GUIDED TOURS AT LUNA LODGE

Corcovado National Park

Embark on an unforgettable adventure into the renowned Corcovado National Park, right from the doorstep of Luna Lodge. Our guided tours, led by experienced naturalist guides, ensure an immersive and enlightening experience within this gem of the Costa Rican National Park system.

Corcovado NP holds a well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s premier national parks. Established in the mid-1970s, its creation was inspired by the exceptional nature of its watershed. Within its boundaries, a breathtaking abundance of biodiversity thrives. Discover nearly 400 species of birds, 140 species of mammals, 116 species of amphibians and reptiles, over 500 species of trees, and an astonishing array of over 6,000 insect species.

With its 13 distinct ecosystems, Corcovado National Park serves as a vital sanctuary for endangered species, including jaguars, pumas, crocodiles, tapirs, poison dart frogs, and an array of mystical creatures.

From Luna Lodge, a short transfer to Carate Beach sets the stage for an immersive adventure. Embark on a scenic 45-minute walk along a mesmerizing rainforest trail and picturesque beach, leading you to the entrance of Corcovado National Park. Prepare to be captivated as you step into this extraordinary ecosystem, where nature’s wonders unfold at every turn.

Discovery & Safari Tours

Embark on extraordinary Discovery and Safari ecotours, commencing from Luna Lodge and venturing down to the beach, traversing secluded roads that penetrate the heart of the rainforest.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the towering rainforest ridges of the Osa Peninsula lies a pristine expanse of forest, where wildlife thrives in its natural habitat. Here, the animals feel secure, thanks to the establishment of ecotourism in the 1990s, which displaced hunting and created a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures. Since then, the wildlife has made a remarkable resurgence, finding an abundance of food and ample space to flourish in safety.

The Carate area stands as a shining testament to the incredible benefits of ecotourism, showcasing the positive impact it has had on preserving the natural world.

During your journey, your knowledgeable guide will keep a keen eye out for wildlife, pausing the vehicle to allow you to disembark and observe these captivating creatures in their natural surroundings. Expect to encounter a plethora of fascinating animals, including monkeys, coatis, tayras, and sloths, along with a rich variety of birds such as scarlet macaws, toucans, trogons, and parrots. These tours are well-suited for families and individuals of all hiking abilities, offering an immersive wildlife experience.

Gold Panning in Historical Carate River

Unearth the secrets of gold mining techniques alongside a seasoned local gold miner!

The Osa Peninsula boasts a rich history of gold, dating back to ancient times when indigenous tribes adorned themselves with gold as decorative ornaments. The most recent gold rush took place in the 1980s, but the pursuit of gold has long fascinated adventurers in this region. Modern gold mining operations commenced in 1937 along the Rio Tigre, on the side of Golfo Dulce. In 1939, the gold miners expanded their reach to the Madrigal River, an area now encompassed within the boundaries of Corcovado NP. However, this initial gold rush was short-lived due to the onset of the Second World War. The last gold rush, in the 1980s, saw approximately 2,000 miners panning the rivers and beaches. Nonetheless, the preservation of nature triumphed, leading to the eviction of all gold miners from Corcovado National Park.

Legend has it that the Osa Peninsula held more gold than California during the iconic gold rush era. The Rio Madrigal, Rio Tigre, and Rio Carate are major rivers known for gold mining in the region and are conveniently situated near Luna Lodge.

Seize the opportunity to embark on your own quest for this precious metal! Join a local gold miner, learn their time-honored techniques, and try your luck at uncovering nature’s hidden treasures. Explore the rivers close to Luna Lodge and see what wonders await you beneath the sparkling waters.

Lagoon Kayaking

Embark on an immersive adventure with our guided kayak tours, offering a unique opportunity to witness the wonders of nature within and around the picturesque ocean-side lagoon. The lagoon serves as a haven for a diverse array of wildlife, including crocodiles, white-faced monkeys, spider monkeys, and the fascinating Jesus Christ lizards, to name just a few. As you navigate the waters, be prepared to encounter an abundance of life, both above and below the surface. Keep an eye out for a variety of fish species, such as red snapper and snook, gracefully gliding through the lagoon.

For avid birders and wildlife photographers, the lagoon presents an idyllic setting to capture captivating shots of aquatic bird species. Delight in sightings of majestic Great Blue Herons, vibrant Roseate Spoonbills, and the impressive Ospreys, all thriving within this incredibly diverse ecosystem.

Lagoon kayaking offers a firsthand experience of the abundant wildlife that calls the Osa Peninsula home. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the lagoon, paddle along its shimmering waters, and revel in the captivating encounters that await you.

Primary Rainforest Ridge Hike

Embark on our captivating guided tours into the heart of the primary rainforest, commencing early in the day and offering a half-day exploration that allows you to traverse multiple local microenvironments.

Setting off from the lodge, you will venture into the depths of the primary rainforest, following a protected ridge that stretches high above the Pacific Ocean. Along this extraordinary journey, be prepared to encounter a rich tapestry of wildlife, including monkeys, coatis, tayras, sloths, and an array of diverse bird species. The towering trees and lush, exotic vegetation envelop you, creating an immersive experience that will leave you in awe of the rainforest’s majesty.

Descending the trail, you will gradually transition through various levels of terrain, eventually emerging into the vast expanse of Carate beach. Here, the sky comes alive with the vibrant hues of scarlet macaws, gracefully soaring overhead. Rest assured, Luna Lodge’s transportation will be awaiting your arrival at the beach, ensuring a timely return to the lodge in time for a delectable lunch.

