2020 GeoEx Catalog

Costa Rica Family Discovery  NATURE’S ROLLICKING PLAYGROUND DAY HIKING · KAYAKING · WATER AND BEACH | 9 DAYS · CUSTOM

T  he natural paradise of Costa Rica is a haven for wildlife and adventure. For more than 20 years, we’ve been taking families and friends on exhilarating journeys that delve into the country’s most beloved sights and best far-flung places, seamlessly connecting disparate, biologi- cally rich ecosystems—tough to navigate on one’s own— with scenic charter flights. We tailor every itinerary, weaving in the right mix of multisport excursions, cultural outings, and conservation activities (like planting trees and releasing sea turtles) with stays at exquisite eco-lodges that employ such sustainability practices as using renewable energy, banning plastic, buying and hiring local, and run- ning programs that support nearby communities. The Senda Monteverde Hotel is a prime example. Situated on the Continental Divide, this boutique retreat tucks into the hills of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where the calls of resplendent quetzals and chirps of tree frogs compete with the roar of waterfalls, and farm-to- table meals are served. For sensational access to the isolated, wildlife-thronged Central America

Osa Peninsula, the sumptuous, open-air bungalows at Lapa Rios offer plenty of opportunities for sightings, and spry travelers may opt to kayak, bird-watch, surf, and join naturalists on rain-forest rambles, looking out for scarlet macaws and white-faced monkeys. We’re also fans of Golfo Dulce, the only tropical fjord in the Americas, and Piedras Blancas National Park, where some of Central America’s last stretches of old- growth rain forest are found. Making our home at Playa Cativo Lodge, accessible only by boat, we paddle and hike through a biodiverse wonderland, mingling per- haps with two-toed sloths, leaping dolphins, shy iguanas, raccoon-reminiscent coatis, and a bevy of birds, including delightful, big-billed toucans.

offered dec.–apr. & june–aug. from $5850 adult; from $4730 child (11 and younger)

Day 1  arrive in San José ✦  2 & 3  on to Monteverde Cloud Forest, explore nature and culture ✦  4  charter flight to Osa Peninsula ✦  5 & 6  active outings and bird-watching ✦  7 & 8  boat to Golfo Dulce; nature walks, mangrove kayaking, paddleboarding, and more ✦  9  fly to San José, depart.

BELOW  A family waterfall hike, Osa Peninsula. When it comes to great biodiversity, Costa Rica ranks in the world’s top 20, sheltering more than 500,000 species.

LAPA RIOS LODGE