Rainforest Treks

½ Day $41/person Full Day $50/person

Explore and learn in the most bio-diverse tract of rain forest in Costa Rica. On a one-day hike with Escondido Trex you will see more animals than going into Corcovado National Park. We guarantee that you will see scarlet macaws and three different kinds of monkeys, although on most days we see all four types (Spider, Howler, White Faced and Squirrel Monkeys). We are hiking you through private trails that are part of the largest private reserve in Costa Rica. We consider this to be the best tour in all of Costa Rica. Beautiful waterfalls, virgin rain forest, beaches for swimming or exploring, tidal pools, the most concentrated amount of wildlife in the whole country, lunch with a simple Tico family, transportation, a birder's dream come true and a guide who tells you the history of the Osa, explains how the different ecosystems work, and medicinal and local uses of different plants and animals. Our standard hike takes you through virgin rainforest where the animals are very active. We hike up rivers to reach beautiful waterfalls with sitting pools under them. Enjoy each pool with a natural massage from the falling water. In the rainy season we see a waterfall that is over 100 ft high, named "King Louie's". We start the hike at the top of a mountain and hike along ridge lines and down trails that are in virgin rainforest. We see giant trees and have a chance to see pizotes, sloths, anteaters, tayras, armadillos, toucans, and so much more. After exploring the primary jungle, we will walk through secondary rainforest along the nicest surf beaches here. We will stop for lunch with a simple Tico family for a great typical Costa Rican lunch. After lunch, we explore beaches and look for more wildlife. We leave at 6:00 am, and return to town at 3:00 or 4:00 pm. The taxi ride is 45 min. each way. During this trip we can show you all the lodges and small inns in Matapalo in case you decide to stay in this area. Our guides carry binoculars for you to use, and go out of their way to make this a very educational and memorable trip. Hikes are geared to each group and their interests and their level of fitness. We have eight different hikes depending on what the group wants to see the most of. The trips can be from relaxing to adventurous. The full day hike comes with lunch and snacks. All trips include transportation.

Mangrove Paddle

$40/person

We are exploring the mangrove looking for all types of wildlife (monkeys, raccoons, river otters, iguanas, Jesus Christ lizards, crabs, crocodiles, caimans, snakes, all types of birds, butterflies, and much more). The mangroves are a very amazing area to explore with their incredible root systems that grow above the water and spread out as if by walking. Find yourself in the shade of 80 foot mangrove trees that are a host to so much bio-diversity. The mangrove is an important area because it acts as a filter for reefs, and it is where the land meets the ocean (making it home or the seasonal home of so many crabs, birds, lizards and all types of animals and insects). This is a very easy paddle because we are going up river with the tide and then turning around to paddle back down with the tide. We stop and traverse over to the Gulf of Dulce to go enjoy the nicest swimming beach on the Osa Peninsula (miles of deserted beach, no rocks, and a thatched roof to get out of the sun and to enjoy snacks under). We have snacks (seasonal fruits, cookies, and peanuts) before a little more swimming or beach combing. After the beach, we return down river for the last leg of our adventure. The trip takes 3-4 hours, and we supply dry bags (for all your gear, even cameras and video gear), water bottles, snacks, kayak and paddle, life jacket (if you want), and a knowledgeable guide.

Sunset Dolphin Watch Tour

$40/person

This is an easy paddle out into the gulf looking for Spotted, Spinner, and Bottlenose Dolphins. We always see a great variety of birds, and have a good chance of seeing turtles, rays, sea snakes, and for half the year a small chance of seeing whales. We stop and go swimming on the nicest beach on the Osa Peninsula, where we have snacks and look for turtle tracks on the beach.  We then paddle out, looking for Dolphins again and then sit for sunset; the 360 degree view from the water gives you a perfect place to see all the colors as the sun sets over the peninsula. We then paddle back in the photoluminescence, watch as the water comes to life with colors. Every paddle sends a ball of light into the water, watch as the fish swimming under the boats light up and look like fireworks under the water.  We stop on the beach and swim in the photoluminescence right before we finish the trip. Your guide can provide a cooler with ice if you would like wine, beer, or cold drinks for this adventure. This trip leaves every day at 3:30.

Sunset Dolphin Watch Tour by Boat	$50/person
2 hours cruising the gulf looking for dolphins and then sitting to enjoy the sunset. We bring along a cooler with cold drinks. Leaves at 4:30 pm every day.

Mangrove & Sunset Dolphin Watch Tour	$67.50/person
This tour combines the two trips into a 5-6 hour adventure. It is only possible when the tide is in the afternoon, we have tide charts so just ask for availability.

Snorkeling by Kayak or Boat	$45/person
3 Hours. We leave 2 hours before low tide (different every day). Use the boat to explore a large section of the only living reef in the gulf. You can see lots of colorful Pacific Reef fish, but it is not a world class reef (actually it is a dying reef). It is also a great time to see dolphins, rays, and turtles.

