Iguana Lodge's Tour Recommendations

At Iguana Lodge we offer few tours of our own.  We recommend the following tours because of the great personalities involved; the interesting and unique aspects of the Osa Peninsula and its environs they illuminate; the guides’ knowledge, support and commitment to the environment; and most importantly because of the continual, overwhelming, and enthusiastic recommendations by our guests.  Many of the tours we have chosen are Costa Rican owned and operated.  We are actively involved in encouraging local business.  We believe that by doing so it minimizes the destruction of the rainforest.  There is no order of preference to the following tours.

Upon your arrival, we are happy to meet with you and discuss your plans for adventure.  Our office is generally open from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.  After 3 P.M. it is often impossible to successfully set up tours for the following day - due to communication issues.  The Best Case Scenario is to meet with our tour coordinators soon after your arrival and set up an activity plan  (some of the most popular tours book up early).

You may decide that you want to enjoy these activities with other guests or all by yourselves.  Let us know.  Occasionally there is a premium for a private tour, and at times a discount when you join with others.  Please be as specific as you can with us when telling us what you want.  Do you really want to hike eight hours in the steamy jungle or take a stroll in the rainforest?  Also keep this theme in mind if you choose to head out on an activity with other guests.

You do not need to carry large amounts of cash.  Please do not pay your guides or taxi drivers directly.  We will give you vouchers that you should give to your guides, and we will settle the bill at the end of your stay.  You may, however, want to carry some money for tips (always appreciated).  Once a tour has been set up, there may be a hefty cancellation fee if you fail to cancel within 24 hours.

Many activities will take you to different parts of the peninsula. Round trip 4 x 4 ground transportation is generally not included in the tour price.  (Once you see the roads, you may understand why the taxi prices are so steep.  Keep in mind that the best road on the peninsula runs from Iguana Lodge to Puerto Jimenez – have you noticed that we have our own road grader?)  Rental cars are available in town, and occasionally that may work out to cost less than taxi fare, depending upon your destination, e.g. Cano Island, Carate.

If you head into town to search out less expensive tours, you may find people willing to offer you special deals.  Often, you get what you pay for.  Most of our guests have traveled far to learn about and experience the Osa Peninsula.  We recommend these tours because they have received a huge amount of positive feedback, and we believe hands down that these are the most interesting, educational, and safety conscience folks operating on the Osa. 

Finally, if for some reason you are disappointed with your tour, please let us know.  Our Worst Case Scenario is that you leave unhappy, and we never had a chance to fix it.  Many guides guarantee 100% satisfaction, or your money back.  Pura Vida.

There are a few tours where timing is essential, and you actually need to leave here on time (not always easy to do – “Tico Time” hits people pretty quickly down here); many tours, however, are all yours and you can leave whenever you get it together.

• Hiking and Nature Walks in the Rainforest - click for more detail below
1. A day hike in our local refuge ($20 pp, half price for kids under twelve)
2. Nature Walk 1/2 day in Matapalo ($55/adult, half price for kids under twelve, transportation included, minimum 2 people)
3. Hike with Andy in Matapalo (see Adrenalin Adventures below)
4. Rio Piru Hike ($80 pp, transportation included, min. 2 people)
5. Various Jungle Hikes (various prices)
6. Chocolate Tour and Nature (Walk ($30 pp, $60 taxi)
7. Gold Panning Tour (½ day $30 pp, $50 taxi)
8. Corcovado Hikes (see below)
9. Night Hike ($30 pp), includes Night Turtle walk (in season).  Turtle Walk only is $15 pp.
10. Night Hike in Rio Nuevo ($30 pp, $30 taxi)


• Adrenalin Adventures - click for more detail below
1. Tree Climbing and Waterfall Rappelling  (Treeclimb $55, Waterfall/Cliff rappel $85, Combo $120, Hike Only $45, plus $70 taxi)
2. Waterfall Rappel with Joel ($75 pp, plus $80 taxi)
3. Waterfall Ascend with Juan Carlos ($50 pp, transportation included)
4. Zip Line ($60 pp, $20 taxi)


• Corcovado National Park – Flying and/or Driving Options - click for more detail below

