TREE CLIMBING
Scale the largest original jungle gym. You are top roped while climbing an enormous, user-friendly Strangler Fig, roughly 70 feet to a viewing roost 450 feet over the Golfo Dulce. Level of difficulty determined by the “root” you select (pun intended).
After exploring the lofty perch and view of the ocean, an exhilarating freefall/swing brings you safely back to the Earth. Hiking boots/Tevas/Sneakers. Bring camera and binoculars.
Approx. 2-3 hours / Ages 6+
NATURE HIKES
Unlock the mysteries of tropical ecology on our rainforest treks. Our trip starts in a coastal community rife with scarlet macaws and toucans, then gradually ascends through a secondary forest rich with heliconias and hummingbirds. Continuing onward, we trek through riparian habitat underneath a gallery of giant tropical trees.
Among myriad of waterfalls we learn about the interactions of the animals and plants, tying together indigenous knowledge to current medical applications. You will leave with a greater understanding of our tropical forests and their importance to our future. It is never the same hike twice… bring your camera and questions! Please wear hiking boots or sneakers.
Approx. 3 to 4 hours / Ages 4+
WATERFALL RAPPELLING
Hike up and around a series of waterfalls nestled in lush rainforest. At the top of the falls you will receive thorough instruction covering our equipment, its proper use and safe rappelling. When you complete our course you will know how to safely rappell yourself! And, following graduation from ropes school you are READY to go.
The first waterfall is 45 feet and the second is 100 feet. If that does not get your heart beating then nothing will… you are sure to get an applause from the howler monkeys and toucans.
Approx. 3 hours / Ages 10+
SURFING
Surfing is a way of life in this area, join in on the fun whether you are experienced or not there are waves for you. Three beaches within a short walk of the house provide a range of surfing possibilities from seriously challenging to the most experience to waves long enough and gentle enough for everyone to get up and ride. There are many instructors in the area who can look after you and Carlos can organize this for you.
YOGA
If you are a yoga enthusiast or just wish for a gentle introduction to the art, you have come to the right place! We can arrange for a local instructor to come to you. Enjoy tranquil private sessions at the Rancho or pool side or on our own private yoga deck, set back in the primary forest with a view of the ocean. Get the heart going climbing up the well-tended path and then enjoy a serene session of yoga embraced with the sounds of the surf and jungle. Additionally, join in with the Matapalo crowd, the regular sessions held at different locations within walking distance of the house. https://www.facebook.com/MatapaloYogis
BIRDWATCHING
The Osa peninsula is home to over 350 species of birds making it a birding haven and Vida Verde was designed with birdwatchers in mind. Even from the house, the variety of birdlife will amaze you. Regular visitors include humming birds, toucans, eagles, tanagers and parrots and the easily spotted and easily heard Scarlet macaws as they fly over usually in pairs. The Osa is home to the largest concentration of Scarlet Macaws in the world. Venture beyond the house and you will be rewarded with an incredible variety of other sightings too. We can easily arrange for a guide to give you a birding tour in the area or further afield into Corcovado Park, they can assist and spot and identify and ensure that your time is well. Click here to see some of the birds photographed in the area
WILDLIFE VIEWING
There is no doubt that you will see wildlife right from the arriving at the house but we recommend spending time with a guide at some point on your trip as you will be amazed what is out there but well camouflaged unless you know what to look for. Guided trips can be as simple as an hours stroll along the beach road or as adventurous as a two or three day hike into Corcovado, let us know what interests you and we can recommend a guide for you. Click here to see some of the wildlife photographed in the area
CORCOVADO PARK
While Matapalo provides many wildlife viewing opportunities, for real enthusiasts a visit to Corcovado will be a highlight of their visit. The National Geographic Society has identified it as being “The most biologically intense place on the planet” and, with flat rainforest a rarity due to its ease of being cleared, Corcovado is the single largest expanse of lowland tropical rainforest in Central America. The park comprises 103,300 acres of tropical rainforest teaming with wildlife like jaguars, scarlet macaws, sloths, toucans, all four types of monkeys, the endangered Harpy Eagle, and even Baird’s Tapirs, the largest land mammal in Central America. Its pristine nature is protected in part by the fact that it is only accessible by small plane, boat or foot. It is possible to hike into the park from Carate, or enter by boat or small plane from Puerto Jimenez. Day trips or 3 day long visits to the ranger stations are possible. Talk with Carlos and Osa Tropical about a visit to suit your requirements.
