Tours

Corcovado National Park

World-famous Corcovado National Park is a beautiful hour and 20 minute drive away.

The ONLY way to get into the park is with a guide (park rule) and we highly recommend our manager, William, who has his own tour guide business for our guests only. Not only is he an expert, but William offers the area’s lowest tour rates, as a courtesy to our guests. William grew up playing in Corcovado since he was a small boy and knows it intimately. He is such an expert that researchers from the University of Costa Rica have consulted with him on several occasions. He also has an eagle eye and spots animals that you would never see otherwise. He will also ensure you have a safe journey into the wild. William does not speak much English but communicates well. He is equipped with high-powered binoculars, spotting scope, first aid kit, wildlife identification charts and a machete.

 We recommend hiring William, which includes the procurement of park reservations and permits.

Getting There

We recommend leaving by 5 AM for a cooler beach walk. You’ll also be among the first visitors of the day, optimizing wildlife viewing.

Transportation options include:

• Drive to Carate, if you have a rental car.  Then hike 45 minutes along the beach to the Corcovado Park entrance at La Leona Ranger Station.
• William can drive you in his vehicle, a large late model SUV. Cost of Transportation: $100
• William will accompany you whichever way you choose.

What To Bring

• Food for the day (sandwiches, snacks)
• Water (one and a half liters per person)
• Sunscreen & hat (the beach hike can be hot and sunny)
• Day pack
• Comfortable, sturdy shoes. Hiking boots are not necessary.
• Money (dollars or Colones) for drinks or snacks. There is a small pulparia (store) at Carate. They usually sell delicious cold agua de pipa(coconut water) for a refreshing break after your hike.

Costs

• Guide fee: $100/day per group. Please plan to pay in cash.
• Transportation: (If William drives you in his vehicle): $100/day per group.
• Park permits $17.50/per adult and children. William will buy your permits in Puerto Jimenez on the last weekday before your tour. Please pay William in cash.

(New Park regulation: If you cancel after he has bought the permits, you will need to reimburse William for this expense, as it is not refundable or transferable to another day). 

How To Book

Please arrange in advance. Email us the date you want for this tour and we’ll make the reservation for you.

Guest Reviews

“My daughters and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Corcovado with William and despite the language barrier, he was able to teach us quite a bit.  His knowledge of the bush is remarkable.” Brian – Ontario, Canada

“What an adventure.  And, believe it or not, thanks to William’s eagle eyes, we saw a tapir and even got a few pictures. Also saw other animals with his guidance. A hike with him is an absolute must-do when here; he’s the best guide around, not to mention he’s a love of a guy!”  Terri and Jeffrey – Tucson, AZ

Canopy Tour and Zip Line

Zip through the rainforest canopy!  We recommend the best tour with the best price around. You will careen through old growth forest with an experienced, English-speaking guide, who is both informative and skilled. This company is extremely attentive to equipment and safety and gets consistently rave reviews from our guests.

Includes children 5 years and up.

$75/person (cash only)

Tour is one hour and 40 minutes.  It is located about 12 Km. back toward Puerto Jimenez from our casas here in Cabo Matapalo.

How To Book

Please arrange with us in advance. Email us the date and hour you want for this tour and we’ll make the reservation for you. The tours start at 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Rainforest Hike

You don’t have to go as far as Corcovado to see amazing wildlife. Primary forest is all around the house and every foray reveals natural wonders. Just strolling down the road toward Matapalo Beach is a rich experience. You are likely to see monkeys, all kinds of tropical birds, maybe a sloth, anteater or iguana. You just never know! There are various ways to do this, any or all of them rewarding. We supply you with an area map, so you can find your way around. Other options include:

Hike with William

William can guide you through towering stands of primary forest to pristine waterfalls. With him, you will visit places and see things you would never see on your own. There are three waterfalls close by. Two are on public land:

• one is all seasons and the other is rainy season only
• another is on private land, but William has permission to take our guests.

William offers a night hike, which is limited to people over 12-years old.  He does not speak much English but is very knowledgeable about the area and an expert at spotting wildlife. In addition, he is an absolute pleasure to be with.  Be sure to wear good footwear (no flip flops!)

Area hikes:  $45 per group. Please pay in cash. More with longer hikes, multiple waterfalls or with large groups.  

How To Book

Arrange with William when you arrive. He is very accomodating to your schedule and will advise you of the best time of day for your tour.

