SJO Arrival

Dec 22: Staying at Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport for 1 night.

Welcome to Costa Rica! Your adventure begins at Juan Santamaría International Airport, gateway to one of the world's most biodiverse countries. Even near the airport, you'll spot incredible wildlife. The iconic Keel-billed Toucan with its rainbow-colored beak is often the first exotic bird visitors encounter, and their vibrant colors make them perfect ambassadors for the wildlife wonders awaiting you.

Boca Tapada

Dec 23-26: Staying at La Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge for 3 nights, 2 full days.

In the remote wilderness near the Nicaraguan border, Boca Tapada offers encounters with Costa Rica's most magnificent birds. This pristine region is home to endangered Great Green Macaws, impressive King Vultures soaring overhead, and the brilliant Scarlet Macaws in their natural habitat. Along the San Carlos River, jaguars still roam the dense jungle while over 400 bird species create a symphony in this untouched corner of paradise.

Chilamate

Dec 26-29: Staying at Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat for 3 nights, 2 full days.

Deep in the Sarapiquí rainforest lies Chilamate, a wildlife paradise where red-eyed tree frogs call through the misty nights. This biodiverse hotspot is home to vibrant poison dart frogs, tiny jewel-like hummingbirds, and countless species of tropical birds. The area's 20 hectares of pristine rainforest provide sanctuary for monkeys, sloths, and an incredible variety of amphibians that thrive in this humid ecosystem.

Cahuita

Dec 29 - Jan 2: Staying at La Shamana – Ecological Concept in Jungle for 4 nights, 3 full days.

Caribbean coast paradise where turquoise waters meet pristine beaches and incredible wildlife. Cahuita National Park protects both coral reefs and rainforest, home to three-toed sloths that move slowly through the canopy above the beach trails. Snorkel among colorful fish, spot green iguanas sunbathing, and watch for the famous poison dart frogs that inhabit this unique coastal ecosystem.

SJO Overnight

Jan 2: Staying at Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport for 1 night.

A quick overnight near San José airport before heading to the volcanic highlands. Even in the Central Valley, Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity shines through coffee plantations where colorful birds feed among the red coffee cherries. This brief stop provides a moment to reflect on the Caribbean coast adventures before diving into the volcanic wonders awaiting in the north.

La Fortuna

Jan 3-7: Staying at Hotel Villas Vilma for 4 nights, 3 full days.

The adventure capital beneath the mighty Arenal Volcano, where wildlife thrives in volcanic soil. Hot springs heated by volcanic activity, hanging bridges through the canopy, and spectacular waterfalls create the perfect habitat for toucans, coatis, and poison dart frogs. Night walks reveal the secret world of sloths, frogs, and nocturnal birds that come alive when the volcano glows against the starry sky.

Monteverde

Jan 7-10: Staying at Tree House Bosque Nuboso for 3 nights, 2 full days.

The mystical cloud forest where hummingbirds dance through the mist and quetzals hide in the canopy. This unique ecosystem, perpetually shrouded in clouds, harbors over 400 bird species including the legendary Resplendent Quetzal and dozens of hummingbird species. Canopy bridges offer eye-level encounters with this three-dimensional forest where every tree hosts gardens of bromeliads, orchids, and incredible wildlife.

Manuel Antonio

Jan 10-13: Staying at Hotel Noaz for 3 nights, 2 full days.

Costa Rica's most famous national park where pristine beaches meet primary rainforest. Three species of monkeys rule this coastal paradise: howler monkeys whose calls echo through the forest, tiny squirrel monkeys, and mischievous white-faced capuchins. Boat tours reveal dolphins, sea turtles, and during whale season, magnificent humpback whales breaching in the warm Pacific waters.

Drake Bay & Corcovado

Jan 13-17: Staying at Monkey House (Drake Bay) + Sirena Ranger Station + Drake Bay/Puerto Jiménez (TBD) for 4 nights, 3 full days.

The crown jewel of Costa Rica's wilderness - Corcovado National Park on the remote Osa Peninsula. This pristine rainforest hosts 2.5% of the world's biodiversity, including jaguars, pumas, tapirs, and all four Costa Rican monkey species. Night jungle walks at Sirena Ranger Station reveal glowing eyes of countless nocturnal creatures in what National Geographic calls "the most biologically intense place on Earth."

Uvita

Jan 17-19: Staying at Uvita (TBD) for 2 nights, 1 full day.

The famous Whale Tail beach where humpback whales gather during their annual migration. Marino Ballena National Park protects crucial whale nursery waters where mothers teach their calves to breach and sing. Waterfalls cascade into hidden pools while scarlet macaws fly overhead, creating a perfect blend of marine and terrestrial wildlife experiences.

SJO Pre-Panama

Jan 19: Staying at Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport for 1 night.

Strategic overnight near San José airport before the international flight to Panama. This brief stop allows time to process the incredible whale watching experiences in Uvita while preparing for the final leg of the Central American adventure. From here, it's just a short flight over the mountains to Panama City's modern skyline.

Panama City

Jan 20-23: Staying at Hotel El Panama for 3 nights, 2 full days.

A fascinating contrast where modern skyscrapers meet historic Casco Viejo and incredible rainforest diversity. The Panama Canal's locks attract unique bird species, while nearby rainforests host sloths, iguanas, and colorful tropical birds just minutes from the city. Day trips into Soberanía National Park reveal jaguars, ocelots, and over 500 bird species in one of Central America's most accessible wilderness areas.

Journey's End

Jan 23-24: Staying at Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport for 1 night.

Return to San José for one final night before departure, carrying memories of incredible wildlife encounters. From the first toucan spotted near the airport to jaguars in Corcovado, whales in Uvita, and cloud forest quetzals in Monteverde - this month-long adventure through Costa Rica and Panama has revealed the incredible biodiversity that makes Central America a wildlife paradise unlike anywhere else on Earth.