1. Kayak a beautiful, nearby mangrove river ($30 pp, plus $20 taxi, or rent bikes)


2. Golfo Dulce Boat Tours


1. Golfo Dulce Boat Tour, includes possible dolphin spotting ($220 for four, $45 pp extra for additional folks, $5 pp extra if boat stops at Osa Wildlife Sanctuary – see below)


2. Golfo Dulce Rio Esquinas Tour ($270 for 4, $45 pp extra for additional folks, $5 pp extra if boat stops at Osa Wildlife Sanctuary – see below)


3. Water Taxis


1. To the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary or Casa Orquideas ($100 for four, $25 for additional folks)


2. To the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary and Casa Orquideas ($130 for four, $25 for additional folks)
   
   
4. Delfin Blanco Charter Boat  (talk to us for details, great for big groups)

This is a Must See...Incredible folks saving the animals of the Osa. Combine this with a Golfo Dulce Tour or just hop on a water taxi. (Sanctuary Donation $20).

1. Horseback Riding in our Local Refuge (2 hours, $30pp)
   


2. Rio Nuevo Horseback Ride (Full day, $50/adult, half price for children under 12)


3. Other Horseback Trips (prices vary)
   

1. Birding at Iguana Lodge ($25 pp, min 2 people)


2. Birding in Dos Brazos ($40 pp, plus $50 taxi)


3. Birding at Rio Esquinas ($270 and up with boat ride, plus $20 taxi) 

1. Casa Orquideas (across the gulf, $10 pp, min. four people, plus boat)


2. Herrera Gardens  (near Puerto Jiménez, $10 pp with guide, $4 w/o)

1. Surfing Lessons ($50 pp, plus $60 taxi)


2. Surfing Tours ($100 to Matapalo, $350 to Pavones, plus $20 taxi)


3. Scuba Diving at Cano Island ($110 pp, plus transportation)

Incredible Inshore and Offshore Fishing available ($400 – $1200)

1. Dance Lessons!


2. Massages and Chiropractic Sessions on your deck ($60 per hour)


3. Manicures and Pedicures ($20 for both or $10 each, plus taxi)

We have a variety of hiking and walking options.  Keep in mind that “hiking” means a variety of things to a variety of people.  Hence, sweaty, hard hiking vs. nature walks (generally walking at an easy pace to see all the animals and learn about the rainforest) are not the same, and you should help us make your vacation as great as possible by being specific regarding what you desire and expect.  Also remember, if you choose to go with other guests, you should all agree on the level of difficulty of your hike. 

We are surrounded on the north and west by the Playa Platanares Refuge, which is primarily a mangrove estuary (this is also the same area you can explore via kayak or horseback).  There are many large trees, lots of water, caimans, many birds, three species of monkeys, and a variety of other mammals. 

This walk is on fairly flat terrain, and thus qualifies as an easy walk, but it may be muddy.   The lodge has boots that we recommend that you wear for mud and snake protection.  You should consider taking water, bug juice, and sunscreen. 

The guided tours take about two hours, and it is best to leave early in the morning.  Our gardener, Roberto, can take you on this walk any day of the week except Saturday.  Roberto does not speak English, but everyone seems to enjoy the tour anyway.

Costs:  The tour costs $20 per person (half price for kids under twelve).  This tour directly helps conserve the Osa. The owners were big cattle ranchers, but have seen the light, and are moving toward serious conservation. They have created this refuge which prohibits them from ever turning it into anything else than what it is: Nature At Its Finest.

You can also arrange to ride horses or go birding inside the same refuge.  Cost per person is $30.  This is also where we do some of the night hikes (see below).

If animals are what you want to see without having to hike too far, then this is the tour for you.  This is a morning adventure, leaving the lodge around 7 – 8 A.M.  The drive to Matapalo takes about one hour, and on your way you may see any number of birds and mammals.  Meanwhile, once you arrive in Matapalo you can expect to see a huge variety of wildlife, including the peninsula’s four species of monkeys, anteaters, sloths, pisotes AKA coatimundis, a variety of smaller mammals, macaws, toucans, hawks, poison dart frogs, etc, as well as the incredible flora that fills the peninsula.   Matapalo not only has wildlife and gorgeous scenery; people live there and surf there.  Hence, you can expect to see people as well as animals.   

