EcoVentures Travel
Safaris and nature tours for discriminating individuals

Manzanillo Sea Kayak & Rainforest Hike
This tour begins with a drive to the southern end of the road into the most remote location in the area; this trip consists of a loop, paddling in and hiking out. After a safety briefing we will embark in a magical kayaking journey paralleling a coast full of cliffs, caves, and the most amazing rainforest.

We will take a nice break at the beach to relax, swim and enjoy some nicely presented fresh fruit and snacks before hiking back to manzanillo town; you will now learn some insights on the eco system of this wildlife refuge.

Includes: Transportation  from hotels in Manzanillo, Punta Uva, Cocles Puerto Viejo or Cahuita,  entrance fees and tour guide.
Meals:  S
Duration:  Half day

Cahuita Snorkeling & Rainforest Hike
Parque Nacional Cahuita has the largest system of Coral Reefs in Costa Rica, including 6 species of coral, a wide range of colorful tropical fishes and the occasional encounter of a harmless reef shark or sting ray. This beach has a horse shoe shape, with the entrance of the park at one end and beautiful Punta Cahuita at the other end. We start with a scenic 20 minute boat ride to have two snorkeling sessions. Then we get drop off at the Punta to enjoy a delicious fruit and snacks break at the beach followed by a 1 hour guided hike in this wonderful coastal forest: monkeys, sloths, birds, poison dart  frogs, iguanas and other interesting encounters are common.

Includes:  Transportation  from hotels in Manzanillo, Punta Uva,  Cocles Puerto Viejo or Cahuita,  entrance fees and tour guide.
Meals:  SDuration: Half day

High Talamanca Rivers  (Body Rafting)
The tour begins in the Bribri village of Suretka, where you will find one of the busiest produce markets in the area and enjoy spectacular views of the vast Talamanca Mountains and foothills.  Here the Uren and Cuen Rivers join to form the Sixaola River, which represents the border between Costa Rica and Panama. From Suretka, the tour explores the beautiful turquoise-green upper Uren River by motor canoe.  Along the River, small Indian villages, virgin rainforest, and many different plants & animals can be seen.  Enjoy the amazing views and maybe some body-rafting along this exquisite river.

Includes:  Transportation from your hotel, Reservation entrance permit fee, canoe, safety equipment, tropical fruit snack.
Required Gear:  Bug repellent, swimsuit, towel, sturdy shoes and “teva” style sandals (no flip-flops), sunscreen, hat.
Duration: 6.5 hours.  8:30am – 3:00pm.

** A minimum of 4 passengers are required

Pacuare River Rafting, Class III-IV (*)
The Pacuare River is one of the best choices for your adventure treks in Costa Rica.

Another trip in the country does not exist that offers you a perfect blend of wilderness exposure and excitement, The white water that is equally exciting. It is not an overly challenging river, but it has a lot rapids, therefore giving you an adventure filled with lots of fun. The 18 mile one day run includes a total of 52 rapids. Few rivers in the world can offer you so many.  Upon arrival to the river we will gear you up with a life jacket, helmet and paddle and then brief you with a full safety orientation talk.

The first 4 miles consist of fun class II-III rapids which are a perfect time to test your new river skills and gain confidence in your team. Here you can find pockets of secondary growth forest that is extremely beautiful. After about 40 minutes we will enter the famous Pacuare River Gorge, which is 5 miles of some of the best white water Costa Rica has to offer. You will also see the Huacas watefall, a 150 foot dramatic drop into the river.

After the gorge the rivers opens up to a 5 mile stretch on the Valle del Pacuare, where the river has a different character. It is wide open, which gives you the opportunity to rest a bit and take the opportunity to do some wildlife spotting. We finish in Siquirres, at our own private Exploration Center, where you can take a shower, and change into dry clothes and return to your hotel.  Rafters should be physically fit for this trip, although no previous white-water experience is necessary.

Distance: 30 Km /18 miles
Number of rapids: 52
Approximate river time: 4 Hours
Minimum age: 12 years old.
Included: Transportation, bilingual guides, rafting equipment.
Meals: B & L

(*)Private tour only under request

Note: You can opt to go to San Jose or Arenal after the tour

Sarapiqui River Rafting,  Class II-III  (*)
Neighboring La Selva Biological Station, the Sarapiquí River offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities. The Sarapiqui's rapids are moderate class II-III. Thus, it is the perfect adventure for families with children. In addition, the clear, warm water is perfect for enjoying a swim between rapids. 