Snorkeling Tour (by car or bike)	$35/person
2 1/2 - 4 hours. We explore the only living reef left in the gulf looking for pacific reef fish, rays, eels, and so much more. We can drive to our destination or for the more adventurous we will ride Mt. bikes or classic 1 speed beach cruisers.

Full Day Snorkeling & Coastal Exploration

$75/person

This trip is a full day of paddling and the best possible way to explore the magical coastline of the Gulf of Dulce and its estuaries. The day starts with a taxi ride north of town where we will start our adventure by snorkeling and exploring the only large piece of living reef left in the gulf, two miles long and 1/4 mile wide. We will be snorkeling with an assortment of tropical pacific reef fish, and have the chance of seeing sea turtles, manta and stingrays, eels, starfish and so much more. After snorkeling, we will explore the mangroves looking for monkeys, raccoons, boa constrictors, lizards, crocodiles and various other animals. This guided trip includes all gear and lunch. The trip can be early morning returning around 4 pm, or we can leave between 9 and 10 am, sit out for the sunset, and paddle in the photoluminescence after the sun sets.

Fishing by Kayak	$40/person
3-4 Hours. Coastal or mangrove paddling as we troll for all kinds of fish. Hook a baitfish and then troll with it to catch something big! You can actually get pulled by a big rooster fish if you are really lucky. We use hand-lines but bring your own pole (our kayaks are rigged with fishing pole holders).

Drive & Hike

$75/person

Full day. See some of the nicest places the Osa has to offer. We cater this tour to what you want to see the most. We always see lots of monkeys, macaws, toucans, kingfishers, and so much more. We have the  option of stopping at Lapa Rios lodge for a drink and to enjoy their view. Beautiful beaches await us, and waterfalls are possible for the more adventurous. This can be simply a sightseeing by car tour. (2 person minimum).

Bird Watching	$20/person
2 hours. We take you walking to see a large variety of birds. We walk along mangroves, and open fields surrounded by large trees. Your guide will explain the history of Puerto Jimenez, and the Osa Peninsula, and you will visit a small orchid, flower and fruit garden during your tour. A bird rookery is possible as a stop!

Beach Exploration	$35/person
3-4 hours. Explore secluded beaches, and enjoy a day in the sun. Beautiful sandy shores to walk on, perfect swimming beaches, and a picnic lunch under the shade of palm trees (or you can have lunch at small bar/restaurant in the middle of nowhere).

Sport Fishing	Inshore: $200-$300/Boat Offshore: $350, $450, $550/Boat

Matapalo Paddle

Number of people: 3-10 $60/person with transportation $50/person without

Kayaking around Matapalo (the point of the peninsula) is always a great experience because of the virgin rain forest as a back drop and the opportunity to paddle to the end of the world. We leave at 6 am on the "colectivo" for Matapalo. We have a half-hour hike after our ride where we almost always see monkeys. We launch our kayaks from Backwash Bay and paddle to the end of the Osa Peninsula. From there you can see all the way to Corcovado National Park. If the tide is right, we might even be able to paddle through the Matapalo Arch. If the swell is down, we can paddle around some rocks near shore. This off shore paddle is a good opportunity to see dolphins, whales, turtles, rays, sea snakes, and a variety of birds. We always have time to do a little swimming before or after kayaking. When we land, you can take a shower at a beach house where the kayaks are launched. We then walk back to the main road to meet our ride back to Puerto Jimenez. Another option is a day on the beach and you hitch hike back on your own or arrange a taxi for later in the day. You can also bring your own lunch, and have lunch on the beach before you head back to Jimenez. (minimum 2 people).

Matapalo Paddle & Rainforest Trex

Number of people: 3-10 $100/person with lunch

Kayaking around Matapalo is always a great experience because of the virgin rain forest as a back drop and the opportunity to paddle to the end of the world. We launch our kayaks from Backwash Bay and paddle to the end of the Osa Peninsula. From there you can see all the way to Corcovado National Park. If the tide is right, we might even be able to paddle through the Matapalo Arch. If the swell is down, we can paddle around some rocks near shore. This off shore paddle is a good opportunity to see dolphins, whales, turtles, rays, sea snakes, and a variety of birds. We have lunch on the beach then we head out hiking through the forest looking for animals and birds on our way to sit under waterfalls. After cooling off in the pools below the waterfalls we will hike some more through virgin rainforest. We then have a drink at the only bar at Matapalo while we wait for our taxi. (minimum 2 people).

Night Paddle

$40/person

We have an adventure for you night people, kayaking in the mangroves and out in the Gulf of Dulce at night. We will enjoy the photoluminescence as they light up the water. The fish darting away from the kayak light up and look like fireworks under the water. It is possible to go swimming in the photoluminescence; you almost look like a glowing angel in the water at night. ?Enjoy the amazing view of the moon and the stars without the light from civilization. We can leave at 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. to enjoy all the colors of the sunset. And maybe get to see dolphins or turtles. Or for you real night owls, we can leave between 7:00 and 10:00 at night. We have headlights for everyone to see where you are going and what’s around you. We supply dry bags, flashlights, water bottles, and snacks. This adventure runs for 3 to 4 hours, but can be extended during the meteor showers.