Cost: $55 per person (minimum two people), half price for children under twelve, transportation included. This is a half-day walking tour and you return by 12 or 1 P.M. Sandals, shorts and t-shirts work great; bring plenty of water

(see below under Adrenalin Adventures!)

The Rio Piru hike is on the road toward Carate, and involves quite a drive (about an hour and twenty minutes). This pristine area is pure primary forest: jungle, jungle, jungle. Small trails, few if any people, a full day hike. Fantastic. Cost: $80 pp (minimum two people), transportation included. Talk to us about packing a lunch.

We have many hikes that we can set up for you.  These are generally fairly rigorous, in the deep, dark jungle.  Please come visit and we can chat about setting up all sorts of adventurous hikes.  Some hikes are great for seeing the forest, and other hikes are better to the animals.  Let us know what you are most interested in.   Prices vary depending upon location. 

This is a great tour which supports a Costa Rican family, and preserves the rain forest.  You will walk under two kilometers through primary forest seeing a variety of fauna and flora while learning all about chocolate, and at the end of your trip you will dine upon the delicious chocolate they make.  You will take a taxi approximately 45 minutes from here to the forest near Canaza where the tour begins at 8:30 A.M.  The tour lasts about three hours.  The cost is $30 per person, and the taxi is $60.

Here you can head up to Dos Brazos to learn all about gold on the Osa, including how to pan it.  Good Luck!  Here you will also see the beautiful forest and river areas of Dos Brazos.  The cost is $30 pp ½ day, and the taxi is $50.

(see below under Corcovado)

Our gardener, Roberto, is happy to take you on a night hike into the local refuge.  Bring your flashlights!  It is very thrilling to walk through the jungle in the dark.  Keep in mind that many animals are sleeping or hard to see, and hence you may see more in the way of insects, e.g. spiders, snakes, etc.  Cost is $30 per person, half price for kids under 12.

We have a turtle project on this beach, and from June through December you may enjoy both watching the sea turtles lay eggs as well as hatch.  On our beach there are five species of turtles laying, although the number of turtles coming to our beach, as opposed to some other beaches in Costa Rica, is minimal.  Our turtle project is in its ninth year.  This night tour costs $15 pp, and when the turtles are hatching in the early mornings, let us know and we will wake you up and you can come watch, obviously at no cost.

Head up to Rio Nuevo and hike the river at night. You can expect to see frogs, shrimp, snakes, birds, spiders, etc. This is not for the faint of heart. This is a big old scary jungle experience. Shrimping (with a spear) is possible. Cost is $30 per person, $30 taxi.

Andy and Terry offer three tours, all of which are hard to beat and can be combined.  These tours take place in Matapalo. The animal life is exceedingly rich in this area, so you can routinely see all four species of monkeys, sloths, anteaters, toucans, macaws, etc.  In addition, you can leap out of high trees and/or scale down gorgeous waterfalls (in the dry season, this may not be a waterfall, but a cliff).  

These tours are not for everyone.  Andy and Terry “GUARANTEE MUDDY, BLOODY, BRUISED AND SWEATY.” We liken it to “Ranger Training,” so get ready. 

Andy’s Tree Climb – The hike can’t be beat if you are the adventurous type. Hiking along in Matapalo, up and in a river, you approach a spectacular waterfall – in the rainy season you can stand in the pool below it and enjoy a refreshing shower before your treeclimb.  (This is also the waterfall that one rappels, see below.)  Along your hike, Andy, who is an extremely enthusiastic (and professional) biologist or one of his guides, will explain and demonstrate many of the unique aspects of the rainforest ecosystem. 

Upon reaching the tree you rope in and climb about ninety feet, where monkeys may be greeting you.  Then leap into thin air and swing through the air ala Tarzan.  Finally, you are lowered to the ground feeling exhilarated and glad to have survived.  Great fun, highly recommended.  Ages six to eighty-six (record set so far).

Even if you don’t want to climb the tree, you can do the hike with the others in your group, enjoying their shrieks and thrills.

