"To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the last product
of civilization."
-Bertrand Russel
COSTA
RICA RIVER & RAINFOREST
(Click on photos to enlarge.)
Costa Rica River & Rainforest is run as both
a fixed departure (group trip) and a custom vacation. Fixed departures
leave on a set date and are ideal for single travelers or families looking
for affordability and companionship. Custom trips, on the other hand, run
on the date you choose and allow for greater flexibility and privacy.
Itinerary
Summary
Fixed
Departure
Itinerary
Departure
Dates & Prices
Custom
Itinerary
Hotels
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* SUMMARY * FIXED
DEPARTURE: COSTA RICA RIVER & RAINFOREST (9 Days/8 Nights)
Hiking in Corcovado
and Savegre, and Pacuare River Rafting From US$1,638 per person in
double occupancy ($182 per person per day). Minimum age: 12 years.
Begin your trip at Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp on the Osa Peninsula,
where you will hike in the National Park looking for the Scarlet
Macaw and other rainforest animals. Also take a guided day tour to
the Corcovado Lodge Canopy Tree Platform to observe forest life from
120 feet above the ground. Then on to the Talamanca Mountains and
Savegre Lodge, where you will hike through a 600-year-old primary
oak forest. Finally, a two-day white water rafting trip on the scenic
and exciting Pacuare River, Class III-IV (Min. age 12 years.) Meet our Multisport Guides.
Day 2: San Jose / Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp (B,L,D)
Fly to Carate, then
walk 30-45 mins. with a Corcovado Guide to the Lodge. After lunch,
walk with your guide on the Lodge's loop Trail. Overnight at Corcovado
Lodge Tent Camp.
Day 3: Corcovado Canopy Tree Platform Experience (B,L,D)
Overnight at Corcovado
Lodge.
Day 4: Corcovado National Park (B,L,D)
Hike through the Park
to Salsipuedes Bay (6 hours). Overnight at Corcovado Lodge.
Day 5: Corcovado / San Jose / Savegre Lodge (B,L,D)
Fly back to San Jose.
Then drive to Savegre Mountain Lodge (3 hours). Afternoon free.
Overnight at Savegre
Mountain Lodge.
Day 6: Cerro de La Muerte Hike (5-6 hours) (B,L,D)
Overnight at Savegre
Lodge.
Day 7: Savegre / Pacuare River Rafting - Class III-IV.
Min. age 12 years (B,L,D)
Drive to the put-in
on the Pacuare River (about 3-1/2 hours). Overnight camping on the
riverbank.
Day 8: Hike and Pacuare River Rafting (B,L,D)
Morning guided hike.
Upon your return, continue your adventure down the Pacuare River
to the take-out. Return to San Jose by van (2 hours). Farewell dinner.
Overnight at Parque del Lago Hotel.
Day 9: Departure (No meals.) Transfer to the International Airport, arriving at least
two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
IMPORTANT: There
is a 25-pound weight limit on domestic flights in Costa Rica. Please
remember to pack light. If you would like to leave some of your belongings
behind, we will do our best to catch it up to you when you arrive
at the next destination in your itinerary.
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* DETAILED *FIXED
DEPARTURE: COSTA RICA RIVER & RAINFOREST (9 Days/8 Nights) From US$1,638 per person in double occupancy ($182 per person per day). Minimum age: 12
years. Click on the Custom
Itinerary tab for the version of this itinerary that can go on
any date.
Begin your trip at Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp on the
Osa Peninsula, where you will hike in the National Park looking for
the Scarlet Macaw and other rainforest animals. Also take a guided
day tour to Corcovado Lodge's Canopy Tree Platform to observe forest
life 120 feet above the ground. Then on to the Talamanca Mountains
and Savegre Lodge, where you will hike through a 600-year-old primary
oak forest. Finally, a two-day white water rafting trip on the scenic
and exciting Pacuare River. Meet our Multisport Guides.
Day 1: Arrival Costa Rica (No meals.)
Arrive at the International
Airport in San Jose. After passing through Immigration you will
be met by a Costa Rica Expeditions representative who will give
you a sticker to facilitate clearing customs. When you are exiting
the building, look for a Costa Rica Expeditions guide in an orange
shirt holding a sign with your name on it. He or she will take you
to the Parque
del Lago Hotel.
Day 2: San Jose / Corcovado Lodge (B,L,D)
After a welcome orientation
breakfast with your guide, depart for the 30-60 minute transfer to
the domestic airport for a 1-hour light charter flight (single engine
Cessna 206) to Carate, a mile southeast of Corcovado Lodge. Upon
arrival, walk 30|45 mins. with a Corcovado Guide to the Lodge (luggage
will be transported by horse cart). After lunch walk with your guide
on the Lodgefs loop Trail.
