Costa Rica: Rain Forests & Relaxation

This morning you will be picked up at your hotel by one of our professional bilingual drivers for a transfer to the local airport in San Jose, where you will board a shared scheduled flight to Puerto Jimenez.

The domestic flight from Costa Rica’s capital city of San José to Puerto Jiménez, provides spectacular views of Costa Rica’s diverse landscape, including the mountains, farms, rivers, Pacific Ocean, Drake Bay, The Osa Peninsula, and finally Golfo Dulce. Upon arrival to the airstrip, Playa Cativo staff will escort guests on a picturesque 30-minute boat ride to the lodge taking in the magnificent coastline with tropical vegetation – with occasional sightings of schools of dolphins, turtles, and/or humpback whales.

Piedras Blancas National Park

Forming part of the Osa Conservation Area, Piedras Blancas National Park is situated in the Puntarenas Province near the Golfo Dulce on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Renowned for its untouched beaches, glistening bays and lush rainforests, Piedras Blancas is popular with nature lovers. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities including exploring the rugged mountains, discovering rare tropical trees, and spotting an array of wildlife such as a diverse variety of bird, mammal and reptile species. Most notably, the park is among the last remaining habitats for the Jaguar in the whole of Costa Rica. Don't miss the opportunity to meander along the vast network of jungle trails while soaking up spectacular views of the 14 000 hectares of unspoilt natural beauty.

This morning you will be transferred by boat to the town of Puerto Jimenez to board your local flight back to San Jose, upon arrival in San Jose one of our professional bilingual drivers will meet you and transfer you to Bajos del Toro (approx. 1.5 hours drive).

Bajos del Toro

Resting in the remote volcanic mountains to the north of Costa Rica’s Central Valley, the tiny town of Bajos del Toro makes an ideal getaway for nature lovers, hikers and bird enthusiasts. The town sits at the foot of the towering Poas Volcano and is surrounded by a number of protected wilderness areas including the Poas Volcano National Park, Juan Castro Blanco National Park, and the Bosque de Paz Rain/Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. The climate in this area is typically wet which allows for wonderfully lush vegetation as well as beautiful waterfalls, streams and pools. This spectacular natural environment provides ample opportunity for outdoor adventure including: trout fishing, horse riding, river rafting, mountain biking, hiking rugged mountain trails, or whizzing through the forest canopy on a zipline tour. Don’t miss the impressive Cataratas del Toro Waterfall, which drops 300-feet into an extinct volcanic crater.

Today your private bilingual driver will pick you up at your hotel for a land transfer to Arenal area (approx. 2 hours drive), this is your last destination of your Costa Rica itinerary.

Arenal

Positioned within Costa Rica’s fertile northern lowlands, the Arenal Volcano is an unavoidable presence while traveling within this part of the country. It is tall and imposing and has a reputation that precedes itself. Arenal’s perfectly symmetrical shape makes it a sightseer’s dream, while its abundance of outdoor activities makes it an easy place to check things off your “must-do in Costa Rica” list.

Cano Negro Tour

The wildlife reserve Caño Negro is one of the most important reserves for incredible bird watching and observation of wildlife in Costa Rica. Caño Negro is also home for many sloths, monkeys, caimans, bats as well as numerous tropical plants. You slowly and silently cruise to this exceptional national refuge in our comfortable boat where you can enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna. Upon return you will be served a typical, delicious lunch in the restaurant "El Caiman" which is nicely placed on the riverbank of "Rio Frío". (This service is on a private basis.)