| Tours offered at Doña Leta's Bungalows:
Corcovado National Park (2 nights)
(La Leona, Sirena, Los Patos)
"The most biologically intense place on earth" --National Geographic-
Corcovado is home to Costa Rica's largest population of the beautiful
Scarlet Macaw. Many of the other important or endangered rainforest
species are protected here: Tapirs, five cat species, crocodiles,
peccaries, giant anteaters, sloths and monkeys. The rare harpy eagle,
which is almost extinct in Costa Rica, may still breed in remote parts of
Corcovado. Almost 400 species of birds have been seen here, as well as
about 140 mammals and over 500 species of trees.
For travelers wanting to spend a few days hiking through a lowland tropical
rainforest, Corcovado is the best choice in Costa Rica. The park provides
a bunkhouse type lodging. Breakfast and dinner are served at the park
stations.
Day 1: arrive at Dona Leta's Bungalows, relax at the peaceful beach front
resort. The comfortable and airy bungalows are beautifully constructed
from local hardwood. Enjoy great food, friendly people and a spectacular
view. For those who would like a peaceful cruise on the Golfo Dulce or a
paddle up the nearby river there are kayaks available at no charge to the
guests.
Day 2: Depart Puerto Jimenez by taxi at 6:00 a.m. arrive in Carate at
8:30 a.m. The walk to La Leona is approximately 45 minutes. After a tour
of the park, we then start off for Sirena Biological Station (approx. 6
hours at a comfortable pace, stopping often to experience the wonders of
this tropical rainforest). 70% of this day's hiking will be along the
beautiful coastline of the Osa peninsula, where you may see a variety of
monkeys: white face, howler, spider, and titi. Also macaws, green
parrots, pelicans and other sea birds. Picnic lunch served around noon.
Dinner will be served at the ranger station about 6:00 p.m. After dinner
tour the park, see alligators and other nocturnal animals.
Day 3: Breakfast at 6:00 a.m. Hike through the secondary rainforest to
Los Patos (a 7 to 8 hour leisurely walk, taking time to identify and enjoy
the wonders of this magnificent Rainforest.) See monkeys, toucans,
turkeys, wild pigs such as peccaries and tapir. Learn about the many
species of trees, vegetation and insects. Picnic lunch about noon. Walk
along the Rio Sirena looking for alligators, lizards, egrets. Ibis, monkeys
and more. Tour the park, take time to swim in a refreshing waterfall.
Dinner served at 6:00 p.m.
Day 4: Breakfast 6:00 a.m. Walk to the River Rincon (45 min.) where you
will meet the taxi that delivers you to La Palma to catch a bus to your
next destination (taxi ride 45 min.), or back to Dona Leta's Bungalows for
your next Costa Rican adventure. Depending on tide and weather, tours are
subject to change. *Of course there is no guarantee you will see all the
wildlife mentioned, every trip to Corcovado is different.
***Four days: one night Leta's bungalows, two nights Corcovado, all meals,
lodging, transportation, park fees and English speaking guide included.
2 persons - $260
3 persons - $226
4 persons - $209
6 persons - $199
BIRD WATCHING TOUR
Experience Costa Rica's astounding Biodiversity on the Wing.
Serious birders know that Neotropical migrants journey south from their
North American Breeding Grounds in the fall months September-November.
Species such as warblers, flycatchers, thrushes, orioles and tanagers swell
in multitude during these months.
Many long distance migrants pass at least half the year here and can be
viewed not as northern birds escaping winters chill, but as tropical birds
who go north to breed. The Northward exodus begins in March and continues
with greater intensity into May.
All year long you are able to encounter the resident species of the
rainforest. We recommend the months of April and May which are the months
of reproduction. It is also better to view the aquatic birds during these
months as it is the dry season and allows better access to their habitat.
Furthermore here on the Osa Peninsula nature lovers are able to find the
best remaining Pacific coastal rainforest in Central America with an
abundance of trees, plants and many species of mammals, reptiles, insects
and amphibians. After a visit to the Osa Peninsula it is impossible to
leave without a better appreciation and more understanding of the
importance of the conservation of our natural resources.
We recommend you carry binoculars, camera, green or dark clothing, a note
book, map, bird guide, insect repellent.
2 persons - $53
3 persons - $40
4 persons - $33
6 persons - $29
MATAPALO RAINFOREST & BEACH TOUR:
On this tour you will get the opportunity to experience both the incredible
power and beauty of the Costa Rican rainforest and the gorgeous beaches
of Golfo Dulce. you will be surrounded by majestic hardwoods towering to
the canopy above along with innumerable varieties of plants and flowers.