An enticing sampler of the different types of lowland tropical
rainforest, the Loop Trail winds its way through the Corcovado Lodge
property, including areas of abandoned, overgrown pasture, second
growth forest, and lowland primary rainforest (virgin jungle, if
you will). Appreciate views of the Pacific Ocean through vegetation
that has never felt a frost. Possible wildlife encounters include
Coatimundis (a relative of the raccoon), Tayras (a dark, bushy-tailed
weasel), Amazon parrots, parrotlets, Poison Dart Frogs, Scarlet-rumped
Tanagers, several species of snakes, Agoutis (which look like a large,
long-legged guinea pig), and Hermit Hummingbirds, to name a few.
Because this piece of land adjoins the larger protected Corcovado
National Park, occasionally you may encounter signs made by some
of the larger mammals: Tapir, Peccaries, or felines such as jaguar,
ocelot, or cougar. You also may come face to face with the monkeys
common to the Osa Peninsula: Spider, White-faced, and Howler Monkeys.
Dinner and overnight at Corcovado Lodge
Tent Camp.
Day 3: Corcovado Canopy Tree Platform (B,L,D)
Today, in groups of
up to six participants at a time, you will visit the Tree Canopy
Platform. The adventure begins with a one-hour guided hike through
the Corcovado Lodge Private Nature Reserve to the Canopy Platform.
The platform is located in an emergent tree 120 feet above the forest
floor. From here, you will have the opportunity to view the rainforest
from a seldom-seen perspective. White Hawks, Howler Monkeys, Anole
Lizards and Pygmy Squirrels may be sighted. Meals and overnight
at Corcovado Lodge.
Day 4: Corcovado National Park Hike (B,L,D)
After breakfast start
off on the six-hour, round-trip hike with a Corcovado Guide, through
the park to Salsipuedes Bay. Corcovado National Park covers 136,347
acres and is considered to be the most biologically diverse rainforest
in Central America. Walking northwest you pass through primary and
secondary forests, a small stretch of mangrove and stretches of
beach. This walk is renowned for sighting large flocks of Scarlet
Macaws of 20 or more individuals feeding in almond trees. While
by no means probable, it is possible to see Tapir at Salsipuedes.
Many of our guests have had this thrilling reward for this strenuous
hike. Overnight at Corcovado Lodge.
Day 5: Corcovado / San Jose / Savegre Lodge (B,L,D)
Walk 30-45 minutes to
the Carate Airstrip with a Corcovado Guide for the Costa Rica Expeditions
chartered flight back to San José. Upon arrival in San José,
we will stop for lunch and then depart for the three-hour drive
to Savegre Mountain Lodge in the Talamanca Mountains in central
Costa Rica. Upon arrival you will have the rest of the afternoon
free to take a horseback riding tour, go trout fishing or relax.
(Afternoon tours are at additional cost.) Overnight at Savegre
Mountain Lodge.
Day 6: Cerro de la Muerte Hike (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast,
depart by bus for the Cerro de la Muerte Hike. With a local guide,
you will walk down the mountain, first through sub-alpine meadows
then through the oak forests of the Savegre Valley. This is a 5-6
hour hike, which ends at Savegre Mountain Lodge. Picnic lunch included. Overnight at Savegre Lodge.
Day 7: Savegre / Pacuare River Rafting Class III-IV. Min.
age 12 years (B,L,D)
After an early morning breakfast, depart Savegre Mountain Lodge and drive to Finca La Cruz where, depending on road conditions, you may have to switch to a 4x4 shuttle to take you down to the put-in. Depending on the road conditions, you may need to walk for less than one mile. (Driving time to put-in is 3-1/2 hours.)
After an orientation and safety talk by your professional River Guides, proceed down river on continuous Class III-IV rapids. Soak in the Pacuare Gorgefs beauty as you raft deep into the heart of primary and secondary rainforest. Water level permitting, one of your guides will lead you on a hike up one of the many creeks that spill into the Pacuare. Upon return to the riverbank, you will find a picnic lunch prepared by your guides. Float and paddle downriver to the campsite, where you can spend the afternoon relaxing. At dusk a Costa Rican happy hour is planned, followed by a candlelight dinner with wine served by your guides. River time about 1-1/2 hours. Overnight camping on the riverbank.
