Highlights
- Take an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting trip on the Río Pacuare
- Learn about wildlife conservation at Turrialba's Jaguar Rescue Center
- Get a taste of local culture with a private Afro-Caribbean cooking class
- Explore pristine reefs and rainforest in Cahuita National Park
- Laze on golden beaches and enjoy a luxury rainforest spa session
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Turrialba, Optional Night Hike | Turrialba |
| Day 2 | Río Pacuare Whitewater Rafting | Turrialba |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center | Puerto Viejo |
| Day 4 | Cahuita National Park Tour, Afro-Caribbean Cooking Class | Puerto Viejo |
| Day 5 | Rainforest Spa Pamper Session | Puerto Viejo |
| Day 6 | Transfer to San José, Free Afternoon | San José |
| Day 7 | Depart San José |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Turrialba, Optional Night Hike
Welcome to Costa Rica! Touch down in the thriving capital San José, a cultural hub ringed by mountains and volcanic peaks that rise from the fertile Central Valley. Meet your driver for the two-hour journey east to the town of Turrialba, famed for its namesake volcano, which is the country's second-tallest, towering 10,958 feet (3,339 m) above sea level. Along the way, soak up views of the region's jagged mountains and lush valleys.
Check into your boutique hotel, Casa Turire, just a few minutes from Turrialba town. Set among shady gardens, the property has its own sustainable farm, complete with vegetable patches, hens, and horses for riding tours. Settle into your chic suite, which features colonial-style decor, a balcony, and a Jacuzzi bath. Head down to the pool for a dip or bird watch in the gardens, then indulge in gourmet country dining at the on-site Mano de Tigre Restaurant.
This evening, you can enjoy an optional night hike in the forest for a taste of Turrialba's captivating nature. An expert guide will lead you through the woods, armed with a powerful flashlight, looking out for nocturnal creatures, including spiders, reptiles, porcupines, and armadillos.
Day 2: Río Pacuare Whitewater Rafting
Turrialba is known for its outdoor adventure activities, and today you'll get your adrenaline pumping with a whitewater rafting trip on the Río Pacuare, one of the world's top rafting spots. Your private guide will begin with a safety briefing before you gear up and complete a crash course in rafting techniques. Next, launch into the river to tackle some of the 19-mile (30 km) stretch of Class III and IV whitewater rapids.
The trip will take you through one of Costa Rica's most impressive primary rainforests, packed with exotic plants and animals. Between navigating the thrilling rapids, you'll float along serene sections of water where you can spot wildlife on the banks or even take a cooling swim. Passing through a deep canyon with cascading waterfalls is a highlight. Finally, you'll disembark and return to your hotel for a well-earned restful evening.
Day 3: Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Say goodbye to Turrialba this morning and travel three hours east to the sun-drenched Caribbean coast. Your destination is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a beach town beloved for its supreme surf breaks, fringed by mangroves and backed by thick rainforests home to native wildlife. Check into your 5-star hotel, Aguas Claras, which lies behind the pale sands of Playa Chiquita and was devised by artist Elizabeth Steinvorth.
You'll stay in one of the resort's luxury, restored beach homes; each has been individually designed with local art and has an eco-friendly focus. Relax on your veranda, swim in the pool, or head straight to the beach to dip your toes in the balmy waters. Later, you'll take a private tour of the nearby Jaguar Rescue Center, which rehabilitates native animals. Tour the facility to meet its current residents, which range from snakes to monkeys and sloths.
Day 4: Cahuita National Park Tour, Afro-Caribbean Cooking Class
Experience the Caribbean coast's natural wonders this morning with a private tour of Cahuita National Park. This protected park is renowned for its coastal rainforest, soft-sand beaches, and crystal waters, home to the country's largest coral reef system. Start with a scenic cruise to Punta Cahuita, where you'll anchor up for some snorkeling; and glimpse over 120 varieties of fish, along with stingrays, octopus, and perhaps even reef sharks among the coral.
Back on board, enjoy drinks and tropical fruit to fuel up for your rainforest hike. Your expert guide will be on the lookout for resident wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, dart frogs, iguanas, and rainbow-colored parrots. Afterward, return to your hotel to freshen up before this afternoon's exclusive Afro-Caribbean cooking class. You'll meet chefs who've inherited their culinary skills from past generations and can teach you to cook traditional Afro-Caribbean dishes steeped in local history.
During the class, discover the secrets behind signature dishes such as spicy jerk chicken, coconut rice and beans, coconut base soup, and the rich chocolate desserts for which the area is known. The chefs will also regale you with stories about their cultural heritage as you cook, finish by feasting on your creations.
Day 5: Rainforest Spa Pamper Session
Start the day with a decadent two-hour pamper session at the spa. You'll enjoy a rainforest immersion massage and tropical facial, beginning with an aromatic foot soak while you sip on a jungle elixir. Next, settle into your private, open-air treatment room for a full-body massage and facial while listening to the sounds of the jungle. The treatments feature natural ingredients such as coconut and papaya.
The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. Hit the beach or lounge by the hotel pool with a cocktail to continue the relaxation theme. If you're feeling active, take a surfing class on the black sands of Playa Negra or rent a bike to explore the area on two wheels. Puerto Viejo's lively markets are perfect for souvenir shopping and to witness local life. In the evening, dine on the beachfront under the stars at your hotel's stellar DaLime Beach Club restaurant.
Day 6: Transfer to San José, Free Afternoon
After savoring your last morning at the beach, your time on the Caribbean coast ends, and you'll take a private transfer 4.5 hours north to the capital, San José. En route, choose from optional activities, such as a trip to the Kéköldi Waterfall, where you'll hike through the forest to the falls and a 39-foot (12 m) watchtower that showcases panoramic coastal views.
Alternatively, you can take a tour to learn about the Indigenous BriBri and Cabécar communities who live in the Talamanca foothills and mountains. Upon arrival in San José, check into the elegant Hampton Inn & Suites for your final night in Costa Rica. Take a swim in the pool or head into the historic capital for a meal and to sample the buzzing nightlife.
Day 7: Depart San José
Today your Costa Rica adventure comes to an end. Take a private transfer to the airport in time for your homebound flight. Safe travels!
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