A true jungle safari, TURTLES MACAWS AND DART FROGS will take you into the wildest regions of Costa Rica, only reachable by boat and plane. Guided by informative naturalists, you’ll travel by boat to Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, then fly into Corcovado National Park over on the Pacific side, located along the isolated Osa Peninsula shoreline. From there you’ll go inland to Hacienda Baru, world famous for tropical birdwatching. You’ll stay at top ecolodges, provided most meals, and all transportation is included. Similar to all of our handcrafted vacation packages, the TURTLES MACAWS AND DART FROGS’ value-packed itinerary can be 100% customized to suit your budget and needs. Check pricing notes for details. Take Advantage of Green Season Savings!
TURTLES MACAWS AND DART FROGS guides you through Costa Rica’s most isolated protected areas only accessible by boat and plane. You’ll travel coast to coast exploring Tortuguero’s jungle canals and Caribbean island culture, Corcovado’s dense jungle habitat on the Pacific, then snorkel the reef at Cano Island before heading inland for an ultimate birdwatching experience at Hacienda Baru. Created for the intrepid outdoor nature enthusiast, this safari adventure includes rustic ecolodges in beautiful natural settings, experienced naturalist guides, and incredible observing opportunities you’ll never forget! To top it all, this package is completely customizable to meet your needs.
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Number of nights: 10 (customizable)
Per person price from *$1,749
$100 Low Lifelong Deposit, No Charge Rescheduling**
When you arrive in Costa Rica’s San Jose International Airport, we will be waiting to provide a private transfer to your airport hotel, Country Inn and Suites. The hotel offers a courtyard landscaped with tropical gardens surrounding a lounging area and swimming pool. Relax and enjoy your first night in Costa Rica!
Bright and early the next morning, you’ll be picked up to start the journey over to the northern Caribbean coast and Tortuguero. You’ll pass through beautiful scenery including Braulio Carrillo National Park and stop for a typical Costa Rican breakfast along the way. At some point, the pavement will give way to dirt roads and the road will eventually end. Here a boat will be waiting to take you on to Tortuguero with its famous national park brimming with wildlife. You’ll be welcomed by the staff of Mawamba Lodge who will provide you with a nice lunch. This rustic ecolodge, surrounded by natural beauty and the raucous call of the wild, is uniquely situated on a narrow wedge of land between one of the winding jungle rivers and the Caribbean coast. Your room will be the Standard, clean but basic with no TV and Wifi only available in the common areas. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the island village of Tortuguero for a tour of the local museum, town, and beach. While in the village, you’ll pay the required cash park entrance fee at the ranger station. The next morning, you’ll go on a guided nature hike through Mawamba Lodge’s private reserve, stopping along the way to see the butterfly and frog sanctuaries. After lunch, you’ll step aboard for a scenic riverboat safari through the wild Tortuguero Canals. One of the wildest and most diverse areas of Costa Rica, this remote region provides a window into eleven specific ecosystems, home to many rare and endangered animals including manatees, monkeys, sloths, jaguars, and so much more. Be sure to remember your camera as this will be an epic opportunity for wildlife photography.
On the next morning, you’ll take a domestic flight to Drake Bay. This tiny remote village is located down the South Pacific coast, on the outside of the Osa Peninsula. Here, you’ll stay at the Pirate Cove Hotel, a no-frills ecolodge located right on the beach at Drake Bay, where you can enjoy the afternoon exploring your gorgeous surroundings. The next day, you’ll hop on a boat and cruise over to Cano Island for a snorkeling adventure. This uninhabited island offers amazing snorkeling opportunities to see a myriad of colorful fish and interesting marine life. During certain times of the year, you might also catch sightings of migrating whales, sea turtles, rays, and dolphins. The San Pedrillo Station of Corcovado National Park is up next! Again only reachable by boat, this isolated park provides trails where experienced guides lead wildlife expeditions through the spectacular wilderness. As you hike through the park, your naturalist guide will be pointing out and identifying plants and animals that may include several species of monkeys, tapirs, crocodiles, agoutis, sloths, and even large cats. Along the way, you’ll stop at the refreshing San Pedrillo Waterfall. Again, you’ll want to bring your camera!
The following morning, you’ll take a combination of boat and land transfers back up the Pacific coast to Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge and Lodge. This rustic ecolodge and refuge offers onsite trails, secluded beaches, a swimming pool, wildlife refuge, plus nature and adventure activities. In the afternoon you can swim, enjoy the beach or explore the rainforest. The next morning, you’ll go on a guided hike through the rainforest in search of exotic birds. More than 350 species of indigenous and exotic tropical birds have been identified in the refuge, some quite rare worldwide! We leave the next day free for you to take it easy, enjoy the pool, and explore on your own the lodge’s wildlife refuge and beaches.
On Day 10, we’ll provide a transfer back to the Central Valley so you can spend your last night near the airport at the Country Inn and Suites. You’ll once again be able to enjoy the hotel’s tropical lounge and swimming pool. We’ll provide a private transfer to the airport on your last day for your flight home.
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Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica and on to Country Inn and Suites
We will meet you at San Jose International Airport (SJO) and then provide a private transfer to the nearby Country Inn and Suites. Welcome to Costa Rica!
Country Inn and Suites
Day 2: Transfer to Tortuguero and Tour of Tortuguero Village (B, L, D)
Transportation will be provided to the Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero. Along the way, you’ll stop for breakfast at a typical Costa Rican restaurant. As you continue, the road will end and you’ll board a boat that will take you through the jungle canals to Mawamba Lodge. After lunch, you’ll go on a guided tour of the village of Tortuguero. While there, you’ll be required to pay cash for your national park entrance fee. ($15 per adult, $5 per child between the ages of 5 - 11, and free for children 4 years or less)
Mawamba Lodge
Day 3: Mawamba Nature Trails Guided Hike and Boat Tour on the Tortuguero Canals (B, L, D)
In the morning, a bilingual guide will lead you on an informative nature hike within the trails of the Mawamba Lodge private wildlife reserve, including a visit to the butterfly and frog sanctuaries. After lunch, you’ll go by boat on a guided riverboat safari through the famous Tortuguero Canals and national park. Bring your camera as you’ll likely see loads of wildlife in this remarkable region.
Mawamba Lodge
Day 4: Flight to Drake Bay and the Osa Peninsula (B, D)
Today you’ll take a domestic flight down the South Pacific coast to Drake Bay, located on the outside shoreline of the Osa Peninsula. You’ll stay on the beach at the Pirate Cove Hotel. Relax and enjoy your new surroundings!
Pirate Cove Hotel
Day 5: Cano Island Snorkeling Tour (B, L, D)
This tour will begin with a boat ride out into the Pacific until you reach the uninhabited Cano Island. Then you’ll go for a guided snorkeling experience over the surrounding protected reefs to spot and identify many colorful fish and other types of marine life. Depending on the time of year you may get a chance to see visiting whales, sea turtles, rays, and dolphins! Lunch will be provided.
Pirate Cove Hotel
Day 6: Corcovado National Park San Pedrillo Station (B, L, D)
This tour also starts with a boat ride, which will take you to the San Pedrillo Station at Corcovado National Park. Your naturalist guide will lead you on a hike through the jungle and point out the day’s visible wildlife along the way. You’ll stop and spend time to rest at a refreshing waterfall.
Pirate Cove Hotel
Day 7: Transfer to Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge and Lodge (B)
The day starts with a boat ride up the Pacific coast to the mouth of the Rio Sierpe. The boat will head inland up the river which winds through the Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands and on to the village of Sierpe. From there, you’ll take a land transfer over to Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge and Lodge. Here you can spend the afternoon discovering the lodge’s many amenities, including a swimming pool and beach area.
Hacienda Baru Lodge
Day 8: Rainforest Birdwatching Hike (B)
A naturalist guide will lead you on a hike through the rainforest in search of Costa Rica’s wealth of tropical birdlife. Over 350 species have been identified within the refuge and you can take close up pictures through the guide’s hi-tech spotting scope.
Hacienda Baru Lodge
Day 9: Free Day to Explore or Relax (B)
No activities are planned on this day! A scheduled free day for you to relax and enjoy being in Costa Rica’s beautiful natural playground. Your lodge has a variety of onsite trails and a wildlife refuge you can explore. If you would like to add an additional tour for this day, we will be glad to help you customize your itinerary.
Hacienda Baru Lodge
Day 10: Transfer to the Central Valley (B)
Transportation will be provided back to the Country Inn and Suites in the Central Valley. You can spend time enjoying the hotel’s swimming pool and tropical lounge area during your last evening.
Country Inn and Suites
Day 11: Transfer back to the Airport (B)
We’ll provide a private transfer back to SJO Airport scheduled according to your flight time. Hasta Luego and Pura Vida!
