15-day nature itinerary

day 1

arrive in san josé

Touch down at Juan Santamaría Airport. Then travel to Rincón de la Vieja.

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day 2-4

rincón de la vieja national park

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is part of the Guanacaste Conservation area and spans about 34,000 acres. You can go hiking, horseback riding, camping, picnicking or swimming in the hot springs. One aspect you won’t want to miss is the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, the largest volcano in the region.

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days 5-6

sarapiquí rivermonteverde cloud forest

This tropical jungle is home to unique flora and fauna, as well as an ever-present mist – or cloud. Ride sky trams, zipline and cross suspension bridges through this incredible landscape. You may spot big cats, such as ocelots or jaguars, or incredible bird species. Explore this oasis by day or night to see different species and activities.

Nearby the cloud forest, you can also visit local coffee, cacao and sugar cane farms to experience how these delicacies are created and enjoy samples.

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days 7-8

gandoca manzanillo national wildlife refuge

This wildlife refuge is just outside of Limón. It has great ecological importance because it’s the only intact mangrove swamp in the Atlantic, and the small old-growth rainforest here is the only one of its kind in the region. It also has a 10-kilometer beach, 740 acres of forest, a coral reef and two swamps. At the refuge, you can take guided tours to observe the leatherback sea turtle nesting site, see dolphins, dive through the reef, hike through the forest, take forest walks, watch birds and savor beautiful sunsets.

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days 9-10

bellena national marine park

Bellena National Marine Park  was the first marine park in Central America and is one of the best places to see humpback whales on their migrations. From July to October, visitors bring their binoculars to see these giant beauties give birth to their young.

In September, the Festival of Whales and Dolphins takes over the Uvita area. Join in the daily whale and dolphin watching. We recommend booking your accommodations early, and while you’re there, visit the famous Cola de la Ballena, which is a rock and sand formation in the shape of a whale’s tail.

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days 11-14

drake nay, isla del caño, corcovado national park

Drake Bay is your home base for further adventures. Take a boat ride through the mangrove forest, or experience a nighttime bioluminescence tour.

Take a boat out to Isla de Caño to go snorkeling or scuba diving. The biological reserve is home to one of the most extensive coral formations on the Pacific coast. It’s a prime breeding ground for humpback whales from both the northern and southern hemispheres, as well as several types of dolphins.

Nearby Corcovado National Park is a famous site for hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, swimming, horseback riding and fishing. You can discover scenic trails and waterfalls and visit the Guaymí Indigenous Reserve. At the right time of the year, you might see turtles nesting. But at any time, you may see ocelots, jaguars, monkeys, tapirs, agoutis, bull sharks and more.

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Day 15

departure from san josé

Head back to San José to catch your departing flight and start planning your next trip to Costa Rica.

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