Highlights
- Explore San José, Costa Rica's capital, on a guided walking tour
- Learn how to cook local delicacies in an Afro-Caribbean cooking class
- Hike through Cahuita National Park's forested and sandy paths
- Choose between two adventurous activities: river rafting or canyoning
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José, Explore | San José |
| Day 2 | Drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Take a Local Cooking Class | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 3 | Hike in Cahuita National Park, Jaguar Rescue Center Tour | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 4 | Drive to Turrialba, River Rafting or Canyoning & Night Hike | Turrialba |
| Day 5 | Drive to San José, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San José, Explore
Welcome to Costa Rica! Your driver will be waiting for you as soon as you land. Keep an eye out for a sign with your name on it, and hop in the air-conditioned minivan to start your journey into San José, Costa Rica's capital. Once you've had time to refresh, head out on a nighttime tour of the city. Meet your guide at El Social Bar in Morazán Park, where you'll learn about Costa Rica's post-colonial history before continuing to Parque España. On the way, you'll pass Edificio Metalico, one of the oldest primary schools in the country. It's a hard building to miss as it's made of 1,000 tons (900 mt) of metal.
Keep an eye out for Casa Amarilla on the way, a bright yellow building housing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Continue to the charming Barrio Escalante, one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in San José. The area, once a coffee farm, is now home to many up-and-coming restaurants. Enjoy a three-course Costa Rican meal at one of these restaurants with a wine or beer pairing to enhance the experience. If you still have some energy and want to check out the city's nightlife, your guide can recommend nearby bars or clubs. Those ready to call it a night can head back to the hotel to rest for tomorrow's adventure.
Day 2: Drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Take a Local Cooking Class
Start your day with a delicious breakfast in the hotel as you wait for your car to be delivered. Once you have it, you can begin your four-hour drive east to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a laid-back coastal town on the Caribbean coast. Puerto Viejo has tons to offer, like white-sand beaches, delicious Caribbean food, and two national parks with a variety of wildlife. You have the afternoon to yourself, so you could head to one of the many beaches in town to relax, swim, or surf if you're feeling adventurous. Drive or walk down to Playa Cocles to surf or Playa Chiquita if you just want to chill.
Once you've worked up an appetite, head to this afternoon's Afro-Caribbean cooking class, where local chefs will teach you how to cook traditional dishes rich in flavor and history. Learn more about the region's cultural identity through cooking and eating and maybe even learn a new dance move or two, as this is more than just a cooking class—it's an opportunity to connect with the local community, immerse yourself in a rich and vibrant culture, and create memories to last a lifetime.
Day 3: Hike in Cahuita National Park, Jaguar Rescue Center Tour
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Start your day with a short drive west to Cahuita National Park, an ecological haven with a unique blend of pristine shoreline and dense rainforest. The park is full of wildlife, both on land and beneath the crystalline waters, so try to start your self-guided tour as early as possible because some animals may be more active before it gets too hot out. Offer a donation as your entrance fee, and start your 5-mile (8 km) hike. With no guide to point out any animals, ensure you keep your eyes peeled, particularly for the white-faced capuchin monkeys in the trees and iguanas on the ground.
After you've had some time to relax, drive to the Jaguar Rescue Center. Despite the name, you won't find any jaguars here, but you'll encounter plenty of monkeys, sloths, birds, and even wild cats. Knowledgeable volunteers guide you through the rescue center, telling you more about the animals and their rehabilitation plans. When you're done, head back to town for dinner. Try Restaurante Johanna for Afro-Caribbean-inspired food or Chile Rojo for beachfront Asian fusion. The night doesn't have to end here. Visit local hotspots like Johnny's Place or Tasty Waves for live music and dancing.
Day 4: Drive to Turrialba, River Rafting or Canyoning & Night Hike
Say goodbye to the Caribbean coast and embark on your three-hour drive back west to the Turrialba Valley. This lively region is full of green rolling hills and fertile volcanic farmland that's ideal for growing coffee, sugar cane, and macadamia, which you have to try while you're here. On your drive, look out for the active Turrialba Volcano. This landmark is hard to miss, as it's the second-largest volcano in the country. When you arrive at your hotel, you can spend the day relaxing, or if you're feeling adventurous, choose between two optional activities: whitewater rafting or canyoning.
Whitewater rafting takes place on the Río Pacuare. Raft through the incredible rainforest on 19 miles (30 km) of class III-IV whitewater. When you can take your eyes off the rapids, admire the cascading waterfalls, exotic plants, and maybe even some wildlife on the riverbanks. If whitewater rafting isn't adventurous enough for you, canyoning might be. This adrenaline-packed activity combines hiking, rock scrambling, and rappelling down a pristine waterfall into a remote canyon. Both activities promise a memorable and immersive exploration of this captivating valley.
Day 5: Drive to San José, Depart
If you have a late flight, you can spend the day slowly driving back to San José. It's typically a 2.5-hour drive, but there are plenty of places you can stop along the way. Take a one-hour detour north if your schedule allows it to see Volcán Irazú, the only volcano taller than the one you saw in Turrialba. It's the perfect pit stop because you don't need to hike to the top; you can just drive up to view the main crater. Take a short walk down the paved walkway to see the impressive crater before continuing on your journey to San José.
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