Wildlife Reserves Jungle Safaris & Nature Tours
You can be assured that all tours we recommend meet our high standards of quality and service. We pride ourselves in maintaining a personal relationship with the proprietors and tour operators to assure our clients experience the finest Costa Rica has to offer.
To learn more about this tropical paradise and the many adventures waiting for you, please contact us. We will be happy to provide brochures and book the many packages available to you.
ARENAL HANGING BRIDGES
Enjoy the rich variety of rain forest wildlife as seen from the hanging bridges, combined with impressive views of Arenal Volcano create an unforgettable experience. Arenal Hanging Bridges is a new tourist attraction in La Fortuna de San Carlos, only 6 KM (3. Miles) west of The Springs within a 250 hectare (618 acres) reserve of primary forest. Visitors to Arenal Hanging Bridges can hike 3 KM interpretive loop trail specially designed for an easy hike. The trail crossed 15 bridges from 5-100a meters long suspended over the rain forest. The bridges were designed by structural engineers to meet the most demanding safety requirements in the world. Built with aluminum, galvanized steel and concrete, they provide maximum security for our visitors.
RAINMAKER NATURE REFUGE
The reserve is located in the Fila Chonta Mountains range of Costa Rica’s central pacific near the tiny village of San Rafael Norte of Pocares. The reserve is approximately 30 minutes by guided transport from Quepos and the Manuel Antonio National Park. The elevation ranges from 200- 1100 meters above sea level and includes over 135 species of tree, approximately 40 species of butterflies and more than 300 species of birds, among its vast inventory. The River Walk Join us on a Rain forest journey into biodiversity that will take you through primary forest and pristine cascade waterfalls. Guided by nature interpreters, you will examine a vast array of flora and fauna including some species unique to this tropical region. Come enjoy the majesty of nature’s lush cathedral in this 540 hectares reserve where butterflies, bromeliads and colorful dark frogs accent your easy access along well-maintained trails. Included in you tour is local ground transportation, light breakfast and a campesino style lunch.
The Canopy Bridges Continue your River Walk experience by adding the unique Canopy Bridges that will take you through the trees tops and over the waterfalls of Rain Maker.
This well-engineered canopy system will enable you to comfortably traverse six suspended cable bridges, totaling 250 meters, connected by five tree platforms. With safety our first priority, your nature interpreter will escort you to the height of 20 stories overlooking the cascade waterfalls and jungle below. Enjoy a majestic bird’s eye view of a rarely seen Ecosystem that will leave a lasting impression.
ARENAL SKY TREK & SKY TRAM
The Arenal Reserve Sky Trek And Tram is a tourism service complex inside the tropical rain forest, which offers adventure tours, bird watching, forest hiking, research and diverse entertainment for all ages. Placed in a unique transition area between the rain forest and the Monteverde Cloud Forest you will find the Arenal Reserve. Experience the most spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano & Lake from the sky Tram or the sky Trek (zip lines) or take a nice hike trough trails full of flora and fauna, whatever your choice is, this reserve you will always remember. Sky Tram is a 15 minute aerial tram tour through the rain forest to the “Miguel Angel” observatory, where you will have spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano & Lake, and the Tilarán mountain range. Sky Trek is a 3280 foot long zip line system that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the rain forest and its beautiful views in a fun, easy, and safe ride. Departure 8:00 or 14:00 approx.
Includes: Transportation guide, entrance fee, drinks and cookies.
Recommendations: Long pants, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, sun lotion, repellent and raincoat.
Duration: 4 hours
Bilingual Naturalist Guide
BOSQUE DE PAZ BIRD PARADISE
Located 2,100 meters above sea level, in the green heart of one of the most ecologically important areas of Costa Rica, only 1 ½ hours from San Jose. Seven different trails with guides for each clients interest, physical condition, age group, so each individual can enjoy Bosque de Pez to its fullest. One of Costa Rica’s richest sites for bird watching. Reservations required for day trips and tours. Optional two or three days tours offered, only 2 rooms, will sleep 4 persons in each room, with private bathroom with hot water.
BUTTERFLY FARM / REFUGE
The first enterprise of its kind in Latin America, this remarkable farm and butterfly refuge is dedicated to the rearing and exporting of live butterflies. During the 1½ hour tour of the farm you will learn about butterflies in all four stages of their life cycle – egg, larva, pupa and adult. Includes round trip transportation hotel / Butterfly Farm, entrance fee and local guide.
Driving time San Jose-Butterfly Farm is 35 minutes one way.
Duration: 3 hours
CARARA BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
Early morning pickup at your San Jose hotel for a scenic drive down the Pacific slope of the Central Cordillera to the tropical rain forest of Carara. This is the best example of the transition between the dryness of the north Pacific and the humid coastal region of the south Pacific. The Reserve combines the flora and fauna of seasonally dry forest, the rivers and coast, and year round wet habitats. Carara features parrots, parakeets, toucan, trogons, three species of monkeys, and one of the only three viable populations of Scarlet Macaws in Mesoamerica. Break for a relaxed lunch and afternoon swim prior to returning to San Jose.
Driving time San Jose – Carara is 2 1/2 hour one way.
Note: clients may opt to stay over at nearby Don a Marta Lodge or the Dundee Ranch Hotel.
Duration: 11 hours
Bilingual Naturalist Guide
COROBICI RIVER FLOAT
This tour is an all day adventure of floating on a raft down the beautiful Corobici River leading into the Tempisque River Basin. As you peacefully float though the Guanacaste countryside you’ll see a great variety of exotic birds and tropical wildlife. The tour also makes a stop to see the wild cats on a private reserve, and a stop to the ‘White City’ of Liberia to view the unique adobe constructions of the capital city of Guanacaste.
