A shaggy, brown sloth hangs and moves along a slim tree branch in the rainforest during the Pacific Costa Rica tour.
Travelers sit in a small, narrow boat with a sun shade above them, motoring through a calm river lined by jungle in Costa Rica.
3 white crane birds with long pink beaks stand in a line on top of a palm frond, seen on the Pacific Costa Rica tour.
two scarlet macaws in trees on pacific costa rica land tour
Travelers paddle a large blue raft down a whitewater river with lush jungle on both sides during the Pacific Costa Rica tour.
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Central America Costa Rica Land Tour

Pacific Costa Rica

This 9-day active tour reveals the best of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast in style. Explore Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park, a biodiversity hotspot recognized by the National Geographic Society, from Casa Corcovado, a stunning lodge and reserve located in Drake Bay adjacent to the park’s remote northern boundary, accessible only by boat. 

Enjoy the magnificent beaches and stunning wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park. Snorkel Cano Island. Raft the Savegre River, explore a coastal mangrove by boat and experience the National Park by foot while searching for monkeys, coatimundi, crocodiles, iguanas and countless species of birds. Enjoy fine accommodations such as Hotel La Mariposa in Manuel Antonio, which offers elegant rooms with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Costa Rica adventure tours and Costa Rica vacations.



Itinerary

Pacific Costa Rica Itinerary

The 9-day Pacific Costa Rica adventure begins and ends in San Jose, Costa Rica, at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO).

Pacific Costa Rica route map.
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Day 1
Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica

Upon arrival at San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International Airport be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in San Jose.

Accommodations

Park Inn, or similar

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Day 2
Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Fly to Palmar, where a short drive leads to the agricultural town of Sierpe near Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Coast. Board a boat for the exciting voyage down the Sierpe River to the Pacific Ocean, where whales and dolphins are sometimes spotted. Journey along the dramatic coastline toward Corcovado. Your base for the next three nights is Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, a 170-acre private reserve bordering Corcovado National Park. Carefully designed with the highest concern for conservation in harmony with the landscape, the lodge offers luxury accommodations and unparalleled access to the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national park system. Explore the trails surrounding the lodge with a naturalist guide. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloth, kinkajous, anteaters and numerous birds including macaws, toucans and oropendulas.

Accommodations

Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, or similar

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Cano Island Tour

Enjoy a full day off-shore at Caño Island National Park. The guided trip includes boat, lunch, snorkeling, snorkel gear and guides for an up-close exploration of Costa Rica’s most diverse reef and island system. Return to Casa Corcovado for dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodations

Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, or similar

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Corcovado National Park

With over 400 species of bird, 20 of which are endemic to Corcovado, early-morning bird walks are a popular activity. Corcovado National Park covers 136,347 acres, and the National Geographic Society has called its location along the isthmus connecting North and South America “the most biologically intense place on earth.” The park is a final stronghold of primary forest along the Pacific coastline and remains home to important endangered species such as sea turtles, spider monkeys, crocodiles, scarlet macaws and jaguars. A 6-hour hike into Corcovado National Park includes a beautiful waterfall, lunch on a secluded sand beach and a visit to the San Pedrillo ranger station. This hike is well known for a large number of scarlet macaws as well as other birds and abundant wildlife. Return to the lodge in time to relax and enjoy the evening overlooking the Pacific.

Accommodations

Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, or similar

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Manuel Antonio National Park

Today take a land transfer from Sierpe to Quepos. This coastal scenic drive takes 2.5 hours to reach the Osa Peninsula and its Manuel Antonio National Park. Arrive at your ocean-view hotel with ample time to take a swim and enjoy the afternoon. Hotel La Mariposa, your base for the next four nights, is perched magnificently on a hillside with panoramic views of the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park.

Accommodations

La Mariposa Hotel, or similar

Meals

breakfast

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Day 6
Savegre River Rafting

Drive through palm plantations, little towns, small rivers and jungle vegetation to arrive at the put-in of the Savegre River where you will receive a safety talk. This class II-III section of the river has modest rapids, with great swimming spots that can be enjoyed en route as well as a variety of shore birds on the river banks. The time on the river is approximately 2.5 hours, including occasional stops to rest and admire the region’s beautiful flora and fauna. Take out downstream where a bus awaits to take you the short distance to Manuel Antonio.

