Highlights
- Choose between hiking trails in Parque Nacional Volcán Turrialba
- Visit a local farm in Turrialba and participate in harvesting crops
- Meet Tortuguero's locals and learn about their blend of rich cultures
- Get up close to native animals like sloths at the Jaguar Rescue Center
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José, Transfer to Turrialba, Free Time | Turrialba |
| Day 2 | Whitewater Rafting Excursion on the Río Pacuare | Turrialba |
| Day 3 | Rappel Down a Canyon, Visit a Local Farm | Turrialba |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Tortuguero, History & Culture Tour of the Village | Tortuguero |
| Day 5 | Boat Tour of Tortuguero National Park, Turtle Nesting Tour | Tortuguero |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Explore at Leisure | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 7 | Explore the Underwater Wonders of Cahuita National Park | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 8 | Chocolate Tour at a Local Plantation, Enjoy a Free Afternoon | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 9 | Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 10 | Transfer to San José, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San José, Transfer to Turrialba, Free Time
Welcome to San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer 2-3 hours to the city of Turrialba, located in the lush highlands. When you arrive, check in at your hotel and get ready to explore the city at your own pace. If you're not too tired, visit Parque Nacional Volcán Turrialba, home to an active volcano. Choose from a range of hiking trails to discover the park's volcanic craters, fumaroles, and geological formations. Depending on the volcano's activity, you can even hike to its summit.
Those who want a more relaxed activity can go on a coffee tour, as the climate and altitude of the highlands are ideal for cultivating high-quality coffee beans. Visit a local plantation and learn about the entire coffee-making process, from planting and harvesting to roasting and brewing. Many tours also offer hands-on activities, like picking ripe coffee cherries, grinding roasted coffee beans, and enjoying a guided tasting session to evaluate the different flavors and aromas. In the evening, visit a local restaurant to indulge in traditional dishes like sopa de albóndigas (meatball soup).
Day 2: Whitewater Rafting Excursion on the Río Pacuare
Today's activity is sure to be memorable as you transfer to the Río Pacuare, one of the top rivers for whitewater rafting in the world. When you arrive, complete a safety briefing and a crash course in paddling basics. Then, grab your equipment and jump into a raft to navigate 19 miles (30 km) of Class III-IV rapids. As you navigate the river's twists and turns, you'll be surrounded by lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife like colorful toucans and elusive sloths.
Take a break from the adrenaline-packed ride as you pass through a dramatic canyon, where you can stop for a refreshing dip amid the lush vegetation and crystal-clear cascades. Drift slowly through the calm waters and enjoy the scenery before returning to the raft to complete your journey. At the end, you'll disembark and transfer back to your hotel to enjoy a free evening in the city. If you want to experience Costa Rican nightlife, visit a local bar to try refreshing cocktails made with guaro (sugar cane spirit).
Day 3: Rappel Down a Canyon, Visit a Local Farm
Start your day with another adrenaline-packed activity as you transfer to a nearby canyon to rappel down it. Learn about the basics of rappelling and grab your safety equipment before beginning the descent. As you navigate the canyon, you'll encounter cascading waterfalls, natural pools, and steep rock faces to add to the adventure. The thrill of the descent will be complemented by uninterrupted views of the surrounding rainforest and volcanic landscapes. When you reach the bottom, celebrate your accomplishment, then transfer to a local farm for lunch.
Once you're refueled, you're ready to visit a hardworking farming family to learn about their daily tasks. You can participate in a variety of activities, such as feeding the animals, planting seeds, harvesting crops, and learning about the livestock. End your visit with a delicious dinner with the family so you can learn more about their culture and daily lives. After three hours on the farm, transfer back to your hotel for the night.
Day 4: Transfer to Tortuguero, History & Culture Tour of the Village
Say goodbye to Turrialba this morning as you transfer to Tortuguero, a remote village on the Caribbean coast. The only way to get to the village is by boat or plane, so your three-hour transfer will include a leisurely boat ride along the network of winding canals and lagoons. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife like capuchin monkeys, caimans, and sloths. When you arrive, check in at your hotel and get ready for a guided tour of the area.
As you walk through the village, you'll see a blend of Indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and Central American influences. Learn about the different cultures as you chat with the locals and discover how the region shifted from turtle hunting to turtle conservation and ecotourism. You'll also hear firsthand accounts of life in this remote coastal village, including stories of turtle nesting seasons, fishing traditions, and community celebrations. After the two-hour tour, enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
Day 5: Boat Tour of Tortuguero National Park, Turtle Nesting Tour
Discover why Tortuguero is often called the "Amazon of Costa Rica" on today's boat trip through the calm waters of Tortuguero National Park. As your guide expertly navigates the extensive network of canals, rivers, and lagoons, keep an eye out for caimans silently floating by, monkeys swinging through the branches, and turtles basking in the sunlight. You're sure to see plenty of birds as well as there are over 400 species in the national park, including toucans, parrots, herons, and the rare great green macaw. After two hours on the water, enjoy some free time back at your hotel.
