5 Day Nature & Community Experience in Costa Rica

The conservation area at Los Campesinos in the central Pacific region is a hidden jewel. Enjoy the peace and seclusion of an unspoiled part of Costa Rica, largely untouched by tourism. Experience the adventure of the hanging bridges of Costa Rica right next to where the Chorros Waterfall comes crashing down and swim in the river basin of Poza del Olivo in the middle of the tropical rainforest.

This experience also lets you take in Manual Antonio National Park which has been under protection for decades, maintaining its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal‐clear water.

Day 1: Arrival at Manuel Antonio. Accommodation at hotel Los Almendros or similar.

Day 2: Hike at the Manuel Antonio National Park (approximately 2.5 hours, closed on Mondays). The afternoon is at your disposal. Accommodation at hotel Los Almendros or similar. (B)

Day 3: Transfer to the Los Campesinos Reserve. Introduction to Quebrada Arroyo village and the campesinos association. Enjoy a typical lunch prepared in wood stove. After that, walk the Poza de Olivo Trail (1 hour), crossing a 40m-high and 127m-long suspended bridge over the Los Chorros waterfalls, to swim in Olivo's natural pools. Typical dinner and accommodation at Posada Los Campesinos. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Before breakfast walk on the Mirador El Pacifico Trail (approximately 2.5 hours), during which your local guide will show you the forest from the campesino point of view. Cross a forested gorge in the aerial tram and enjoy the view of the Pacific coast. Back at the lodge, you will be served a typical breakfast with a delicious cup of coffee and homemade bread. After a rest hike on the Los Chorros trail and swim in the waterfall pools.

Alternatively go on a rafting tour on the Río Savegre with class 3 and 4 rapids (full day, not included). Dinner and accommodation at Posada Los Campesinos. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Breakfast. Departure or extension. (B)

Your Local Impact

The people of the Quebrada Arroyo community are the guardians of Los Campesinos Reserve, located in the basin of the Savegre River. The reserve consists of primary and secondary forest that is in the process of regeneration and is protected by the Association of Vanilla Producers (ASOPROVA). The Quebrada Arroyo community felt that not only was the reserve not fulfilling its potential for tourism, they also never saw any benefit from the little tourism the reserve did bring in. With the support of the Small Donations Program (PNUD), the Association built and maintained small shelters for walkers and trails and facilities for ecological tourism.

However, not all of the members of the community are directly involved in providing quality and family-oriented service to visitors. The Association was also formed to ensure that the extra money from tourism brought in would enable community members to experiment with initiatives to sustainably manage their natural resources such as vanilla, cacao and cinnamon, to reforest the region with native species and to protect the forest by conserving soil, water and biodiversity.

Itineraries That Can Include This Experience

14 Days: From £3550 per person

Turtle Watching - Birding - Cloud Forest - Wildlife Hikes - Osa Peninsula - Snorkelling - Manuel Antonio National Park

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13 Days: From £2750 per person

Community Stays - Local Food - Wildlife Hikes - Birding - Cloud Forest - Manuel Antonio National Park

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Our Experiences are short immersive trips designed to make your holiday even more memorable! They can be woven into our itineraries to deepen your connection with the country, people and wildlife, while supporting communities and conservation.

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