LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION
CALETAS - DRAKE BAY - OSA PENINSULA - COSTA RICA
ABOUT COPA DE ARBOL
Copa De Arbol is set among 70 acres of pristine rainforest reserve. We are located in Southern Pacific Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula, perfectly situated between Drake Bay and the Corcovado National Park in an area known as “Caletas” (small coves). This area of the Osa Peninsula is accessible by boat only and is one of the most remote and untouched places on Costa Rica’s entire Pacific coastline.


ABOUT DRAKE BAY
Bahia Drake is said to be named after Sir Francis Drake in the sixteenth century where he was reported to have hidden some of his treasures. Drake bay sits on the southern tip of the famous Corcovado National Park & Wildlife Reserve. The only town in Drake Bay is Agujitas with a population hovering around one thousand people. The town of Agujitas hosts a small airport that our guests fly to and from to get to the resort. Because of its remoteness, this area of Costa Rica is accessed primarily by boat and airplane. Driving to Agujitas involves many dirt roads and potential water crossings that can make driving here difficult, even with a 4X4 vehicle. The limited access by car to the Osa Peninsula has resulted in very low exposure to people. For this reason, the entire Osa Peninsula has seen very little change and is one of few locations that has a truly harmonious balanced eco-system.
MORE INSIGHT
Despite the remote location please rest assured that Copa De Arbol owns and operates a small fleet of well-maintained boats with very experienced boat captains that have been navigating the local waters for well over ten years. Those flying into Agujitas airport will be transported and loaded on to a boat located in the southern mouth of the Drake bay in Agujitas. From there, our guests are safely transported by boat to our private little cove just a few miles around the point. Arriving at the resort for the first time by boat has often been described like a scene out of fantasy island.

TRANSPORTATION
Below are some of the options to get to Copa De Arbol from the airport in San Jose. This information is intended to assist travelers that have booked complete packages as well as travelers who would like to build a custom itinerary. Please be sure to let us know which options you choose or any special needs that you may have so we can coordinate all the proper arrangements.
For incoming international flights to San Jose, we advise that your arrival is no later than 8:30-9am in the high season (mid-November – April) in order to make the connecting domestic flights, and thus, the entire trip in one day. In the low season (May – November), the regional carriers do not offer as many options, and the ones they do are quite early in the morning, so it may require an overnight stay in San Jose. If you are unable to arrive early enough in high season, or are traveling during low season, we can offer San Jose hotel recommendations.
The Quickest Way
The Other Way
AIRPLANE
The quickest way to get to Drake Bay from the airport in San Jose is by plane to either the Drake Bay or Palmar airstrips (approx. 40 minute flight). We recommend Sansa (www.flysansa.com) Sansa flies from a terminal right next door to the international airport, and is a great option if you have a tight connecting flight (Sansa is very convenient).
It should be noted that the final approach for all arrivals to Copa De Arbol is by boat – we advise you to wear shoes which are easily removed, or are able to get wet.
OPTION 1
PALMAR AIR STRIP
We will have our shuttle drive you the 15 minutes to the small river front town of Sierpe. From the dock, our private boat will take you down the stunning Sierpe mangrove estuary system where you may see crocodiles, exotic birds, and other wildlife. This river transfer is an amazing way to begin your trip. (However, it should be noted, that at times the boat ride through the river mouth can be quite challenging.) The Sierpe river empties into the Pacific ocean, and we are a short distance from the river mouth. Total travel time in the boat is approximately 1 hour.


OPTION 2
DRAKE BAY AIR STRIP
We will have our shuttle pick you up at the airport for the 15 minute drive to the small town of Drake Bay. From there, it is a 5 minute boat transfer to Copa De Arbol.
OPTION 3
CARMONA PRIVATE CHARTER
We can arrange a private charter flight with Carmona Charters, an excellent way to avoid an overnight in San Jose or travel to or from another location in Costa Rica. Please inquire for availability and rates.

BY ROAD
You can drive from San Jose to Sierpe where you can park your rental car in a secure lot for $6USD/day. This drive takes about 4½ hours on well maintained roads. Guests that pre-arrange boat transport with us will be picked up by our private boat for the trip down the estuary to Copa De Arbol. A public shuttle boat is also available with two trips per day in each direction. Departures from Sierpe to Copa De Arbol are at 11:30. Departures from Copa De Arbol to Sierpe are at 7:30.
We can also assist in arranging a private shuttle bus to or from anywhere in the country, please inquire for more info and options. If you need lodging in Sierpe or San Jose please let us know and we can share some recommendations with you.
- It should be noted that the final approach for all arrivals to Copa De Arbol is by boat – we advise you to wear shoes which are easily removed, or are able to get wet.
TRAVELLING FEES
Transportation: 13% tax will be added to all transfer rates
Drake Bay Airport to Copa De Arbol: Pick up or drop off (taxi and boat) $40 per person each way
Palmar Sur Airport to Copa De Arbol: Pick up or drop off (taxi and boat) $115 per person each way (2 person minimum)
Sierpe to Copa De Arbol: Pick up or drop off (boat only) $120 per person each way. Includes a boat ride from Sierra to the hotel, which travels through the stunning Sierra mangroves. Approximately 1 hour (2 person minimum / discounted group rate for 5 or more guests)
Domestic flight: Round trip San Jose to either Drake Bay Airport or Palmar Sur Airport $280 per person ($140.00 each way, this price may vary depending upon season)
Private Charter flight with Carmona Charters, an excellent way to avoid an overnight in San Jose or travel to or from another location in Costa Rica. Please inquire for availability and rates.
If you have questions, please contact Summer, our reservation manager in the US at 831-246-4265 or [email protected]. She will be happy to help.
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Discover Drake Bay, Costa Rica, an untouched gem of biodiversity where rainforests meet crystal-clear waters, offering a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty, unique wildlife, and local culture, all waiting to be explored.
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