Costa Rica: Wildlife and Nature

Choose from eight exciting adventure activities during your stay at Pacuare Lodge. Go white water rafting over Class III-IV rapids that rush through steep canyons and down cascades. If you want something more leisurely, paddle through Class II rapids for a closer look at the wealth of nature straddling the Lodge. Rappel, climb up and down the steep sides of the canyon along the sides of the El Tesorito Creek. Book an exhilarating canopy tour, which takes you to the towering heights of the rainforest from where you can slide along cables and look out for exotic birds hidden in the thick foliage. Sign up for an early morning birdwatching tour and try and spot the Sun Bittern, Red-throated Ant-Tanager, Black-cheeked Woodpecker and a variety of colorful toucans in their natural habitat. Or you could join a naturist on a sustainable tour to learn how responsible tourism can balance economic needs with nature conservation. Trek along an ancient mule trail to reach a hidden waterfall or explore more of the Cabecar Indigenous culture during The Loop tour.

Enjoy an unforgettable hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano with its nearly perfect cone shape. Along the hike, you will discover the abundant flora and some fauna that inhabits the rainforest under re-generation. Continue your journey to La Fortuna Waterfall. Prepare to hike down for about 500 steps to the jewel-like plunge pool, which can be extremely cold out of season. In good weather, you can enjoy a leisurely swim, if you wish. Take a break to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch, surrounded by a beautiful tropical highland landscape. Hike back up the steps after lunch and return to your hotel, leaving the magnificent Arenal Conservation Area behind. (Half Day; Timings: from 8 am to 1:30 pm; Private Activity & Transfer; Lunch included; Fitness level: Moderate, hiking; Please wear trekking shoes & bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, comfortable dry fit clothing & insect repellent).

Find out all that you ever wanted about the sloth, one of the most adorable denizens of Costa Rican forests. Head off with your naturalist guide to witness the majestic beauty of the towering Arenal Volcano. Journey through the dense rainforests around Arenal, which make up the natural habitat of the sloth as well as a host of tropical wildlife like several species of monkeys, leaf cutter ants and poisonous frogs. Use your binoculars to spot placid looking sloths high up on the tree branches and follow your friendly guide’s tips on the best vantage points for taking pics. Savor a light breakfast or afternoon snacks, washed down with a beverage after which you can continue the tour or be dropped back to your hotel in Arenal. (Half Day; Private Activity; Daily; Times: 0600/1400 hrs; Naturalist guide services, transportation, breakfast or afternoon snack, beverages included; Please note guests are requested to bring their camera, binoculars, apply sunscreen and bug repellant as well as wear comfortable clothing, tennis or hiking shoes).

Soar over the treetops and soak in the beauty of the jungle while ziplining at Ecoglide Arenal Park. With experienced instructors on hand, this activity is suitable for first-timers as well as families with children. Located on the slopes of the Arenal Volcano, the zipline has one sliding cable and a second, independent cable holding you securely. The first section of the canopy tour comprises a network of six cables and seven platforms with the Tarzan swing at the end. The facility has been built in keeping with the security standards of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and National Insurance Institute. Fly through the air at a height of 82 feet above the ground along lengths extending up to 688 feet. Next up is the Tarzan swing that will take you to a height of nearly 131 feet, almost as high as a 12-storey building. Continue to zoom above the ground on the second section consisting of five cables and six platforms. Take in bird’s eye views of the lush rainforest canopy as you travel along lengths ranging from 328 feet to 1,410 feet. You could also take a walk across the suspension bridge before returning to land. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 0800/1000/1300/1500 hrs; Shared activity; Private transfers; Fitness level: easy; Entry fees to Ecoglide Arenal Park, safety gear, insurance, and beverages included; Please dress in light and comfortable clothes; Do bring binoculars, camera, sunscreen, rain gear, and hiking or tennis shoes; Sandals are not permitted)

Make the most of a nature walk on this day excursion to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Admire the vast acres of wild and beautiful landscape all around you, dotted with strangler fig plants and the occasional tumbling stream, rapid or pool. The forest is home to multiple bio zones that are home to exotic orchids, ferns, bromeliads, climbing vines and velvety carpets of moss. Look out for lacy butterflies and flocks of unusual birds like bellbirds and umbrella birds. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot an ocelot, or the elusive quetzal! (Half Day→ Time of Day: Morning→ Duration: 4 hrs→ Private Activity & Transfer→ Fitness Level: Easy-Moderate→ Please bring comfortable boots, insect repellent and sunscreen→ Note: A bilingual guide will accompany you).

Experience a perfect day trip laced with coffee at the Don Juan coffee plantation near Monteverde. Discover the historic journey of the humble coffee bean from Africa to the highland plantations of Costa Rica on this fascinating plantation tour. Learn the secrets behind every perfect mug of freshly brewed espresso or latte, as your local guide takes you through the entire process. Afterwards, continue on to learn more about the cacao bean - from its culture and history to aromas, while participating in a short exercise to transform the bean to delicious chocolate. Also discover all about sugar production while handcrafting sugarcane juice and tasting the fruits of your labor too! At the end of your tour, after a few delicious tastings, it’s time to ask yourself which one you love best! (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning or Night; Duration: 2.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meals included: Coffee; Fitness Level: Easy; Coffee harvesting season: November to February; Please bring comfortable boots, insect repellent and sunscreen; Note: A bilingual guide will accompany you).

Enjoy a snorkeling and kayaking trip along the beautiful coastline of Biesanz Bay. Take a half hour drive down to Quepos pier with your local guide. Set off in your kayaks for the lovely inlet of Biesanz Bay, drifting past tiny islands and flocks of water birds roosting by the waterside. Make a half hour pit stop at Biesanz Bay, stretching your legs and catching refreshments. Go snorkeling and explore the rich marine life by the bay. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish, and even elusive sea turtles! Paddle back to Quepos pier, watching out for flocks of pelicans, flying fish, and other exotic sea creatures on your way. Leaving your kayak behind, relish a delicious homemade food over conversations with your local hosts. (Half Day; Time of Day: Afternoon; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meals included: Beverages & Lunch or Dinner; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat & beach towel; don’t forget your camera; Note: a bilingual guide will be provided for you).

Lapa Rios in the Osa Peninsula has exciting wildlife packages that let you make the most of your stay in this tropical haven. Set off on guided nature trails to spot exotic mammals such as howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, coatis, two and three-toed sloths, anteaters, armadillos and opossums. If you are lucky, you may even glimpse wild cats like pumas, jaguarundis and ocelots. Go birding to catch sight of native scarlet macaw as well as chestnut-mandibled toucan, aracari and Black-cheeked ant-tanager. The reserve is also home to many reptiles like poison dart frogs, common basilisk and iguanas besides several insects. Accompany your lodge guide for the best on-site places to spot pilot and humpback whales as well as dolphins that make up the precious marine ecosystem. (Package includes: round trip Puerto Jimenez-Lapa Rios transfer, 3 multi-course meals per day, non-alcoholic drinks, and on-site guided tours included).