We also recommend this section for descents in an inflatable kayak, a two person canoe-like craft. This is an ideal opportunity for those looking for a greater challenge. These crafts are very stable, easy to maneuver.   The run takes two and a half hours combining spectacular rainforest with colorful farmlands.   Because of its relatively small drainage area the Sarapiqui does become too low to run in the dry season. It is recommended at medium to high water levels during the rainy season.

Minimum age: 8 years old.
Included:  Transportation, use of rafting equipment, English-speaking guide       
Meals:  B & L

(**)Private tour only under request
Note: You can opt to go to San Jose or Arenal after the tour

Crazy Monkey  Canopy Tour
Come and feel your adrenaline rising up in your body!   Experience watching the jungle from the top of the trees in our canopy cable system of the platforms and ride amongst the forest till you get your feet on the golden sand beach!! Here is where the jungle meets the ocean.  Our guides will take care of you and they will keep you safe at all the time.

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. 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 Natura Park with a Bri-Bri Indian Village from above where an aborigine family lives in a very traditional way with the typical thatch buildings.

Includes:  Transportation from hotels in Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva or Manzanillo, bilingual guide and equipment.
Meals: Fruit snacks.
Duration:  Half day

Notes: If staying at Almonds & Chorals, please deduct $15 p/p of this price.

Transportation from Cahuita NOT included

Biking Tour Through a Caribbean Village
We will depart from Almonds & Corals Lodge, heading towards Manzanillo, a typical fishermen Caribbean Village located about 2 miles away from this lodge.  Beautiful golden and white sandy beaches will appear along the gravel road, as well as cozy little houses of Caribbean style.  Thanks to the conservation efforts of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge you can find a great variety of wildlife along the road, such as birds, toucans, sloths, monkeys and coatis, as there are 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.

We will keep on pedaling and we’ll 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 to Almonds & Corals Lodge, will be a delicious tropical fruit platter to quench the thirst while chatting about this marvelous journey.

Transportation from hotels in Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva or Manzanillo , bilingual guide and equipment.

Meals: Fruit snacks.
Duration:  Half day

Notes: If staying at Almonds & Chorals, please deduct $15 pp of this price.

Transportation from Cahuita NOT included

Fishing with the locals
This tour takes place in the surroundings of Cahuita National Park in a glass fiber boat with outboard motors of 15 to 25 H.P. with local fishermen as guides.

Different fishing methods can be used, such as using live bait, using dead bait or deep fishing or using a fishing pull and an artificial lure.

It is also possible to snorkel while the guide captures live bait from around the reef. Some of the fish in the area include: tarpon, barracuda, grouper, jack, red snapper, mackerel.

Required Gear: : Hat or cap, sun block, bathing suit, towel, extra t-shit, sun glasses, insect repellent, sneakers or sandals and camera.
Includes: Round trip transportation, Boat, Capitan, bilingual fisherman guide, Snorkeling equipment, lure, fresh tropical fruits snack, bottle of water, insurance policy (civil responsibility).Duration: 5 hours, Pick-up: 6 a.m.

Talamanca Organic Farms
The Talamanca region is divided in two distinct zones. The coastal lowlands and the mountain foothills called the “High Talamanca”. In the coastal lowlands you will find the Afro-Caribbean culture. Traditionally, this people produced cocoa and coconuts for exportation, until the early 80’s when a fungus destroyed the plantations. This area is now mainly supported by tourism. In the “High Talamanca”, you will find the indigenous Bribri culture that has supported itself for centuries through sustainable agriculture. The Bribri produce organic bananas, plantain, cocoa, guanabana, papaya, yuca and other tropical fruits and vegetables. They produce not only for their local population, but also in recent years the demand for these organic products has increased in Europe and the United States. Exportation of exotic organic produce is now a substantial part of their economy and helps to preserve the environmental quality of the area. 

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, Reservation entrance permit fee, samples of organic produce & tropical fruit snack.
Required Gear: Bug repellent, long pants, sturdy shoes.
Duration: 5 hours. 8:00am – 1:00pm.

Kekoldi   Indigenous Reserves 
On this tour you will visit the Green Iguana farm and medicinal plant garden at the Kekoldi Native Reserve, which are run by a local family. We then continue toward a waterfall, where you can freshen up in its sacred waters, as considered by the locals.

