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Best for travel September to November
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Caribbean Soul of Costa Rica

Highlights

  • Quetzal spotting in the cloud forest
  • Exploring Tortuguero by water - spotting monkeys, sloths, caimans and vibrant birdlife
  • Caribbean culture, cuisine & coastline - hiking the Gandoca–Manzanillo Reserve to hands-on Caribbean cooking lesson

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What you'll do

Overview

Begin in San José, easing into Costa Rica before ascending into the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, home to the resplendent quetzal. Continue to the fertile Turrialba Valley, shaped by volcanoes and rural life, before descending to the waterways and rainforest of Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast.

From here, travel south to the laid-back beaches of Puerto Viejo and Punta Cocles, rich in Afro-Caribbean culture and flavour, before returning to the Central Valley for a final night surrounded by coffee plantations in Santa Bárbara de Heredia.

Tour Summary:
Day 1: San Jose
Day 2 & 3: San Gerardo de Dota
Day 4 & 5: Turrialba
Day 6 & 7: Tortuguero National Park
Day 8 - 10: Punta Cocles
Day 11: Santa Barbara de Heredia

Begin in San José, easing into Costa Rica before ascending into the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, home to the resplendent quetzal. Continue to the fertile Turrialba Valley, shaped by volcanoes and rural life, before descending to the waterways and rainforest of Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast.

From here, travel south to the laid-back beaches of Puerto Viejo and Punta Cocles, rich in Afro-Caribbean culture and flavour, before returning to the Central Valley for a final night surrounded by coffee plantations in Santa Bárbara de Heredia.

Tour Summary:
Day 1: San Jose
Day 2 & 3: San Gerardo de Dota
Day 4 & 5: Turrialba
Day 6 & 7: Tortuguero National Park
Day 8 - 10: Punta Cocles
Day 11: Santa Barbara de Heredia

This immersive journey reveals a side of Costa Rica that many travellers never reach — where misty cloud forests, volcanic landscapes and the Caribbean’s Afro-Caribbean culture blend into something deeply authentic. Moving at a considered pace, you’ll travel from cool mountain air and quetzal-filled forests to jungle waterways alive with wildlife, before unwinding on palm-fringed beaches where life is lived to a distinctly Caribbean rhythm.

Walking with expert naturalist guides, cooking with locals, exploring by boat and on foot, and staying in characterful boutique hotels that reflect their surroundings. It’s Costa Rica beyond the highlights — personal, soulful and refreshingly real.

Please note:
This is a private itinerary but on some experiences throughout the tour you may join a small group.
Accommodation will be reserved at time of booking. Depending on availability there may be changes to similar accommodation.

Arrival Day

Welcome to Costa Rica, one of the happiest places on earth.

Your driver will meet you at the exit of the San Jose International Airport. He will welcome you to our country, introduce you to your coming adventure, and will drive you to your hotel for the first night in Costa Rica!

San Jose, affectionately known to its residents as ‘Chepe’, lies in the heart of Costa Rica and is home to almost two-thirds of the country’s population. With few buildings over 100 years old, the mountainous capital is relatively modern compared to its Latin American counterparts, but still has a significant amount of culture, art and history for visitors to discover. With a number of theatres full of Costa Rican culture, museums that include the largest collection of American jade in the world, and streets full of bright murals and painted buses, San Jose is an eclectic city waiting to be experienced.

Accommodation: Hotel Grano De Oro

Meals: None

Irazu Volcano National Park

You will visit the highest volcano of Costa Rica, over 3400 meters above sea level. The last time Irazú erupted was in the first half of the 1960’s, when it constantly threw ashes for four years covering the cities of Cartago and San José. Today, as you travel along the southern slope of the volcano to the park, the potato, onion, and cabbage fields give way to dairy farms at higher elevation. The summit of Volcán Irazú have three craters rimmed by gnarled, scorched trees, and lined with a brilliantly coloured rain fed mineral pool, where you can easily imagine yourself walking on the moon.

Your journey continues as you travel into San Gerardo de Dota, and it’s breath-taking beauty. One of Costa Rica’s favourite bird watching destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Talamanca Mountain Range and cradled by the Savegre River Valley, this lovely village is surrounded by lush oak tropical cloud forest and subalpine rain paramo covered peak. As you explore this idyllic setting, keep an eye out for the extraordinary Quetzal, a stunning bird known for its colourful plumage.

The small town of San Gerardo de Dota is strung along a quiet road in the Talamanca Mountains roughly three hours from the capital, San Jose. One of the main attractions here is Los Quetzales National Park, famous among the world’s bird watching fraternity as  one of the best places to view the resplendent quetzal, with its vivid green and red plumage that has earned it a reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful birds. For exercise and outdoor enthusiasts, hiking is a must-do activity in the region, with fantastic paths leading through the national park and across the Rio Savregre.

Accommodation: Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa

Meals: Breakfast

Bird Watching

Today you’re going for a search for the spectacular and one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas, the Quetzal.

The morning begins early. You will meet your guide for a coffee before the hike begins at 6am. Since San Gerardo de Dota is home to a large population of this bird your guide will bring you along to try to spot them.

