Tortuguero Package – with Manatus Lodge

A short 3d/2n round-trip from San José to Tortuguero National Park on the northern Caribbean Coast. There are a small number of hotels in this region, all of which focus on wildlife observation and especially, sea turtle conservation, as Tortuguero National Park protects one of the most important nesting grounds for these magnificent, endangered species.

Manatus Lodge is the most upscale lodge you can possibly find in this region. Twelve comfortable bungalow-style accommodations in the middle of the rainforest – even with A/C and cable TV. Not to forget the wonderful Caribbean cuisine at its restaurant.

Wildlife is all around and you are just as likely to spot birds and animals (especially iguanas and howler monkeys) in the well-landscaped gardens as on the river tours.

Tortuguero with Laguna Lodge

A short 3d/2n round-trip from San José to Tortuguero National Park on the northern Caribbean Coast. There are a small number of hotels in this region, all of which focus on wildlife observation and especially, sea turtle conservation, as Tortuguero National Park protects one of the most important nesting grounds for these magnificent, endangered species.

Located on a narrow stretch of land only 650 ft wide between the ocean and main lagoon of Tortuguero, this eco-conscious lodge has a funky design, lovely gardens, and both a great view of the lagoon and direct access to the beach. Its 106 simple, but tastefully designed rooms are spread across its 6 acres of gardens. The restaurant has an open design over the water and meals are buffet style, rather than à la carte.

Tortuguero with Mawamba Lodge

This lodge enjoys a privileged location about 5 minutes by boat from Tortuguero Village, on panhandle where the jungle meets the ocean. The 56 cabañas are available in two categories, standard and superior, and all are spread around the property. Standard rooms are built of wood and have their own bathrooms, as well as a private outside porch. They are fitted with a queen-sized and a single bed, two queen- or one king-sized bed. Superior rooms are a bit more spacious and are fitted with a king-sized bed.

Tortuguero with Turtle Beach Lodge

The relative distance of a 20-minute boat ride between the lodge and Tortuguero Village means that this lodge feels much more secluded and remote than the others. The property is also much larger, comprising jungle trails and little canals within the private reserve and an isolated, private stretch of beach. This is by far and away the best place for nature lovers and serious wildlife watchers.

Accommodations are in wooden bungalows, which are fitted with comfortable beds, a ceiling fan, cool tiled floors, private bathrooms with hot showers and wide, screened windows that allow for the gentle ocean breeze and the jungle sounds to drift in. Standard rooms are available with one double bed, two twins, or one double and one twin. Larger rooms are available for family groups. Dinner is served buffet style. A turtle shaped pool is located near the restaurant/bar.

Selva Bananito 4d/3n Rainforest Experience

Selva Bananito Lodge offers one of the most immersive rainforests experiences in Costa Rica. Located far from the beaten path, hidden in the Caribbean lowland forest, the lodge is built on a farmstead. In 1994, the family decided to turn 2000 acres of their property over to nature and the eco-lodge operations. Selva Bananito eco-lodge has been praised as one of the top eco-lodges in the country for their excellent environmentally friendly practices. There is no electricity at this lodge and dinner is by candle-light. However, guests can charge their electronic devices (ask the farm manager). This is an ecolodge that truly deserves the name! Besides paying attention to their own ecological impact, they also use 10% of their income to support conservation and educational programs.

The Green Paradise – Rios Tropicales & Selva Bananito

This is quite an active rainforest adventure! The Green Paradise is a combination of a 2-day rafting trip on the Pacuare River and a stay at Selva Bananito Lodge, located on Costa Rica’s Atlantic side. You will be immersed in the rainforest for 4 days, far away from civilization and even without electricity. This tour is designed for active people who want a real adventure. Although you will be exploring and will stay in some very remote areas, you will not have to do without a certain degree of comfort. Ríos Tropicales has lovely rooms and Selva Bananito Lodge also offers great standards of accommodations. You will also enjoy excellent food in a wild, but romantic, setting. Soon you will realize that this green paradise is a rather warm and generous place.

Arenal Adventure 4d/3n

The area around Arenal volcano is one of Costa Rica’s favorite adventure playgrounds. Although the volcano is currently less active than it has been in the past, this has not diminished its awesome presence. The almost perfectly cone-shaped volcano dominates the landscape. There are numerous activities available in this area, from hiking on the slopes of the volcano to hanging bridges to inner tubing and canyoning, and much more. This short package of 4d/3n includes a jungle walk and a guided tour to the Caño Negro Nature Reserve near the Nicaraguan border, a great place to watch wildlife from the water. This tour can be done as a round trip, from and to San José, or combined with other destinations, such as the beaches on the Northern (e.g.Tamarindo/Samara) or Central Pacific (e.g. Quepos/Manuel Antonio), Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Tortuguero, or Rincon de la Vieja. Extra days, of course, can also be added in Arenal itself.

Arenal & Monteverde 5d/4n

The amazing region around Arenal is fabulous for all sorts of active outdoor activities – or, one can just relax in the wonderful hot springs, which are seemingly everywhere. This trip combines a short stay in Arenal with another couple of nights in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a fantastic are for birding and nature observation, whether walking on the trails of the Reserve or from the hanging bridge installation through the canopy. The journey from Arenal to Monteverde is by bus and boat across the beautiful Lago Arenal – an adventure in itself. This trip can be combined with all the options mentioned for the Arenal Adventure above.

Corcovado Package – with Aguila de Osa 4d/3n

Corcovado is Costa Rica’s wild secret! Located in the deep south of the Osa Peninsula, this is one of the remotest, wildest rainforest areas, and a hotspot for biodiversity. Large parts of this area are protected as National Parks, the largest and most important of which is Corcovado. This short package allows you to experience this supremely beautiful and hard to access region and it even includes a couple of guided excursion, one to Corcovado and the other to Caño Island, the best snorkling spot in the region. The package is offered with Aguila de Osa, a beautiful lodge in the Drake area, only accessible by boat.