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14 Day itinerary in Costa Rica, Central America & Caribbean

A Green Adventure - Discover Sustainable Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a nature lover's paradise. Reconnect with the earth as you discover the country's immense biodiversity and preserved ecosystem. You’ll play an important role in preserving the country’s eco-system as you learn more about sustainability and preservation from local projects. Thanks to t... Read More

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Laura

By Laura

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

San José

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Meet local people

Outdoors & Nature

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Discover the region's wildlife on a night trail through the forest of Sarapiqui.

2

Bike and enjoy impressive views of the lake and the Arenal volcano

3

Walk through the jungle, waterfalls and natural hot springs of Tenorio National Park

4

Relax at Playa Hermosa

Itinerary

Mid-Range Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Welcome to Costa Rica !

Your driver will be waiting for you at Juan Santamaria International Airport, near San Jose, at an altitude of 1,150 meters in the heart of the Central Valley, to take you to your hotel.

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Tacacori Eco Lodge
Day 2

place The little Amazon of Costa Rica

Early in the morning, departure in grouped service to the must-see region of Tortuguero, on the Caribbean coast. On the way, you will first cross the lush Braulio Carrillo Park, covered with a thick tropical rainforest and irrigated by torrential rains, before following the banana plantations of which Costa Rica is one of the world's leading exporters. Depending on the water level, you will board a motorboat in La Pavona or Caño Blanco to sail between tropical flora and fauna to the lodge. Your lodge is located in the heart of Tortuguero National Park. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the gardens and swimming pool or visit the Caribbean village of Tortuguero. Info 1 : transfers in grouped service. Info 2 : possibility to go to Tortuguero by plane - contact us.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Mawamba Lodge Tortuguero
Day 3

place The little Amazon of Costa Rica

In the morning or afternoon (schedule to be confirmed on site), departure for the canals of Tortuguero National Park. This large aquatic park is completely made up of canals and lagoons in the middle of an impressive jungle, explaining its nickname of "Amazon of Costa Rica". It is through this unique and extraordinary network of rivers and marshes in the heart of the jungle that you and your guide will discover caimans, toucans, turtles, howler monkeys, parrots, sloths, iguanas and multicolored birds. During the rest of the day, you can freely enjoy the swimming pool or guided tours on the lodge's trails and along the beach, discovering the flora and fauna of the rainforest, or extra activities offered by the lodge (not included, to be booked on site). Info : possibility to observe the laying of turtles at night (from July to October) - contact us.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Mawamba Lodge Tortuguero
Day 4

place Transport from Tortuguero to Guápiles

In the morning after breakfast, you will sail to Caño Blanco or La Pavona depending on the water level, before heading back to Guápiles. Info : lunch included at Guápiles. Recovery of your rental vehicle Info : You will find in the "other services" section of your quotation, all the information about your vehicle. Drive from San Jose to Sarapiqui. Departure to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí whose forests are the refuge of tapirs, sloths, coatis and various monkeys. Approximate driving time : 2 hours. Animals come out at night ! Discover the region's wildlife on a night trail through the forest. Your local guide will help you spot alligators, frogs, nocturnal birds, snakes, spiders and much more... Approximate duration : 2 hours.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Selva Verde Lodge
Day 5

place "Palmito" tour

Short stop between Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and the town of Horquetas to visit a local farmer, Maria, and her "palmito" (palm hearts) plantation. Learn about this typically Costa-Rican cultivation and enjoy a delicious lunch (a selection of dishes made from palmito) in the end of the visit. Appriximate duration : 2 hours. Drive from Sarapiqui to Arenal. Leave for the area of La Fortuna and its impressive perfectly conical shaped Arenal volcano (1,650 meters tall). Approximate driving time : 1.5 hour. Experience the rainforest from above : the iconic hanging bridges Enjoy the rainforest from a birds' point of view, this unique way of seeing the rainforest will give you an amazing experience you will never forget ! During this 3 km trail, you will cross 15 bridges, offering breathtaking views of the lush tropical vegetation and the Arenal Volcano. Approximate duration : 2 hours hiking. Private excursion. Enjoy the guided hike included in the morning on the lodge's trails.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
Day 6

place Cycling with a view!

