True to its name, Golfo Dulce or ‘Sweet Gulf’ presents stunning vistas filled with vibrant shades of green and blue. Cradled between the Osa Peninsula and the southern Pacific coastline of Costa Rica, Golfo Dulce has a wealth of ancient rainforests, intricate mangroves, tropical rivers and sea-kissed beaches. Not surprisingly, the area boasts of one of the richest zones of biodiversity in this part of the country. To protect this natural wealth, the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve was established in 1979 and spans over 149,500 acres. The protected inner coast of the Gulf is one of the only four tropical fjords in the world, and its placid waters are perfect for sea kayaking. On a clear warm day, you might even get lucky and spot dolphins and seasonal whales when out at sea. The lowland forests of the Gulf are home to a variety of endangered flora and fauna that make up this precious rainforest ecosystem.
Places: San José and Central Valley (1 day) → Arenal (3) → Manuel Antonio (3) → Antigua (3) → Lake Atitlan (2) → Guatemala City (1) → Flores (2) → Tikal National Park (1) → Flores (1) → Guatemala City (1)
Tour Highlights: Spanish Colonial History, Museums and Contemporary Art, Saturday Markets, Vibrant Nightlife, Arenal Volcano National Park...
Ideal For: Adventure & Outdoors Heritage & Culture Nature & Landscapes
Places: San José and Central Valley (1 day) → Caribbean Heartland (3) → Arenal (3) → North Pacific Coast (3)
Tour Highlights: Spanish Colonial History, Museums and Contemporary Art, Saturday Markets, Vibrant Nightlife, Untouched Wilderness, Incredible Biodiversity...
Ideal For: Adventure & Outdoors Beaches Nature & Landscapes Wildlife & Safaris
Places: San José and Central Valley (1 day) → Arenal (3) → Manuel Antonio (3) → San José and Central Valley (1)
Tour Highlights: Spanish Colonial History, Museums and Contemporary Art, Saturday Markets, Vibrant Nightlife, Arenal Volcano National Park...
Ideal For: Adventure & Outdoors Beaches Nature & Landscapes
Places: San José and Central Valley (2 days) → Tenorio/Rio Celeste (3) → Arenal (3) → Caribbean Heartland (3) → Puerto Viejo (3) → San José and Central Valley (1)
Tour Highlights: Spanish Colonial History, Museums and Contemporary Art, Saturday Markets, Vibrant Nightlife, Imposing volcanoes, Lush rainforests...
Ideal For: Adventure & Outdoors Beaches Nature & Landscapes
Style: Lodge
Playa Cativo Lodge, a half hour’s boat ride from Golfito or Puerto Jimenez, is nestled within a coastal rainforest along the Golfo Dulce. Reach this jungle chic oceanfront lodge by a boat ride, which is the only access to this spectacular property.
Style: Lodge
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is tucked within a coastal rainforest along the Golfo Dulce coastline, just off the Osa Peninsula. Accessible only by boat, enjoy an exhilarating water ride to this simple eco-lodge, framed against a thick forested and hilly landscape.
