This third "piece of the puzzle" takes you by plane to Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast for an unforgettable three-day adventure. The Osa Peninsula is of great natural importance because of its biological diversity, isolation and extensive primary forests. Eight different habitats of flora and fauna have been identified inside Corcovado National Park, where some of the wildest yet most accessible rainforest in Costa Rica is found! Two hundred and eighty five species of birds, 139 species of mammals, 16 species of freshwater fish and 116 reptiles and amphibians inhabit the park. While you're here, the famed Caño Island Biologic Reserve, off the coast of Drake Bay, offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the country! If this sounds like your dream adventure, follow your desire into this magical experience!

Day 4 - Overnight in San José

From Arenal, you return to San José after lunch. Stay overnight at the Hotel Don Carlos or similar, where you may relax for the rest of the day, in preparation for an early morning start, or go out for a superb dining experience in the capital city.

After a rejuvenating early-morning breakfast, you will fly into the small village of Palmar Sur, near the southern Pacific coastline. From there, on to the Sierpe banana town on the river by the same name, 30 kilometers inland from the Pacific Ocean. At this point, you will be transferred by speedboat down the river, through mangrove forests to the ocean and south to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula, adjacent to Corcovado National Park and the perfect base for visiting Caño Island Biological Reserve.

An hour or so later, you arrive at Jies de Osa Hotel, you can watch the humpback whales migrate across the bay from your own bedroom deck, between the months of December and May. Jies de Osa is known for its superb diving operations.

After settling in, you may go on any of the various trails leading into the rainforest in your lodge's surrounding area, which provide excellent opportunities to view the tropical flora and fauna that is so plentiful here. Several beautiful deserted beaches and waterfalls are also just a few hours hike from your hotel...

Guests wake up to an early start here, where the sun rises around 5 a.m. and sets about 5:30 p.m., year round. The cool comfortable mornings are the best time for outdoor activities, including horseback riding, beach combing, hiking, fishing, swimming and scuba diving.

A guided hike into the famed Corcovado National Park is an absolute must for today! Crowned "one of the most biologically intense places on earth" by National Geographic Magazine, Corcovado's trails through the virgin jungle allow you to search for the countless plant and animal species found in this rain forest, as you come across fairytale orchid-draped streams.

After your Corcovado excursion, you may relax in the premises of your hotel, enjoying a refreshing cocktail... At nighttime, lay back and take in the beauty of this secluded paradise, as you prepare to say good-bye to this dreamlike adventure!

Day 7 - Overnight in San José or Optional Extensions

After an early breakfast, you will be transported by speedboat back to the town of Sierpe, then onto Palmar Sur where you will board a light airplane and fly back to San José. Stay overnight at the hotel of your choice and enjoy your last night in Costa Rica as you wish.

Day 8 - After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home

Above itinerary includes: Transportation to and from International Airport, two-night lodging at Hotel Don Carlos or similar, breakfast included, roundtrip flight San José-Corcovado; two-night lodging at Jies de Osa Hotel or similar, all meals included, and choice of Corcovado National Park guided tour or Isla del Caño excursion on Day 6.

Snorkeling / Scuba Diving at Caño Island: Caño Island is located 12 miles west of Drake Bay, where some of the most exciting diving in the world is found. Divers commonly see porpoises; schools of manta rays and white-tip reef sharks, as well as large schools of colorful fish on most dives. Although not as common, the fearless whale shark and giant bull shark are often spotted in the area. Water visibility ranges from 45 to 90 feet, depending on weather conditions. Temperatures hover in the upper 70s to low 80s throughout the year, providing a comfortable diving experience. During your Caño Island trip, you can also visit pre-Colombian burial grounds and hike through the island's lush vegetation.

Price per person:
Snorkeling : US $80
Suba Diving: US $118

Sportfishing: More than 40 inshore and offshore world records have been registered in this area, where the sportfishing is simply spectacular. Species include sailfish, black marlin, blue marlin, occasionally striped marlin, yellowfin tuna and wahoo; roosterfish and cubera snapper are found inshore.

Price per boat: US $592 - half-day
US $860 - full day

Sea-Kayaking: Sea Kayaking Rio Agujitas and Drake Bay is another great way to spend the morning. At full tide, this paddle-up river is sure to captivate your senses. In the solitude of the river, you will hear only your kayak slicing through the water and the jungle's living sounds. Peaceful Drake Bay is also a great place for fun in the sun. Kayak along the coast or surf in Drake Bay's gentle waves.

Price per person: To be advised by Jies de Osa Lodge upon arrival.

Horseback Riding: Horseback riding tours are not for the equestrian alone. Anyone with an interest in exploring primary rainforest outside of Corcovado can tour the area with a local guide and his string of native horses; this is a great way to get in touch with the Drake Bay lifestyle.

Price per person: US $60

The Basics:
Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano
(4 days)

Option #1:
Explore Sarapiquí and Pacuare
(4 days)

Option #2:
Explore Sarapiquí and Tortuguero
(4 days)

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