Limited to 10 Travelers
Look for Endangered Turtles, Tapirs, Macaws & More from Remote & Luxurious Ecolodges
Bounded by jungle-draped volcanoes and the turquoise Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province holds treasure for nature seekers. At Punta Islita, on the outer edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, head to the beach at night in search of one of nature’s most wondrous phenomena, the arribada (Spanish for “arrival”), a mass nesting event when thousands of leatherback and olive ridley sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. With luck, we may see hatchlings scurry to the sea at dawn. Inland lies a private reserve deep in the northern rainforest that's home to more endangered tapirs than anywhere else in Costa Rica. This charming mammal—related to horses and rhinos, even though it looks more like an elephant or a pig—is largely nocturnal and highly elusive, but our odds to spy them are better here than anywhere else. Add in sloths, howler monkeys and rare parrots, and you’ve got a tropical safari sure to delight.
This trip will be hosted by a SDZWA Wildlife & Conservation Expert.
The host for this trip will be a SDZWA expert on wildlife specific to the region. They will be with you every step of the way to educate and inspire you, and to share their passion for nature! Check back for more details.
Trip Highlights
Visit a wild beach with strong odds to witness an arribada—a wondrous event where endangered sea turtles come ashore en masse to lay their eggs
With top naturalist guides, look for the elusive Baird's tapir where they are most plentiful in Central America, on a private reserve dedicated to their conservation
Visit the Macaw Recovery Network, walk over hanging bridges through the rainforest canopy, and tour a cacao farm to see how chocolate is made
Discover a Secret Side of Costa Rica
Costa Rica is deservedly popular among travelers drawn to its enticing beaches, tropical rainforests, active volcanoes and conservation ethos. But certain destinations can feel a little crowded. That's why we have designed this unusual trip that gets you far from the standard track, where you'll spend more time with wild creatures than other tourists. See what makes this itinerary so special:
- Explore a Far Less Traveled Part of Wild Costa Rica
In our quest to get our travelers away from overtouristed zones and into more secluded encounters with nature, we have devised an itinerary that highlights corners of Costa Rica that are relatively undiscovered—yet filled with amazing wildlife and diverse natural habitats inviting exploration.
- Top Location & Season for Seeing Sea Turtles
From Punta Islita, we have good odds to witness one of nature's most wondrous phenomena: a sea turtle "arribada," when pelagic marine turtles come ashore by the thousands to dig nests in the sand and lay their eggs. Then, under the cover of night, just before dawn, the tiny, vulnerable hatchlings break forth, scurry over the sand and into the ocean. We've timed our departures to align with this seasonal event, and while it's never guaranteed, our chances are prime.
Your Best Chance to Spot Tapirs in Central America
A special focus of our trip is Tapir Valley, a largely unknown private nature reserve that holds Costa Rica's largest population of endangered Baird's tapir. While we aren't guaranteed to see these rare and elusive animals, the odds that we may are better here than anywhere else! And we often do.- Exclusive Private Activities & Experiences
From a behind-the-scenes look at the Macaw Recovery Network and a private botanical garden visit to a demonstration of chocolate making and a guided tour of a cacao farm, our itinerary is filled with special private presentations and opportunities for our group alone—designed to get you close to local nature and culture in the most meaningful way.
- Premier Luxury Ecolodges Ensure Comfort in Wild Settings
We're based at two high-end ecolodges that immerse you in nature, capitalizing on their remote and secluded locations, yet without compromising on quality, amenities and ambience. Enjoy private casitas with elegant nature-sourced furnishings; fresh, local gourmet meals; on-site spas and wellness facilities; and more aspects that make you feel thoroughly cared for.
- A Private Chartered Flight Maximizes Your Time in Nature
Rather than spend five hours on rough, winding roads to transfer from the interior mountain rainforest to the Pacific Coast, we have chartered a private plane to whisk you there efficiently, meaning you get an extra day to enjoy nature as a result!
Itinerary
Day 1–7: Look for endangered turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, search for rare tapirs in a private rainforest reserve, seek out scarlet macaws and more, based at remote and luxurious ecolodges.
