Where the Wild Things Are – Glamping

Our packages based on “Where the Wild Things Are” take you to more remote areas of Costa Rica. In this example package we give you some of our most immersive rain forest experiences. Corcovado is one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth, you also have the option to add in one of our “Epic Add-Ons” and overnight inside Corcovado park at the ranger station! Packages like this focus on the raw nature and beauty of Costa Rica with less traveled and harder to get areas.

In this example package, we move south to the most intense rain forest experience possible in Costa Rica. Visit Corcovado, some of the last remaining low laying rain forest in all of Central America. From there we head for a glamping adventure on an island in the middle of the Gulf of Nicoya for some bioluminescent kayaking! – Start with our Costa Rica Vacation Builder and your dedicated travel planner will be in touch with you within 24 hours. Note: These are SAMPLE packages, we will customize your package to suit your interests, travel style, and budget.

Day 1 – Arrival – San Jose Airport

• Transfer to Hotel – You have the option of shared or private transfer on arrival. Private transfers offer more freedom and are more informative using our bilingual drivers/guides. Private Transfers are equipped with WiFi and we make stops on the way to your destination. Shared shuttles are best when trying to keep the budget as low as possible, they do not make stops and the trip may take a little longer due to pick up and drop off of other travelers on the transfer.
• Travel Tip: If there are 4 or more in your group, private transfers start to be less expensive per person than many shared shuttle options.
• Check in Hotel – We will choose a nice hotel close by, the adventure starts the following morning!

 Day 2 – Alajuela – Drake Bay – (B,L,D)

• Transfer to Airport
• Flight to Drake Bay – A short flight of about 45 minutes will take you from the central valley to Drake Bay on the fringes of Corcovado Park.
• Transfer to Lodge
• Check in Lodge – There are several lodges in the area at several different levels from basic to luxury. Drake Bay is remote, because of this many of the lodges are all inclusive. We will offer options based on your travel style and budget.

 Day 3 – Drake Bay – (B,L,D)

• Corcovado Hike – One of the best wilderness areas in Costa Rica. For a full day in the thick of the rainforest, Corcovado National Park is unparalleled for breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife. You will love hiking through the park. There are many creatures including birds, insects, monkeys, and other wildlife that you will be able to observe. Hikers will see rich and varied vegetation. There are approximately 500 species of trees in the park such as: the giant mahogany reaching over 80 feet high, strangler fig trees, and the unusual garlie tree. A great variety of birds are seen - there are over 360 types of birds and the park protects the largest population of scarlet macaws in the country. Commonly seen are: toucans, green parrots, hawks, kites, and a large variety of hummingbirds. During the boat ride, the hikers can see all four kinds on monkeys living in Costa Rica. They are Howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, spider monkeys, and squirrel monkeys. Also many types of small animals are seen such as quatamundies, aguoutis, paca, and sloths. A giant hollow tree is an interesting home to a large number of fruit bats. Many times tourists have been fortunate enough to see a large herd of wild peccaries. After a delicious picnic lunch, tourists have a choice of roaming the wild beach areas on their own or take the 30 min. hike to the beautiful San Pedrillo waterfall. One of the highlights of the trip is enjoying a cooling swim in the waterfall pool. Then it will be time to return to the resort for a good cup of hot Costa Rican coffee

  Note: You can opt for Sirena Station Hike or San Padrillo Station. For those that want a more intense experience you can overnight at the Sirena Station and stay deep inside the rain forest.

 Day 4 – Drake Bay – (B,L,D)

• Cano Island Snorkeling & Whale Watching – A remote sandy beach island off the coast.This is a great trip out into the bay and over to Cano Island where you will find some of the best snorkeling in the country. You cross the migratory routes of several species of whales and depending on the time of year may get a treat of a lifetime seeing whales breaching throughout the day! Begin this adventure with a 50 min. boat ride to the island. You will have the option to snorkel at this world-renowned dive-spot, the best snorkeling in Costa Rica! The ocean surrounding Caño Island is full of wildlife. Additionally, dolphins, sea turtles, and whales are usually seen on this tour when traveling to and from Caño Island. The island is a former burial ground of pre-Columbian Indigenous Tribes.

 Day 5 – Drake Bay – (B,L,D)

• Free Day / Optional Tour Day – You can take the day to relax or add in a tour. Most lodges provide kayaks for guests use or you can go hiking. Your trip will be tailored to your travel style and budge

 Day 6 – Drake Bay – Isla Chiquita – (B)

• Transfer to Airstrip - Land transfer to airport
  
• Flight to Alajuela - A quick flight back to Central Valley
  
• Land Transfers & Boat to Island - Private or shared transfers to your island destination
  
• Check in Isla Chiquita Glamping – When visiting the island this is THE place to stay, for that reason in this example package we are listing this as the only option for Isla Chiquita.

 Day 7 – Isla Chiquita – (B)

• Bio-luminescent Kayaking – When conditions are right this is an incredible activity, the glowing waters are something you will remember for a lifetime! We have grown up seeing millions of stars light up the night sky, beautiful, far away and untouchable. Paddling around in a kayak you are virtually floating in the bio-luminescence, you trigger the marine light-show with your actions. From the kayak, you can reach into the water and let your hand light up and give the appearance of an Avatar-like character. Enjoy being part of a small intimate group of kayakers, in an area with very little light pollution, because the darker it is, the better you see the glowing sparks in the water. Bio-luminescence is found in many parts of the world, however in most locations it is either seasonal or requires perfect conditions in order to occur. Contrastingly, the Paquera Bay is home to bioluminescence year-round.

 Day 8 – Isla Chiquita – (B)

• Free Day / Optional Tour Day – We can set a tour out to Tortuga Island, to the mainland and town of Montezuma, or you can relax the day away on the island!

 Day 9 – Isla Chiquita – Alajuela – (B)

• Boat Transfer to Mainland + Private or Shared Shuttle Transfer to Hotel
• Check in Hotel – We will choose the best hotel based on your travel style and budget

 Day 10 – Departure – (B)

• Transfer to Airport Shared or private transfer to Airport - As your adventure ends, you will already be planning your next trip. Many of our clients come from referrals or are repeat travelers looking to get the most out of their travel time and money. Contact us today and start planning your adventure!

Note: The cost of any of our packages or trips largely depends on the hotels chosen during the planning process. Depending on your travel style & trip budget, we will fine-tune the trip so you can afford an incredible travel experience at the price you want. Contact us today and your dedicated travel planner will be in touch within 24 hours. This is just one small example of what a volunteer adventure can be. Ask about what volunteer opportunities are available to you.

Covid-19 Travel Update - For those wanting to travel but stay away from crowds as much as possible we can make the entire trip private. Private transfers, private tours and guides, this limits exposure to other travelers while you are here. Let your travel planner know if you are interested in this extra level of safety. Private itineraries also give a more in depth experience, having the guides all to yourself gives you more time to learn about our amazing country.