Southern Costa Rica

This morning after breakfast we visit the Lankester Garden, which has a world class collection of nearly a thousand varieties of orchids, all conveniently displayed at eye level.  Orchids are very difficult to spot in the wild - even with a qualified guide you would be lucky to spot a dozen during a full day in the forest – and the majority are epiphytic, growing high in the canopy on trunks and branches and flowering for only a day or two.  With so many varieties here there are likely to be hundreds in bloom during our visit, an excellent opportunity to view some exquisite specimens at close quarters.

After lunch we continue our journey south into the mountains, an area of National Parks and Reserves. Our base for the next two nights is Dantica Lodge, a mountain lodge in the cloud forest of  San Gerardo de Dota.

Enjoy your breakfast. We have an unusual and fascinating day ahead of us today, which begins with a walking tour of the surrounding tropical cloud forest. While one can never rely on the co-operation of wild animals there is every chance that we shall see some Resplendent Quetzals (Pharamochrus mocinno costarricencis), the magnificent Phoenix-like bird that was so revered by the indigenous peoples of Central America. Look out also for humming-birds, fly-catchers and finches darting about among the mighty oaks of the forest, along with bromeliads, lichens, ferns and orchids.

We return to the resort for lunch, after which we will enjoy a visit to the surrounding area of San Gerardo de Dota.

Following breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head south once again, towards Golfito, often referred to as Costa Rica’s last frontier. A remote and secluded region of the country, Southern Costa Rica is an unexplored rugged wilderness, where the amenities are basic, but the experience is authentic.

Our base this evening is the Esquinas Lodge. Featuring a natural swimming pool and an extensive tropical garden, this eco-lodge is set in the rainforest just 2 km from La Gamba Village, on the edge of Piedras Blancas National Park.  Each comfortable rustic cabin is en-suite.  On arrival there will be time to explore the surrounding area and get to know the local flora and fauna.

After breakfast we check out of the hotel and continue our journey southwards, stopping en route for lunch. Our destination is San Vito and the Wilson Botanical Garden. Covering 12 hectares and surrounded by 254 hectares of natural forest, this world-class garden was established by Robert and Catherine Wilson in 1963 and thereafter became internationally known for its collection.

Accommodation is provided here in self-contained cabins with views over the gardens.

Today is spent exploring the 25-acre Wilson Botanical Garden.  The elaborate garden is broken up into sections. Each features a different genus of plant with some crossover and additional species, such as large trees, mixed in. Mostly we will find areas of similar plants and see various plaques or tags identifying their scientific names. In the past, the gardens have been used mainly for scientific research so aesthetics wasn’t the priority. Recently, though, a new director has been initiating changes to make the gardens more appealing to everyday visitors. Flowering species are being added to areas that previously held only leafy vegetation, and a new hummingbird garden has been built in a Japanese style.

The plants include Palms (over 700 species), Marantas, Bananas, Heliconias, Dracaenas, Bamboos, Gingers, Aroids, Cycads and Bromeliads. Bromeliad Hill, where the Wilsons are buried, is one of the more manicured areas of the property. A signature design method of architect Roberto Burle Marx can also be found here. Look for the ruffled fan palm (Lacuala grandis) planted beside an imperial bromeliad (Vriesea imperialis).

After breakfast this morning we head for the Central Pacific region where we experience a fun and informative tour of local cuisine. First stop is the local farmers’ market in Quepos, where we will have the opportunity to browse the stands and pick out ingredients for our lunch with the guide’s assistance, depending on menu designed for us. Once at our private ranch and dining area, we will be greeted by the team, who will proceed to guide us through the organic garden to pick out some finishing flavours, colours and textures for our meal. We then go to the kitchen and experience the process of making corn tortillas by hand, exotic “ceviches” with plantain or banana, rice cooked the old-fashioned way, chicken in a hearty tomato sauce, “picadillos”. Then we sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labours! There is then free time to explore the ranch, and walk down to the Naranjo River where, weather permitting, you can have a dip in the refreshing waters.

We continue to our hotel on the coast.

After a leisurely breakfast to explore the surrounding area or enjoy the beach and perhaps take a swim in the ocean. In the afternoon we continue our journey to San José and return to the Bougainvillea Hotel where dinner is served in the evening.

This morning after breakfast we check out of the hotel and travel to San José’s Airport for our return flight to London. 

Arrival is due in London this morning, when the group will disperse or make onward connections.