You are heading to the north of Costa Rica, close to the border with Nicaragua is Boca Tapada a little village nestled close to the San Carlos River. After a 2 hours drive, you´ll reach the lodge. The lodge sits right above the San Carlos River and private bungalows come equipped with a lounging area and a porch overlooking the river.

 

There are two decks that sit high above the Rio San Carlos and offer great views of the river, the setting sun and makes for easy birding. In the evenings, the calls of both the Scarlet and Great Green Macaws are heard, and both are frequently seen. There are gardens, fruit and fruit trees right outside of the individual cabins that attract honeycreepers, orioles, oropendolas and even toucans right to your door.

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Today you may want to relax after the long drive and rest for tomorrow´s exploration.

 

        Breakfast Included 

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        Overnight at Pedacito de Cielo

 

 

 

 

The reserve for the lodge is actually about 2 km from the lodge. At the reserve, there are a number of trails that take you through the quality rainforest and native species reforestation plantations. There is also a separate lagoon to explore. There are covered decks and trails for you to bird from at the lagoon.

 

The forest hosts hard to find species such as the Dusky Antbird, while the lagoon is home to rare species such as the Rufescent Tiger-Heron. Don Marco can set up a ride to take to you to the reserve, but the birding along the road is great on its own. You are welcome to bird without a guide; however, Hugo is the guide available to take you to and through the reserve. Although Hugo does not speak English, he is able to communicate in one form or another, and visitors enjoy his company.

In addition to birding and hiking, horseback riding tours and tours of the San Carlos River via kayak are available. Another highlight at Mi Pedacito de Cielo is undoubtedly the delicious cuisine cooked mostly with fruits and vegetables grown right on site. Marco is extremely accommodating and will do just about whatever you need to make your stay enjoyable.

 

        Breakfast Included 

 

        Overnight at Pedacito de Cielo

 

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Day on your own at Boca Tapada, you can continue to explore the grounds and reserve of the hotel or just relax at this little piece of heaven.

 

You can also drive to explore the area.

 

        Breakfast Included 

 

         Overnight at Pedacito de Cielo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today you´ll continue the expedition driving to the Sarapiqui area. The trip gets tougher when you reach Horquetas de Sarapiqui, a little village nestled in this rainforest.

 

There you can leave your car and excess baggage at our office or buy your last supplies before you leave civilization behind. The15km (less than 10 miles) to your destination will take about 3 1/2 hours.

 

You´ll make your way to the waterfall ledge and may want to rest or just enjoy the silence of the deep rainforest. From the offices in Horquetas to the lodge, there is a 3.5 hours journey either by tractor or horse+hike. 

 

        Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included 

 

        Overnight at Rara Avis Lodge 

 

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We have an extensive series of trails through untouched virgin forest, ranging from moderate to difficult. All trails have muddy and uneven footing. You may hike accompanied by one of our staff naturalists who will help you see and understand the complex, incredibly diverse life of the jungle. An introductory walk is usually offered every afternoon.

 

Each morning, a guided nature walk takes you through the forest. You’ll learn about birds and wildlife along the trails; you’ll learn about the rainforest, not just the names of things.
 

Also, you can ask your guide for a short night hike after dinner; this is great to see frogs and other animals or insects usually hidden during the day.

 

        Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included 

 

        Overnight at Rara Avis Lodge 

 

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The way out of the lodge is also long, you´ll get back to the office where the rest of your luggage is and your car, today is a short drive (10 minutes) to a nice hotel, you´ll make a relaxation evening to get used to the civilization again.

 

Tomorrow we´ll drive east to the north Caribbean coast.

 

        Breakfast Included 

 

        Overnight at Hacienda La Isla 

 

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This morning after breakfast we´ll drive to the Goshen dock at Reserva Pacuare 1.5 hours to reach the dock where a boat will be waiting for you. Here you´ll join a group of maximum 15 people guided by a naturalist bilingual guide who will show you this pristine part of the Caribbean.

 

A 30-minute boat ride to reach Lirio Lodge, on our way we can see sloths, caimans, monkeys and lots of wildlife. After lunch your guide will take you to the trails at Reserva Pacuare, this short but abundant trail ends at the beach where a volunteer program for marine turtle conservancy is located, in the nesting season you´ll have the chance to experience this unique event.

 

        Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included 

 

        Overnight at Lirio Lodge 

 

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The early morning hours are the best for wildlife watching, after breakfast your guide and your captain will take you to the canals of Reserva Pacuare, where you´ll have the chance to see abundant wildlife, like Tortuguero, was 40 years ago, with just a few motorboats and a couple of little lodges there will be no crowds and the chances to see wildlife are more.

 

Without a doubt, staying at Lirio Lodge means exploring and discovering the most unspoiled area of the Caribbean rainforests of Costa Rica and the Pacuare canals in their most authentic, unspoiled and natural state. The flora and fauna in the area is rich, wonderful and unique, presenting several species in danger of extinction, such as several sea turtle species, like the Green turtle, the Carey turtle, the Leatherback turtle, as well as mammals and birds as rare as the Jaguar as well as the Tapir, and one of the rarest birds the beautiful Agami Storch.

 

        Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included 

 

         Overnight at Lirio Lodge 

 

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We´ll get out by boat to pick up the car. It is beach time, you can decide if you want to keep exploring the east side or if you want to get some new adventures in the Pacific.

 

We have several options where you can relax enjoy the beach and keep doing activities.