Day 8: Pacuare River (B,L,D)
The most beautiful river canyon in the tropics, the Pacuare River cuts through one of those rare pockets of wilderness left on the planet. Today you will wake to the sounds of the Pacuare River canyon and the smells of your guides' cooking. After an early breakfast, you will go on a two-hour guided hike. Upon your return, the rafts will be rigged and ready to continue your adventure down the Pacuare River to the take-out. River time about 4 hours. Mid-afternoon take out. Return to San Jose by van (2 hours). Farewell dinner. Overnight at Parque del Lago Hotel.
Day 9: Departure (No meals.)
Transfer to the International
Airport, arriving about two hours before your flight's scheduled
departure time.
IMPORTANT: There
is a 25-pound weight limit on domestic flights in Costa Rica. Please
remember to pack light. If you would like to leave some of your belongings
behind, we will do our best to catch it up to you when you arrive
at the next destination in your itinerary.
FIXED
DEPARTURE: COSTA RICA RIVER & RAINFOREST
2008 DATES, HOTELS & PRICES Guaranteed to depart with a minimum of two persons. Price per
person in US$, based on double occupancy. Taxes included. Minimum
age: 12 years.
2008
Departures
Hotels
Price (US$)
July 5-13 and
July 19-27, 2008
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,738
Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Aug. 16-24, 08
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,738
Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Nov. 22-30, 08
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,638
Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Dec. 20-28, 08 REVERSE ORDER
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,838
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Corcovado Lodge
Dec. 27, 2008 to Jan. 4, 2009
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,838
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Jan. 3-11 , 2009
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,738
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Jan. 24-Feb. 1, 2009
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,838
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Feb. 7-15 and
Feb. 20-28, 2009
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,838
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Mar. 7-15 and
Mar. 27-Apr. 4, 2009
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,738
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Apr. 4-12, 2009
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,838
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Apr. 18-26, 2009
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,738
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
May 16-24 and
June 13-21, 2009
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,638
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
July 4-12 and
July 18-26, 2009
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,838
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Aug. 15-23, 2009
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,838
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Nov. 20-28, 2009
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,738
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Dec. 17-25, 2009
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,838
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Dec. 26, 2009 to Jan. 3, 2010
Parque del Lago Hotel
$1,838
Corcovado Lodge
Savegre Mountain Lodge
Single Supplement
Single supplement
(year round): US$342. Single supplement added if single accommodations
are requested or forced.
Hotels & Lodges
For the Costa Rica Rica River & Rainforest fixed departure trips, we reserve the right to change the San Jose hotel at the last minute. Our ability to guarantee departures with as few as two participants with the price structure currently in effect is in large part due to the fact that we are able to change hotels. We will do our best to keep you informed of which hotels we are planning to use for each departure. Travelers who find these conditions unacceptable should choose the Costa Rica River & Rainforest custom itinerary in which hotels are not likely to change under normal circumstances.
Included
Eight nights lodging
as featured in the itinerary. Transfers included on
arrival and departure, when arriving and departing on the first
and last scheduled days of the tour. For all other tours, transfers
are included as indicated. Meals as specified in the itinerary,
including a farewell dinner. Hotel taxes, entrance fees to National
Parks, museums and places of interest in effect at the time of
booking are included unless otherwise specified. Tax increases
or new taxes charged for services that were not taxed in the past
will be charged to the client. Guide services as specified in the
itinerary, as well as guides' expenses. Also, the handling of two
bags per person. Baggage and personal effects are at the owner's
risk throughout the tour.
Not Included
International airfare,
airport departure taxes (US$26 per person), tax increases or new
taxes charged for services that were not taxed at the time the
booking was made, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic
beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, phone
calls, room service, etc.) and gratuities.
Note regarding arrival and departure transfers: Transfers
are available by previous arrangement through Costa Rica Expeditions
for participants not arriving or departing on the stated arrival/departure
dates of the tour. For pricing, go to Transfer
Services.
IMPORTANT: There
is a 25-pound weight limit on domestic flights in Costa Rica. Please
remember to pack light. If you would like to leave some of your
belongings behind, we will do our best to catch it up to you when
you arrive at the next destination in your itinerary.
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* DETAILED * 53C06. CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY: COSTA RICA RIVER & RAINFOREST (9 Days/8 Nights)
Hiking in Corcovado and Savegre, and Pacuare River Rafting US$2,249 per person in double occupancy (or $250 per person per day).* Min. age 12 years. This is a customized itinerary. Click on the Fixed Departure Itinerary tab to see a more affordable version of this itinerary that goes on set dates.
