Rafting and Wildlife of Corcovado

After arriving at Juan Santamaria (SJO) Airport, we will transfer to our hotel in the San Jose City.

The city of San Jose, located in the centre of the country, has served as the main hub for the exploration of Costa Rica. Attractions in San Jose include the National Theatre, the National Museum, the Art Museum or the Pre- Columbian Gold Museum, the picturesque Central Market Place and several art cafes. Shopping also finds its birthplace in San Jose, from the modern malls to the little souvenir shops spread out all over the city.  Overnight in Hotel Presidente.

We have an early start this morning as we leave our hotel and head to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. We will stop en-route for breakfast and arrive at el Cairo of Siquirres to start the first part of our adventure – rafting the Pacuare River. Winding deep inside of one of Costa Rica’s most impressive primordial rainforests, the Pacuare River, officially declared a Wild and Scenic River, offers some of the finest white water rafting in Latin America. We will traverse 18 miles of remote and scenic waters that course through a wilderness of dense vegetation, plummeting waterfalls and steep gorges that rise above the riverbanks. The thick undergrowth provides shelter for jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and numerous other species of animals and birds. We will stop

on the river at the Rios  lodge where we will have dinner and stay overnight.

Overnight at Rios  Lodge

Enjoy a full day of guided adventures at Ríos Lodge in the heart of the Pacuare rainforest. Choose from a variety of immersive activities, including a waterfall hike through lush jungle trails, wildlife observation with chances to spot toucans and monkeys, or a cultural visit to a nearby indigenous Cabécar community to learn about their traditions. For a thrilling perspective, walk the canopy bridge high above the forest floor, offering stunning views and unique wildlife encounters. Each activity is led by knowledgeable local guides who provide ecological insights and ensure a memorable, nature-filled experience in this pristine environment

Overnight Rios Lodge 

Following breakfast at the lodge we start our second day paddling the Pacuare River. In the afternoon we will departure on overland transfer back to San Jose.

Overnight Presidente

This morning we will transfer to the local airstrip for our domestic flight to Drake Bay. We will head to Casa Drake . This afternoon will be free to explore the surroundings and enjoy a short hike.

Overnight at Casa Drake  Lodge ( Jungle Bungalow or similar) full Board 

A typical morning in Drake Bay brings a chorus of tropical birds: scarlet macaws flash through the canopy, toucans call from treetops, and trogons perch silently nearby. You might spot hummingbirds flitting among flowers, herons wading along shorelines, and tanagers lighting up the branches. The diversity is dazzling—each glance reveals another vibrant feathered surprise in this rainforest paradise.

Over night Full Board Casa Drake Lodge

Enjoy a guided visit to the San Pedrillo sector of Corcovado National Park, one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. Led by an expert naturalist guide, explore pristine rainforest trails where you may encounter wildlife such as scarlet macaws, tapirs, monkeys, and even elusive jaguars. Learn about the park’s unique ecosystems, including primary and secondary rainforest, rivers, and coastal areas. After your adventure, relax at Casa Drake Lodge, a tranquil eco-lodge nestled in the Osa Peninsula’s lush jungle. Your stay includes comfortable accommodations and three daily meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients

Overnight Casa Drake Full Board

This morning we will return to Drakes Bay for our flight to San Jose

Your hotel is within walking distance to San Jose’s attractions like the Gold Museum and Central Market which you can visit in the afternoon at your leisure.

Overnight at El Presidente (Superior room)

This morning after breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our onward flight home (or if you fancy an extension in Costa Rica or another Central American country, we are happy to organise this).

On Day 8, after a relaxing breakfast at the lodge, you’ll embark on a private land transfer from Casa Drake to Uvita. This scenic drive along the Southern Pacific coast lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, offering stunning ocean views and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into the charming Hotel La Cusinga, staying in an Ocean View Superior Room that captures the natural beauty of the area.

Day 9 begins with breakfast at the hotel before heading out on a morning whale and dolphin watching tour in Marino Ballena National Park, a spectacular experience available seasonally from July to October and December to March. The park is famous for its unique marine life and the iconic whale tail-shaped sandbar visible at low tide. The afternoon is free to relax, explore the pristine beaches, or wander the peaceful trails surrounding the lodge, immersing yourself in the tranquility of Uvita’s rainforest and coastline.

On Day 10, after breakfast, you’ll take a private transfer back to San José, which takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. The day concludes with a delightful dinner in the city’s gastronomic district before spending the night in a superior room at Hotel Presidente. Finally, on Day 11, after breakfast, a private transfer will take you to San José Airport to conclude your journey.