Off The Beaten Path Vacation

Upon arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica you will be met and driven approximately 50 minutes to Chayote Lodge outside the small town of Naranjo.

Sitting on the outskirts of the Central Valley, Chayote Lodge features a unique combination of nature and Costa Rica's rich cultural history. It is ideally situated to act as a gateway to a plethora of activities including coffee tours, national parks, waterfalls, rural villages, and more. The nearby El Chayote Forest Reserve is a favorite for bird and animal watching.

After breakfast, depart for Los Bajos del Toro, a small village surrounded by cloud forests on the slopes of Poas Volcano and the home of Toro Amarillo Waterfall, on of the biggest and most scenic waterfalls in the country. After a beautiful drive and a short walk in the rainforest, descend approximately 400 steps to the base of the waterfall. Enjoy the look-out stations strategically located through the property that showcase the rock formations of this ancient volcanic crater. Overnight Chayote Lodge.

Naranjo has some of the finest coffees produced in the world. Stop first at Espiritu Santo Coffee Tour where you will learn how the famous drink is made from seed to cup. Continue to the Municipal Market where fruits, vegetables, and meats are for sale. Afar a market lunch, visit Basilica of the Lady of Piedades, rebuilt after several earthquakes in the 40s. Then, discover the work of Carias, a local artisan nationally known for making statues of religious leaders and saints to decorate churches all over the country. Finally, visit a private home in town where orchid and bromeliad gardens are the pride of the family. Stop at Don Carlos' farm on the way back to the lodge for a fresh cup of coffee in his private home. Overnight Chayote Lodge.

This morning, transfer to the airport in San José for a brief flight to Drake Bay on the secluded Osa Peninsula. Upon arrival, you’ll take a short ground and boat transfer to Aguila de Osa Rainforest Lodge for an overnight stay. *Please bring shoes that are easy to remove or that can get wet, as you will step into knee-deep water to enter or exit the boat. Nestled in a quiet rainforest cove where the Aguijitas River meets Drake Bay, the lodge’s open, airy rooms are designed with mesh windows, allowing a refreshing tropical breeze. Enjoy complimentary kayaking on the surrounding waterways or explore rugged rainforest beaches along the Drake Trail. Note: Some rooms are located on the highest part of the property, requiring stair climbing.

This morning, enjoy a 45-minute to 1-hour boat ride to Corcovado National Park, which spans over 100,000 acres and is home to many of the region’s endangered species. Trek through untouched tropical rainforest, where you may encounter tropical birds, butterflies, insects, various monkey species, sloths, and more. Return to the ranger station for a light snack before setting off on another trail to a secluded waterfall, where weather-permitting, you can enjoy a refreshing dip. Head back to the lodge by boat for a delicious lunch. Overnight at Aguila de Osa.

Caño Island is a favorite destination for snorkeling and SCUBA diving among large marine species. From December to April, humpback whales migrate from Alaskan feeding grounds, and manta rays are often 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 best underwater scenery. After your time in the water, relax with a picnic lunch before returning by boat. Overnight at Aguila de Osa. (Certified divers can opt for SCUBA diving at an additional cost).

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 departure.