Cloud Forest Holiday & Wildlife Adventure: Dec 29, 2024-Jan 5, 2025

Upon your morning or afternoon arrival in San José, meet your driver for a scenic three-hour drive to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. This high-altitude forest, known for its dense and diverse vegetation, is perfect for hiking and birdwatching. Arrive at Monteverde Lodge, a beloved and distinctive hotel in the region. The lodge features stylish, cozy rooms, an international fusion restaurant and bar, peaceful gardens filled with local flora, and a private reserve home to exotic birds, sloths, and delicate orchids. The hotel concierge is available to assist with restaurant reservations, taxi services, and tour bookings.

This birdwatching tour is tailored to your level of experience and focuses on finding your target species. A local expert guide will share their extensive knowledge of Monteverde’s birdlife. During the tour, you can explore various trails across seven of Holdridge’s Life Zones, including tropical moist forest, premontane moist forest, premontane wet forest, lower montane wet forest, lower montane rainforest, premontane rainforest, and tropical wet forest. Monteverde’s geographic location, diverse terrain, and proximity to both the Pacific and Atlantic slopes provide birders the opportunity to spot over 400 species in the region. Please note that some species are seasonal, and weather conditions may affect activity and sightings. Overnight at Monteverde Lodge.

Set off on an exciting journey aboard the TreeTram cableway, rising to one of Monteverde's highest points at 5,700 feet above sea level. From there, embark on an unforgettable adventure through the cloud forest. Experience the thrill of flying through the treetops on seven ziplines, ranging from 460 to 2,460 feet in length, covering a total of 1.9 miles. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the mystical cloud forest by hiking a 1.7-mile network of trails and crossing six hanging bridges, which span 157 to 774 feet and reach heights of up to 164 feet. *Please note that height and weight restrictions apply. Inquire for details before booking. Overnight at Monteverde Lodge.

Early this morning, embark on a 3-hour transfer to the San José airport. There, you will board a short flight to Drake Bay, located on the remote Osa Peninsula. Upon arrival, enjoy a quick transfer by ground and boat to Aguila de Osa Inn, your accommodation for the night. *Please note that you’ll need shoes that can get wet or are easy to remove, as you will enter and exit the boat in knee-deep water. The lodge is nestled in a secluded rainforest cove where the Aguijitas River meets Drake Bay. Perched above the water, the spacious rooms feature mesh windows to allow refreshing tropical breezes to flow through. Take advantage of complimentary kayaks to explore the waterways or hike the nearby Drake Trail, which leads to rugged beaches along the rainforest coast. *Note: Some rooms are located at the highest point of the property and require stair-climbing.

This morning, take a 45-minute to 1-hour boat ride to the entrance of Corcovado National Park, which spans over 100,000 acres and is home to many endangered species. Hike through pristine tropical rainforest, where you’ll encounter a rich variety of wildlife, including tropical birds, butterflies, insects, several species of monkeys, and sloths. Afterward, return to the ranger station for a quick snack before setting off on another trail that leads to a hidden waterfall, where you might enjoy a refreshing dip, weather permitting. Then, head back by boat to the lodge for a delicious lunch. Overnight at Aguila de Osa Inn.

The island is a renowned spot for SCUBA diving and snorkeling, attracting large marine species. From December to April, humpback whales migrate from their Alaskan feeding grounds, while manta rays are frequently seen from February to June. Take a 45-minute boat ride to Caño Island, where you'll have the opportunity to explore some of Costa Rica's most spectacular underwater landscapes at its top snorkeling destination. After your aquatic adventure, enjoy a picnic lunch before returning by boat. Overnight at Aguila de Osa Inn. (Certified divers can opt for a full-day SCUBA diving tour for an additional fee).

Hike the Drake Trail, which passes through the lodge and leads to hidden beaches along the rugged coast. You might see monkeys, Scarlet macaws, and other wildlife along the way! Complimentary kayaks are also available for exploring the waterways around the lodge. Add tours and other experiences with the help of the lodge concierge. Overnight Aguila de Osa Inn.

This morning, transfer by boat and ground to the Drake Bay airstrip. Check in for the short flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, meet your driver for transfer to the international terminal for your afternoon or evening departure.