Kayak, Hike and Tree Camp the Hidden Rainforests of Costa Rica
Trek through lush jungle teeming with exotic wildlife, paddle vivid coastline and fall asleep in the trees
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking local guidesAll accommodation
3 nights in a hotel, 2 nights tree camping and 1 night in a jungle lodgeMeals
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All your kayaking and camping equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 10 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Sea kayak tropical shores and tangled mangroves, and snorkel amidst coral reefs and colourful fish
Hike through mountainous jungle and virgin rainforest in one of the country's most remote corners
Fall asleep to the calls of monkeys, toucans and frogs while in your tent suspended among the trees
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Costa Rica
Hiking
Fly into beautiful Costa Rica and head to your hotel in Golfito, the most southern port town and located across from the Osa Peninsula on the Golfo Dulce. Meet your guides and fellow travellers and go on a short walk to a nearby waterfall.
Day 2
Head into the jungle
Hiking
After breakfast, you'll take a quick transfer to the trailhead at the base of Cerro Adams, the highest mountain in the area. You’ll follow a trail that winds up through mountainous jungle, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. Head back down along a path which winds through a different part of the mountain range, stopping along the way to take in the beautiful views and for a picnic lunch. A full day of trekking will take you back to your hotel in Golfito for a relaxing evening.
Day 3
Piedras Blancas National Park
Hiking
An early breakfast will fuel a challenging day, hiking inside the magnificent Piedras Blancas National Park. Head into the Tico-Amazonia mountains along a steep trail through primary rainforest and flatlands, keeping your eyes peeled for the local flora and fauna of this region. Reach your remote camping area situated by the beach and enjoy a well-earned dinner before sleeping in the trees.
Day 4
Kayak and snorkel in Golfo Dulce
Hiking
Kayaking
Snorkelling
With the ocean on one side and the thick rainforest on the other, you'll get to explore both worlds today by kayak and on foot. Enjoy the morning paddling the coastline while capturing stunning views of the shoreline with its magnificent mountainous backdrop. Snorkel amidst the colourful coral reef and tropical fish and you might see a pod of dolphins, or a sea turtle or two. Once back on land explore some of the nearby trails close to camp and enjoy your night in the jungle.
Day 5
Kayak to Playa Bajo Nancite
Kayaking
Fuel up with some fresh fruit and coffee before heading off for another chance to kayak in Golfito Bay. Back on the water again, you'll sea kayak through the coastal rainforest-lined Golfo Dulce to the beach at Playa Bajo Nancite. Soak up the atmosphere and spend a relaxing evening at a coastal jungle lodge.
Day 6
To Golfito via Zamia Forest
Kayaking
Hiking
Begin paddling by the mangroves along the coast, stopping at Cacao Beach. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch before swapping your kayak for hiking boots and head into the Zamia jungle reserve to learn about the area's flora and fauna. Return to the hotel in Golfito in the afternoon and celebrate the end of this wild adventure with a farewell meal.
Day 7
Goodbye Costa Rica
After breakfast with an ocean view and final goodbyes with your team, you'll be returned to the airport in time for your flight home.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
A classic plate of Costa Rican food traditionally includes rice and beans, salad, fried sweet plantains and either fish, chicken, pork or beef. Some will also have cheese, french fries or grilled vegetables. Gallo Pinto is another classic Costa Rican staple: slow-cooked rice and beans with onions, peppers and coriander (cilantro). This is often part of the Costa Rican breakfast, with eggs, fried cheese, sweet plantains and homemade corn tortillas. There'll be plenty of other Latin American and tropical foods available and on the coast you’ll find Pipa Fria: a whole, cold fresh coconut.
Vegetarians and some other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request on your passenger info form. Unfortunately due to limited produce options in this part of Costa Rica, it is not possible to accommodate vegan diets.
What is the accommodation like?
Golfito
You'll stay at the Hotel Mar y Luna, a 3-star hotel located at the beach of Golfito. The hotel has a restaurant that serves international cuisine and there's also an on-site bar. The bathrooms are private and come with a shower.
Rainforest Tree Camping
You’ll camp at Tico-Amazonia camp, Playa San Josecito, for two nights in the trees in same-sex, twin-share tents using certified climbing and camping gear and the assistance of a professional climber by your side. The remote camp has showers, flushing toilets and a dining area protected from the rain. The tree-tents are set up at 1.5 metres (5 feet) above the ground.
Jungle Lodge
You'll spend one night at a coastal jungle lodge in Playa Bajo Nancite. There are a combination of twin-share and triple-share rooms with en suite bathrooms, and the rooming will depend on the make up of your group.