It’s a magical experience to see one of the male Quetzal with their metallic green plumage and steamer-like long feathers.

Accommodation: Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa

Meals: Breakfast

Travel to Turrialba stopping at a Wildlife Refuge

Today you drive to the Turrialba Valley, a city that was once the gateway to the Atlantic coast, and now it’s an important agricultural region and tourism destination. Turrialba is named after the volcano (Torre=tower and alba=white). The volcano sits at 3,328 m along the southeast end of the Central Volcanic Corridor and at the moment is the country’s most active volcano.

Stop over: you will visit The Wildlife Refuge La Marta. A protected area that is approximately 1518 hectares. Surrounded by five rural communities whose main activities are subsistence farming and ranching, the refuge provides a great natural barrier to stop the expansion of deforestation. It is also the gateway to the National Park La Amistad and Death Tapantí Massif , two of the 12 protected areas that make up the large block of territory incorporated into the Biosphere Reserve of Friendship and Natural World Heritage Site , nominations international awarded to the Cordillera de Talamanca by UNESCO. Once a coffee plantation, the visit is also a historical one, as you will be able to see the ruins of one of the most important coffee processing systems of the early 1900´s. Of course, the bio-diversity is great so this is not only a bird watching tour, but a wildlife searching walk with great history and culture!

Turrialba is situated in the Costa Rican Cartago Province, the small city of Turrialba is home to flourishing agriculture, textile, and tourism industries. Renowned for its amazing white water rafting, visitors can enjoy thrilling excursions down the Pacuare and Reventazon Rivers. This city serves as the gateway to the Costa Rican Caribbean and has been declared as a city of National Archaeological Interest. Visitors can explore the largely undiscovered Turrialba Volcano National Park, home of the active Turrialba Volcano; discover Costa Rica’s only pre-Columbian ruins at Guayabo, and sample some delicious locally-made Turrialba cheese.

Accommodation: Hotel Casa Turire

Meals: Breakfast

Hiking to Bosque Quemado

Hiking to Bosque Quemado in Turrialba is like stepping into another world.

The trail takes you through a striking volcanic landscape, where the remnants of past eruptions have left behind a ghostly yet beautiful forest. Along the way, you’ll walk among scorched trees standing tall against the misty backdrop, with stunning views of the Turrialba Volcano.

The contrast of blackened trunks, fresh greenery, and rugged terrain makes this hike a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s an adventure that feels both surreal and awe-inspiring—perfect for those who love exploring nature’s raw beauty.

Accommodation: Hotel Casa Turire

Meals: Breakfast

Travel to the Caribbean Coast

Transfer to the Caribbean Coast.

The drive is very scenic as you cross the green mountains that divide Turrialba and the Caribbean Coast. Tortuguero is today’s destination, the fascinating canals of the Caribbean coast, considered the Costa Rican Amazon.

Your boat will take you up to this area, with its extensive system of canals, and to the lodge where you will spend the next two nights.

Your guide will give you detailed explanations of this complex Eco-system. Miles of untouched Caribbean beaches also offer the opportunity to see (when in season) the green sea turtle nesting, the world’s  second largest sea turtle in the world.

July through October is the nesting season for the green sea turtle! You can’t obviously guarantee a wild animal sighting, but you can increase your chances! A couple of months after the nesting season you have the hatching season.

Tortuguero National Park is an exuberant blanket of dense rainforest encompasses over 77 000 acres on the northeastern coast of Costa Rica at Tortuguero National Park, a biodiverse wonderland and sanctuary for a rich array of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, sloths, and an astonishing variety of bird species. The park’s name, meaning “Land of Turtles,” highlights its significance as a nesting ground for several sea turtle species, most notably the endangered green turtles. A network of canals weaves through the lush rainforest, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore by boat or kayak, immersing themselves in the park’s unparalleled natural beauty. Pristine beaches, vibrant mangroves, and dense forests make Tortuguero National Park a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists, where adventure and ecological wonders intertwine harmoniously.

Accommodation: Manatus Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Tortuguero Canals

A full day to explore the Tortuguero area awaits you. A floating trip on the canals is a great opportunity to see a big variety of birds, reptiles, monkeys, and butterflies.

You could hike to Tortuguero Hill for a spectacular view of the area if you are fit to climb a short but steep trail.  Or you can just canoe on the canals to enhance your experience with the exuberant nature of the park.

During the afternoon you will visit the little town of Tortuguero and the museum of the green sea turtle, the world’s second largest sea turtle, and the animal that makes this area so special. Tortuguero is the most important nesting site in the western hemisphere for the endangered green turtle. The area offers you miles of untouched Caribbean beaches that, apart from being beautiful and relaxing to explore, share with you plenty of opportunities to see (when in season) the actual nesting of the turtle.

Accommodation: Manatus Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

*Sea turtle tour can be booked locally

Travel to the South Caribbean

Your holiday in Costa Rica continues: after breakfast, you will get back on the boat through the canals so you can re-join your driver and head to the South Caribbean.

