Costa Rica 10 day active naturalist: private custom nature tour
In Costa Rica, nature will surprise you everywhere. This adventure will begin as soon as you set foot on the ground. Originally designed for a family of six: parents, 3 kids 7 to 19, and Rose, one very active 72 year old grandmother. She wanted her family to see nature and several different ecological systems without being pushed along by a crowd and at the same time get enough adventure to use up their energy. She wanted her grandchildren to meet everyday people who lived and worked in Costa Rica — farmers, ranchers, fishermen, teachers, shopkeepers. And that’s what we did. From the magic found in the cloud forest, where ferns and birds appear to have escaped a fairytale book to the almost untouched southern pacific coast where you will get to chase after dolphins and, if you are lucky and they like you, maybe snorkel with them. More beauty than you could have ever imagined.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO CLOUD FOREST
The idea is to leave the city right away and head north, in the direction of Arenal Volcano. Not too far from the airport, along the mountain pass, we’ve discovered a private reserve that protects 1000 acres of cloud forest — a rare and unique type of tropical forest found ONLY in the clouds within the mountains of Central and South America and southeast Asia.
The drive route through the countryside alone is remarkable and we’ll have our first exposure to the proud communities of rural Costa Rica. We can stop in coffee fields and see the whole process, right before reaching the cup.
Day 2: Hike in a private cloud forest
Cloud forests are isolated peaks between 5,500 and 7,500 feet of altitude, sticking above surrounding lower rain forest.
Because each cloud forest is an “island” the flora and fauna develop slightly distinct variations. The lodge is a safe haven for some of the mammals and birds, so sitting at breakfast may be one of the moments you’ll see wild creatures.
Then because you have earned it, there are hot springs. Instead of heading towards the volcano tonight, we’d like to take you to a different hot spring, near the town of Ciudad San Quesada. The hot springs are not so manicured as the places up near the volcano, but still beautifully clean and comfortable, and the surrounding jungle makes the soak in the waters so much more…primal.
Day 3: Watch monkeys, birds, and lizards from our (silly!) little boats
This tranquil river is filled with wildlife, from birds to iguanas, and caiman. It is a naturalist’s paradise. Serendipity uses our versatile 4×4 vehicle to reach the starting point for our river trip. Because we can maintain complete silence, we can really get close to the creatures surrounding us.
This river voyage is through one of Costa Rica’s most biologically intense areas.
Visit to a local frog farm is an option on your way back to the hotel.
Day 4: Tree Climbing in Costa Rica’s Rainforests
Early morning we visit Abraham, our giant ceiba tree. We discovered in what is perhaps one of the last remaining ancient lowland rainforests left in Costa Rica. Serendipity has constructed a 16 square foot observation platform over 100 feet high in the canopy of Abraham. Using modern climbing gear your Serendipity leader will accompany you on a once in a lifetime opportunity to truly immerse yourselves with the tropical rainforest and its residents.
From below it is majestic. From above, the primary forest is the platform for the gods.
Day 5: OFF TO THE OSA PENINSULA WE GO!
Today you are crossing the country from the North to the South Pacific, by car, plane and boat. Your Serendipity guide will take you to the domestic airport in San Jose where you will all say goodbye, and your hotel hosts will meet at the other end as you land on the domestic airport in Drake Bay.
The Osa Peninsula is one of the most remote and pristine treasures of Costa Rica’s protected lands. Corcovado National Park is huge, and infrequently traversed, so the abundance of wildlife is more prevalent here than any other place in the country. Scarlet macaws nest on the shoreline of the national park, and almost any time of the day you can spot two diving into the trees.
Day 6: Snorkeling in the southern pacific.
Scuba diving and snorkeling off Caño Island is superb. Lots of dolphins and incredible wildlife is always found here, in the most biologically diverse region in the world, and some season also whales..
Day 7: Corcovado National Park hiking
Today you will boat south for a day visit to La Sirena Ranger Station. This is what complete isolation feels like, except that you are surrounded by nothing but pure LIFE!!