Begin your trip at Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp on the Osa Peninsula, where you will hike in the National Park looking for the Scarlet Macaw and other rainforest animals. Also take a guided day tour to the Corcovado Lodge Canopy Tree Platform to observe forest life from 120 feet above the ground. Then on to the Talamanca Mountains and Savegre Lodge, where you will hike through a 600-year-old primary oak forest. Finally, a two-day white water rafting trip on the scenic and exciting Pacuare River, Class III-IV (Min. age 12 years.)
Meal codes: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Day 1: Arrival Costa Rica (No meals.) Arrive at the International Airport in San Jose. After passing through Immigration you will be met by a Costa Rica Expeditionsf representative, who will give you a sticker that will help facilitate clearing customs. When you leave the building after customs, look for a sign that says, gCosta Rica Expeditionsh with your name on it. A Costa Rica Expeditionsf guide wearing an orange shirt is holding the sign. He or she will take you to your hotel. Overnight at Parque del Lago Hotel.
Day 2: San Jose / Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp (B,L,D)
After a welcome orientation breakfast with your guide, depart for the 30-60 minute transfer to the domestic airport for a 1-hour light charter flight (single engine Cessna 206) to Carate, a mile southeast of Corcovado Lodge. Upon arrival, walk 30|45 mins. with a Corcovado Guide to the Lodge (luggage will be transported by horse cart). After lunch walk with your guide on the Lodgefs loop Trail.
An enticing sampler of the different types of lowland tropical rainforest, the Loop Trail winds its way through the Corcovado Lodge property, including areas of abandoned, overgrown pasture, second growth forest, and lowland primary rainforest (virgin jungle, if you will). Appreciate views of the Pacific Ocean through vegetation that has never felt a frost. Possible wildlife encounters include Coatimundis (a relative of the raccoon), Tayras (a dark, bushy-tailed weasel), Amazon parrots, parrotlets, Poison Dart Frogs, Scarlet-rumped Tanagers, several species of snakes, Agoutis (which look like a large, long-legged guinea pig), and Hermit Hummingbirds, to name a few. Because this piece of land adjoins the larger protected Corcovado National Park, occasionally you may encounter signs made by some of the larger mammals: Tapir, Peccaries, or felines such as jaguar, ocelot, or cougar. You also may come face to face with the monkeys common to the Osa Peninsula: Spider, White-faced, and Howler Monkeys. Dinner and overnight at Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp.
Day 3: Corcovado Canopy Tree Platform (B,L,D)
Today, in groups of up to six participants at a time, you will visit the Tree Canopy Platform. The adventure begins with a one-hour guided hike through the Corcovado Lodge Private Nature Reserve to the canopy platform. The platform is located in an emergent tree 120 feet above the forest floor. From the platform, you have the opportunity to view the rainforest from a seldom-seen perspective. White Hawks, Howler Monkeys, Anole Lizards and Pygmy Squirrels may be sighted. Meals and overnight at Corcovado Lodge.
Day 4: Corcovado National Park (B,L,D)
After breakfast start off on the six-hour, round-trip hike through the Park to Salsipuedes Bay. Corcovado National Park covers 136,347 acres and is considered to be the most biologically diverse rainforests in Central America. Walking northwest you pass through primary and secondary forests, a small stretch of mangrove and stretches of beach. This walk is renowned for sighting flocks of Scarlet Macaws of 20 or more individuals feeding in almond trees. While by no means probable, it is possible to see Tapir at Salsipuedes. Many of our guests have had this thrilling reward for this strenuous hike. Overnight at Corcovado Lodge.
Day 5: Corcovado / San Jose / Savegre Lodge (B,L,D)
After breakfast, walk 30-45 mins. to the Carate Airstrip with a Corcovado Guide for the Costa Rica Expeditionsf one-hour chartered flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, stop for lunch and then depart for the 3-hour drive to Savegre Mountain Lodge. Upon arrival at the lodge, the rest of the afternoon is free to go horseback riding, trout fishing, or just relax. (Afternoon tours are at additional cost.) Overnight at Savegre Mountain Lodge.
Day 6: Cerro de La Muerte Hike (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast, depart by bus for the Cerro de La Muerte Hike. With a local guide, you will walk down the mountain, first through sub-alpine meadows then through the oak forests of the Savegre Valley. This is a 5-6 hour hike, which ends at Savegre Mountain Lodge. Picnic lunch included. Overnight at Savegre Lodge.
