Untamed Costa Rica: A Family Journey to the World’s Most Biodiverse Paradise

Your exciting Costa Rican adventure begins the moment you arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport. After disembarking, follow the signs to the immigration area where your passport will be checked and stamped. Collect your luggage from the baggage claim and proceed through customs by placing your bags on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. With your documentation in hand, you’re ready to exit the airport. Avoid unsolicited taxi offers by scanning the area for your Green Planet Expeditions (GPE) representative, who will ensure a smooth transition to your hotel. Settle into your comfortable accommodation at Hotel Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen. Enjoy a relaxing evening in San José, exploring the vibrant city or simply unwinding at the hotel. Overnight Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen.

Begin your incredible journey with an early breakfast at Hotel Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen. A dedicated GPE driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the domestic flight terminal at Juan Santamaría International Airport. From here, you’ll board a flight to Drake Bay, the gateway to the pristine wilderness of Corcovado National Park. The flight offers stunning aerial views of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, from lush mountains to expansive coastlines. Upon arrival in Drake Bay, your adventure continues with a scenic boat ride across serene waters to reach Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort. As you glide through the emerald waters, keep an eye out for dolphins and marine birds that often accompany the boat. At Copa de Arbol, you will be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and shown to your luxurious accommodations nestled amidst the rainforest. The resort’s exclusive setting offers unparalleled views of the ocean and the surrounding tropical landscape. After settling in, enjoy a sumptuous lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients, showcasing the vibrant flavors of Costa Rican cuisine. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore the resort’s amenities, including private beaches, hiking trails, and the inviting natural swimming pool. In the evening, savor a gourmet dinner crafted by the resort’s talented chefs. The menu features a fusion of local and international dishes, ensuring a delightful dining experience. With your dedicated naturalist guide on hand for the next day’s activities, your Costa Rican odyssey is off to an extraordinary start. Overnight at Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort or similar.

Awake to the sounds of the rainforest and the gentle waves lapping at the shore. After a delightful breakfast at Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort, prepare for a day of exploration and wonder as you embark on a journey to Caño Island Biological Reserve, a true gem of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. A boat will whisk you away from the resort to the stunning Caño Island. As you navigate through the turquoise waters, your naturalist guide will provide insights into the marine and terrestrial ecosystems that make this region so special. The reserve, known for its rich biodiversity and pristine beauty, is a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by lush tropical forest and beautiful white-sand beaches. The island is renowned for its remarkable snorkeling opportunities, and you’ll have the chance to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life. The waters around Caño Island are home to a diverse array of species, including sea turtles, rays, and schools of tropical fish. Your guide will ensure you have a front-row seat to witness these underwater marvels. For those interested in history, Caño Island also boasts impressive pre-Columbian stone spheres, believed to have been created by ancient indigenous cultures. Your guide will share fascinating stories about these enigmatic artifacts and their significance to Costa Rican heritage. After a morning of snorkeling and exploring, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the island, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Relax on the sandy shores or take a leisurely swim in the crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, return to Copa de Arbol for some well-deserved relaxation. You might choose to unwind in the resort’s natural swimming pool, take a gentle stroll along the beach, or simply soak in the stunning views from your private terrace. As the sun begins to set, gather for an exquisite dinner at the resort, featuring a selection of gourmet dishes that highlight the best of Costa Rican cuisine. The evening is yours to savor the tranquility of the resort and reflect on the day’s adventures. Overnight at Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort or similar.