A treat for the eyes and the nose as well, their perfume fills the jungle
with a rich sweet aroma. The jungle is their home so you can of course
expect to see birds such as the Scarlet macaws, toucans , hawks, eagles
,
and a huge variety of tangers. Monkeys: howler, whiteface, titi and spider
are often seen playing in the trees. Along the river you may see
alligators and caiman. Take time to swim in refreshing waterfalls. Hike
through the rainforest and along the beaches of the Osa Peninsula.
Transportation , English speaking guide & lunch included.
2 persons - $53
3 persons - $40
4 persons - $33
6 persons - $29
KAYAK TOUR: MANGROVE ESTUARY
This tour is the best way possible to explore the magical coastline and
it's estuaries. Open ocean or protected water paddle. While kayaking in
the bay watch for sea turtles, dolphins, schools of fish, sting rays and
a
multitude of marine birds. Travel down the river surrounded by beautiful
mangroves. You will see several species of birds including parrots,
eagles, hawks, falcons, a variety of water foul and even the colorful
Scarlet macaw. White faced and Howler monkeys are among many mammals that
live on the estuary. The wildlife comes remarkably close because the
kayaks are so quiet. The best time for sighting wildlife is sunrise or
sunset, but any time of day is quite enjoyable. (4 hour trip) $44 per
person
RAINFOREST CANOPY CLIMB
Unlock the secrets of the Rainforest by ascending into the canopy via
ropes
and pulleys.
The tour begins with a short hike viewing the dance of the poison dart
frogs & the drunken flight of the Blue Morpho Butterflies. Next we'll
clay-paint symbols of strength & good fortune on each other beneath
a 115'
waterfall. Always spectacular, she does however disappear below moss
covered limestone March through July.
Upon reaching "The Cathedral" - a 450 year old massive vertical
tube of
braided Strangler Fig Roots (locally known as the Matapalo Tree), you will
be secured into a climbing harness & fastened to a rope 90' up inside
the
tree! Your guide will assist you through difficult transitions but urge
you to complete the climb unaided. The view of the forest canopy through
the woven root system is an unforgettable experience. At the top take a
pause to soak in the extraordinary accomplishment you have achieved. a
Tibetan prayer bell & a guest book await you.
When you are ready for your descent the guide will belay you half way down
the tree, at this point you can swing outside the tree through a gap in
the
roots for a completely different perspective. Upon reaching the Terra
Firma you'll be met with hugs, high fives & H20 as adrenaline courses
through your veins.
Energy Snacks & Water provided. $66 per person
BOAT CRUISE AND ORCHID GARDEN TOUR
Cruise across the gulf to this family owned botanical garden. Ron &
Trudy
MacAllister offer the public a personally conducted two-hour tour. This
is
an opportunity to see, smell, taste and touch a wide variety of beautiful
ornamental plants, palms, cycads and over 100 varieties of orchids as well
as fruit trees and other edible plants that thrive in the tropics.
Additionally you will have the opportunity to sight see the gulf, exploring
some of the pristine primary rainforest near the coastline as well as
searching out dolphins, sea turtles, birds and other animals living in the
gulf. Picnic lunch included.
2 persons - $94
3 persons - $63
4 persons - $47
6 persons - $39
El Tigre - Gold mining tour:
This tour takes you alongside the Tigre river, a half-hour drive from
Puerto Jiménez. The river was heavily mined for gold and there are
several
demonstration areas. The mining is still going on and if you are lucky you
may see gold nuggets for yourself. Wear your bathing suit and water shoes
for a gorgeous scramble up an intimate canyon river bordering the
Corcovado; shower under jungle waterfalls and swim in pools while lizards,
birds, monkeys, and serpents watch from the canopy. lunch and round trip
taxi included.
2 persons - $47
3 persons - $35
4 persons - $30
6 persons - $26
Osa Peninsula Rainforest Adventure
A special adventure few tourists will ever experience.
Interact with a family of Vevivri Indians on their 100 hectare farm
bordering Corcovado National Park. From Puerto Jimenez a 20 minute bus
ride to Cañasa, then a three hour hike through the forest. Your tent
will
be set up in a grassy meadow protected from sun & rain. You will be
guests
of the family at mealtime, listen to stories of their people, their
feelings of Costa Rica past and present. Spend the next 3 days exploring
the pristine, wild rainforest that borders Corcovado National Park. Bathe
beneath refreshing waterfalls and be dazzled by flora & fauna.
**Things to bring: Sleeping Bag, Mosquito netting, hiking shoes, bug
spray, sun screen, water bottle, binoculars and a flash light.
$100 per person includes:
4 days / 3 nights
3 days tours
3 meals per day
English/Spanish speaking guide
***Horses available*** |