Guest Reviews

William is a real gem.  He took us on a hike to the waterfall and on another hike to show us all of the “mucho animales“…..it was great fun to speak in Spanish to him and to try and teach him a few words in English.  He is a great asset and Leda too. Fran and Peter – Quebec, Canada

A walk with William to the waterfall was great.  I swear the man has radar eyes.  We would have missed a lot of animals he pointed out to us. Lambert & Carol – Denver, CO

Hike with English Speaking Guides

There are knowledgeable, English-speaking guides available, who can take you on fascinating, entertaining and informative tours of the area. The hike, either with a trained biologist or certified naturalist, gradually ascends through a secondary forest rich with heliconias and hummingbirds. Continuing onward, you trek through riparian habitat underneath a gallery of giant tropical trees. Among myriad of waterfalls, you learn about the interactions of the animals and plants, tying together indigenous knowledge to current medical applications. You will leave with a greater understanding of our tropical forests and their importance to our future. It is never the same hike twice! Bring your camera and questions!

Tour lasts about 3 – 4 hours. Wear hiking boots or sneakers.

How To Book

Please arrange in advance. Email us the date you want for this tour and we’ll make the reservation for you. All tours start at 8am

Horseback Riding:

Tree Climbing, Bird watching

Ride on horseback through the rainforest, over area meadows and on the beaches. This is a great way to see the surrounding area. The guide and horses live on a neighboring ranch 1000 meters from us. If you don’t have a car, he will bring the horses to Martina’s Restaurant, a short walk from your house.  Bird watching is included in the price.

Basic Horseback riding tour:  $70/person.   Add rope-assisted tree climbing for $30 pp.   Please pay the guide in cash.

Tours last about 2 to 3 hours

How To Book

Arrange with us in advance. Choose the date and hour you want for this tour, let us know, and we’ll make the reservation for you. The tours start at 7 am, 10:00 am and 2 pm

 Nature Hike, Tree Climb and Waterfall Rappel:

 Immerse yourself and your family in the high octane tours offered by Andy at Everyday Adventures. With 30 years of Osa experience and a background in wildlife biology, Andy combines his adrenaline infused events with entertaining tropical rainforest ecology.

Nature Hike:  $60/person.  Among myriad of waterfalls we learn about the interactions of the animals and plants, tying together indigenous knowledge to current medical applications. You will leave with a greater understanding of our tropical forests and their importance to our future. It is never the same hike twice… bring your camera and questions! Please wear hiking boots or sneakers.  Approx. 3 to 4 hours / Ages 4+

Waterfall Rappelling:  $100/ person.  The first waterfall is 45 feet and the second is 100 feet. If that does not get your heart beating then nothing will… you are sure to get an applause from the howler monkeys and toucans.   Approx. 3 hours / Ages 10+

Tree Climb:  $75/person.  Scale the largest original jungle gym. You are top roped while climbing an enormous, user-friendly Strangler Fig, roughly 70 feet to a viewing roost 450 feet over the Golfo Dulce.   Ages 6+. Hiking boots/Tevas/Sneakers. Bring camera and binoculars.   Approx. 2-3 hours

THE COMBO TOUR ~ $140 per person.  Go waterfall rappelling and tree climbing in the same day.  Hiking boots/Tevas/Sneakers.  Approx. 5-6 hours / Ages 10+

 How To Book:

Arrange with us in advance. Choose the date and hour you want for this tour, let us know, and we’ll make the reservation for you. The tours start at 8 am, 11:00 am and 2 pm

Massage and spa treatment

There is a selection of massage available, from the rejuvenating Thai massage to traditional Swedish.   Any of them is an ideal way to unwind from your travels and pamper yourself.

How To Book

Please call and set-up directly:

Nicki:  +506 8389 6675  (Nicki also teaches Yoga and has info on her class schedule)

Marcela: +506 8992 5852 (Marcela works at Encanta la Vida and may have info on their yoga classes or other informal classes too)

Yoga

There are skilled yoga teachers and classes for all levels on beautiful yoga decks surrounded by rainforest.

How To Book

Nicki:  +506 8389 6675

Contact Encanta La Vida- +506-8376-3209. Please tell them we sent you.

Bird Watching

If you’re on the Osa, you’ll be bird watching, whether you like it or not!  As one of our guests said, “For a birder, this is paradise!”  You don’t even need to leave the house to see an amazing number of exotic birds:  hummingbirds, toucans, Amazon parrots, parakeets, scarlet macaw and hundreds of more species.  With more than 850 species within a tight geographic area. Costa Rica, and the Osa in particular, offers an unrivalled bird watching experience. 

How To Book

Contact Lapa Rios: +506-2735-5130 for current prices and availability, or call them on Channel 72 on the marine radio in your house. Please tell them we sent you.