Things only get better as you move on to your final destination: Corcovado National Park. Here you will discover countless natural treasures, as well as some of the most virgin yet accessible wilderness in Costa Rica. Explore the mysterious wonders of Caño Island Biological Reserve, located off the coast of Drake Bay, where you can experience some of Costa Rica’s best snorkeling and scuba diving.

Day 1 – Arrival in San José
We will welcome you on your arrival at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, then you will travel to San José in one of our comfortable minibuses. We will gladly drop you off at the hotel of your choice. Some of our favorite options include the elegantly Victorian Fleur de Lys Hotel, the exclusive Hotel Grano de Oro, and the disarmingly charming Hotel Don Carlos. If you seek five-star international brand hotels, both the Hotel Camino Real Intercontinental and the Costa Rica Marriot are situated within easy reach of the airport.

Day 2 – Driving to Punta Uvita
After breakfast you will be equipped with a rental car. Your journey will take you southeast of San José down the Inter-American Highway, which will follow most of the way to your destination. You will travel through thick forests up the Cerro de la Muerte, which boasts the highest elevation on the international highway. This region is the northernmost outpost of the páramo, a high elevation habitat characterized by shrubs and home to exotic highland birds like the silky flycatcher, the sooty robin, and the volcano junco. The holy grail of birding, the resplendent quetzal, is frequently viewed on the western slopes from March to May. This magnificent bird can be seen at other times of the year as well, but is more elusive.

The adventure continues through San Isidro del General to Dominical on the coast. There you can unleash your inner surfer, have a drink, and wax nostalgic about the days when you used to hang ten before it got commercial. Heading out from Dominical is an almost endless parade of beautiful beaches. When you arrive at Punta Uvita you will have made your second base. Awaiting you is an inviting casita at Hotel Villa Gaia, tucked away in a luxuriant tropical garden and magnificently set upon a hill overlooking the Pacific. There is no finer setting for relaxing after your fantastic drive! A fine way to pass the remainder of the day is to explore the surrounding beaches, then return to sip cocktails poolside as you bask in the soothing water and await the spectacular sunset from on high.

Day 3 – Punta Uvita – Hotel Villa Gaia
You can enjoy your third day with the many tour options available in the Uvita area:
Hiking: Explore the sandy beaches of Uvita and Ballena National Marine Park, created in 1990 to preserve the fragile rock and coral reefs. Numerous species of birds nest here, including ibises, frigate birds, and the brown booby. Marine mammals are also drawn to the coast, you may spot a humpback migrating up the coast with its young. Alternatively, you may sign up for a guided excursion up the Guabo River to spectacular hidden waterfalls.



Horseback riding: Discover the village of Ojochal on your trusty steed. You pass mountain ridges, rain forest, beaches, and waterfalls, all looking upon the scenic Pacific coast.



Ultra-Light Flights: Kick back and let the air currents do the work while you soar over the coast. Feel perfectly at ease as you are literally carried away from civilization. Don’t stress over safety, for these flights have a spotless record and benefit from safe, expert operation. There is no better way to see the beaches, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and virgin forests than from on high. Nothing is required of you, except to relax and envy the eagles that get to do this every day.



After a full day you can watch the sun go down and choose a restaurant for dinner and happy hour.

Day 4 – Sierpe – Drake Bay, Corcovado National Park
After a filling early breakfast the adventure continues as you drive down the coast to the village of Sierpe. This banana producing hamlet lies 30 kilometers from the ocean and is located along a river that shares its name. Here you will exchange the comforts of your rental car for the thrill of a speedboat, which will carry you down river and through unique mangrove forests on your way to the ocean, where you will turn south. You will head for Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. Drake Bay is the ideal base for exploration of the Caño Island Biological Preserve and abuts Corcovado National Park.
The Osa Peninsula is among the most biologically diverse places in Costa Rica and this diversity has been preserved by the isolation of the region. Biologists identify eight distinct habitats and an amazing wealth of species. One hundred sixteen species of amphibians and reptiles, 16 types of freshwater fish, 285 species of birds, and 139 mammal species populate Corcovado National Park.