Cycling with a view ! Accompanied by a certified naturalist guide, set-off on a bike ride on a trail running around Lake Arenal. During the trip, you will enjoy impressive views of the lake and the volcano, and with a little luck you may be able to spot some local wildlife : various birds, monkeys and pizotes... Approximate duration : 2.5 hours. Enjoy the guided hike included in the morning on the lodge's trails.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
Day 7

place Road from Arenal to Tenorio

Departure for Miravalles (2,028 m altitude) and Tenorio (1,916 m altitude) volcanoes. Approximate driving time : 2 hours. Tenorio National Park Walk through the jungle, waterfalls and natural hot springs. Discover Rio Celeste, which is known for its turquoise blue color (intensified with the reflexion of light) caused by the minerals contained in the water. The river contrasts with the intense green tropical vegetation. The 36 km long Rio Celeste takes its source at the joining point of two rivers and flows through volcanic hot and sulfur sources before dropping as an amazing waterfall. Approximate duration : 2.5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Tenorio Lodge
Day 8

place Drive from Tenorio to La Cruz

In the morning, departure for Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste. From there you continue in the direction of the border with Nicaragua and at the village of La Cruz, you will take the road going east towards the lodge. Approximate driving time : 2 hours. Enjoy the activities included on site, to choose among : Jungle and river hike and discovery of traditional rope fishing (full day) Agro-ecological farm tour : permaculture, reforestation and medicinal plants (full day or half day) Guided walks on the property and observation of the fauna and flora (half-day) Traditional cooking workshop (tamales and corn tortillas) Ecological Soap Manufacturing Introduction to archery for children Walk and swim at the Don Dioniso waterfall (half day, $5 extra to be paid on site) Beach and snorkeling in Bahia Salinas (full day, $5 extra to be paid on site)

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Tierra Madre Eco Lodge
Day 9

place La Cruz Free Day

Free day to enjoy the region and the very good knowledge of the surroundings of your hosts. In addition to the activities included on-site, you can also book the following activities, which are not included - please contact us : Visit to the Santa Rosa National Park (full day) Introduction to kite surfing in Bahia Salinas (full day) Sailing tour in Bahia Salinas (3 hours) Zodiac Snorkeling in Bahia Salinas Enjoy the activities included on site, to choose among : Jungle and river hike and discovery of traditional rope fishing (full day) Agro-ecological farm tour : permaculture, reforestation and medicinal plants (full day or half day) Guided walks on the property and observation of the fauna and flora (half-day) Traditional cooking workshop (tamales and corn tortillas) Ecological Soap Manufacturing Introduction to archery for children Walk and swim at the Don Dioniso waterfall (half day, $5 extra to be paid on site) Beach and snorkeling in Bahia Salinas (full day, $5 extra to be paid on site)

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Tierra Madre Eco Lodge
Day 10

place Drive from La Cruz to Playa Hermosa.

You take the road towards Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste, then continue along the Pacific coast. Approximate driving time: 2 hours.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Bosque del Mar
Day 11

place Playa Hermosa Free Day

Free day to discover the beaches of the region. Please contact us for the various water activities not to be missed on site.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Bosque del Mar
Day 12

place Playa Hermosa Free Day

Free day to discover the beaches of the region. Please contact us for the various water activities not to be missed on site.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Bosque del Mar
Day 13

place Playa Hermosa Free Day

Free day to discover the beaches of the region. Please contact us for the various water activities not to be missed on site.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Bosque del Mar
Day 14

place Costa Rica Departure

In the morning, departure towards San Jose. On the way, you can take the Puente (Bridge) Tempisque to cross the Gulf of Nicoya, before taking the Panamerican highway. Note 1: 5 to 6-hour drive Note 2: place and return conditions of your rental vehicle detailed later on. Suggestion: To fly between Liberia and San Jose by plane - contact us

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Mawamba Lodge Tortuguero
  • Tacacori Eco Lodge
  • Selva Verde Lodge
  • Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
  • Tenorio Lodge
  • Tierra Madre Eco Lodge
  • Hotel Bosque del Mar

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (13)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (8)

Transport expand_less

  • Transportation on the days mentioned.

Activities expand_less

  • Activities as listed on the itinerary

Extras expand_less

  • Entrance Fees as mentioned

Not Included expand_less

  • Meal or drinks not mentioned
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal Expenses

About Laura

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 4.92 (12 reviews)

What is paradise? Sunshine, heavenly wild beaches, smiling people and nature. Living in Costa Rica was a dream! So when I had the opportunity, without hesitation, I packed my bags and here I am now, calling the country of the Pura Vida my home :)

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$4,037.00 USD