An early morning scenic flight (45 minutes) aboard a small propeller plane offers breathtaking views over Costa Rica’s wild rainforest landscapes, all the way to the remote southwest corner—the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically rich places on Earth.

Upon landing in Puerto Jiménez, transfer by minivan (approximately two hours) to Drake Bay, passing the outskirts of Corcovado National Park. After lunch, hike two hours along a remote beach to Rio Claro—a stunning turquoise tidal river flowing from the rainforest for a refreshing swim.

Overnight: Poor Man’s Paradise (2 nights)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a grand wildlife adventure. Travel by speedboat to Corcovado’s Sirena Biological Station, with landings timed to the rhythm of the waves and tides. The park is famous for its incredible biodiversity—visitors may see four species of monkeys, crocodiles, sloths, and often the elusive Baird’s tapir (a gentle, pig-like mammal related to horses and rhinos).

Return to Drake Bay in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Poor Man’s Paradise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer from Drake Bay to La Tarde Ecological Station, a remote, off-the-grid eco-lodge overlooking lush gardens and home to a 100 hectare nature reserve adjacent to Corcovado National Park. The reserve attracts countless bird species and monkeys. In the afternoon, hike into pristine primary rainforest to learn why this reserve is called La Tarde. If conditions allow, enjoy a refreshing swim in a natural pool.

Overnight: La Tarde Eco Reserve (2 nights)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the day exploring La Tarde’s ficus trails and discovering its natural wonders. Highlights include the towering canfincillo tree, whose sap is so rich in natural hydrocarbons it can ignite even when freshly cut, and the sacred ceiba tree, believed to connect the realms of earth and spirit. Wildlife sightings may include toucans, parrots, and multiple monkey species.

Overnight: La Tarde Eco Reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It will be hard to say goodbye to La Tarde, but new adventures await. First, explore a tropical fjord by boat and learn about the various habitats that are unique to the gulf. Look for whales and dolphins and snorkel over a shallow coral reef.

In the afternoon, hike two miles down one of the most beautiful beaches in the world to an eco-lodge where ocean waves and the calls of scarlet macaws create the soundtrack to your stay.

Overnight: La Leona Lodge (2 nights)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hike the trails around La Leona. A favorite is the Monkey Camp Trail, which climbs to 1,000 feet and offers panoramic views of an undeveloped coastline where the blue Pacific meets black sand beaches stretching for miles. We look for more wildlife, with frequent sightings of monkeys and tropical birds, and army dart frogs.

Later, learn how to make coconut oil from scratch and take home your own sample.

Overnight: La Leona Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hike out of La Leona in the morning. In the afternoon, on the way to Puerto Jimenez stop at a local cocoa farm to learn how chocolate is made—from bean to bar. Participate in hands-on preparation and taste freshly made treats.

Evening, dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Corcovado Beach Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early morning flights from Puerto Jiménez to San José connect with International flights home or continue with the optional Monteverde Cloud Forest Extension.

Meals: Breakfast

Your expert local guide, Pepé, is an amazing storyteller and will use his vast knowledge and gift of teaching to share with you the complex relationships of plants and animals in the rainforest. He is an expert at spotting animals and will give participants unforgettable guided nature walks. You will feel like you are discovering the rainforest like a true explorer.

Pepé is a master naturalist and will teach you how every plant, monkey, bird, insect, and reptile is connected to each other via the delicate and intricate community within the rainforest. Pepé is Costa Rican and proud of his beautiful country. His passion for sharing his knowledge of the Tico culture and the amazing symbiotic life of tropical flora and fauna is evidence of how much he loves Costa Rica. Since 1997, he has been guiding people into the rainforests of Costa Rica and Panama. Our guests are shocked by now much Pepé knows! — It’s almost super human!

Kelly has 20+ years of experience teaching outdoor education and trip guiding. Kelly has worked with the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program since 1997 teaching a wide variety of hands-on outdoor skills classes and guiding trips locally and internationally. Kelly has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin Stevens-Point in Natural Resource Management with an emphasis in Environmental Education / Interpretation. She has a passion for making outdoor recreation accessible to all skill levels and physical abilities and looking forward to sharing Costa Rica with you. 

You can read more about Kelly here: Meet Trip Leader Kelly VanLaanen