Andy’s Waterfall/Cliff Rappel - Andy also offers a spectacular waterfall/cliff rappelling adventure that total 120 feet.  Depending upon the season, you may rappel down two waterfalls or two cliffs.  Ages ten and upward – super great!

Andy’s Ecology Rainforest Hike – Anyone heading out to climb the tree or waterfall rappel gets a built-in rainforest hike.  For those of you wishing to just hike through the rainforest, or accompany your friends or family on either the treeclimb or waterfall rappel, you can sign up for their Rainforest Hike.  Any one aged from infancy (in back packs) to 86 can do this one if they are in good physical shape.  This hike is not for everyone:  only those willing to get sweaty, bruised, bloody, and wet.

These tours are offered two times a day:  at 8 A.M. and 1 P.M.  Hence, you leave here at 6:45 A.M. and return about 1 P.M., or leave here at 11:45 and return around 6 P.M.   This tour requires you to be timely, as there may be other guests from other hotels on the same adventure.  (There is a maximum group size of eight and a minimum of two.)  Regarding lunch – most people prefer to eat lunch here upon their return or if they are hiking in the afternoon, before they head out.  If you plan to eat lunch at Iguana, we nevertheless recommend that you let us pack you a complimentary snack.  Alternatively, if you would like to take a picnic lunch to enjoy at Andy and Terry’s house on the beach after your morning tree climb or before your afternoon tree climb, let us know.  Charge is $6 pp.

We consider both the treeclimb and waterfall rappel tours adventure tours: there are higher than normal risks associated with them. Andy and Terry’s harnesses fit up to a 42 inch waist; people who can not walk or who have physical handicaps will find these hikes extremely difficult. 

Costs:  The Treeclimb is $55 per person, the Waterfall Rappel is $85 per person, and you can combine them both for $120.  The Rainforest Ecology Hike is $45.  Transportation to Matapalo is an additional $70 for the round trip taxi ride.

Clothing:  You start the tour at Andy’s house, so you can take any extra items with you, and leave them at his house.  You'll get wet, so wear close-toed shoes (sneakers or hiking boots), quick dry shorts, t-shirts, and swim suits for enjoying the waterfall pool. Water is recommended although Andy will always be happy to have a beer with you at the local watering hole - post-tour.  Also bring binoculars and, of course, cameras. 

This is an eye-opening tour rappelling down four jungle waterfalls, the last of which is 74 feet high.  El Remanso sits right off the point of Cabo Matapalo in a spectacular jungle setting about 75 minutes away. Joel Stewart or his guides will take you through a series of bigger and bigger waterfalls as you descend the jungle to a beautiful secluded Pacific beach that can only be matched in movies.  His tour is harder to set up than others – hence, you will need to give us a heads up early on that you are interested in this tour.

This tour costs $75 per person and does not include transportation (which is $80 round trip). This is about a six hour tour and we will pack you a picnic lunch that you can enjoy on their gorgeous deck for $6 pp.    Plan on leaving the lodge by 7 A.M

We consider this an adventure tour, meaning there are higher than normal risks associated with it, and it is not for those who are in poor physical health or shape.  You should note the following caveats; our daughter at ten as well as an eighty year old guest enjoyed the tour immensely.  Joel and his guides are very experienced climbers and provide all equipment.  Prepare to get very wet: shorts, t-shirt, swim suit, towel, close-toed shoes, and water are recommended.  

Our friend, Juan Carlos, offers a half-day waterfall rappelling trip starting about forty-five minutes away in the Rio Tigre River area.  He will drive you to the Rio Tigre where you walk up the river and eventually come upon a forty foot waterfall which you can both ascend and rappel.  It’s a great trip, and takes you into a different part of the forest than many people go.  You may also see gold miners working away, as this is a famous gold mining spot, as well as a bat cave.

The cost is $50 per person (minimum two people), taxi included.  You leave around 8 A.M. and will be back around 1 P.M.  Let us know if you would like a picnic lunch at $6 pp, most people eat lunch here after they return.  Prepare to get wet- wear shorts, close-toed shoes, and bring water.