Day 7: Savegre / Pacuare River Rafting - Class III-IV. Min. age 12 years (B,L,D)
After an early morning breakfast, depart Savegre Mountain Lodge and drive to Finca La Cruz where, depending on road conditions, you may have to switch to a 4x4 shuttle to take you down to the put-in. Depending on the road conditions, you may need to walk for less than one mile. (Driving time to put-in is 3-1/2 hours.)
After an orientation and safety talk by your professional River Guides, proceed down river on continuous Class III-IV rapids. Soak in the Pacuare Gorgefs beauty as you raft deep into the heart of primary and secondary rainforest. Water level permitting, one of your guides will lead you on a hike up one of the many creeks that spill into the Pacuare. Upon return to the riverbank, you will find a picnic lunch prepared by your guides. Float and paddle downriver to the campsite, where you can spend the afternoon relaxing. At dusk a Costa Rican happy hour is planned, followed by a candlelight dinner with wine served by your guides. River time about 1|1/2 hours. Overnight camping on the riverbank.
Day 8: Pacuare River Rafting (B,L,D)
The most beautiful river canyon in the tropics, the Pacuare River cuts through one of those rare pockets of wilderness left on the planet. Today you will wake to the sounds of the Pacuare River canyon and the smells of your guides' cooking. After an early breakfast, you will go on a two-hour guided hike. Upon your return, the rafts will be rigged and ready to continue your adventure down the Pacuare River to the take-out. River time about 4 hours. Mid-afternoon take out. Return to San Jose by van (2 hours). Overnight at Parque del Lago Hotel.
Day 9: Departure (No meals.) Transfer to the International Airport, arriving at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
*Note: Pricing can vary considerably depending on the number of people in your group and travel dates. Please contact us for an accurate quote on this or any other trip on our web site.
IMPORTANT: There is a 25-pound weight limit on domestic flights in Costa Rica. Please remember to pack light. If you would like to leave some of your belongings behind, we will do our best to catch it up to you when you arrive at the next destination in your itinerary.
HOTEL DESCRIPTIONS
Parque del Lago Hotel, San Jose Just 15 minutes from the international airport and across the street from San Josefs largest park, La Sabana. Parque del Lago has 30 rooms and nine suites. Airport transportation, laundry and room service are available. Facilities include a gym, spa and restaurant. Popular with business travelers looking for value, comfort and service, the hotel also has complementary Internet, a business center, and meeting and event rooms.
Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp,
Osa Peninsula "If
you're looking for a balanced blend of comfort and adventure, check
out Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp.” Frommer's Costa Rica 2001,
IDG Book Worldwide, Inc. Located 500 meters from the entrance to
the Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, the tent camp has
20, 10'x10' tents on platforms with two single beds, nightstands
and chairs. Bathrooms with cold water showers are shared but close
to the tents. The thatched-roof dining hall features family-style
meals. A canopy platform tour in a tree platform 120 feet above the
forest floor is featured. Electricity is by generator and lights
are turned off at 9:00 pm. Hot climate.
Savegre
Mountain Lodge, Central Highlands “This
working apple and pear farm, which also has more than 600 acres of
primary forest, has acquired a reputation as one of the best places
in the country to see Quetzals.” Frommer's Costa Rica 2001,
IDG Books Worldwide Inc. Located off the Interamerican Highway, between
Cartago and San Isidro de General, the hotel features 26 rustic cabins
with private hot water baths, surrounded by highland cloud forest.
A private nature reserve has a trout stream, fishing pond and nature
trails. Cool climate.
AVG
TEMPERATURES & ALTITUDES
AVERAGE
TEMPERATURES
ALTITUDES
San José
69F
3,500 ft
Corcovado
81F
Sea level
Savegre Lodge
60F
7,220 ft
TESTIMONIAL Feb. 28, 2006. "I had a most enjoyable time on your Costa Rica
River & Rainforest package." I had a most enjoyable time on your Costa Rica River & Rainforest
package and would like to take this opportunity to give some well deserved
recognition to your Costa Rica Expedition guide Fernando Perez who did
a wonderful job of keeping us all intact and for providing a wealth of
information on the trees, flowers, birds, wild life and other points of
interest during the trip. Very well organised!
I would also like to make mention of Priscilla
Jimenez who was the person behind booking the trip and for making additional
arrangements for accommodations due to my early arrival into San Jose.
I would like to share some of my photos the only problem being is I probably
took over a 1,000 pictures and it is going to take some time before I can
go through them. I will most certainly be revisiting Costa Rica and Costa
Rica Expeditions will be the group I will be using for my next trip. -Rick Spurling
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