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MID PACIFIC - ACTIVITIES

JACÓ, HERRADURA & SURROUNDINGS

CARARA NATIONAL PARK: Carara is one of the few places in the country where the endemic Scarlet Macaw can be seen. Discover this reserve’s dense vegetation – transitional forests between the high mountain ranges and the lowland tropical humid forests – as you walk along its trails. Your bilingual guide will explain the most important facts about this National Park, where you might be able to spot different species of birds and other wildlife species.

CANOPY TOUR: Prepare yourself for an exciting adventure in the treetops. During this tour you will enjoy a soft trek along natural trails, passing through bridges and observing marvelous tropical waterfalls. A number of platforms await you, and they are reached in different ways, sliding along cables or on a toboggan, getting on a Tarzan swing, walking along a suspended bride, or descending using the rappel technique. Experienced guides supervise this activity and give you the appropriate equipment & instructions.

AERIAL TRAM : This is a 90-hectare private property that hosts small waterfalls and breathtaking views of the ocean. A system of open-air gondolas has been built to safely take you over the forest canopy. Upon arrival, you will first watch a video on what have been the efforts to protect the rainforest in Costa Rica. Afterwards, you will get on the gondolas, where for approximately 40 minutes you will enjoy the forest from a different perspective. Then, you will visit a Medicinal Plants Garden, where you will learn about the uses and characteristics of medicinal and aromatic plants and spices. You will continue to the Heliconia Gallery, a collection of the most amazing and colorful flowers in the rainforest. Afterwards, enjoy a snake exhibition along a nature trail.

OUTRIGGERS: Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you paddle through the Pacific surrounding Jaco in a state of the art kayak or canoe. Not only will you enjoy beautiful ocean landscapes, but you may also spot monkeys along the shores. In addition you will have knowledgeable guides to point out interesting sites along the way. The canoes are made of fiberglass so that you can row with ease and peace of mind, knowing that you are using top-notch equipment.

CROCODILE SAFARI: This adventure takes you down the Tarcoles River, which is one of four rivers that flow into the Nicoya Peninsula. Teaming with wildlife, and home to the biggest crocodile population in the world, the Tarcoles is the perfect place to spot crocodiles (up to 15 ft long), birds, and other species of animals unique to the tropics. Accompanied by a guide to point out wildlife and to offer expert information, this tour will take you down the river for a 2-hour ride.

GUACALILLO MANGROVE TOUR: Just a 2 hour drive from San Jose, you will have the opportunity to get an up close look into the complex ecosystems that revolve around the mangrove. This tour will take you along the Tarcoles River and the Guacalillo Estuary, home to the largest population of crocodiles, and one of the most important areas for the conservation of the red scarlet macaw. In addition you will have an opportunity to spot hummingbirds, Egrets, and Herons, and other species that thrive in this unique environment.

SKY WAY VILLA LAPAS: 18km (11 miles) from Jacó, in Central Pacific Costa Rica, there is a 225-hectare private property that hosts the SkyWay, a system of suspended bridges that will take you into a regenerating transitional forest, overlooking Carara National Park. A mini van will drive you for 5 minutes up the hill where you will start the hike along with a nature guide. This is a 2.5km (1.5 mile) walk that will take you across 5 bridges, each one about 300 ft long. On a good day it is possible to see coatis, howler monkeys, chestnut-mandible toucans, long-tailed toledos, and other birds. The hike will end at the parking lot.

GOLF AT THE MARRIOTT LOS SUEÑOS: Surrounded by lush tropical forests and bordered on a secluded Pacific cove, the Los Sueños Golf course (6,707 yd) is a great creation of Ted Robinson Jr., matching perfectly natural beauty and challenging golf. This 18-hole championship course is landscaped to include exotic native plants, trees and wildlife. At this “naturally challenging” course, the typical caddie has been replaced with a “Golf Guide”, who has had months of extensive training including daily classes with a local biologist. Rental equipment (Golf Clubs and shoes) is available within the hotel. Contact us for further details on dress codes.

Other activities available upon request include horseback riding, the Rainforest Pacific Aerial Tram, and walking on suspended bridges.

MANUEL ANTONIO & SURROUNDINGS

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK: Take an in-depth look at one of the country’s most versatile national parks (featuring dense forests and three different protected beaches). A naturalist guide will take you on an informative hike through the park, where you might encounter monkeys, sloths, and a variety of birds. This is an excellent way of exploring the trails while learning about the site’s magnificent natural history, all within a relatively easy 2 ½ hour walk. If you desire, you can stay in the park after the tour. Note that the park is closed on Mondays.