You can enjoy the Osa’s first Zip Line where you head to Miramar, zip in, and zip out over the jungle, viewing the canopy below.  Zipping from platform to platform, the highest at 32 meters, you cover an area of 600 meters on lines.  The thrill-ride tour lasts around one hour, depending upon the size of your group.  Do not expect to learn about the rainforest on this trip, but you will definitely have an exciting ride.  It’s the first commercial thrill-ride on our peninsula.  Andy’s tree climb and/or waterfall rappel is a lot less commercial, a lot more educational, and a lot more fun for those in good shape.

The zip line costs $60 pp, additional hiking is offered for $25pp, and there is an additional $20 taxi fee to town.

Corcovado National Park is truly one of the jewels of Costa Rica, and thus, of North America.  Unfortunately, because it is so remote it is quite a hike to get to the heart of the park, Sirena Ranger Station. It takes at least six hours to hike into the park, and potentially more, depending upon the condition of the roads and rivers. 

You can fly in and out of Sirena in one day.  Alvaro, the owner of Alpha Romeo Charter Service, is happy to fly you in. Alvaro is one of only three people in Costa Rica allowed to land in the park and has never had an accident in his 4000+ landings at Sirena. (Gracias Adios, as they say here in Costa Rica).  Sirena is the center of all park operations with a full biological research station as well as rustic accommodations for up to 60 people.

While the flight takes only 15 minutes, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as you fly over the heart of the park and primary rainforest. Perhaps even more thrilling is the landing at Sirena which is on a 600 foot grass strip among 300-400 foot trees!  The maximum number of people in the plane is six: including the pilot and guide (optional, but highly recommended).  That means generally four guests can fly in at a time.

There are numerous well marked trails to explore around Sirena.  You will see incredible trees that create the classic rainforest canopy as well as potentially many monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.  You may also see tapirs, peccaries, and at high tide, large bull sharks swimming up the Sirena river mixing with American Crocodiles. 

Please note that this tour is subject to weather conditions.  It is possible that a rain storm can hit the park in the afternoon and you will have to stay overnight under rough conditions.  The plane will then pick you up in the morning – this has only happened a couple of time, but beware!  Ask us about the time the guests took the boat to Drakes Bay at night...the melody behind Gilligan's hit song, "The three hour tour..." comes to mind.

By the way, plan to be on time for your flight in the morning, as if you are late they may do other things with the waiting airplane, such as fly other people into the park who are scheduled to fly after you, make a run to San Jose or Golfito, etc. 

The cost for the flight is $750 and you can fit up to 5 people in the plane, plus the pilot. If you would like a guide (highly suggested) there is an additional cost of $120 for the guide, plus your $10 pp park fees, as well as a $20 taxi ride round trip to the airport. Hence, total cost with guide for four people and a guide $930. Split four ways that is $232.50 per person. We will pack you a picnic lunch for an additional $6 pp.

By the way, Alpha Romeo also offers a fantastic flight over the Osa for $630 an hour, five people maximum.  For photo opportunities, the door comes off and in that case the maximum number of passengers is three.

For those of you wanting a lot more exercise, this trip can be modified so that you fly into the park and hike out – it’s around 11 – 16 miles depending upon which route you take, Carate or Los Patos, respectively.  We recommend a guide; can personally attest to the fact that it is a long hike, and the fact that you need to move fairly quickly to get out of the park before nightfall.  

Total cost for four people is variable depending upon your route and transportation choices. The fly in (or out) is $375. The guide fee is $140 via Carate, $200 via Los Patos. A private pick-up taxi from Carate is $60-80 and the collectivo taxi leaving Carate at 3 PM is $10 pp. Pick-up taxi from Los Patos is $80. Additional fees include $10 taxi to the airport and $10 pp park fees.

This is a hot tour: dress with light clothing, hiking shoes or sneakers and lots of water, sunscreen and bug spray. 

For those of you wanting to go into the park, the easiest and fastest way to see the park is to fly-in, but if prefer, a guide can definitely hike you into the park.  It’s a two hour drive plus a beach hike to the entrance near Carate.  From there, you can either hike on trails at Corcovado Tent Camp, or head straight into the park.  If you are only going for the day, you will hike in and out on the same trail.  Experience shows that often you see more wildlife in Matapalo.  (We do offer other hikes that are similar to the park hike, but closer to us:  please inquire.)  Rarely do folks do a day hike entering through Los Patos; talk to us for more info.

