Rainforest Excursion

Day 1:  Upon arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica, you will transfer to the Hotel Grano de Oro for overnight. Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, San José's main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city.  Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the recently renovated 40-room hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. Guests delight in the tranquil ambience of tropical plants and flowers found throughout the hotel. Italian tile fountains grace intimate atriums, ensuring that one is never far from the soothing melody of falling water. Additionally a rooftop garden terrace offers relaxing Jacuzzis and a blissful, secluded spot for lounging, sunbathing and stargazing. Once a simple café, the restaurant at Grano de Oro has evolved into one San Jose’s finest dining establishments, frequented by locals and visitors alike.

Day 2:  This morning, you will transfer to the domestic airport in San Jose, for the short flight to Puerto Jimenez, on the remote Osa Peninsula.  Upon arrival, you will transfer by ground and boat to the Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge for overnight.  Set on a private bay, with a large stretch of black-sand beach, this is the most luxurious and impressive lodge located along the shores of the Golfo Dulce. Playa Nicuesa’s location is amazingly unique. Located on a 165-acre private preserve within a region that has been described as being one of most biologically diverse places on the earth, this area contains Central America’s largest remaining Pacific Coast rainforest. The property is nestled between the awesome blue-green waters of the Pacific Coast and the lush rainforest of the 14,000-hectare Piedras Blancas National Park.

The small size of Playa Nicuesa allows for a more intimate experience with nature. The cabins, guestrooms and the main house are uniquely designed to create a seamless and enjoyable transition between the indoors and outdoors. The lodge’s five private cabins, and the Mango Guesthouse with four rooms, offer privacy and comfort in a natural setting. All cabins and rooms have canopied beds, ceiling fans, private terraces, and private baths with hot water and open-air garden shower. The full-length Louvre doors that wrap around your room and private verandas afford panoramic views of your natural surroundings. Electricity is provided by solar energy. However, candles are still used throughout the lodge to maintain the natural experience. Candlelit pathways and dinners are reminders of our efforts and commitment towards conservation, and sensitivity to the natural environment. Three exceptional meals are prepared each day by their chefs. Emphasis is on local cuisine and fresh fish, tropical fruits and vegetables.

Day 3 – 4:   Free days to enjoy Golfo Dulce’s 80-degree blue green waters. Kayak right off the beachfront. The water is calm and perfect for swimming. Spend a relaxing hour or a challenging day kayaking and exploring along the coastline and through nearby mangroves. Stop and snorkel along the way! In-shore and offshore fishing guarantee a fresh fish dinner. You can also explore the jungle by hiking the labyrinth of trails that wind through the rainforest canopy, up the mountainside, and connect through the National Park. Listen to the howler monkeys, watch and hear the calls of any one of the 250 species of birds, and end up at a waterfall. Or, just relax in a hammock under the almond tree by the sea and take in the ocean and mountain views while listening to the rhythmic waves.  Overnight Playa Nicuesa Lodge.

Day 5:  Boat and ground transfer to the Puerto Jimenez airstrip for the short flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the international airport for your afternoon departure.

INCLUDES:

• Roundtrip San Jose international airport transfers.
• 1 night Hotel Grano de Oro, standard room
• One way San Jose domestic airport transfer
• Roundtrip domestic flights San Jose / Puerto Jimenez *Max 25 lbs baggage per person to avoid excess weight charges*
• 3 nights Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, Mango Room – includes boat pick up and drop off from town of arrival and departure, 3 meals a day, unlimited self-guided hikes, use of kayaks, windsurfers, snorkeling and fishing equipment
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED