of the most varied flora and fauna, boasting over 184 bird species as well as sloths, white-tailed deer and white-faced capuchin monkeys. Manuel Antonio is also famed for its expansive white sand beaches and lush evergreen forests.

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Day 11 : Marino Ballena National Park

This morning after breakfast, visit the Marino Ballena National Park and take a hike in the park with your guide. There should be time for a swim, and your guide will give you recommendations on where to have lunch. Then, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace.

Overnight in Hotel Villabosque, Manuel Antonio

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Marino Ballena National Park is located just off the south Pacific coast in south Puntarenas. Named after the humpback whales that migrate to its shores between July and October, it forms 1% of the country’s protected marine territory. Formed of coral reef, mangroves and several islands, its most prominent sight is the Punta Uvita Whale Tail – a sand bar that extends 1 km out to the sea in the shape of a whale tail, on which, at low tide, visitors can walk. The sea life of Marino Ballena National Park is its crown jewel and is one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in Costa Rica. Marine life found in its waters includes bottle-nose dolphins, false orcas, humpback whales and several species of sharks, crabs, starfish and lobsters. Marine birds such as pelicans, brown boobies and frigate birds can be observed on the islands and rocky formations.

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Day 12 : Dominical - Osa Peninsula

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then take to the road as you head to the town of Sierpe. There, you will embark on a boat to navigate along the Sierpe river until you reach the Pacific Ocean, then go along the coast until you reach your final destination, the beautiful and exotic Corcovado National Park.
 
Lunch will be served at the lodge, and the afternoon will be at leisure to relax at the lodge and prepare for the adventures that await you in the upcoming days.

Overnight in Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, Osa Peninsula

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Osa Peninsula is one of Costa Rica's most remote destinations, and its verdant rainforests are home to the country's largest remaining populations of jaguars and tapirs. Named by National Geographic as the 'most biologically intense place on Earth', 2.5% of the world's biodiversity can be found in the Osa Peninsula. Much of the peninsula is only accessible by rocky roads, hiking trails and river crossings, and the peaceful setting gives visitors a real insight into the untouched tropical landscape of Costa Rica's rainforests.

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Day 13 : Corcovado National Park

Enjoy breakfast with your guide, then get ready for a full-day visit to Corcovado National Park, hiking along the trails while looking out for a wide variety of wildlife. A picnic lunch will be brought for you to enjoy into the park and continue your expedition.

Overnight in Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, Osa Peninsula

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Corcovado National Park encompasses about a third of the Osa Peninsula and is the country's largest national park. With 13 major ecosystems, including lowlands rainforest, highland cloud forest, mangrove swamps and coastal marine, the park holds a spectacular diversity of wildlife, from Baird's tapirs and jaguars to scarlet macaws and the endangered red-backed squirrel monkey. There is a variety of hiking trails throughout the park leading to hidden waterfalls and a breath-taking coastline of rugged beaches.

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Day 14 : Isla del Caño

Today, you will have the chance to snorkel in the clear, warm waters and protected coral reefs off the shores of Isla del Caño. The tour starts after a leisurely breakfast with a 40-minute boat ride to the ‘Coral Garden’. At certain times of the year, you may see humpback whales and dolphins along the way. The snorkelling site is located within a marine reserve, and is a good place for spotting a wide variety of fish and marine mammals, including – if you are lucky – manta rays, turtles and small white-tipped sharks.

Return to the lodge, where the rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

Overnight in Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, Osa Peninsula

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Lying about 20 kilometres off the shore of the Osa Peninsula, the biological reserve of Isla del Caño holds both environmental and archaeological significance. With a rich history, several pre-Columbian artefacts have been discovered here, including a series of hand-carved, perfectly spherical stones thought to be grave markers of an ancient indigenous tribe. While a variety of reptiles and amphibians can be found along hiking trails within the evergreen forest, it is offshore in the turquoise waters where most of the biodiversity lies. Containing the largest amount of coral-building organisms along the Pacific side of Costa Rica, the island's reefs are teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life, while manta rays, white-tipped reef sharks, dolphins and humpback whales swim beneath the surface.

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Day 15 : Osa Peninsula - San José

Navigate back to the dock at Sierpe and head to a nearby airstrip where you will board a domestic flight back to the city of San José.
 