GIANT LEATHER BACK TURTLE NESTING SAFARI
There are only a few places in the world where the Giant Leather back Turtle comes to lay her eggs, and National Park Las Baulas is one of them. Don’t miss this approx. 2 hour nocturnal walking tour to see the world’s largest reptile lay her eggs and return to the sea. It is an experience you will never forget!
JUNGLE BOAT SAFARI
Upon arrival in Tamarindo, your first glimpse of the sea is at National Park Las Baulas, a saltwater refuge. Our 2 hour boat tour will take you deep within the park to see a variety of exotic birds, caimans basking in the sun and Howler monkeys swinging from tree to tree. Gliding through the water you will realize that this is what Costa Rica is all about: Splendid nature.
PEÑAS BLANCAS WILDLIFE REFUGE
Protecting tropical evergreen forest areas on the southern slopes of the Tilaran Mountains of Costa Rica and the site of the Peñas Blancas River Hydroelectric Project, it is located within the Montes de Oro Protected Zone.
Location & Size: Puntarenas Province, is 2,400 Ha. APPROX 5900 ACRES
Characteristics: Rugged terrain of volcanic origin, which caused the formation of light-colored dolomite cliffs and after whom the refuge was named Peñas Blancas, which means White Cliffs.
Fauna: Numerous bird species.
Mammals: collared peccary, howler monkey, white-faced monkey, kinkajou, red brocket deer, raccoon and paca.
Flora: Tropical dry forest, Semi-deciduous forest and pre-montane moist forest.
Tree species include: spiny cedar, gumbo-limbo, mayflower, wild plum, freijo, Spanish cedar, oaks, etc.
Fern species are abundant.
Importance of the refuge: To conserve flora and fauna as well as the watersheds of several rivers.
RAINMAKER NATURE REFUGE
Located in the Fila Chonta Mountains range of Costa Rica’s central pacific near the tiny village of San Rafael Norte of Pocares, the reserve is approximately 30 minutes by guided transport from Quepos and the Manuel Antonio National Park. The elevation ranges from 200- 1100 meters above sea level and includes over 135 species of tree, approximately 40 species of butterflies and more than 300 species of birds, among its vast inventory. The River Walk Join us on a Rain forest journey into biodiversity that will take you through primary forest and pristine cascade waterfalls. Guided by nature interpreters, you will examine a vast array of flora and fauna including some species unique to this tropical region. Come enjoy the majesty of nature’s lush cathedral in this 540 hectares reserve where butterflies, bromeliads and colorful dark frogs accent you easy access along well-maintained trails. Included in your tour is local ground transportation, light breakfast and a campesino style lunch. The Canopy Bridges Continue your River Walk experience by adding the unique Canopy Bridges that will take you through the trees tops and over the waterfalls of Rain Maker.
This well-engineered canopy system will enable you to comfortably traverse six suspended cable bridges, totaling 250 meters, connected by five tree platforms. With safety our first priority, your nature interpreter will escort you to the height of 20 stories overlooking the cascade waterfalls and jungle below. Enjoy a majestic bird’s eye view of a rarely seen Ecosystem that will leave a lasting impression.
RIDLEY TURTLE NESTING SAFARI IN OSTIONAL
Witness the ‘arribada’ of the Ridley Turtle, the unbelievable phenomenon of thousands of Ridley turtles coming to shore to lay their eggs. This is an event most people only see on the Discovery Channel. The ‘arribada’ is based on the phase of the moon, and the tour leaves in the late afternoon. Don’t miss this awe inspiring event.
SARAPIQUI JUNGLE BOAT
Early morning departure from San Jose for drive through the beautiful Poas Volcano National Park and a visit to the Peace Waterfalls prior to arriving at El Gavilan Lodge. Choice of either a boat trip or horseback riding to explore the exotic tropical flora and fauna. Return to San Jose byway of Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Duration: 11 hours
Bilingual Naturalist Guide
TAPANTI WILDLIFE REFUGE
A mid-elevation forest in a beautiful valley with waterfalls, a rushing river (cool but swimmable), abundant birds, animals and flowers including tree hibiscus and many orchid species. This trip also passes through the scenic Orosi Valley.
Driving time San Jose – Tapanti 2 hours.
Duration: 8 hours
Bilingual Naturalist Guide
TARCOLES JUNGLE BOAT
Famous for its large American Crocodiles, the Tarcoles runs from the Northern boarder of Carara Biological reserve in the central pacific coast, the Tarcoles is full of Crocodiles, Scarlet Macaws, Jesus Christ Lizards, and over 120 species of birds. But everyone comes to see the huge crocodiles – so big they have names like “Saddam Hussein” and “Mike Tyson!” We operate environmentally sensitive daily tours on the Tarcoles. We do not feed the crocodiles. Feeding wild animals is dangerous to our guests and local families. It changes the crocodiles’ behavior because they associate food with humans. You will board a custom-built, flat-bottom riverboat at our private botanic garden. Then we glide along this placid river with our naturalist guide, who describes the birds, animals, and habitat in great detail. After visiting the river mouth, we venture up a mature mangrove estuary, where we stop to learn about this remarkable ecosystem. After enjoying fresh fruit and refreshments, we slowly return upstream to our native botanic garden, where our guide explains more about the native plant species of this transitional zone habitat. Afterwards, we take you to a funky local restaurant for lunch and more refreshments