Accommodations

La Mariposa Hotel, or similar

Meals

breakfast, lunch

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Day 7
Isla Damas Mangrove Boat Tour

Experience the complex estuary and canal system of Damas Island. Choose a covered boat or a kayak excursion that will navigate the thick mangrove system while the naturalist guide points out the diverse and unusual relationships among many organisms that make the mangrove home. This delicate habitat is home to crocodiles, monkeys, sloth, anteaters, iguanas and numerous birds. The exact time of the mangrove tour will be determined by the tides, as the mangrove canals are only accessible during high tide. The remainder of the day is free to relax at the beach.

Accommodations

La Mariposa Hotel, or similar

Meals

breakfast, lunch

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Day 8
Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the smallest yet most diverse and popular parks in Costa Rica. Despite its size of only 1,685 acres, the park boasts everything people come to Costa Rica to see, including stunning beaches, a magnificent setting with offshore islands and lush rainforest laced with a network of well-maintained trails accessing a tremendous amount of wildlife. Explore the park with a naturalist guide early this morning when wildlife is most active. This afternoon is free to relax on the beach. Bring your beach gear with you, as several of Manuel Antonio’s most spectacular beaches are located within the national park.

Accommodations

La Mariposa Hotel, or similar

Meals

breakfast

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Day 9
Depart San Jose, Costa Rica

Fly back to San Jose and transfer to the international airport before your flight’s scheduled departure time or begin your trip extension to the Arenal Volcano area, the Monteverde Cloud Forest or the Caribbean coast. Additional nights at Casa Corcovado or La Mariposa can also be added to this itinerary.

Note: Your departing flight must leave San Jose no earlier than 12:00pm in order to make the connection from Manuel Antonio. If your departing flight leaves before noon, then arrangements will be made for you to overnight in San Jose on day 8.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations, meals, naturalist-guided activities, national park entrance fees and transfers.

Exclusions

Airfare to snd from Costa Rica, airport departure tax, excess baggage charges, taxes and port fees, gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind. Holiday supplement may apply during Christmas, New Year’s and Easter weeks; contact AdventureSmith for pricing and availability.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days – 50% of deposit
90 to 31 days – 50% of total trip cost
30 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Pacific Costa Rica adventure begins and ends in San Jose, Costa Rica, at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive in San Jose anytime on day 1 and depart anytime after 12:00pm noon on day 9. If your departing flight leaves before noon, then we can make arrangements for you to overnight in San Jose the night before departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

There is a 40 lb. weight limit for your checked baggage on all flights within Costa Rica (with an additional 10 lb. allowance for carry-on luggage). AdventureSmith Explorations suggests packing a small empty duffel bag inside of your checked baggage. Use this smaller bag for the segments of your trip where you will be flying. The remainder of your baggage can be left in a secure office in San Jose.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the guides can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include boat tours, wildlife observation, snorkeling, birding, hiking, swimming, river rafting and kayaking.

Room Configuration

If you would like to share accommodation with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to connect you with a suitable match. This program allows you to pay the per person adult double-occupancy rate if a match is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Child rate applies for age 11 and under and valid if sharing room with two adults, maximum two children per room with adults. The Savegre Rafting activity requires a minimum age of 8 years old.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.

Rates & Dates

Trip Rates & Details

Departures available daily, year-round. Contact us for current rates and availability.

Accommodations

Learn About the Lodges & Hotels on Your Itinerary

Lodge
Corcovado Wilderness Lodge

Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, tucked away in the trees and cooled by the Pacific Ocean, is an all-inclusive Costa Rica resort set within a 170-acre private reserve that borders the north side of Corcovado National Park.

Hotel
La Mariposa Hotel

La Mariposa Hotel is an award-winning accommodation best known for its stunning 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Manuel Antonio National Park and its surrounding tropical vegetation.

Hotel
Hotel Bougainvillea

The unique and comfortable Hotel Bougainvillea is a place where guests can truly experience the world-famous beauty of Costa Rica, just ten minutes from San José.

Hotel
Hotel Heliconia

Hotel Heliconia in Costa Rica's famed Monteverde region is located on a stunning 6-acre property surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. The lodge offers panoramic views of Monteverde and hundreds of exotic birds and animals onsite.

Hotel
Park Inn

Park Inn by Radisson is a 117-room hotel located three blocks from Paseo Colón, San Jose's main avenue, and in walking distance of downtown.

Testimonial

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"This Trip Was Amazing!"

This trip was amazing! It is definitely suitable for children, adults, young adults & grandparents! The accommodations were excellent & there was so much nature. Thank you AdventureSmith.

Overall
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Accommodations
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Meals
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Pacific Costa Rica