The cost is $75 per person (two person minimum), half price for kids under 12, and the taxi ride is $120 (or you can take the Collectivo Taxi for much less). We will pack you a picnic lunch for $6 pp. Wear shorts and shoes good for walking and hiking, bring water and sunscreen.

This is a fabulous kayak trip for all ages lasting about three hours.   This is a tide dependent tour, as you paddle up the river at high tide. Starting at the mouth of the Rio Platanares (the same river you cross behind our lodge), you kayak through and around the tranquil mangroves of the river.  You can see caimans, crocodiles, Jesus Christ lizards, lots of aquatic bird life, and a variety of other animals typical of the mangrove.  You then portage over a bit of beach and find yourself in the ocean, where you may see rays, dolphins and other sea life.

If you are there after sunset (depending upon the tide), you may experience the magic of bio-luminescence.  Alberto is a charming guide who speaks very good English as does his daughter, Laura. They have a great eye for wildlife and explain the area in wonderful detail. Every guest has loved this trip. 

The price is $30 per person which does not include the $20 taxi if you take a taxi (although you can rent bikes at the Pearl and ride to their house – make sure you are home before dark!)  Expect to get wet and exposed to a lot of sun:  dress accordingly and put sunscreen on, particularly on your shins and feet.  They have both single and double kayaks.  Alberto also offers a variety of other tour options such as full-day kayaking trips and snorkeling.

There is also another great company called Escondido Trex that offers similar tours at similar prices. We like both companies a lot.

The Golfo Dulce is a beautiful body of water with much to see. We highly recommend these tours, and we highly recommend that you consider adding in the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary or Casa Orquideas.

The gulf was declared by Jacque Cousteau to be one of the most pristine waters in the world, second only to the Norwegian Fjords. The gulf is rich in wildlife, with two species of dolphins living in the gulf (spinners and bottlenose), as well as many visiting whales, whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, schooling fish, and seas birds.

GOLFO DULCE BOAT TOURS This tour is a fabulous way to see the beautiful Golfo Dulce. You can look for dolphin, plane board, snorkel, and generally enjoy the beauty of the gulf. It is a great idea to combine this with visiting the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary. Costs: $220 for four, $45 pp extra for additional folks, add $5 pp if the boat stops at the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary (there is a $20 pp sanctuary donation as well).

THE RIO ESQUINAS GOLFO DULCE BOAT TOUR This is categorically the finest boat tour on the Gulf. You will explore over 40 miles of the gulf, its lush coastline, its deltas, and its mangrove estuaries. You’ll wind your way through the jungle on an informative, guided excursion up the Rio Esquinas. Spectacular birding and natural wonders abound. The tour-around spot is a clear mountain fed ‘cool pool’. The trip is six hours of Costa Rica’s natural beauty. You also have plenty of time to plane board and snorkel near dolphins and over reefs. The tour is tide dependent, so check with us regarding departure times. If you are a birder, it is critical that we know this, and schedule this tour early in the morning. Because of the tides this tour for birders is optimal only several days out of every month. Cost $270 for four, $45 pp extra for the tour, add $5 pp if the boat stops at the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary (there is a $20 pp sanctuary donation as well).

To the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary or Casa Orquideas ($100 for four, $25 for additional folks).

To the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary and Casa Orquideas ($130 for four, $25 for additional folks)

The Delfin Blanco is a large, comfortable boat that can be chartered by large groups to see the Golfo Dulce.  It is also available for parties, etc.  Talk to us for details.

The Osa Wildlife Sanctuary at Cana Blanca is located in one of the most remote areas of the Golfo Dulce and accessible only by boat. Here, injured or abandoned animals and birds of all sorts are cared for, and many are eventually released back into the jungle. This is a must-see down here on the Osa, and we highly recommend that you combine this with a Golfo Dulce Boat Tour. Prepare for animals crawling all over you, and potentially dive-bombing toucans. Watch your glasses, pockets, etc., and it is best not to wear jewelry. We know of two visitors who have been bitten by monkeys, and while there have been no serious injuries, we want you to know about these incidents. Children under age six are not allowed.

