Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Pacific, situated near Jacó Beach on the Central Pacific coast, offers an immersive eco-adventure experience in the heart of Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest. Spanning 222 acres (90 hectares), the park provides a variety of activities suitable for all ages, emphasizing both adventure and environmental education.
Costa Rica is a tiny country with a huge natural heart. On its Pacific Ocean side, you find some of the richest and most thrilling rainforest adventures in the world. From sky-high treetop canopies to vinegar-tasting waterfalls, from sprawling prairies to indigenous communities, there’s a little something of a once-in-a-lifetime for everyonewho passes through, there in the rainforest coast of Costa Rica. And best of all, one will find a deeply personable engagement with nature.
In other news, for those of us who want more where that essay came from 23 Places To Go If You Love The Rainforest
corcovado national park costa rica
Today, known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” it is one of the most biologically intense places on earth. In the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is home to jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and four different species of monkey.
Entry Fee: ~$15 per day
Guided tours recommended
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season is perfect)
manuel antonio national park guided tour
Part rain forest, part clean beaches, this park is for beginners or the entire family. The trails are well marked and wildlife is abundant.
What you’ll see: Sloths, iguanas, white-faced monkeysHighlights: Sloths, iguanas, white-faced monkeys
(7 AM-4 PM, Closed on Mondays)
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve
This area is closer to the Central valley, but many Pacific-side tourists come here to visit the cloud forests and hummingbird gardens.
What to do: Hanging bridges, canopy tour, orchid garden
Weather: Cooler and misty — pack a rain jacket!
Unique Local Experiences
zip lining in costa rica
The concept of the canopy tour originated in Costa Rica. Fly over the rainforest, treetop to treetop, in places like Monteverde, Jaco and Quepos.
Wildlife Night Tours
After midnight, Rainforest is like a living thing. Follow a guide on a night hike to spot glowing fungi, frogs, snakes and nocturnal mammals.
Rainforest River Kayaking
Venture to the indigenous mangroves where you may see wild birds and crocodiles as you kayak down a calm rainforest Río Savegre or Río Esquinas.
The Good Rainforest Farm-to-Table Dining.
Taste Costa Rica’s famous casado meals, fresh seafood and exotic fruit like guanabana or mamón chino — all grown or caught nearby.
Cultural Highlights
costa rican boruca masks
Make your way to the Boruca villages in the southern Pacific, where your kids will get to see how the masks are made and hear some pretty incredible tales.
Socially Responsible Coffee and Chocolate Tours
The Pacific highlands of Costa Rica proved an ideal spot to grow coffee and cacao. Tours often include tastings and demonstrations by local families.
Eco-Lodges with a Purpose
Sleep in the eco-lodges of places like Lapa Rios or Drake Bay Getawaya, which help reduce conservation and ensure that locals have jobs, and offer immmersive jungle experiences.
Budget-Friendly Travel Tips
Public transport: The buses are not only cheap but also safe and reach most major attractions.
Sodas: Eat like the locals. You’ll get big portions at low prices headed your way.
Free attractions: There are several beaches, hiking trails and lookouts that don’t require an entrance fee.
Go Off-Season: May to November is green season — yes, rainy, but also cheaper.
Bring: Reusable water bottles, rain gear, insect repellent, waterproof footwear, waterproof daypack.
Rainforest adventures costa rica pacific travel
This is more of a rucksack than it is a cycling pannier, so it’s inclusion here is a little tenuous, but if there are nothing but vistas and endless possibilities on your sleeve, you’ll find it tough to remain indifferent about these. Best for: Hiking, photography, wildlife viewing.
Green Season
May – Nov
Green countryside, fewer tourists and off-season prices
Peak Season
Dec & Easter Week
Book in advance! Higher prices & more tourists
Travel Tips on the Safety of the Tropical Rainforest
Hike with a guide, like in the isolated Corcovado.
This is friendly behaviour (you’re less likely to encounter a bear or get lost).
Depending on which insects are dominating the scene, you might want to wear long pants and close-toed shoes.
Take a look at the animals — no feeding or stroking Petscorts med Stockholm.
Use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent — the ecosystem will appreciate it.
Fascinating Facts of the Pacific Rainforest
Costa Rica has more than 500,000 species, or half a million forms of life and five percent of the world´s biodiversity.
More than 3% of that biodiversity alone is attributed to the Osa Peninsula!
Such an active conservation stance has helped to bring Costa Rica’s forest cover to more than 50% today, from just 21% in the 1980s.
SAMPLE 5 DAY RAINFOREST SCHEDULE :+)/ Mayapur ISKCON Read more…
Day 1: San José → Manuel Antonio San José to Manuel Antonio: 100 miles (1 mile = 1.6 km) 2.5 hour drive to Manuel Antonio.