About an hour after arriving in Drake Bay you will be warmly welcomed by the staff of the Aguila de Osa Inn, overlooking Drake Bay. The hotel offers first-rate deep-sea fishing. An extensive fleet is at your disposal.

Once you are at the lodge there is a plenty to do. Several trails lead into the surrounding rainforest and offer fantastic opportunities to become acquainted with the abundant wildlife. If you are up to it beautiful beaches and waterfalls where you are likely to be all alone, are located a few hours hike from the lodge. Those inclined to take life at a more leisurely pace can meander along the beach and through the settlement at Drake Bay. When you return you can satisfy yourself with a delicious tropical dinner and an evening of relaxation.

Day 5 – Drake Bay, Peninsula de Osa
The sun rises early and so do the guests. Mornings are crisp and refreshing; perfect for being active outdoors. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, beach combing, and scuba diving.

Essential for today is a guided hike through the famous Corcovado National Park. Internationally recognized for its biological richness, Corcovado is the perfect place to search for countless animal and plant species while strolling through virgin rain forest. The sight of exotic orchids draping over streams is almost surreal, like stepping into a parallel universe, a fairy tale come to life. The park’s 13 ecosystems offer a bonanza of life. A guide can help you understand this astounding area.
Upon your return from Corcovado you may opt to take it easy and relax by the lodge. Have a cocktail and absorb the beauty around you before bidding adieu to your fantastic adventure.

Day 6 – Overnight in San José
You will have an early breakfast before leaving by speedboat for Palma Sur via Sierpe. There you will go aboard a small aircraft for the flight to San José. Choose your own accommodations and have an enjoyable final night in Costa Rica.

Day 7 – After Breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home or optional extension.
Above itinerary includes: Transportation to and from International Airport, two nights lodging at Hotel Don Carlos or similar, breakfast included, two-day car rental (Rav 4 manual), two night stay at Villas Gaia Hotel in Punta Uvita, breakfast included; boat and taxi transportation to hotel, 2 night stay at Aguila de Osa Hotel in Sierpe, meals included and choice of tour: Corcovado National Park or Isla del Caño; Sansa return flight to San José.

Optional Tour extensions in Drake Bay:
Spend an entire day doing whatever excites you most! After dark you can kick back and embrace the beautiful tranquility of this isolated jungle paradise. Contemplate life, love, and adventure under the bountiful stars.

Corcovado Waterfall Hike: If you missed yesterday’s excursion into Corcovado National Park, you may opt to do it today. Otherwise you can explore the trails from the lodge deep into the rain forest. Also, untrammeled beaches and inspiring waterfalls are only a few hours hike away. We will guide you on the best routes to hike.



Snorkeling / Scuba Diving at Caño Island: Located less then 20 kilometers west of Drake Bay is Caño Island, home of some of the world’s most thrilling diving. Porpoises, reef sharks, and manta rays as well as giant schools of multi-hued fish are commonly seen by divers. The intrepid whale shark and massive bull shark are often seen as well, though less frequently. Visibility in the water depends on the weather and varies between 45 and 90 feet. Diving is comfortable, as water temperatures are in the high 70s to the low 80s year round. During your trip to the island you can explore ancient burial grounds and trek through verdant tropical meadows.


Sportfishing: This area is home to spectacular sportfishing. In all, over 40 world record fish have been caught inshore and offshore. Roosterfish, cobra snapper, tuna, and wahoo are commonly found inshore while fishing offshore offers the chance to haul in sailfish, black marlin, blue marlin, and sometimes striped marlin.


Sea Kayaking: Kayaking the Río Aguijuitas and Drake Bay is a fantastic way to spend the day. Paddle up river at high tide and watch the jungle come alive. You will hear nothing but the sounds of your own breathing, your paddles cutting through the water, and the living rainforest. Drake Bay is also an excellent place to kayak. The waves are gentle, so you can paddle the coast in peace.

Price per person: To be advised by Aguila de Osa lodge.
Horseback Riding: A great way to gain a sense of life in Drake Bay is by horse. A local guide and his horses can help you explore the beaches, hills, and virgin rainforest.