If you're visiting between July and October, you'll spend the evening watching turtles lay their eggs on the beach. Meet with your small group at a dispatch point and wait for a tracker to report a turtle arriving. Then, make your way to the designated spot and watch as the turtle emerges from the ocean to laboriously dig its nest in the sand and lay dozens of eggs, which can take 1-3 hours. Flashlights are banned, and movement is kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing these vulnerable creatures. When the turtle is done nesting, leave the beach to make way for the next group.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Explore at Leisure
Discover more of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast today as you transfer three hours by boat and minivan to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. This vibrant town is known for its relaxed, reggae-infused culture, pristine beaches, and abundant natural beauty. When you arrive, check in at your hotel, then enjoy some free time to explore the area at your own pace. If you just want to relax, head to Playa Negra, named after its black volcanic sand, or the more secluded Playa Chiquita. Those who want to try their hand at surfing can visit Playa Cocles, known for its strong, consistent waves.
For a more active adventure, rent a bike and cycle around town or head to Cahuita National Park for a self-guided hike. There's only one 4.9-mile (8 km) well-marked trail, so you'll easily be able to navigate the park on your own. The trek starts in the tropical rainforest, where you'll encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, and a variety of bird species. Continue along the white sand beach, enjoying panoramic views of the coastline. Cool off with a refreshing dip before completing the hike and returning to town.
Day 7: Explore the Underwater Wonders of Cahuita National Park
If you didn't get to visit Cahuita National Park yesterday, don't worry; you'll have plenty of time to explore its underwater wonders today. Spend two hours snorkeling in the warm Caribbean waters to search for a dazzling array of colorful fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and clownfish, darting among the corals. Keep an eye out for sea turtles gracefully swimming by and the occasional glimpse of playful dolphins or even the elusive nurse sharks.
Then, dry off on the white sands of Playa Cahuita before making your way to Cahuita Point. Along the way, you'll stop at different beaches to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters. You may also see wildlife like howler monkeys, sloths, anteaters, and raccoons. After five hours in the park, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy a free evening. Make your way to a beachfront bar to savor a drink while listening to live music and the sound of waves, or just indulge in a delicious dinner featuring local delights like rondón (a stew made with coconut milk, yuca, fish, and vegetables).
Day 8: Chocolate Tour at a Local Plantation, Enjoy a Free Afternoon
Costa Rica is renowned for its high-quality chocolate, as its tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil create the perfect environment for growing cacao trees. Today, you'll learn about the country's long-standing tradition of cacao cultivation on a tour of a local plantation. As you walk through the grounds surrounded by the sweet aroma of chocolate in various stages of production, you'll learn about the cacao plant and its fruit. Watch as your guide cuts open a pod to reveal the fruity pulp and seeds inside. Try the sweet pulp, then roast the seeds to bring out the chocolate flavor.
The entire chocolate-making process can take several days, but you'll get to take part in some of the steps to produce your own delicious bar. This kind of chocolate has a range of health benefits, such as improving blood flow and reducing inflammation, so you can eat as much as you want! Following the 2.5-hour tour, you're free to explore more of the town on your own. Visit a local market to shop for souvenirs or make your way to Punta Uva, a pristine beach known for its turquoise waters, white sand, and gentle waves.
Day 9: Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center
Your penultimate day in Costa Rica is free for you to spend as you wish. Consider a visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center, a sanctuary that rehabilitates injured or orphaned native wildlife, such as spider monkeys, sloths, jaguarundis, toucans, iguanas, and snakes. When you arrive, you'll be greeted by a knowledgeable guide who'll teach you about the different animals' journeys and the center's efforts to release them back into the wild when possible. After getting an up-close look at the different animals, grab a drink at the on-site café before returning to town to explore or relax on the beach.
Day 10: Transfer to San José, Depart
Leave the Caribbean coast behind this morning as you set off on a 4-5-hour transfer back to the airport in San José. The drive will take you through lush rainforests, coffee plantations, and charming towns, offering a glimpse at local life. Keep an eye out for wildlife like colorful birds and monkeys in the trees. As you approach the capital, watch the landscape transform from pristine natural beauty into vibrant urban streets. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check in and catch your flight home. Safe travels!
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