MASSAGE
Your vacation is a time to relax and unwind and stop the world for a few minutes. We are very fortunate that Sianne is a trained masseuse and can give you an unforgettable and incredibly relaxing half or full body massage; any tensions will be worked away to the sound of the surf and the jungle. Sianne can arrange for a treatment in any quiet corner of the property but favourites on the yoga platform and next to the pool.
KAYAKING
Worth the trip into PJ is the opportunity to paddle out and explore the mangroves around PJ. The intricacies of this threatened habitat will be explained to you by your guide who will also point out the animal and bird life along the way. The tours usually take a refreshment break on the beach and then returns to the water but this time ocean side giving you a chance to spot dolphins or fish as you paddle back. For local tours our friend Carlos will take it to the level, visit https://www.matapalokayak.com
HORSERIDING
There are at least two different tours possible within a short drive or walk from the house. Alternatively, towards Carate, visit Rio Piro on horseback, trekking through the river then following the deserted beach to a remote waterfall. Find fresh coconuts along the way and if in the afternoon, enjoy a sunset before heading home. Don Miguel Sánchez de Río Piro.
ZIP LINING
Costa Rica is famous for a unique way of viewing the forest and there are three possible locations for zip-lining in the area and it is a must for any thrill seeker! The tours will take you up into the canopy and give you a monkey’s eye view of the jungle below. Talk with Carlos as to which would be the best location for you as they vary in length, height and duration. The longest is in Golfito and worth the journey across the Gulf particularly if you combine it with another boat-based tour.
GOLD PANNING
The Osa peninsula was the location of a gold rush in earlier years and while gold mining is now prohibited in Corcovado Park it is still hand mined in many rivers and it is possible to try your hand and see if you get lucky! A visit to the panning area can be combined with a visit to Carate, just ask Carlos. Be warned though it is tougher work that it looks and you may be glad you don’t need do it for a living!
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
What began as a rescue of a couple of macaws has flourished into an important reserve seeing the recovery and release of wildlife that would otherwise have perished. The animals and birds that cannot be released live in the Sanctuary either caged or free depending and provide the back drop to your visit. This is no zoo, this is where rescue, rehabilitation and education go hand in hand. It is a wonderful experience for children but no younger than 7 will be allowed to visit. It will be made quite clear on your arrival that you have entered the animal’s world now and you will need to follow their rules in order to enjoy it. Inaccessible, apart from by boat, the Sanctuary provides a unique perspective on the world of the rainforest its ecology and vulnerabilities. Osa Tropical can help organize a boat across the Golfo Dulce which can be combined with a chance to see dolphins or go for a swim.
DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING
The Golfo Dulce is the tenth deepest gulf in the world and home of a wealth of wildlife. It was recognized by the marine explorer, Jacque Cousteau, for its biodiversity of animal and marine life, who dubbed the gulf a “Tropical fiord”. There are several rivers flowing into the gulf, giving it its name Dulce meaning “sweet” or “fresh”. Spend a morning out on the water and you are likely to see many of the birds, turtles, dolphins and whales (seasonal) who call this home. As well as watching the dolphins and whales you can snorkel and swim in one of the many untouched bays where the calm smooth water meets the jungle and visit the mangroves of the Esquinas river.
SPORTS FISHING
Unequalled opportunities for fishing with the Golfo Dulce meeting the Pacific, we can put you in touch with local experts who will give you a day to remember with options of inshore and offshore fishing. www.tropicfins.com
CHOCOLATE TOUR
The Finca Kobo is an organic farm 20 minutes from Puerto Jimenez which specializes in the production of organic chocolate. Their tour will begin with a tour of their tropical fruit orchards, sampling as you go, learning about the ecology and benefits of many of the plants and fruits of the forest. The tour will then take you through the Cacao orchards and explain the history behind the Cacao bean and the process of manufacturing chocolate from the Cacao pod through harvesting, fermentation, drying, roasting and the grinding of the raw chocolate. The memorable finale is the sampling of the chocolate in a fondue sauce with tropical fruits and chocolate cake. Contact Osa Tropical to make your reservation.
CUSTOM TOURS FROM THE HOUSE
Over the years we have had many fun day trips from the house. Carlos would be happy to arrange a custom tour for your group. We suggest leaving the car behind and arrange a local taxi guide who will be able to spot wildlife along your journey that you would drive past unaware of its existence. Day trips from the house have included horse riding; beachcombing; gold panning; kayaking in mangroves; waterfall hikes; bird sanctuary visit and a visit to a cheese farm.