Accommodations
Rio Celeste Hideaway
Alajuela, Costa Rica
Tucked inside a remote 80-acre primary rainforest reserve in the foothills of Tenorio Volcano, this 4-star luxury ecolodge melds elegance and nature. Offering exclusive swimming access to the turquoise Rio Celeste River, private trails lace the property, bringing guests close to abundant wildlife like agoutis, coatis, tapirs, sloths and toucans. Featuring an open-air layout, the resort is built with sustainable materials, including bamboo. The lush landscaping is chemical-free, and a vegetable garden on site provides fresh greens and produce for the kitchen. Private casitas are set within the rainforest in dappled light, with forest or garden views. Private outdoor decks and patios have comfortable lounge seating, and spacious bathrooms have indoor and outdoor rainfall showers and biodegradable spa-grade toiletries. Casitas also have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat screen TV and a gourmet coffee station.
The open-air Kantala restaurant features dining with a view of the colorful koi fish pond or lush tropical plants, and dishes created from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy casual bites and tropical cocktails at the Blue Moon Swim-Up Bar next to the free-form swimming pool, or savor coffee and sweets at Cafe Romance. The Studio Spa, nestled within lush tropical gardens amid the sounds of nature, offers a slate of indulgent treatments, including Swedish and deep tissue massage, volcanic hot stone massage, a "sensory experience" chocolate massage, mineral baths, facials and mud wraps.
The resort’s sustainability initiatives include water conservation, biodegradable products, environmental education at a local school, and economic support for local communities, with 95% of the resort's collaborators nearby.
Hotel Punta Islita
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Set on a forested mountaintop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this luxurious ecolodge blends natural beauty with thoughtful design. The resort’s open layout and tiered grounds provide spectacular views, while its architecture, combining Indigenous and colonial elements, showcases local artistry. Lush tropical gardens create a serene haven for guests to connect with nature. Spacious, air-conditioned guest rooms have king-size beds and en suite bathrooms. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen satellite TV, mini bar, eco-friendly bath products, a walk-in closet and a private terrace with a hammock and side table.
The resort’s open-air dining area offers sweeping ocean views. The kitchen specializes in sustainably sourced seafood and uses local produce in its creatively prepared fare. A casual beach club bar near the shore serves drinks and appetizers. The resort also has an infinity pool with ocean vistas and a full-service spa. Its sustainability initiatives include supporting local communities, using eco-friendly products, and promoting conservation through environmental education and activities.
Weather and Climate
The annual average temperature of Costa Rica is always above 75°F. The cool, dry season lasts from mid-December through April, and the warm, wet season occurs from mid-April to late November. The mountainous areas we’ll visit experience cooler temperatures, while the coasts are warmer. It is particularly chilly in December and January due to rain and humidity. Though it rains significantly more during the wet season, there is a year-round possibility of precipitation in Costa Rica, so come prepared with good rain gear. The dry season may experience less-frequent, lighter rain showers. Temperatures can also fluctuate greatly from day to night, so packing layers is advised.
Trip Pricing
Trip Price: $7,495 (+internal air).
Internal Air Cost: $692per person (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).
Single Occupancy: For a single room, add $1,595. Contact us to learn how you can avoid the single supplement.
Deposit: $500 per person (non-refundable)
Group Size - Limited to 10 Travelers
Included
Trip price includes: All accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s), local guides and lodge staff, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, private transfers throughout the itinerary, some gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.
Internal Air cost includes: One private charter flight from Upala to Punta Islita (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).
Not Included
Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.
Physical Requirements: Easy to Moderate
This trip does not require a high degree of physical fitness, however to fully participate in all activities, travelers should be able to walk a minimum of 2-3 miles unassisted over uneven terrain with potentially muddy, slippery surfaces, up inclines involving some altitude gain, and under hot and humid conditions. During our excursion to the hanging bridges, travelers must navigate about 100 steps to complete the hike. While we take our time on the trails to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us, some hikes can be more strenuous than others, depending on physical ability. The heat and humidity are also factors that can take a physical toll. Roads throughout the itinerary are sometimes bumpy and often winding. Travelers prone to motion sickness may wish to take precautions, both on drives and on the private charter flight to Punta Islita.
Mandatory Insurance
Since the areas we travel to are remote and wild (that's why we go there!), we require that all guests have, at minimum, medical evacuation insurance for this program. This is for the safety of all guests. We require that your chosen independent insurance plan includes at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage.
To protect your investment and to provide peace of mind while you travel, we also strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. Plans may cover everything from medical treatment to trip cancellations and delays and lost luggage. Please contact our office if you would like more information about the medical evacuation and comprehensive travel insurance policies we offer by calling 800-543-8917.
Getting There and Getting Home
Arrive in Liberia by 3:00pm to make it to the hotel in time for a 6:00 pm welcome dinner on Day 1. You may depart Liberia anytime after 1:30 pm on the final day.
We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as our staff is intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.