RainForest Night Walk

Join us on our Rainforest Night Walk eco-tour, an extraordinary opportunity to witness the nocturnal wonders of the Osa Rainforest. As darkness envelops the surroundings and the symphony of jungle sounds fills the air, our experienced guides will lead you into a world inhabited by extraordinary, diverse, and elusive nocturnal creatures. During the daytime, many animals, especially insects, amphibians, and reptiles, seek shelter from predators. Thus, the nighttime unveils the perfect window to encounter exquisite tree frogs, secretive snakes, and other mesmerizing rainforest inhabitants that emerge under the cover of darkness.

This excursion allows you to immerse yourself in the magnificent transformation that occurs when the sun sets. Witness a spectacular array of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and insects that come alive during the nighttime hours. Be prepared to be amazed by the vibrant colors, intriguing behaviors, and unique adaptations of these captivating creatures.

Step into the enchanting realm of the Osa Rainforest during our Rainforest Night Walk, where you will be awestruck by the nocturnal wonders that reveal themselves.

Bird Watching Guided Tours

Early Bird Watching Tour

Whether you are an avid birder or simply an animal enthusiast, these eco-tours promise to be an extraordinary treat for your senses. Prepare to be astounded by the remarkable sights and enchanting sounds of the rainforest.

As you venture along these trails, be prepared for a feast for the eyes and ears. Marvel at the incredible diversity of bird species that adorn the canopy and undergrowth, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors and songs. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the rainforest as it awakens with life, revealing hidden treasures at every turn.

Sunset Birding Tour

Embark on an extraordinary guided tour that commences at 3:00 pm, as Luna Lodge transports you down to the breathtaking river valley. Prepare to be captivated by an enchanting display of birds adorned with vibrant colors and accompanied by marvelous melodies. This tour offers a remarkable opportunity to explore diverse habitats and encounter a plethora of bird species that call this region home.

Keep your eyes peeled for the resplendent Turquoise Cotinga, the majestic Scarlet Macaw, the striking Red-Crowned Woodpecker, the charismatic Bright-Rumped Attila, the fiery Fiery-Billed Aracari, and numerous other remarkable bird species that grace the area. As you immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, each moment holds the potential for delightful avian encounters.

To assist avid birders, we have meticulously compiled a comprehensive list of nearly 300 bird species found in the vicinity of Luna Lodge, along with their respective sighting frequencies. This enables enthusiasts to track and check off the birds they observe during their visit, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

Wildlife Photography Tours

Unlock the incredible potential of photography-guided tours at Luna Lodge, where you will have the unique advantage of capturing breathtaking moments both below, above, and within the vibrant rainforest of the Osa Peninsula. Our knowledgeable guides possess a deep understanding of the local wildlife, ensuring that you will be in the right place at the right time to capture the essence of their activity.

This is just the beginning of the enchantment that awaits you on the Osa Peninsula, hailed as “the most biologically intense place on Earth.” Our photography tours, along with our other eco-tours, serve not only to showcase the natural world but also to educate you on its immense value to our planet. With an astounding 500,000 distinct species of wildlife calling this peninsula home, the Osa Peninsula alone contributes approximately 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity.

At Luna Lodge, we offer our guests the unparalleled opportunity to photograph the diverse wildlife of the Osa Peninsula, all within close proximity to the lodge. Our convenient trail systems lead directly from the lodge, eliminating the need for extensive travel.

Accompanied by our expert naturalist guides, you will be guided to vibrant and picturesque locations, ensuring you can capture the true magic of the Osa rainforest.

The Shady Lane Tour

As you traverse the picturesque Shady Lane, you will be immersed in the lush, warm, and humid habitat of the low-lying rainforest. The towering trees, reaching great heights, stand as testaments to their constant battle for sunlight amidst the dense vegetation.

The rainforest is composed of four distinct layers. The emergent layer boasts the tallest trees that rise above the rest of the forest, showcasing their majestic presence. In the canopy layer, the leaves and branches interconnect, creating a bustling world where a multitude of animals find their home. The understory layer, positioned below the canopy, hosts smaller trees and plants that thrive in the dappled sunlight. Finally, the forest floor, shrouded in darkness, supports only a sparse growth of plants due to the limited sunlight penetration.

During this immersive two-hour guided tour, you will have the opportunity to encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including all four species of monkeys, the curious coati mundi, industrious leaf cutter ants, and an assortment of captivating bird species such as the vibrant scarlet macaw, the iconic toucan, and the striking spectacled owl. The ficus, royal palm, guava, and lemon trees act as principal food sources for these remarkable creatures, showcasing the interconnectedness of the rainforest’s delicate ecosystem.

Luna Lodge invites you to embark on this extraordinary journey, where you will witness the beauty and marvel at the intricate dynamics that unfold within the low-lying rainforest.

The Magic of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

In Japan, there exists a profound practice that fosters a deep connection with nature known as Shinrin-yoku, or Forest Bathing. This practice, when embraced by participants, offers a pathway to enhanced well-being through immersive walks in forest environments, either in solitude or in the company of knowledgeable forest therapy guides. These guides assist individuals in accessing the restorative power of nature’s embrace.

Unlike traditional forms of exercise that focus on raising heart rates, forest therapy is not about physical exertion. Its essence lies in the mental health benefits derived from immersing oneself in the natural world, allowing one’s own mood to guide the experience. Forest Bathing provides a sanctuary to temporarily detach from the burdens of daily life, offering a precious opportunity to simply exist and be present in the embrace of nature.

Forest Bathing enables a harmonious merging with the natural world, inviting participants into a state of sensual interaction with the more-than-human realm, as well as with fellow human beings. This practice serves as a profound journey of self-discovery, deepening our understanding of the intricate connections that shape our lives.

With each step taken in the forest, we gain insights and wisdom, expanding our knowledge of the world and the intricate relationships that permeate it. Forest Bathing offers a transformative experience, allowing us to engage in a profound exploration of both our inner selves and the interconnectedness of all living beings.