Afterwards, we’ll continue towards the Bri bri reservation where we’ll get to know the locals and enjoy a typical lunch.

Required Gear: Hat or cap, Bug repellent, sun screen, sturdy shoes, drinking water, bathing suit, towel, sandals.
Includes:  Ground and boat transportation, tour guide.  Meals:  Caribbean style lunch.
Duration:  5 hours

Tropical Bird Watching Tour
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.

Includes: Transportation, bilingual ornithologist guide and binoculars.
Meals:   Caribbean style breakfast.
Required Gear: Bug repellent, drinking water, sturdy shoes or sandals depending on the area.
Duration: 4 hours (6:00-10:00 am)

Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour
Tortuguero National Park consists of a labyrinth of waterways that serve as roads. The navigable network of lakes and channels crosses the Park from southeast to northwest. This allows the great diversity of the flora and fauna of the region to be seen close at hand. Tortuguero the most important nesting site in the western half of the Caribbean for the green sea turtle. Leatherback and Hawksbill sea turtles also nest along Tortuguero’s coast. A wide variety of wildlife can be seen including kinkajou, crocodiles, river otters, great green macaw, sloth, poison dart frogs, three species of monkeys and a multitude of birds.

Required Gear: Bug repellent, long pants, sturdy shoes, drinking water
Includes:  Ground and boat transportation, tour guide.  Meals:  Caribbean style lunch.
Duration: 9-10 hours (Pick up starts at 6:30 am)For pick up in hotels in Cahuita, please deduct $8 per person.

Bocas del Toro-Panama Tour
Since you are visiting Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast… why not visit Panama’s Caribbean? Bocas del Toro Islands are located just about three hours south of the town of Puerto Viejo. The Bocas area has a traditional Caribbean feel with its colorful houses, island culture and Afro-Caribbean inhabitants. The Islands possess some of the most beautiful coraline reefs in the region.

You will visit to Laguna Bocatorito. In this bay, also called dolphin bay, the probability to spot dolphins is about 95%. You will spend some time watching them jump and play around your boat. You then continue to the Coral Keys to practice some snorkeling and to enjoy the colorful Bocas del Toro underwater world. At the Coral Keys there is a restaurant where you can have lunch if you want to (not included in the tour!). You will then continue to Red Frog Beach. It received its name thanks to the abundance of tiny red frogs that can be found at that beachIncludes:  Transportation and tour guide.

Not included:  Immigration fees ($5-$10).
Required Gear: Valid passport and proof of departure from Costa Rica (e.g. a copy of your return flight or bus ticket), gear according to your intended activities.
Duration:  Full day tour  

Horseback Riding  Tour in Cahuita
In this tour we offer strong and healthy horses to ride in the Cahuita’s Black Beach section, part of the Cahuita’s Mountains up to the Mouth of “La Estrella River”.

It’s a Beach-Forest Tour with a bilingual native guide that will show you the flora and fauna of the humid tropical forest and also the different magic places of the Costa Rican South Caribbean, while you enjoy a tropical fruit’s snack. We select the appropriate horse according to the rider’s ability.

Includes: Transportation, bilingual native guide, horses and  mount
Meals:  Bottled water and  fruit  snack
Necessary Equipment: long pants, socks and sneakers, two t-shit, handkerchief (if you have), raincoat, bathing suit, sun block, insect repellent, hat or cap, sun glasses and camera.
Intensity: light to moderate depending on the rider’s ability
Duration: 3-4 hours

Gandoca-Manzanillo Lagoon Hike/Boat
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.

Includes:  Ground and boat transportation and bilingual guide.
Meals:  Caribbean style lunch.
Required Gear: Bug repellent, drinking water, sturdy shoes, and long pants.
Duration: 6.5 hours.

Searching for Dolphins and Snorkeling
Our van will pick you up at your hotel and will be taken to the beautiful Manzanillo Town, the last settlement on the coastal Caribbean road.

Here you will board a motor boat of one of the local fishermen who will be your tour guide. The adventure starts navigating along a pristine rocky sea shore with an impressive cliff sand erosion blow holes covered on top by the evergreen tropical rain forest.

About half hour later, you will get to Punta Mona, the farthermost southern point of Costa Rica on the Caribbean Sea and from here, the captain will keep going slowly searching for the dolphins, hoping we can find them!

The tour also includes snorkeling or a visit to Punta Mona Organic Farm. 

Required Gear:  Bathing suit and sunscreenDuration:  3 hours