Cost: A private transfer can be upwards of $100-$150, but public buses are available for as little as $5.
Climate: Tropical; hot, about 30C; high humidity and a chance of afternoon showers.
Activities:
Once you reach Manuel Antonio, you can check into your place. Known for its beautiful beaches and its immediate proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Accommodations: Budget inns can range around $50-$100 per night and luxury hotels can easily exceed $200.
Things to Do:
Relax on the beach or take a sunset walk along the shore.
Dine at a sea-side Restaurants where fresh seafood is served for dinner.
Day 2: Manuel Antonio Park Morning Hike → Afternoon on the Beach Weather: A bit cooler around 25°C (77° Fahrenheit) in the AM. It becomes hotter every day.
Activities:
Manuel Antonio National Park: A park lovers paradise! The park opens at 7 a.m., so early is ideal for avoiding the hordes. Admission is around $16 for adults.
Hiking: There are several trails winding through the diverse ecosystems of the park. The trail proper (the one I am mentioning) is I think abt 1.5 k and should possible to do under 1-2 hours. You are likely to spot sloths, monkeys and an assortment of birds.
Price: What is the cost of an Everglades park?
Afternoon at the Beach:
Relax on Playa Espadilla, the main beach just outside the park, after the hike. It’s good for swimming and sunning and lounging.
Day 3: Osa Peninsula travel → Night Wildlife Tour Duration: 4 hours driving (180 km) from Manuel Antonio to Osa Peninsula.
Cost: Private transfers run about $150; a public bus $10 to $15.
Climate: The Osa Peninsula has the wettest tropical climate with plenty of rain. Low 25-30C(77-86F) with possibility of afternoon showers.
Activities:
Make your way to the Osa Peninsula, where you’ll check into your ecolodge or rainforest lodge.
In the evening, do a Night Wildlife Tour. These walks by torchlight are a good opportunity to spot some of the nocturnal fauna such as frogs, owls and other insects. A night tour typically costs $40 to $50 per person.
Day 4: Guided hike around Corcovado Weather: Warm and damp today, with temperatures of 25–30°C (77-86°F) and more than 95% chance of rain. Wear a light, moisture-wicking fabric and bring along a rain jacket.
Cost: Guided trips to Corcovado National Park are between $100 and $150 per person. This transportation is not included on the normal tours.
Activities:
Corcovado National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. A day’s hike in the park give visitors the chance to see the park’s lush rain forest, roaring waterfalls and wildlife. You’ll spot monkeys, tapirs, macaws and perhaps jaguars.
The hike can be challenging, so you should be physically fit.
The tour usually includes lunch.
Tips:
Bring plenty of water, a few snacks and some bug spray. And don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
It’s also wise to wear some solid hiking shoes — and lightweight, breathable clothes never hurt.
Day 5: Jungle Kayaking or Indigenous Cultural Tour → Return to San José Climate: In the morning the sky is a clear and sunny and it starts raining in the afternoon. It is 25-30 C (77-86 F) warm.
Activities:
RAINBOW RIVER / COSTAL RIVERS – KayakingPaddle into the tropical colored waters of one of our local rivers from a kayak. There are several tour companies that offer half-day kayaking trips in the Osa Peninsula and these should run you about $50-$70 per person.
Tour of Indigenous Cultures: If you prefer, you can also sign up to tour and learn about the indigenous cultures of Costa Rica. This will give you a chance to see the traditions and lifestyle of the native tribes.
After your adventure, you’ll come back to San José by the afternoon.
Cost: A return shuttle or private transfer back to San José starts at $150.
Overall Trip Weather Notes:
“The Winter Months”: Costa Rica actually has a rainy or wet season from May to October. Expect daily afternoon showers, particularly on the coast and in the rainforest. It’s usually smart to pack for both raingear and shorts for this time of year.
The Dry Season is between November and April the Wet Season is between May and October with short and heavy rain showeers.
Budget Tips:
Stay: Hostels, guesthouses (from $30/night): Backpackers get the option of staying in hostels or guesthouses. Backpackers – $30-35 per night Classy backpackers – $50-100 per night. Villa rental may cost more than $150 per night.
Food: You can eat cheaply, especially if you eat at local sodas (Costa Rican diners). You can expect to pay from $5 to $10 for a meal at a soda, and from $15 to $30 at a mid-range restaurant. ater bangla bolo
Final Thoughts
There is so much in the pacific rainforests of Costa Rica besides pretty things to look at; they are memories you will cherish, to build meaning culture upon, and and a way to travel responsibly. Whether it’s zip-lining above the canopy or watching howler monkeys leap from branch to branch, or nursing a mug of coffee in rainforest mist before the sun comes up, the forever memories are near irresistible.