A transfer will be waiting to drive you to your hotel in the downtown area, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own, or visit the parks and museums of the capital city.

Please note: internal flights in Costa Rica have a maximum baggage allowance of 18 kg for hold luggage and 10 kg for hand luggage.

Overnight in Hotel Presidente, San José

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 16 : Departure

At a suitable time, you will be transferred to Juan Santamaria International Airport for your departure flight.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Hotel Presidente

San José (2 nights)

Located in the heart of downtown San José, close to the city's cultural and historic landmarks including the National Theatre, Gold Museum and Jade Museum, Hotel Presidente is a stylish and comfortable property. Each of the 92 rooms is tastefully decorated with local art and comes equipped with a flat screen TV, a safe and complimentary WiFi. There is a charming rooftop terrace for dinner and evening cocktails, and a comprehensive buffet breakfast is served in the hotel's main restaurant.

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Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí (2 nights)

Built in the style of a 15th century pre-Columbian village, Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge has been designed as a model for ecotourism and cultural indigenous conservation. Each of the 40 rooms has a private terrace and forms part of a round structure known as a Palenque, which reflects the traditional construction style. The hotel's on-site restaurant and terrace offer sweeping views of the Rio Sarapiquí and surrounding rainforest. There is also a beautiful pool area set within lush gardens, an archaeological park containing centuries-old tombs and a Museum of Indigenous Cultures.

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Aninga Lodge

Tortuguero National Park (2 nights)

One of the smallest lodges close to Tortuguero National Park, Aninga Lodge is immersed in tropical vegetation typical of the region. The lodge offers 33 bright and spacious rooms, each equipped with two beds, a bath and hot water. Facilities at the lodge include a restaurant, bar, large swimming pool in the shape of a turtle and a spa. Aninga Lodge partners with the next-door Pachira Lodge so that guests may move freely between the two properties, allowing for additional dining and leisure options.

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Casa Turire

Turrialba (1 night)

Located in the heart of the verdant Turrialba Valley, the beautiful Casa Turire is a colonial-style property surrounded by sugarcane, coffee and macadamia nut plantations. The hotel offers 16 traditionally decorated rooms, all with ceiling fans, balconies and views towards Turrialba Volcano and Angostura Lake. The hotel's on-site restaurant is renowned for its gourmet cuisine and use of locally produced, organic ingredients. Casa Turire offers a wide selection of activities, including walking trails, kayaking, horse riding and spa treatments.

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Hotel Savegre Natural Reserve & Spa

San Gerardo de Dota (2 nights)

Nestled in the verdant tropical cloud forest of the Savegre Valley, the Hotel Savegre Natural Reserve & Spa provides a tranquil and comfortable base from which to explore your magnificent surroundings. The hotel offers 40 spacious rooms with wooden features, tiled floors and a private terrace. Facilities at the property include an on-site restaurant serving Costa Rican and international dishes, an elegant bar/lounge area and a spa.

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Hotel Villabosque

Manuel Antonio (3 nights)

Hotel Villabosque is a small and charming hotel in the town of Manuel Antonio, close to the national park of the same name. The hotel offers just 20 simple yet comfortable rooms, all with air conditioning, cable TV and hot water. Facilities at the hotel include an on-site bar and restaurant, lounge area and complimentary WiFi. For those looking for some rest and relaxation, there is a small swimming pool with rainforest views, or the nearby white-sand Playa Espadilla.

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Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge

Osa Peninsula (3 nights)

Tucked away next to the spectacular Corcovado National Park on a private reserve of 170 acres, Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge is a haven of peace and tranquility, and the perfect base from which to explore the biologically diverse Osa Peninsula. The lodge offers 14 comfortable colonial-style bungalows that are spread around the gardens for maximum privacy. There is an on-site restaurant serving delicious and hearty cuisine, a bar with forest views and both cold-water and heated swimming pools. Complimentary WiFi is available in public areas, and fauna including hummingbirds, monkeys and even a puma have been spotted in the lodge's grounds.

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Wildlife of Costa Rica (16 days)

Turtles, sloths and whales - spectacular wildlife of Costa Rica

Classic Costa Rica (15 days)

Costa Rica's incredible natural highlights

Hidden Costa Rica (15 days)

Costa Rica's little known cultural and wildlife hotspots