Original Canopy Tour Drake Bay
This is located in the Osa Peninsula near Corcovado National Park one
of the last large untouched rainforests left in the country. This area is
one of the most recently developed zones for tourism in the country. It is
more remote than other areas and therefore less tourists are going here.
This is what makes it perfect for our type of adventure · less people,
therefore more animals. The Osa Peninsula is known for its hiking or trekking
through lush tropical rainforests, wild animal and bird viewing, scuba diving
(at Caño Island), deep sea fishing and ocean kayaking, all of which
can be done here with us.
Tour Details:
The site is located just a short distance from the town of Drake Bay, and is
usually accessed by a combination of either horseback or 4x4 and on foot. This
tour consists of 9 platforms, 6 traverse cables, one over 100 meters long (300
ft), a 9 meter suspended observation walkway and a 25-meter rappel down to the
edge of a stream where wildlife abounds. The platforms vary in height from 10
meters to 33 meters above the forest floor and the tour is built on a high point
of land where two rivers join. Usually, where there is water, you will see lots
of birds and animals. This is a true rainforest and the canopy level generally
has several layers to it, all of which can be seen on the tour.
The tour starts with a climb up a tower to the first platform, a large viewing
platform about 12 meters (40 feet) off the ground. The first traverse is a long
one, over 70 meters (200 feet) where you will soar above the jungle floor. The
next tree has several platforms at different levels and then its off to the third
tree with a 9 meter observation walkway stretching between 2 large trees, about
25 meters (85 feet) high. From this vantage point we can normally see lots of
birds and some mammals, although everyday is different and sometimes the animals
are not too cooperative. From here there are 2 more traverses and then from the
last platform there is a 17 meter (60 foot) rappel back down to the ground, beside
a beautiful stream
Pick-ups can be arranged from most lodges in the Drake Bay area at no extra charge,
although check with us in advance, as some hotels are quite far from Drake Bay
and require an extra fee. This area is very hot and humid and we recommend shorts
or long pants and hiking boots and insect repellant. Cameras can be taken, but
try to bring along a waterproof bag, in case it starts raining. The tour takes
approximately 2 ½ - 3 hours to complete. Check with us for tour times.
The Jinetes de Osa Lodge is rustic and located just outside the town of Drake
Bay, which is the town closest to Corcovado National Park . The setting is perfect
for those who want to ·get back to nature· and especially for birdwatchers,
scuba divers and kayakers . Ask us for more information and prices or reserve
one of the overnight or multi-day packages.
There are other hotel options in this area as well and prices vary from moderate
to luxury. Most are all-inclusive packages which include round-trip transportation
from San Jose (either by small aircraft or drive in and out), all meals, lodging
and several tours in the area.
Please note that the minimum age for this in our Costa Rican locations is 5 years
old. The cruise ships will not take anyone under the age of 12 years.
There is a weight restriction of about 265 pounds although the weight is more
a function of body shape than weight itself.
A NOTE ABOUT GETTING TO DRAKE BAY : As we have already mentioned, Drake Bay is
remote. There are some flights that go all the way to Drake Bay, NaturAir ad
SANSA both fly there now. Some stop at Palmar Sur, where you will take a taxi
to Sierpe and then a water taxi or a private boat to the lodges. Getting there
takes about half a day normally, but it is also a very interesting and fun trip
in itself. |