Overview | Itinerary | Destinations | Hotels | Tours | Inclusions & Rates
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The first and last nights are quick stopovers at the Country Inn and Suites. This convenient airport hotel offers a nice pool and tropical lounge area. View this destination…
The remote region of Tortuguero on the northern Caribbean coast is only accessible by boat or plane. The lack of accessibility protects the national park and the many species of rare and exotic wildlife that live in a variety of ecosystems here. Rustic ecolodges are positioned along the canals, catering to outdoor nature enthusiasts. The remote fishing village of Tortuguero with its colorful history provides a rare cultural opportunity and is home to a small but interesting museum. During certain seasons, sea turtles can be found nesting on the beach. View this destination…
Some animals that live in Tortuguero… (actual images may have been taken in other locations)
Located on the outer coastline of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay provides the gateway to Corcovado National Park’s wilderness areas. Visitors will find no-frills ecolodges spread along the isolated beach and surrounding forest. This area is home to seemingly countless species of wildlife including large cats, sloths, monkeys, tapirs, colorful frogs, and so much more! View this destination…
Some animals that live on or off the shores of the Osa Peninsula… (actual images may have been taken in other locations)
Located just north of Dominical on the South Pacific coast, Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge provides an amazing place to explore the rainforest and a deserted beach. Visitors can also enjoy a wide array of onsite ecotourist adventures and nature activities. View this destination…
Some animals that live on or off the shores of the South Pacific… (actual images may have been taken in other locations)
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Country Inn and Suites, conveniently located between SJO Airport and the capital city of San Jose, offers an opportunity to unwind as you enter and exit the country. Guests can enjoy the relaxing lounge area and swimming pool, set in tropical gardens. View this hotel…
This popular no-frills ecolodge is uniquely sandwiched between the Tortuguero Canals of Tortuguero National Park on one side and the Caribbean shore on the other. Guests can enjoy the lush tropical gardens, hiking trails, frog and butterfly sanctuaries, rejuvenating swimming pool, and onsite dining experience between going on several guided excursions that are included in the package plan. All rooms offer peace and tranquility with a bed, private bath, ceiling fans, and porch hammocks. View this hotel…
Pirate Cove Hotel on the beach at Drake Bay is another no-frills ecolodge that provides the perfect jumping off point for excursions to Cano Island and Corcovado National Park. Guests can fill their days exploring the surrounding wilderness areas by day and catch an exquisite Pacific sunset in the evenings. View this hotel…
Hacienda Baru Lodge is located within a wildlife refuge of the same name, just north of Dominical. Guests will find basic lodging surrounded by natural beauty. A trail leads to a deserted beach and hiking trails are available throughout the property. Guests can also sign up for a number of amazing onsite nature and adventure tours! View this hotel…
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This tour will introduce you to the colorful fishing village of Tortuguero, a tiny town with a rich history in an unlikely setting. While here, guests will visit the local museum and beach area before stopping by the ranger station to pay cash for the national park entrance fee. View this tour…
This is a great day for wildlife observation! In the morning, a naturalist guide will lead you on a hiking tour through the private reserve at Mawamba Lodge plus stop to visit the butterfly and frog habitats. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a riverboat safari navigating through the dense jungle along the Tortuguero Canals. Both tours provide incredible opportunities to see wildlife such as iguanas, poison dart frogs, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and more! You’ll definitely want to bring your camera for both tours! View this tour…
Found approximately an hour off the Drake Bay coast, Cano Island is one of the best places in Costa Rica to go snorkeling over its protected reef areas. You’ll snorkel along the shore of the uninhabited island and observe colorful reef fish and other marine life. During certain times of year you may be fortunate enough to sight sea turtles, dolphins, or even migrating whales! View this tour…
The day kicks off with a boat ride down the coast until you reach the San Pedrillo Station within Corcovado National Park. After a “wet landing” your guide will lead the way as you hike along the dense forest trails in search of animals such as margay (cat), coatis, sloths, northern tamandua (anteaters), and several species of monkeys. You’ll wind up at a refreshing waterfall to top it all off! View this tour…
Over 350 species of birds have been identified at the Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge! Your naturalist guide will lead you on a hike through the jungle in a quest to find as many of them as possible! View this tour…
Overview | Itinerary | Destinations | Hotels | Tours | Inclusions & Rates
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Your Package Includes: (remember; you can customize any aspect!)
Award-Winning VIP Service
Lodging (hotels can be substituted at an adjusted rate)
Tours, Activities & More (tours can be substituted at an adjusted rate)
Transportation (a rental car or other transportation options can be substituted at an adjusted rate)
Meals & Drinks (based on hotel and tour selections)
This vacation has been priced recently for as low as $1,749 per person, double occupancy. In order to offer the lowest prices possible, we work with a combination of contract and dynamic rates. These rates fluctuate daily, based on the season and hotel availability.
*Your vacation will be 100% customized to your needs. After inquiring with us, you will receive an exact price based on your custom itinerary. Please include special requests in the comments section. The rates listed here include current taxes, hotels, tours and transfers as described unless otherwise indicated. Rates may vary based on your travel dates, room occupancy, and type of transportation selected. Green season pricing and offers listed above are for select travel dates only and restrictions may apply. Inquire for details. Prices are subject to change at any time and do NOT include international airfare, travel insurance or any other services that are not expressly mentioned.
Lifelong Deposits
If you delay or cancel your trip for any reason, your deposit will be valid until you are ready to go. It is also transferable to a friend.
No Charge Rescheduling & Modifications
For travelers with existing bookings and for new bookings, we will waive modification fees for those that wish to change their travel dates to future travel dates for all booking plans.Restrictions may apply. Please review our policies for details.
Overview | Itinerary | Destinations | Hotels | Tours | Inclusions & Rates
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