NATURE WALK 1/2 day in Matapalo Rainforest and Waterfall
($35/adult, half price for kids under twelve, minimum 2 people)
If animals are what you want to see without having to hike too far, then this is the tour for you. This is a morning adventure, leaving the lodge around 8 A.M. The walk to Matapalo takes about one hour, and on your way you may see any number of birds and mammals. Meanwhile, once you arrive in Matapalo you can expect to see a huge variety of wildlife, including the peninsula's four species of monkeys, anteaters, sloths, pizotes AKA coatimundis, a variety of smaller mammals, macaws, toucans, hawks, poison dart frogs, etc, as well as the incredible flora that fills the peninsula.
Matapalo not only has wildlife and gorgeous scenery; people live there and surf there. Hence, you can expect to see people as well as animals.
This is a half-day walking tour and you return by 12 or 1 P.M. Sandals, shorts and t-shirts work great; bring plenty of water.
BIRDING in Matapalo or Corcovado
Cost: 35$ for 3 hour hike
The Peninsula de Osa, described by National Geographic as „the most bio-divers place on Earth., is home to more than 400 species of birds including migratory ones which breed as far away as the U.S. and Canada. The diverse habitats found here, such as primary and secondary forests, mature and immature pastures, lagoon and river plains and mountain areas, are excellent for bird watching.
VARIOUS JUNGLE HIKES
We have many hikes that we can set up for you. These are generally fairly rigorous, in the deep, dark jungle. Please come visit and we can chat about setting up all sorts of adventurous hikes. Some hikes are great for seeing the forest, and other hikes are better to the animals. Let us know what you are most interested in. Prices vary depending upon location.
CORCOVADO PARK Full Day Hike
$65 per person (two person minimum), half price for kids under 12,
plus Collectivo Taxi 4$ pp.
We will pack you a picnic lunch for $10 pp.
For those of you wanting to go into the park, the easiest way to get there is by your own rental car or by the collective taxi ($4 pp) with a guide that will hike you into the park for the day.
It's a 1.5 hour drive plus a beach hike to the entrance near Carate. From there, you can either hike on trails at Corcovado Tent Camp, or head straight into the park. If you are only going for the
day, you will hike in and out on the same trail. Experience shows that often you see more wildlife in Matapalo.
Wear shorts and shoes good for walking and hiking, bring water and sunscreen.
TREECLIMBING AND WATERFALL RAPPELLING
(Treeclimb $55, Waterfall/Cliff rappel $85, Combo $120, Hike Only $45, plus $70 taxi)
Everyday Adventures, Andy and Terry offer three tours, all of which are hard to beat and can be combined. These tours take place in Matapalo. The animal life is exceedingly rich in this area, so you can routinely see all four species of monkeys, sloths, anteaters, toucans, macaws, etc. In addition, you can leap out of high trees and/or scale down gorgeous waterfalls (in the dry season, this may not be a waterfall, but a cliff).
These tours are not for everyone. Andy and Terry "GUARANTEE MUDDY, BLOODY, BRUISED AND SWEATY."
Andy's Tree Climb - The hike can't be beat if you are the adventurous type. Hiking along in Matapalo, up and in a river, you approach a spectacular waterfall. In the rainy season you can stand in the pool below it and enjoy a refreshing shower before your treeclimb. (This is also the waterfall that one rappels, see below.) Along your hike, Andy, who is an extremely enthusiastic (and professional) biologist or one of his guides, will explain and demonstrate many of the unique aspects of the rainforest ecosystem.
Upon reaching the tree you rope in and climb about ninety feet, where monkeys may be greeting you. Then leap into thin air and swing through the air à la Tarzan. Finally, you are lowered to the ground feeling exhilarated and glad to have survived. Great fun, highly recommended. Ages six to eighty-six (record set so far).
Even if you don't want to climb the tree, you can do the hike with the others in your group, enjoying their shrieks and thrills.
Andy's Waterfall/Cliff Rappel - Andy also offers a spectacular waterfall/cliff rappelling adventure that total 120 feet. Depending upon the season, you may rappel down two waterfalls or two cliffs. Ages ten and upward. super great!
Andy's Ecology Rainforest Hike - Anyone heading out to climb the tree or waterfall rappel gets a built-in rainforest hike. For those of you wishing to just hike through the rainforest, or accompany your friends or family on either the treeclimb or waterfall rappel, you can sign up for their Rainforest Hike. Any one aged from infancy (in back packs) to 86 can do this one if they
are in good physical shape. This hike is not for everyone: only those willing to get sweaty, bruised, bloody, and wet..
Clothing: You start the tour at Andy's house, so you can take any extra items with you, and leave them at his house. You'll get wet, so wear close-toed shoes (sneakers or hiking boots), quick dry shorts, t-shirts, and swim suits for enjoying the waterfall pool. Water is recommended although Andy will always be happy to have a beer with you at the local watering hole - post-tour. Also bring binoculars and, of course, cameras.
SURFING LESSONS
Cost: $55 pp
Join "Pollo" Oldimar (teaching since 2001and known for his big wave surfing and new age tricks!) for a world class surf in Cabo Matapalo on Pan Dulce Beach, or Axel in Playa Sombrero.
Learn to surf in the 85 degrees year round wonderful waters of the Golfo Dulce on a perfect right point break for beginners. It is a forgiving wave that makes learning fun without any hazards. Guaranteed to stand up!
Check with us regarding tides and swell. Surf for approximately one-and-a-half hours (believe me; your arms get tired paddling). The boards are large and soft.
KAYAKING: Dolphin Watch /Sunset Tour or Mangrove Tour
The price is $30 per person which does not include the $60 taxi if you take a taxi.
This is a fabulous kayak trip for all ages lasting about three hours. This is a tide dependent tour, as you paddle up the river at high tide. Starting in Puerto Jimenez you kayak through and around the tranquil mangroves of the river. You can see caimans, crocodiles, Jesus Christ lizards, lots of aquatic bird life, and a variety of other animals typical of the mangrove. You then portage over a bit of beach and find yourself in the ocean, where you may see rays, dolphins and other sea life.
If you are there after sunset (depending upon the tide), you may experience the magic of bio-luminescence. Alberto is a charming guide who speaks very good English as does his daughter, Laura. They have a great eye for wildlife and explain the area in wonderful detail. Every guest has loved this trip.
Expect to get wet and exposed to a lot of sun: dress accordingly and put sunscreen on, particularly on your shins and feet. They have both single and double kayaks. Alberto also offers a variety of other tour options such as full-day kayaking trips and snorkeling.
FINCA KOBO CHOCOLATE TOUR
Cost: $30 per person, and the taxi is $100
This is a great tour which supports a Costa Rican family, and preserves the rain forest. You will walk under two kilometers through primary forest seeing a variety of fauna and flora while learning all about chocolate, and at the end of your trip you will dine upon the delicious chocolate they make. You will take a taxi approximately 60 minutes from here to the forest near Canaza where the tour begins at 8:30 A.M. The tour lasts about three hours.
CANOPY ZIP LINE TOUR Osa Palmas
Cost: $40 pp and the taxi $100 (minimum 2 persons)
This is a 6 zip-line tour through secondary and primary forest. Enjoy the experience and great views! Shortest cable is 110m, longest cable is 500m. The tour lasts 1.5 hours and includes certified gear and insurance, personalized and professional guiding, water and snack of tropical fruits.
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