Appointments must be made either for 9:30 or 11:30 A.M., and the tours last approximately one and a half hours. There is a $20 donation to visit (helps pay for the Monkey Chow).

Ivan, our neighbor, will meet you at the Pearl with his horses and give you a fabulous tour of his family’s refuge, and then you can gallop back home along the beach.  The tour lasts about two hours. He can take a maximum of five people, unless of course you are an excellent rider, and then he can add two more fiery horses to the tour taking a total of seven people.  The cost is $30 per person.

This is a fabulous horse ride into the primary forest bordering Corcovado National Park.  This is a cooperative tour set up by several local farmers who wanted to create a business which would generate money for them in ways other than cutting down their trees. By supporting this tour you have a direct affect in saving our rainforest.  You will take a 45 minute taxi ride to the Rio Nuevo/Dos Brazos area.   

You will be guided on sure-footed horses through rivers and hills covered by primary forest.  While the animal life is not as intense as in the Matapalo area, there is still a very good chance to see wildlife and often intense birdlife while experiencing the wonders of the primary rainforest.   A traditional Costa Rican lunch will be served at an original homestead which has recently been enhanced with a suspension bridge overhanging the river.

The cost is $50 per person (1/2 price for kids under 12) and includes lunch.  Add $20 for the taxi ride into town.  This is an all-day tour leaving at 7:30 A.M. and returning around 3 P.M.  It is owned and operated by Costa Ricans.  Wear long pants, take water, and bug spray.

For those of you who are expert horse riders, talk to us about specialty horseback tours on the peninsula.

The birding here at Iguana Lodge is extraordinary.  Our guide is ready to go at 5:30 A.M., and you will return around 8 A.M. for a lovely breakfast.  The cost is $25 pp, two person minimum.

For the consummate birder, this tour is the best of the best.  The tour starts in the Dos Brazos area up in the hills of the Osa Peninsula, early (very early) in the morning.  You need to leave here around 4:30 A.M.  You will be met by Abraham and his lovely wife, Liz.  They will serve you light refreshments and off you go up the mountain trails for a two to three hour morning walk/hike with one of the best birders on the peninsula. Abraham will typically point out at least 50 different species of birds and sometimes up to 100.  When you return, they will serve you a hearty breakfast.

Abraham is a talented guide who has been walking the mountain trails of the Osa for over 25 years. His knowledge of the flora and fauna of the rainforest is amazing, and his English is good.  Cost including breakfast is $40 per person, plus $50 round trip taxi.  They also offer a variety of other great tours which can include, but need not, birding. 

If you want to know everything about floral and edible plant life in the tropics, you could not pick a better tour. In the 25+ years that Ron and Trudy have lived in the area, they have developed a true expertise for the floral and edible plant life of the tropics.  In fact, they advise a number of famous botanical gardens through-out the world.  They give guided tours on Sundays and Thursday, are closed on Friday, and are open every other day for self-guided tours. 

On the guided tour Ron or Trudy will take you around their finca, rich with a variety of trees, spices, vegetables, flowering gingers, orchids, heliconias, bromeliads, palms, aroids, and other fragrant and unusual plants.  This is not just a visual tour but a tour of all the senses including touch, taste and smell.

For the guided tours you must arrive at 8:30 A.M. and so must leave the lodge at 7:30 A.M.  You need to be on time for this tour, as others may come from all around the gulf for this tour.  You never quite know how many people will be there for the tour, but often there are 6 – 10 people. 

A boat taxi for this tour runs $100. The guided tour is $10 pp with a minimum of four people, and includes refreshments. Self-guided tours run $5pp.

This tour can also be enjoyed in combination with a Gulfo Dulce Boat Tour, and/or Osa Wildlife Sanctuary.  Talk to us for details.