Upgrades
For solo travellers wanting their own space, there is the option to upgrade to a private room and tent if you would like to do so, subject to availability. Single rooms can't be guaranteed for the 1 night spent at a jungle lodge, however. See Optional Extras for prices.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
The hiking is through thick rainforest at times but there will be plenty of breaks and time to take in the surrounding views, wildlife and enjoy the rainforest. You should however feel comfortable hiking through streams and on uneven terrain.
You do not need any kayaking experience. Your guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start. You’ll just need reasonable levels of fitness to handle approx 15km of relaxed paddling on Day 7 but the hours listed include breaks, so there is no rush and plenty of time to rest.
Average temperatures in and around Golfito vary very little. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. The warmest time of year is generally early to mid-March where highs are regularly around 34.7°C (94.4°F) and temperatures rarely dropping below 23.2°C (73.7°F) at night.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Golfito Airport, Costa Rica
12:00 on Day 1
Ends
Golfito Airport, Costa Rica
Any time on Day 7
Transfers
Transfers from Golfito Airport to your accommodation are included if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 7 – just let your host know your flight details in advance. If you arrive and/or depart outside of these days, then you'll need to make your own airport transfer arrangements. Taxis are available to and from the airport and are inexpensive.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Costa Rica from major airports across the UK, Europe and the US. The most typical international flight route is to arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José.
Internal domestic flights from San José down to Golfito (GLF) need to be booked separately. They operate from the Domestic Terminal at SJO, located just a short walk from the International Terminal.
The domestic airline flying between San Jose and Golfito is Sansa Airlines. You can book your domestic flight eight weeks in advance. There are three daily flights available, they take 55 minutes and cost around USD150. The total travel time, including getting to and from airports, is around four hours. If you are planning to arrive on Day 1, please book one of the flights that leaves San José before lunchtime.
Another option would be to travel from San José by public bus with Tracopa Bus. The journey takes six hours and costs around USD15.
If you are considering to organise a private transfer from San José to Golfito, please contact your host. If you are planning to spend a night in San José, you can book a hotel with your host. Please check Optional Extras for more info.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's Included
Tree hanging tent
Sleeping bag and mat
Climbing gear
Kayak, paddle, and life jacket
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
Soft duffel bag or rucksack
Daypack 20+ litres
20 litre drybag
FOOTWEAR
-
Hiking shoes or boots (worn in)
-
Water shoes (for kayaking in, and getting wet regularly)
-
Comfortable, dry footwear for around camp
CLOTHES
Waterproof, breathable jacket
Waterproof gaiters
Rainhat with chin strap
Bandana/buff
Sythentic hiking trousers
Synthetic shorts
Synthetic T-shirts
Lightweight base layers
Underwear and socks
Swimsuit
Sunglasses with strap
Sunhat
Something to sleep in
OTHER
Snorkel and mask
Trekking poles
Stuff sacks
Pocket knife or multi tool
Universal travel plug adapter
Power bank or solar charger
Passports (and visas)
Travel insurance documents
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
Quick-dry towel
Sleeping bag liner
Alcohol hand-gel
Headlamp
Reusable water bottle (x2 litre)
Water treatment - see our guide to the best water filters for adventurers
OPTIONAL
Earplugs
Energy bars and snacks
Camera
Guided trip in Corcovado national park one day from Puerto Jimenez to Sirena ranger Station by boat
Payable Before Departure
Guided trip in Corcovado national park one day from Puerto Jimenez to Sirena ranger Station by boat
… Per Person
Two nights in Puerto Jimenez
Payable Before Departure
Two nights in Puerto Jimenez
… Per Person
Pre/Post-trip accommodation in Golfito (Single, Twin/Double)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/Post-trip accommodation in Golfito (Single, Twin/Double)
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade (Golfito Hotel Nights Only)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade (Golfito Hotel Nights Only)
… Per Person
Private Tree Tent (Camping Nights Only)
Payable Before Departure
Private Tree Tent (Camping Nights Only)
… Per Person
Amazing
Amazing trip, very well looked after and guided by Javier and his team. 10 out of 10. Great mix of activities and accommodation. Fantastic opportunity to make wonderful memories. Excellent value for money If you’re thinking of booking this trip then I’d say book it you won’t regret it.
Wow what an adventure and
Wow what an adventure and trip we have had. It has been amazing and led by an amazing host Javier and his team. Such expert advice, sights to see and we felt well supported. You can see and hear the teams enthusiasm and knowledge for thier country. I felt well suppirted kyaking, especially since I have not been kyaking before. We had such wonderful food and the odd cocktails in the jungle. The trip was well worth the money, and I'd say follow the packing list. Also, take some long sleeve tops, which can be used for kayaking, as it's very hot out on the Ocean. Thank you Javier and Much Better Adventures for this experience
Our Purpose
To protect our world's wild places, one adventure at a time.
Book With Confidence
Positive impact adventure travel
