The Experience
Discover Costa Rica in its most authentic, raw, and adrenalized form - from unique wildlife encounters to coastal aquatic adventures to cultural immersions, guests will not want to miss these opportunities to enrich their time at Hacienda AltaGracia with a once-in-a-lifetime Costa Rican adventure.
- For more information about these experiences or to reserve, please email [email protected]
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Tortuguero National Park
- Visit the North Caribbean of Costa Rica via as you venture into Tortuguero National Park, in search of wildlife from the comfort of your full canopy motor boat. After a plethora of opportunities for in-the-wild sightings, go deeper into the jungle, gaining access to a delicate part of the channel where motor boats are not allowed.
- After the wildlife adventure, walk through the picturesque local village and finish the day with a family-style lunch served by a pioneering family of Tortuguero. As the day comes to a close, hop back into your private aircraft for the last aerial views of this tropical jewel on your way back to AltaGracia.
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Osa Peninsula & Corcovado National Park
- Thanks to Costa Rica's conservation efforts, most of the Osa Peninsula is protected within Corcovado National Park, preserving its rich ecosystem. Arrive by private air to Drake's Bay and take a speedboat with full canopy directly to one of the remote ranger stations in the National Park, a prime location to see the rare Baird’s Tapir. Enjoy a few hours exploring flat trails teeming with diverse wildlife, then savor a light lunch on the boat. Stop in Drake's Bay for a local drink before your flight back to AltaGracia, arriving just in time for golden hour at the Hacienda.
- This experience is offered by car, fixed wing plane or helicopter. For helicopter transfers, please request a bespoke quote. For guests embarking via car, please note the walking journey is approximately 2 hours (shorter than if by plane or helicopter).
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Osa Peninsula & Isla del Caño
- The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse and complex ecosystems on Earth, holding at least 3% of all species of the entire planet within its borders. Easily accessible from AltaGracia, arrive in Sierpe by car or plane, to begin your journey of cultural and nature discovery. Witness the iconic ancient stone spheres, a symbol of the native indigenous cultures, some of which still remain in this area. Following the quick dive into local history, jump in a full canopy boat to navigate the labyrinth of channels, the biggest mangrove system of Central America, looking for wildlife. Birds, alligators and sloths may be spotted as you move slowly into hidden offshoots, before finding your way to the open ocean. Once in the blue waters, head to Isla del Caño Biological Reserve, the best place for snorkeling and diving in the region. Light lunch is served on the boat, followed by a beach hopping hike. The hike is one of our favorites in the country: an easy single trail over mostly flat terrain, where secluded beaches are plentiful and people are scarce.
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The Quest for the Quetzal
- Journey into the heart of the Talamanca highlands to meet the sacred bird of the Tropical Cloud Forest. The resplendent quetzal is a sought-after species for avid bird watchers and ecotourists. Its colorful appearance and the long, flowing tail of the adult male make it an incredible sight. Venture high into Cerro de la Muerta, discovering the National Park in the cloud forest, home to many endemic species of plants that attract various birds and animals to the area. The viewing of a quetzal in the wild is not a guaranteed event as they can be quite elusive, so our memorable excursion is an adventure in itself, focusing on the excitement around the tracking of the birds. Visit the Hummingbird Gardens, and enjoy a local gastronomic experience that will delight the senses, while enjoying panoramic views throughout your expedition.
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Costa Rican Open Water Fishing
- Renowned as one of Central America’s premier fishing regions, Costa Rica’s South Pacific invites guests into a full-day, small-scale fishing experience rooted in local tradition, using traditional methods to engage with the region’s rich marine ecosystem. Lunch is enjoyed on board. Guests interested in a traditional mangrove fishing experience can inquire with our Itinerary Designers for more details.
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Pacuare River Rafting & Visit to Guayabo
- Costa Rica is known for great rafting - a ‘must do’ activity for adrenaline seekers – but there is one river, the Sacred Pacuare, that stands above the rest. Unreachable by most, the AltaGracia experience takes you to the Upper-Upper Section of the river, where seclusion allows for casual interactions with native indigenous fishermen and very rarely another raft on the go. During this full day experience, immerse in the past and the present of the Turrialba area as you start at the Archeological National Monument of Guayabo, an ancient lost city that was abandoned at the time of the Spanish Conquest and rediscovered centuries after. Here, with a private archeologist- anthropologist and native indigenous guide, you will witness the magnificence of ancient history in one of the most studied sites in the country. A short lift from Guayabo by helicopter takes you to a pristine section of the Pacuare River, where a world class rafting competitor will take you through class III and IV rapids. At the end of the adventure, a locally-inspired open fire lunch awaits riverside for a well-deserved organic meal in the middle of nowhere – or, from a different perspective, in the middle of everything.
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Fresh & Salty Waters: Surfing & Waterfalls in Uvita
- Explore the fresh and salty waters of the Pacific Coast surf town of Uvita, where the waves, a surfboard and your professional instructor will be waiting! Depart the hacienda in the morning for a day at the beach featuring a laid back lunch at a local family owned restaurant, surf lessons with a professional instructor, a beautiful waterfall trek, and a leisurely afternoon in the sun. Whether you’re in for the thrill of the waves or wishing to lounge in the sand this experience is designed for the whole family to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
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Blue Zone & Artisanal Immersion
- An opportunity to connect with Costa Rica’s ancient roots, discover how great longevity is achieved on the Nicoya Peninsula - one of the world’s five Blue Zones.
- Visit the 20 hectare private farm of a local family, where you will unfold the secrets of the Blue Zone. Experience passed-down artisanal traditions, such as pottery, showcasing how these cultures embrace their ancient traditions, and visit the stingless Mariola bees that inhabit the property.
- A family-style lunch features food that is charged with well-being, bringing a full circle of understanding to why these people live the longest, happiest and healthiest lives on the planet.
- Finish the day with a gentle hike to a nearby waterfall, where we encourage you to jump in the crystal clear waters for a refreshing dip before boarding your private plane back to AltaGracia.
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Savegre Nature & Cultural Journey
- Visit Savegre, a small and vibrant town tucked into the Talamanca Mountains which reflects the old-school way of life in Costa Rica. Begin with a full Costa Rican breakfast, before setting out for a walking tour of the surrounding gardens and heading into the forest for a moderate hike, culminating with your arrival at a beautiful, private waterfall.
- For those more interested in discovering the surrounding wildlife, enjoy a bird watching tour. You’ll then return for a lunchtime feast and a visit to a local coffee farm.
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The Indigenous Lives of the Boruca
- Arrive at the center of the native reservation where you will be welcomed by the Grandfather of the Fire to set an intention. An artistic performance by Cas Chí, named “The Creation of the Night” will be performed, with our guide explaining the cultural symbolism as you watch. Visit the nearby mountain to walk the forest and learn its importance to the native indigenous, how they pass down ancient knowledge of the harvest and incorporate it as part of their local diet. Returning into the village, receive a full introduction about the symbolic art of mask making, an iconic tradition among this particular native people, as you sit with the locals to paint your own mask. Later, a group of ladies from the community will show you one of their ancient practices, the making of traditional fabrics from organic cotton, including some of the seasonal natural pigments that they use and the techniques to make the different braided and combination of colors.
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