Puerto Viejo

The Crazy Monkey Canopy Tour is an experience where one watches the jungle from the top of the trees in our canopy cable system of the platforms and rides amongst the forest till you get your feet on the golden sand beach!! Here is where the jungle meets the ocean.

This is a great place for magnificent views from the tree tops while you are on the platforms and also walking in our bridges in some of the tracks. This is an opportunity to see the jungle from another perspective and surely you will have the chance to watch some wildlife from above and your guide can tell you about the different species that might appear, but even more amazing it will be to see the Nature Park with a Bri-Bri Indian Village from above where an aborigine family lives in a very traditional way with the typical thatch buildings. A snack at Almonds and Corals Lodge is included.

Of the estimated indigenous population in Costa Rica, 65-75% live in Talamanca, the most rugged area of the country. Indigenous groups of Talamanca include the Bribris, The Cabecar and the Guaymies.

You will follow the trail – like a secret passage – that will take you into the forest, surrounded by the singing of the crested mandibled toucan, the mealey parrot and the bay wrens as well as many other signs of dozens of tropical birds. In the center of the forest, we have created special conditions so that you can observe many of the poisonous frogs which inhabit the area. Surrounded by beautiful bromeliad and water as complement for their habitat, you will also be able to watch many other frog species.

It is here, in the midst of the jungle, that you will discover an indigenous village. Your Tour Guide will give an explanation of the meaning of the different constructions, and will discuss the local traditions. The locals will show you beautiful handcrafts including furniture made of wood with animal forms, unique of this culture and in The House of Handcrafts you will have the opportunity to purchase these very original souvenirs.

Your last stop will be to The Medicinal Botanical Garden. The indigenous people have inherited a lot of experience with medicinal plants and this botanical garden will allow you to learn about some of the plants used in the Talamanca highlands.

You will arrive in Punta Mona by boat, the southern most point of Costa Rica on the Caribbean Sea, where the Captain will search for dolphins. While we can not assure you will catch a glimpse of theses whimsical creatures, the trip itself is worthwhile just for the magnificent scenery.

Most of the time you will see schools of bottle nose dolphins and they can be very playful splashing the water with their fins, jumping and diving. It is also possible that you see the Atlantic spotted dolphins and even the rare tucuxi. After being on the water a little over two hours, you will finally return to Manzanillo.

We will depart from the parking area of the lodge, heading towards Manzanillo; typical fishermen Caribbean Village located about 2 miles from Almonds and Corals. Beautiful golden and white sandy beaches will appear along the gravel road, as well as cozy little Caribbean styled houses. Flowers and plants border the path and we find butterflies and birds of different species.

Thanks to the conservation efforts of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge you can find a great variety of wildlife along the road, such as sloth, monkeys and coatis as well as 380 different species of birds only at this Refuge. Half way on the road the group will stop at a local bar to sample a refreshing cold Costa Rican beer or soda.

Afterwards, we will keep on pedaling and we will go through this authentic Caribbean Village. Once we arrive to Manzanillo, we will walk on the beach and will get into the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Once we are back, there will be a delicious tropical fruit platter to quench the thirst while chatting about this marvelous journey.

Equipped with a top-quality kayak and some basic instructions, you will carry your snorkeling gear with you and paddle your way to Manzanillo. The Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge has around 10,000 acres in its marine portion and it protects more than 2 square miles of coral reef along the coast. After 20 minutes of paddling, you will arrive at the Manzanillo beach in front, you will leave the kayaks here and from the beach you will start swimming over beautiful corals.

Your guide will take you to the best spots and you will swim above the coral in a magical underwater garden. Among the things there are sea rods, sea fans, brain coral, boulder coral, fire coral, elk horn coral, turtle grass, etc. Also you will have the chance to see beautiful tropical fish like parrot fish, angel fish, snappers, groupers, grunts, blue tangs, jack fish and not to mention spiny lobster, crabs, canchs as well as many other life forms. After taking a relaxing rest at the beach, get back on your kayaks and paddle.

Cahuita National Park features the only mature coral reef on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This reef spreads out like a fan off Cahuita Point and measures about 240 hectares. Both elk horn and smooth brain corals are the most prevalent species on the reef along with a wide variety of other marine life. A boat will take you to the best snorkeling spots. This tour may also be combined with a hike.

The largest town in the South of Limon is Cahuita. A four mile natural trail leads from Cahuita to Puerto Vargas, beyond Cahuita Point. The walk takes about two hours, but hikers will definitely want to stop frequently for a picnic, for a swim in warm Caribbean waters, to gape at the Howler Monkeys in the tree top high overhead.

The National Park was formed to protect one of the last living reefs in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, sedimentation from expanding banana plantations, deforestation in the Talamanca Mountains and the last earthquake have killed much of the reef close to the shore. Snorkelers can try their luck near Cahuita Point or Puerto Vargas. In these waters scientists have counted 35 species of coral, including elk horn, brain coral and Venus sea fan as well as 123 species of tropical fish. Snorkeling equipment is available and a delicious box lunch is included.