There is a beautiful large garden on the way to town owned by Karen Herrera and her husband, Tom.  They will gladly take you through their garden which is extensive and helping to preserve the biological corridor, so important in our part of the world.  They have five kilometers of garden trails and twelve kilometers of forest trail.  (I also understand it is great for runners, but haven’t yet tried it yet.)  Guided tours run $10 per person for a two hour tour (minimum of two people), and $32 for a three-to-four hour (again, minimum of two people).  Self-guided tours run $4 per day or $6 for two days.  You will often see a variety of monkeys, other wildlife, birdlife, and a plethora of flora(!).

Join Mike and Oldimar for a surf down in Matapalo on Pan Dulce.  You arrive during low tide which changes daily (you need to be on time for this one folks), and surf for approximately one-and-a-half hours (believe me; your arms get tired paddling).  The boards are large and soft.  It is a GREAT time.  The car taxi costs $60 round trip, and a boat taxi may be available, so please inquire.  The surf lesson runs $50 per person, private lessons are $80.  Mike guarantees you will stand up! 

Richard, a local surfer, is happy to take surfers down to various breaks in Matapalo for the day.  You need to know how to surf.  He isn’t a surf teacher, but will go surfing while you surf too. $100.  He also has a boat and is happy to take a group over to Pavones to surf it up for the day.  $350.  

You haven't dived in Costa Rica unless you have dived at Cano Island.  You leave our lodge at 5:00 A.M. and take a two hour taxi ride to Drakes Bay (optional flight at around 6:30 A.M. which is more costly, see below).  The trip to Drakes is beautiful in itself, as you cut across the Osa to the Pacific side.  In Drakes you will be met by La Paloma's comfortable and large dive boat and whisked out to Cano Island.  There is a good chance of seeing dolphins and occasional whales on the way.

Once at Cano Island you will set up for the first of your two dives.  There are six possible dive sites which include deep canyons; impressive landscapes; lots and lots of fish both small and large, as well as sharks, eels, etc. The price includes lunch that they provide and all dive equipment for a two-tank dive.  You will be led by a certified dive master and you must have your open water certification.  You will arrive back in Drakes Bay around 3:30 in the afternoon.   You can also go to Cano Island to snorkel, although for snorkeling only, it is a long and expensive trip.

The cost for scuba divers is $110 per person for a two tank dive (certification required), snorkelers are $75 per person, and they also offer on occasion resort dives (no certification required) for $145 pp.  The round trip taxi ride is $240. You can also fly round trip for $800, or drive one way and fly the other.  

There are many different fishing options; fishing down in the Osa is fantastic, both inshore and offshore.  You can sign up for a full or half day.  Prices vary dramatically - as do the boats and tackle - from $400 to $1200.

Cabo Matapalo Sport Fishing with Mike Hennesey offers a Rolls Royce Boat with a Rolls Royce Captain.  New 2005 30 ft. Carolina Classic, Twin 330 Turbo Cummins Diesels, full electronics, full shade, refrigerator, CD/stereo, private bathroom, U.S. Coast Guard approved.  Great tackle too.  $1200 full day (1-4 people), $900 half day if available.  Mike’s boat, Jodari, can be seen on our website.  Other great fisherman and companies such as Cory, Giovanni, Donald McGuiness, Crocodile Bay, and Parrot Bay, and others offer excellent fishing with experienced captains and upscale fishing gear. 

A variety of other fishermen offer a variety of trips, so please contact us so that we can get you set up.  If you set up trips on your own, good luck!  You often get what you pay for, so make sure you have an agreement regarding boat size, bait, drinks, etc.  Luis, one of our bartenders is often happy to have you go fishing with him.  (If you do this with Luis, please set it up with Luis directly.) 

Prices run from $400 - $1200.  Please inquire.  If you plan on going sports fishing on a relatively expensive boat, let us know early as these boats book up quickly in the high season, and when you are paying this amount of money it  is good to know what you can expect.. 

Yes, just what you have all been waiting for!  Contact our bartenders at the Pearl for lessons.  The cost varies depending upon a variety of factors:  are you single, available?   If the answer is no, figure $10 an hour.  It’s highly advisable to have a lesson before Friday night’s salsa party.

We can arrange massages and/or chiropractic sessions for you on your deck for $50 an hour.  We can also arrange manicures and pedicures which are available in town and here at the lodge .  ($10 manicure/pedicure, taxi extra $20).  Please inquire.