Becoming Brave – Costa Rica
Days
9
Activity Level
Moderate
Host City
San Jose, Costa Rica
From
$7,495 USD
Becoming Brave with Brave Wilderness
Journey to the wild heart of Costa Rica, where rainforest canopies and ocean depths hold stories few have heard and wonders fewer have seen. This 9-day adventure, led by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and wildlife conservationist Mark Vins, invites you into one of the most biodiverse places on Earth—the Osa Peninsula. From tracking jaguars and scarlet macaws in ancient forests to snorkeling with sea turtles in crystalline waters, each day blends exploration, education, and connection. Alongside expert naturalists, you’ll learn to read the jungle’s hidden signs, witness whales breach in a tropical fjord, and encounter rescued wildlife up close. Immersed in remote eco-lodges and vibrant ecosystems, you’ll step far beyond the role of observer, becoming an active participant in the conservation stories unfolding all around you.
Trip Highlights
Join Our Adventure:
TRIP COST
From $???? USD per person
Start dates
August 10 – August 18, 2026
Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Accommodations
San Jose: Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen
Osa Peninsula: Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Drake: Aguila de Osa Inn
max. group size
22 Travelers
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
Becoming Brave – Costa Rica
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Trip description including daily highlights, adventure and cultural experiences, guidance on travel logistics, and insights into the wildlife and landscapes you’ll encounter.
Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica
Upon arrival in San José, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Becoming Brave team and guided to your private transfer. Settle into the elegant Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belén, with time to relax, explore the grounds, or enjoy the pool. As evening falls, gather for a special welcome dinner with Mark Vins, where stories from the wild and a preview of the days ahead set the tone for your Costa Rican adventure.
Day 2: Journey to the Osa Peninsula
After breakfast, take a scenic domestic flight to the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. A private boat carries you across the Golfo Dulce to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, nestled between ocean and jungle. After a fresh, locally sourced lunch, join Mark Vins on the Chico Jungle Trail, where rainforest paths, coastal views, and a secluded beach swim immerse you in the wild beauty of your new surroundings.
Day 3: Wildlife Tracking and Rainforest Discovery
Today begins with a wildlife tracking adventure alongside Mark Vins and a reformed local hunter, learning to read the rainforest’s subtle signs; such as footprints, calls, and hidden trails. Among monkeys, macaws, and elusive jungle dwellers, we witness the intricate web of life. After lunch, we venture deeper into Piedras Blancas National Park, where winding paths reveal snakes, glass frogs, and the vibrant chorus of the rainforest.
Day 4: Sky to Sea Canopy and Whale Watching
This morning, soar through the rainforest canopy, gliding along zip lines for sweeping views of the Osa’s lush wilderness and vibrant wildlife. In the afternoon, journey to the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce for whale watching, where breaching humpbacks, playful dolphins, and sea birds bring the ocean to life.
Day 5: Journey to Drake & Nocturnal Jungle
Travel by boat along Costa Rica’s wild Pacific coast to Drake Bay, arriving at the remote Aguila de Osa Inn perched above the ocean’s edge. After settling in, venture into the rainforest at night with Mark Vins and a local guide, discovering the hidden world of tree frogs, moths, and nocturnal creatures under the glow of your headlamp.
Day 6: Corcovado Rainforest Expedition
Rise early for a boat ride to Corcovado National Park, where a full-day trek with Mark reveals a stunning array of wildlife—from all four monkey species to scarlet macaws and tapirs. Pause at a secluded waterfall for a refreshing swim before returning through the rainforest’s vibrant and untamed beauty.
Day 7: Snorkeling Adventure at Isla Del Cano
Day 8: Toucan Rescue & Closing Dinner
Fly back to San José and visit the Toucan Rescue Ranch, where up-close encounters with sloths, toucans, and monkeys highlight inspiring conservation work. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner with Mark, sharing stories and toasting to the wild wonders of your journey.
Day 9: Farewell to Costa Rica
Bid farewell to Costa Rica and the friends you’ve made, carrying with you the rainforest’s vibrant colors, the ocean’s rhythm, and the enduring call to protect the wild places that have touched your heart.
About Brave Wilderness
Brave Wilderness, founded in 2014 by Mark Vins and Coyote Peterson, has become the world’s largest wildlife YouTube channel, with more than 6 billion views and over 1,000 original videos. From its beginnings in Ohio to global expeditions across the Amazon, Australia, and beyond, Brave Wilderness has redefined wildlife storytelling. Through close-up encounters with rare species and breathtaking wild spaces, the team invites audiences into the heart of untamed environments, revealing both the wonder and fragility of our planet’s ecosystems. Their mission extends beyond education, igniting a passion for nature and inspiring a new generation of Earth stewards through a dynamic blend of entertainment, conservation, and community.
Mark Vins, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and CEO of Brave Wilderness, is a passionate conservationist and visionary storyteller dedicated to connecting people with the natural world. His adventures have taken him from diving with great white sharks in South Africa to tracking elusive wildlife deep in the Amazon, all while partnering with scientists, conservationists, and sustainable tourism advocates. Beginning his career behind the camera, Mark’s unique perspective and creative direction have helped shape Brave Wilderness into a global movement rooted in curiosity, conservation, and action. By supporting organizations like Re:wild, World Wildlife Fund, and The Nature Conservancy, he bridges the gap between adventure and tangible environmental impact, inspiring audiences to not just witness the wild, but to protect it.
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Trip Accommodations
Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen | San Jose, Costa Rica
Set on a historic coffee plantation just outside San José, the Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belén offers a peaceful and stylish retreat. This hacienda-style hotel features colonial architecture, lush gardens, and mountain views. Guests can relax at the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or dine on local cuisine at Hacienda Kitchen. Its close proximity to the airport makes it a convenient and comfortable stop before or after your Costa Rican adventure.
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge | Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is a secluded eco-lodge set on a private rainforest reserve along Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce, accessible only by boat. Built sustainably and powered by solar energy, the lodge offers rustic-chic cabins and open-air rooms with forest or ocean views. Guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals, explore lush jungle trails, kayak through mangroves, or snorkel right off the shore. With daily yoga, wildlife watching, and a deep commitment to conservation, the lodge provides an immersive and peaceful nature experience.
Aguila de Osa Inn | Drake, Costa Rica
Aguila de Osa Inn is a remote rainforest lodge perched above Drake Bay on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, just outside Corcovado National Park. Surrounded by lush jungle and ocean views, the lodge offers spacious, open-air rooms with wood finishes and natural breezes. Guests enjoy fresh, locally inspired meals and easy access to adventures like hiking, snorkeling at Caño Island, kayaking, and wildlife tours. With a strong focus on sustainability and warm hospitality, it’s an ideal base for exploring one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Trip Support
There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.
Personal Attention & Preparation Before Every Trip
We get very involved with our travelers before each trip by offering a series of pre-planning calls in the months and weeks before departure. This provides you with an opportunity to hear directly from us on preparation and trip experience. It also gives you the platform to ask questions about any aspect of the trip. We also provide comprehensive packing lists, pre-adventure checklists, and other detailed information.
Staff Support & Logistics
We go above and beyond our competitors in handling every aspect of your trip, so that you can focus exclusively on experiencing all that Costa Rica has to offer. Our knowledgeable support staff takes care of the details of your in-country ground transportation, lodging, meals, tours, permits, and activities. We’ve even scheduled a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own.
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