This gorgeous national park is made up of various habitats including swampland, mixed forest, mangroves and beaches. Thus, a vast array of wildlife can be spotted here. Frequently seen animals include the howler monkey, sloth, snakes, iguanas, common raccoon, white-nosed coati and several species of swamp forest birds such as the green ibis, green-and-rufous kingfisher, yellow-crowned night heron and northern boat-billed heron, among others.

Early in the afternoon we will drive you to Kekoldi Indian Reserve to visit the Green Iguana Project. A few years ago the Green Iguana was an endangered species and Indigenous people decided to make them live reproducing them in captivity. Here you will see the process of reproduction and growing them.

This Refuge stands out for the beauty of its beaches, coral reefs, and tropical forests vibrant with life. Its extraordinary biodiversity is comprised of many ecosystems of great importance. The refuge is covered with thick forest composed primarily of holillo palm, sajo and cativo, coconut palm, sea grape and heleconia – a plant that grows two meters tall and has very conspicuous and beautiful, brightly colored bracelets of red and yellow. Its estuary is made up almost exclusively of red mangrove. The refuge protects several species of animals in danger of extinction such as the manatee, crocodile, tapir, caiman and paca. Monkeys and sloth may also be seen. Birds that may be spotted include the crested-mandible toucan, ornate hawk-eagle, red-lored amazon, manakins, parakeets, motmots, aracari and woodpecker.

The Leatherback, the Hawksbill, the Green and occasionally the Loggerhead sea turtles make their nest and lay their eggs on Gandoca-Manzanillo beaches. However, the Giant Leatherback sea turtle, with a shell that can grow to over one and a half meters in length and can weigh as much as or even more than an adult bull cow, is the one who brings fame to these beaches. The nesting season runs from March – June.

Within the lagoon habitat, one may observe large quantities of aquatic birds, including numerous herons, cormorants, and the flashy kingfisher. You may also run into a crocodile or a troop of white-faced monkeys. With some luck, you might even see a Mermaid! Local legend has it that early spottings of manatees where mistaken for the mythical half-woman, half-fish. However, the celebrity resident of the lagoon is an animal which is now rarely seen – the endangered Caribbean manatee- as it is an expert at hearing the slightest indication of a boat. The boat will stop for a short hike.

The Caribbean zone of Costa Rica is one of the country’s most biologically diverse areas thanks to the large tracts of tropical rainforest, mangroves, estuaries and beaches found here. A bird watchers dream come true - of Costa Rica’s 850 species of birds, over half are found in this zone. Birds that may be spotted include the crested-mandible toucan, ornate hawk-eagle, red-lored Amazon, red-capped manakin, sulpher-winged parakeet, broad-billed motmot, collared aracari, lineated woodpecker, great green and scarlet macaws, great curassow, white-necked jacobin, violaceous trogan, Montezuma oropendola, green ibis, green-and-rufous kingfisher, yellow-crowned night heron, and northern boat-billed heron, among others.

This trip gives you the ultimate blend of wilderness exposure and excitement. The Pacuare River is world famous for its sheer beauty. A true river gorge, it is flanked by steep, green walls. You see waterfalls cascading into the river from both sides as colorful, tropical birds fly right over your head. Amazing views of the virgin tropical rainforest appear before your eyes as you descend this true exploratory land. The whitewater is equally exciting. The amount of rapids covered in this outstanding descent makes it one of the most memorable rivers you will ever raft.

The indigenous people of Talamaca are part of the Amazon Basin Indian cultures and heritage. The Bribri speak their native language, Bribri, and Spanish, wear western clothes and participate in regional political and economic life. Nevertheless, they manage to maintain the beliefs and customs of their ancestors. The Talamanca-Bribri Reservation covers a large area of the interior Talamanca Mountains.

Bribri people believe “Sibo” created all things on Earth, and that all things have supernatural guardians that permit human beings to kill wild animals and use forest products only as necessary for human subsistence. Through traditional agriculture, hunting, fishing, and use of forest products, the Bribri have maintained a respectful relationship with their natural environment. Visits to Rancho Grande, Volio waterfall and the KekoLdi Reserve are also included in this tour.

At KekoLdi, the Bribri are working to restore the threatened green iguana. You may also learn about medicinal plants & cures and organic agriculture or may acquire interesting handcrafts.

The Volio Waterfall is located in the tropical rainforest of the Bribri Indian Reservation. The moderate hike through the forest has several river crossings and affords the opportunity to view many different species of flora and fauna including the beautiful Heliconia flowers, poison dart frogs and toucans. Once you have arrived, a swim in the waterfall’s pool is refreshing.

Typical local Caribbean fishing is done in a canoe boat. Live bait is used to catch tarpon, red snapper, mackerel, jack fish, kingfish, blue tuna, june fish and more!

Does galloping along a palm tree lined beach, venturing through jungle trails, exploring abandoned cocoa plantation sound intriguing? You will have your choice of trails – jungle, beach, cocoa plantation or a combination of both. While similar to western riding, the Costa Rican saddle is more streamlined.

The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is known for its world class surfing – the famous “Salsa Brava” waves are created just beyond the coral reef. Around the area of Puerto Viejo and Cocles there are waves for all levels. If you are a beginner or intermediate surfer, both Black Beach and Cocles Beach offer nice waves on safe sandy bottom beaches.