Costa Rica Coast to Coast

Arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, where you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Transfer by land three hours to the Northern Caribbean coast, where you will board a boat for the hour ride into Tortuguero National Park. View wildlife along the creeks and head for Tortuga Lodge and its private rainforest reserve for a late lunch. Tortuga Lodge is surrounded by botanical gardens, so take advantage of your time here by joining one of the complimentary morning birdwatching tours.

Wake early to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy breakfast at the lodge. Embark on a full-morning boat tour with your naturalist guide to explore Tortuguero National Park’s many creeks and wildlife. Rain gear is provided, and be sure to pack your binoculars and a field guide. The early-morning hours are prime for wildlife; be on the lookout for howler monkeys, river otters, caiman, iguanas and birds like the Northern jacana, Montezuma oropendola and colorful toucans.

After lunch at the lodge, visit Tortuguero Village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Center. Tortuguero is translated as “Land of Turtles.” Every year, from June through October, thousands of Atlantic green sea turtles arrive at Tortuguero Beach to lay their eggs. In town, visit the local school (when in session), the Park headquarters and the general goods store, as well as chat with locals among their colorful Afro-Caribbean homes.

Next visit the museum founded by the Sea Turtle Conservancy, which began studying the sea turtles here in 1959, making it the longest-running continuous study of its kind in the world. The Conservancy’s work has greatly improved the survival outlook for several species of sea turtles and it has had a profound effect on the community of Tortuguero. The organization began its work in Costa Rica, but has since expanded its research and conservation efforts throughout Central America and the wider Caribbean.

Today, kayak the backwater creeks and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park. Intimately experience the rainforest from water level. Beginners are welcome, as instruction can be provided. Another opportunity today is to visit the school in the town of San Francisco de Tortuguero to help teach English to the local children. This optional activity is just 5 minutes away by boat and offers a meaningful way to connect with the local community.

Set off in the morning by boat, crossing the Tortuguero River then boarding a small plane flight to San Jose then Puerto Jiménez on the Osa Peninsula. From here it’s 45 minutes by land to the famed Lapa Rios Eco Lodge, your home for the next three nights.

Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Eco Lodge overlooks where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean. The main lodge and bungalows line three ridges connected by walking paths and steps, all built in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach. The main lodge, housing the restaurant and bar, soars 50 feet. Climb up to view the forest canopy and ocean.

At Lapa Rios Eco Lodge, numerous guided excursions are offered to get you out exploring the Osa Peninsula. Or you can opt to arrange for off-site added-cost activities like dolphin tours, surf lessons, mangrove kayak tours, horseback riding, zip lining and more. At Lapa Ríos, choose your favorites from the list below to custom-create your perfect Costa Rica adventures on the Osa Peninsula. Many travelers opt to extend their time here to take advantage of the many offerings; contact AdventureSmith for more information on trip extensions.

Bird Watching

At sunrise or sunset, head out with a guide to look for some of the 319 bird species inhabiting the Osa Peninsula. For keen birders and animal lovers, this guided tour guarantees numerous species of birds, morpho butterflies and other mammals. Expect an easy-level walk, 2 hours.

Local Medicine Tour

Follow local guides through the rainforest as they explain traditional medicinal uses of plants and seeds – a great look into the indigenous culture and customs of Costa Rica. Expect a medium-level hike with hills, 3 hours.

Wild Waterfalls

Hike through virgin rainforest to pristine waterfalls along the Carbonera River. This excursion is for hardy hikers looking for a challenge (wet walking and some climbing involved); swimming under the waterfall is encouraged! Expect medium to difficult hiking, 3 hours.

Starfish Walk

Learn about the marine biology of the Golfo Dulce, one of only four tropical fjords in the world, as you tour pristine waters and coconut-shaded beaches, looking for land crabs, starfish and sea cucumbers. Expect an easy to medium walk on this tide-dependent tour, 2 hours.

Night Walk

Use your flashlight, and the help of a guide, to uncover unusual nocturnal creatures and their habitats. Look for bats, insects, kinkajous and other wonders of this hidden, nocturnal world. Expect a medium-level walk, some hills, 1.5-2 hours.

Plant a Tree

Contribute to the Lapa Rios reforestation program by transplanting a primary rainforest seedling to an area of secondary growth. Participants will learn about their tree, its role in the ecosystem and receive a certificate to commemorate their efforts. Gift certificates can be purchased on behalf of others and the trees can be planted in their honor. Planting usually takes place in the early morning or late afternoons when soil is cool. Expect to do easy tree-planting work, for 10-20 minutes.

The Carbonera School

Tour a local primary school built and sponsored by Lapa Rios Ecolodge. This is an excellent opportunity to share and learn with the local community and is highly recommended for children travelers. Expect an easy excursion, 1 hour.

Twigs, Pigs & Garbage

This highly recommended tour winds around the lodge grounds, giving firsthand witness to the lodge’s greener and more sustainable way of life. From renewable building materials to the biogas produced by onsite pigs, learn why Lapa Rios is an award-winning sustainable property. Expect an easy outing, 1.5 hours.

Rainforest Ridge Walk

Hike down along the cool ridges of Lapa Rios’ most impressive primary and secondary forest as your guide highlights the hidden treasures of the rainforest. An excellent opportunity to see rare and unusual flora and fauna, and a great hike to truly immerse yourself in the wonders of the rainforest. Expect a medium to difficult hike, 3-3.5 hours.

Matapalo Tour

Hike along nearby beaches and secondary forest as your guide points out some of the most lively and active creatures of the rainforest. A great tour for wildlife lovers who also want to explore nearby beaches. Expect an easy walk, 2 hours.

The Osa Trail

This complete rainforest experience descends through the reserve’s most remote and pristine forest filled with enormous trees and breathtaking views. Expect a medium to difficult hike, some hills, 3.5-4 hours.

Spend a final morning enjoying Lapa Rios, then return to Puerto Jiménez for your charter flight to San José. Upon arrival in San Jose, a guide awaits to transfer you to your hotel.

Today, a transfer is provided to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), from where you can continue your Costa Rica travels or return home.