Tree Climbing	$100/person
1/2 day. Use ascenders to climb over 120 ft. into virgin rainforest canopy. Enjoy a deck up in a giant Areno tree, then you have the choice of sliding on a zip line to another giant tree (a Reseco). We then slide back to the first deck to rappel down or be lowered down by your guide!

Rappelling Down Waterfalls	$100/person
1/2 day. See a part of the rainforest that is only accessible by rope. We rappel down a 15ft. (great for practicing), a 25ft., a 35ft., and finally a 75ft. waterfall we call the "Cathedral." Enjoy a deserted beach, then a hike through the forest where the taxi home is waiting.

Tree Climbing & Rappelling Down Waterfalls	$190/person
A combination of the Tree Climbing and Rappelling Down Waterfalls tours. Lunch Included.

Surf Lessons	$50/person
2-3 hours. Includes transportation to and from the surf beach. We have long boards perfect for beginners and everybody stands up on their boards. You can spend the rest of the day on the beach if you like.

Forest Horseback Riding	$60/person
1/2 day. Take a half-hour ride to Dos Brazos, a small gold mining community on the backside of Corcovado National Park. Horseback ride in the rivers and forests. Amazing bird watching, a chance to see monkeys, and so much more. Swimming in the river and enjoying a waterfall are part of the tour. Includes snacks and homemade bread and fruit juice after the tour.

Horseback Riding & Forest Hike	$85/person
Full day. Same as above, but we have lunch at a local lodge after the horseback riding. After lunch we hike through the forest looking for wildlife and enjoy waterfalls.

Beach & Mangrove Horseback Riding	$50/person
3 hours. Your guide meets you at your lodge with the horses, and the adventure begins! Enjoy miles of deserted beaches, and find yourself riding along the edge of a beautiful mangrove estuary.

Gold Mining

$45/person

Take a day to explore the Osa Peninsula, and see what it is like to pan for your own gold. We start the day between 6 and 8 am, with a taxi ride to the town of Dos Brazos (about 30 minutes), an old mining community that held over 3,000 gold miners before they made Corcovado National Park. The town is on the backside of the park and only has about 200 inhabitants now, although half of them still gold mine. We start the gold mining adventure by setting up a sluice in the river, and then the shoveling and panning begins. You are guaranteed to take some gold home that you find yourself. Our choice here is to either pan the whole time or we can pan for an hour or so and then get a guided hike up to some really beautiful waterfalls. Everyone also enjoys sitting in the cool river water. You will get to see how the gold is separated from the rocks and sand, and then you get to keep whatever you find. We stop at a little lodge for lemonade before we head into town to look at some nuggets of gold (you can buy all sizes of nuggets if you like). If you are interested, there is a gentleman who usually has some replicas of pre-Colombian gold artifacts that he sells. A taxi then picks us up for our ride back to Puerto Jimenez between 10 and 12 noon. We supply water, fruit drinks, snacks and transportation.

Bike Riding

$45/person

4 hours. One option is going to a great swimming beach 5 km away from the lodge for some beach combing, swimming and/or relaxing. Another option is a 12 km pedal to a town on the back side of Corcovado National Park where we will hike to waterfalls in the forest and swim in the river. The third option is biking to a local reef to so some snorkeling and then exploring back roads to see giants trees, lots of birds, and maybe even monkeys. We have classic cruisers (super comfortable) and mountain bikes.

Real Estate Tours	$100/1-3 persons $25/extra person
The Osa is a great investment opportunity and we have a list of houses, farms, business, lots, and beachfront properties for you to choose from. While you are driven around, you will also learn the history of the Osa, and have a great chance of seeing wildlife.

Herrera Botanical Garden and Reforestation Project Tours
Coming soon---ask about our donation program to have a garden in your name, or about our volunteer program

Plant a Tree	$25/person
We have a large farm on the outside of Puerto Jimenez that we are reforesting. Help us connect up a corridor from Puerto Jimenez into the park. Your donations go toward the Herrera Botanical Garden and Reforestation Project and the maintenance of the land being reforested. You get to help plant ten trees with your donation, and get on our "Save the Osa" newsletter list.

Botanical Garden Tour

$50/person

Tour of Casa Orquidia, a unique small botanical garden that is only boat accessible and is backed by Piedras Blancas National Forest. We get a boat ride across the gulf at 8 AM, a great time to see dolphins, to start our tour at 8:30 AM ( all days except Friday ). The owners, Ron and Trudy McAllister, give you a 2 1/2 hour tour of the grounds. So many orchids, trees, flowers, spices, and medicinal plants to see that a camera is a must. Toucans are usually about, and the bird watching is incredible.  You get to learn about the local plants and we stop half way through to have some exotic fruit drinks. Ron and Trudy moved here over 27 yrs. ago, and were the first gringos living where it is only boat accessible in this area. They turned their place into a botanical garden about 7 yrs. ago, thus opening it up to the public. We then get a ride back to Jimenez around 11 or 11:30 AM.