Day 8: Return to civilization, last night in the city
We have arranged a domestic flight back to San Jose in anticipation of your trip back home tomorrow. If time permits, we may arrange for a tour of our Capital San Jose, with all of its history and hidden treasures. Gold-, Jade- or National museum, and enjoy a night in the city.
Day 9: Departure
Your return flight from Costa Rica is today and we’ll arrange for a transfer to the airport in time for check in. You’ll leave behind your Serendipity. But you’ll take back some great new skills, and memories. And you can come back, any time you get the urge… Thank you once again for letting us be part of your amazing memories.
Pricing
This (SAMPLE) itinerary includes:
This is your trip with your departure date, your private activities. We do not add you to a set itinerary, combine you with other people, or suggest that other people join your trip.
The sample pricing reflects lodging in class 3-4 star hotels (all located within reasonable distance of the adventures). However, we’ll design your travels with you, so if you have a special hotel request or want to opt for a higher level of lodging, we’ll be happy to adjust the itinerary accordingly.
All meals from Day 1-7 and breakfasts on Day 8 & 9, snacks, and interesting things we encounter en route – fruits you pick from trees, fish you catch, homemade candies or homemade beer. We are expert with dietary requirements like Kosher or vegan — and the opposite extreme as well.
Day 1-5 includes transportation in Serendipity’s strong 4×4 adventure vehicle — no rigid schedules, no cramped bus. Our vehicles give you access to places closed to tourists.
Round Trip domestic flights to the Osa Peninsula
On Day 1-4, completely private adventures in places you sometimes simply can’t reach without our 4×4’s or our amazing guides .
Serendipity’s amazing support, before and during your travels – paddle jackets to keep you warm, helmets with sun visors on the river, well equipped first aid kits, communication equipment, comfort items like clean towels, sunscreen lotion, and bug spray for your convenience. Just arrive here with your essentials – we have all the extras.
The key to your enjoyment is your Serendipity leader, who is with you throughout the expedition, always pushing you to try something new, challenge you physically, or mentally, or both.
To better understand the logistics of “group size” and to give you a rough idea of what a custom private vacation with Serendipity will cost, here’s what the 9 day Nature Quest itinerary would cost per person for the following size groups and room sharing, in peak and non-peak seasons. We accommodate larger groups by adding guides and vehicles and equipment as needed, which gives you great flexibility in designing a trip with different action for different people in your group. The important thing to remember is that everything we do, from rafting to horseback to canopy zip lines — is private for you. No lines, no buses, no compromising how hard you want to push, or how softly.
| NUMBER OF PAX | LOW SEASON | HIGH SEASON |
| 6 pax, 3 rooms | $3,490.00 | $3,878.00 |
| 5 pax, 3 rooms | $3,828.00 | $4,253.00 |
| 5 pax, 2 rooms | $3,489.00 | $3,876.00 |
| 4 pax, 2 rooms | $3,910.00 | $4,344.00 |
| 3 pax, 2 rooms | $4,614.00 | $5,126.00 |
| 3 pax, 1 room | $4,614.00 | $4,496.00 |
| 2 pax, 1 room | $5,181.00 | $5,756.00 |
Your final price depends on how many people will be in your self-formed group, your preferences for action, and what tourist season or holidays are involved. The prices listed above are a starting point. We can reduce costs so please give us a call and we’ll work with your budget. Not included: alcoholic beverages, and (optional) tips for the guides.
The hotels we’ve selected for this trip would be classified as 3-4 star. In each location we’ve selected the hotel which provides the best service, and is most central to the activities. This reduces the time spent getting places, and allows more time away from tourist centers. Hotels are remote from road traffic, with gardens and trails and intrinsic natural beauty. If you prefer other accommodations, we are pleased to use them, with a price adjustment.
The first step to enjoying a Serendipity adventure is to contact us.