Discover, Plan & Go!

This naturally active itinerary combines the diverse habitats of Corcovado National Park and the remote Chirripo cloud forest and two days of rafting on the scenic Pacuare River. Explore Corcovado National Park based from the Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp where you can ascend high into the rain forest canopy to observe birds and wildlife. Seek out the resplendent quetzal as you hike through an ancient primary forest in the highland cloud forests of Chirripo. An exhilarating white water rafting excursion winds 22 miles through the Pacuare River Canyon, arguably one of the most beautiful rivers in the tropics. Accommodations include a full service 'safari style' tent camp, a wilderness lodge and remote full service camping on riverbanks.

Day 1 - Arrive San Jose

Upon arrival at San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport you are met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in San Jose.

Accommodations: Villa Tournon or similar

Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Corcovado

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and trip orientation with your guide before a one-hour charter flight to Carate. From Carate a guide will escort you on a 30-45 minute walk along the beach to the lodge (luggage will be transported by horse cart). The Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp is a civilized 'safari style' community with roomy, comfortable walk-in tents located only 100 feet from the Pacific Ocean. Its proximity to Corcovado National Park makes it the perfect base for exploring the region. A one-hour guided hike through the Corcovado Lodge Private Nature Reserve leads to the rain forest canopy platform. The platform is located in an emergent tree 115 feet above the forest floor. Originally pioneered by tropical researchers, platforms such as these offer unparalleled access to the seldom seen rain forest canopy. Canopy species such as White hawks, Howler monkeys, Anole lizards and Pygmy squirrels may be sighted.

Accommodations: Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Days 3-4 - Corcovado National Park

Spend the next two days exploring Corcovado, hiking in the national park, enjoying the secluded beach, resting in a hammock or exploring the self guided trails near the lodge. Corcovado National Park covers 136,347 acres and its location along the isthmus connecting North and South America has been described by the National Geographic Society as "...the most biologically intense place on Earth." A 6-hour hike through the park to Salsipuedes Bay passes through primary and secondary forests, mangrove and beautiful beaches. This walk is renowned for sighting large flocks of Scarlet macaws feeding in almond trees and the occasional tapir sighting at Salsipuedes.

Accommodations: Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 5 - Savegre Cloud Forest

Walk back to Carate then fly San Jose. Drive south on the Pan-American Highway to the 11,000 ft. summit at Cerro de la Muerte. Down in the valley, you are guests of the Chacon family at the Savegre Mountain Lodge. Quaint cabins set on a family farm in a beautiful valley are complimented fruit orchards and clear trout filled streams. The lodge is located among rich cloud forest habitat known for sightings of the famed Resplendent quetzal. The afternoon is free for horseback-riding, trout fishing, or relaxing. Afternoon tours are an additional cost.

Accommodations: Savegre Mountain Lodge

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 6 - Cerro de la Muerte

Explore the mist shrouded cloud forest environment of Cerro de La Muerte. On a clear day, the summit offers sweeping views of the scintillating golden beaches of the Caribbean and the Pacific. Hike six hours through sub-alpine meadows and the well-known oak forests of the Savegre Valley while searching for birds and other wildlife. The journey concludes at the lodge.

Accommodations: Savegre Mountain Lodge

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 7 - Pacuare River White Water Rafting

Depart Savegre for the Turrialba region where your whitewater rafting guides are eager to begin the next leg or your adventure. After a safety talk and paddling instruction, raft what is arguably the most beautiful river canyon in the tropics. Over 20 Class III and IV rapids are surrounded by primary rain forest miraculously clinging to 100-foot high vertical canyon walls. Waterfalls plunging from the canyon rim into the river will impress the adventuresome beginner and the experienced rafter alike. Spend one to two hours on the river before pulling out at camp on the riverbank.

Accommodations: Camping on Pacuare River

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 8 - Pacuare

Awaken to the sounds of the Pacuare rushing by your camp. Stretch your legs on a hike to a side canyon before the boarding the rafts continuing your whitewater adventure down the Pacuare River. Proceed four more hours downriver taking short hikes to swimming holes and waterfalls along the way. Return to San Jose by vehicle (drive time is approximately 2 hours). This evening enjoy a sumptuous farewell dinner and exchange stories of your adventure in Costa Rica.

Accommodations: Villa Tournon or similar

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 9 - Departure or Begin Trip Extension

Begin trip extension or transfer to the international airport two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time or begin your trip extension to the relaxing Pacific coast, the jungle canals of Tortuguero, or the geological wonder of the Arenal Volcano.

Accommodations: n/a

Included Meals: none

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