Awaken to the chorus of the rainforest as the morning sun filters through the dense canopy. After a hearty breakfast at Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort, get ready for an unforgettable adventure into one of the most biodiverse places on the planet: Corcovado National Park. Today, you’ll embark on a guided expedition into this sprawling wilderness, renowned for its incredible natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Corcovado National Park covers nearly 165,000 acres of pristine tropical rainforest and is considered one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. A boat will transport you from the resort to the park’s designated entrance, where you’ll meet your expert naturalist guide. Your guide, equipped with in-depth knowledge and a passion for conservation, will lead you through the park’s varied ecosystems, from lush rainforests and mangrove swamps to sandy beaches and freshwater streams. As you journey deeper into the park, keep your eyes peeled for the incredible array of wildlife that calls Corcovado home. The park is a sanctuary for elusive species such as the jaguar, Baird’s tapir, and the endangered harpy eagle. You might also encounter playful spider monkeys swinging through the treetops, vibrant toucans flitting among the foliage, and the occasional elusive ocelot. Your guide will point out and explain the park’s unique flora, including towering ceiba trees, vibrant orchids, and rare medicinal plants. Learn about the intricate balance of this ecosystem and the conservation efforts dedicated to preserving it. During your exploration, you’ll stop at a picturesque beach within the park, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch amidst breathtaking surroundings. The pristine coastline here is a perfect spot to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean meeting the rainforest. After lunch, continue your trek through Corcovado, venturing into lesser-known trails that showcase the park’s hidden treasures. Discover serene waterfalls, tranquil riverbanks, and dense forest groves as you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this untouched paradise. As the day winds down, return to Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort by boat, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s remarkable experiences. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and unwind with a view of the sunset over the lush rainforest. Overnight at Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort or similar.

Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Copa de Arbol, savoring the serene moments in this rainforest haven. The resort’s attentive staff will assist with your departure, ensuring a seamless transition to your next adventure. Bid farewell to Drake Bay as you embark on a scenic 2-hour 30-minute land transfer to Puerto Jiménez. This journey takes you along the rugged beauty of the Osa Peninsula, winding through lush rainforests and remote coastal landscapes. Along the way, keep an eye out for scarlet macaws, toucans, and playful monkeys that thrive in this biodiverse paradise. The drive offers an immersive glimpse into the untouched wilderness of Costa Rica’s southernmost frontier, where small villages and dense jungle create an ever-changing tapestry of scenery. Upon arrival in Puerto Jiménez, a Lapa Rios representative will greet you and assist with your luggage before escorting you in a private 4WD vehicle to the lodge. This final stretch of the journey leads you deep into one of the most pristine and ecologically rich rainforests in the world, where the jungle meets the sea at the edge of the Osa Peninsula. Welcome to a vivid landscape that National Geographic has deemed “the most biologically intense” place on the planet, where macaws screech & soar, monkeys chatter, and humpback whales splash in the Golfo Dulce. Your luggage will be transferred to your room while you enjoy lunch, selecting from tacos and ceviche featuring freshly caught fish, light gazpachos, an array of delicious salads, and more. Take some time to relax by the pool or in your villa, observing the abundance of wildlife all around you. Before dinner, reconnect with your private guide to discuss your upcoming activities and excursions or begin your explorations with a nocturnal walk through the forest in search of creatures most active at night. Overnight at Lapa Rios Lodge.

Lapa Rios Lodge protects a 1,000 acre private rainforest reserve, encompassing primary and secondary forest that provides a critical corridor for wildlife moving between the borders of the Osa Peninsula’s many national parks and preserves. Accompanied by expert naturalist guides, guests discover the magic of the Pacific Coastal tropical rainforest and Golfo Dulce, one of just four tropical fjords in the world and a favorite habitat of sea turtles, dolphins and whales. Below Lapa Rios, the beaches are a haven for surfers, offering three perfect point breaks ideal for a range of abilities. Guests will be privately guided throughout their time at Lapa Rios and will work with their guide to select from eight different guided excursions through the forest and along the beaches. Splash through a river canyon on our Wild Waterfalls Hike, discover the medicinal properties of rainforest plant, visit the local Carbonera School and join the students in a soccer match or search for wildlife as you hike through palm forests, primary & secondary rainforest on the Osa Trail. Guests may also select from an assortment of adventures (such as surfing, kayaking in the mangroves or through bioluminescence, horseback riding, boat excursions to spot dolphins and whales in Gulfo Dulce and more) that are operated on a private basis by vetted outside partners. These excursions are available for an additional fee. Overnight at Lapa Rios Lodge

Conclude your Costa Rican adventure with a transfer back to Puerto Jiménez for your flight to San José. Once in San José, a GPE representative will assist with your final journey to Juan Santamaría International Airport.  Ensure you arrive at the airport at least three hours before your departure to facilitate a smooth check-in process. Safe travels!