Manuel Antonio National Park

     

WHITEWATER RAFTING ON THE SAVEGRE RIVER: The Savegre River (Class II, III, & IV rapids), which cascades down from the remote Talamanca Mountain Range, is one of Costa Rica’s most pristine waterways. Your full day adventure includes a four-wheel drive journey, and four hours of paddling in 6-people rafts. There are great swimming holes and wonderful waterfalls, giving the tour the complement of its spectacular scenery. This tour runs during the rainy season (from May to December). We recommend this tour for moderately fit adults who can paddle and walk over rocks.

White water Rafting Savegre River

     

White water Rafting Naranjo River

     

COASTAL PADDLE: The adventure begins near the developing Pez Vela (Sail Fish) Marina in Quepos and winds along the Manuel Antonio coastline. A challenging open ocean paddle along one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful coastlines, awaits you. Indulge yourselves at a rare jewel of a beach – a hidden Manuel Antonio treasure at Biezans Bay – for a refreshing swim and delicious local snacks. And feel free to have your bilingual naturalist guide direct you to the best snorkeling spots as you experience three small but growing, active, and astounding coral reef systems nestled very close to the shore of Biezans Bay. Nearby islands are nesting sites for boobies and frigates. A picnic-style lunch is served at the end of the tour.

Coastal Paddle

     

HORSEBACK RIDING TO TOCORI WATERFALLS: Enjoy learning about Costa Rica’s exotic plants and rare wildlife as you ride through the tropical jungle and private ecological reserve at Tocori, just minutes away from Manuel Antonio.
After a relaxing hour-long ride on horseback through the tropical rain forest you will leave your horses on the trail and your guide will take you through the exotic plant and animal life on a nature walk. After that, take a refreshing dip in pristine natural mountain waters of two stunning waterfalls at Tocori. You will also enjoy local fresh fruits and homemade special tropical snaks.

Horseback riding to Tocori Waterfalls

     

DAMAS ISLAND KAYAK TOUR: Experience the Damas Island Estuary and Mangrove ecosystem in an open-seat kayak. Spend 2 ½ hours paddling with the current as your nature guide reveals the protected inland waterways of the Damas Estuary and mangrove habitat. The pace of this adventure all depends on your ability and interests, and by how much wildlife you wish to observe and learn about in greater detail- all in its natural and breathtaking habitat. This kayak tour is an unforgettable experience that will help you understand the exotic secrets and treasures of our Costa Rican tropical rainforest. After your adventure, depending upon the time your trip began, enjoy a delicious and well-deserved Tico style meal (lunch or dinner) at one of our local Manuel Antonio restaurants.

Isla Damas Estuary Kayaking

     

CANOPY TOUR : This trip offers the excitement of exploring the tropical canopy through a series of suspension platforms, which are situated high above the forest floor. These platforms are connected be steel cables that have been specially designed for people to slide across, allowing you to discover the flora and fauna of the tropical forest first hand. You will have the chance to see a variety of animals including the howler monkey and the white-faced monkey, sloths and toucans. You will have many chances to take pictures including a spectacular ocean view from the mountains.

Canopy Tour

     

SUNSET SAILING CRUISE: The peace and serenity of sailing these pristine waters is an unforgettable experience, and viewing the sunset from the deck while anchored in a beautiful secluded bay is truly romantic. A morning sailing tour is also available with a snorkeling stop included, ideal for the whole family. Wine, and soft drinks are included. Cruises run from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

DAMAS ISLAND BOAT TOUR: This excursion includes an explanation of Quepos’ history and foundation. The guides are enthusiastic and ecologically knowledgeable. During the excursion you will have drinks and at the end of the tour a memorable Costa Rican lunch or dinner made by a local Costa Rican family will be served. Isla Damas features three types of mangrove forests connected by a myriad of choked and hidden waterways. Guests on this highly recommended tour are often rewarded with glimpses of white-faced monkeys, giant anteaters, three-toed sloths, exotic bird species, alligators, boa constrictors, rare crab-eating racoons, and more. A covered motor boat takes you on a ride through the twisted and tangled tunnels of dense mangrove. The tour includes transportation to and from Quepos, as well as a delicious lunch served in a local restaurant at Isla Damas.

SPORTFISHING IN QUEPOS: Full day and half-day trips, both in-shore and offshore are available all year-round. A variety of boats are available, from 26 foot to 33 foot vehicles. The sport fishing tours include tackle, reels, and fighting chair within the boat. Water, soft drinks, beer and fruits are also included, and all travelers are accompanied by a captain and mate. WE ARE NOT SPORTFISHING OPERATORS BUT WE CAN INCLUDE A TOUR IN YOUR ITINERARY
Camino Travel encourages catch & release fishing trips.

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