Then, you will have the rest of the afternoon and night to enjoy the relaxing Caribbean mood, their music and gastronomy, as you reach one of the best beaches in Costa Rica.

Your accommodation based in Punta Cocles which is located just south of the bustling beach town of Puerto Viejo along the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, Punta Cocles is an exquisite Caribbean beach paradise. Dubbed the capital of this coastal region, it features 3-kilometres of soft golden sand fringed by swaying palms and lapped by warm crystalline waters. Visitors come here to indulge in seaside relaxation and discover the natural glory of the rainforest. Enjoy a thrilling surf, explore the unspoilt underwater wonderland of colourful coral reefs inhabited by exotic marine life, take a stroll along the coastal trail, spot monkeys playing in the trees, and see a host of tropical birdlife as well as sloths, green iguanas and crabs. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the amazing Cahuita National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Talamanca Indian Reserve.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Aguas Claras Puerto Viejo

Meals: Breakfast

Manzanillo Hike

After meeting your local guide in Manzanillo, you will hike this amazing refuge.

It was created in 1985, to protect both marine (4,436 hectares) and coastal land areas (5,013 hectares). It also integrates the people whose traditional lifestyle has always been to care for their natural environment, so it has some residential/ecotourism zones.

Manzanillo is located near the south eastern border with Panama in the Limon Province of Costa Rica, the unspoilt fishing village of Manzanillo is an excellent location for outdoor adventure. Located inside the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife and Marine Refuge, the town is subject to strict development restrictions, and, as a result, is relatively quiet. Pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear ocean waters, and lush jungle beckon. Adventurous travellers may want to contact Nature Observatories to book a guided hike through the jungle, a canopy tour, or even stay in the jungle in an open treehouse overnight, while water lovers will find plenty of swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and diving opportunities available. Finally, Manzanillo is steeped in Afro-Caribbean culture.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Aguas Claras Puerto Viejo

Meals: Breakfast

Caribbean cooking class

A Caribbean cooking class in Limon is a fun and flavourful way to connect with the local culture.

Guided by a local cook, you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Afro-Caribbean dishes using fresh ingredients and local spices. From coconut rice and plantains to rich, spicy chicken, the recipes reflect the vibrant flavours of the region. The experience is hands-on, relaxed, and filled with stories about food, family, and traditions.

At the end, you’ll sit down to enjoy the meal you helped prepare—a delicious reward and a taste of the Caribbean you won’t forget.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Aguas Claras Puerto Viejo

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Travel to the Central Valley

Transfer back to the Central Valley, Santa Barbara de Heredia, for your last night in Costa Rica.

Situated northeast of the city of Alajuela in beautiful Costa Rica, Santa Barbara de Heredia is known for its thriving agricultural industry. The town is surrounded by extensive herb farms and photogenic coffee plantations. The Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation, a Spanish-style eco-centre, is an excellent location for tastings, white water rafting, and many other activities – within the gorgeous setting of lush valleys and rolling hills. Visitors can also enjoy an array of adventure activities in the town and its surroundings including horse riding, hiking along a network of scenic trails, and nature walks to magnificent waterfalls. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a day trip to the nearby Braulio Carrillo National Park to view the jaw-dropping Barva Volcano.

A good last experience of authentic Costa Rica, in a combination of a sustainable forested coffee farm, and cuisine that creatively honours the culinary traditions of the coffee highlands.

The richness of the local culture, steaming volcanoes, cloud forests and the splendour of the abundant nature surrounding!

Accommodation: Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort

Meals: Breakfast

 

Departure

Farewell to Costa Rica.

Transfer out to SJO Airport in San José, say good bye to your new friends.

Have a safe flight home.

What's included

Included

  • Private transfers from and to the airport
  • 11 nights accommodation
  • 1 night San Jose - BB*
  • 2 nights San Gerardo de Dota - BB
  • 2 nights Turrialba - BB
  • 2 nights Tortuguero National Park - FB*
  • 3 nights Punta Cocles - BB
  • 1 night Santa Barbara de Heredia - BB
  • Irazu Volcano National Park
  • Trogon Quetzal Quest (bird watching)
  • Visit La Marta Wildlife Refuge
  • Bosque Quemado volcano hike
  • Visit La Marta Wildlife Refuge
  • Tortuguero Canals and Village
  • Manzanillo Reserve hike
  • Caribbean Cooking Lessons
  • *BB - Breakfast included
  • *FB - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation

Hotel Grano De Oro - Standard Room (or similar)

In Costa Rica, the term “Grano de Oro” is used to refer to the coffee bean, their “Grain of Gold”. The founders of this boutique hotel fell in love with the idea that such a small fruit could be so valuable.

Hotel Grano de Oro was started by a Canadian couple who frequented Costa Rica for vacation. They loved the natural beauty of the country and the people, and in particular the metropolitan city of San Jose. They found that San José was lacking an upscale boutique-style hotel, offering a unique, personalized service – in other words a “Grain of Gold”. With this in mind, the search for the perfect house to be renovated began.

The original tropical Victorian home, which is now known as the Grano de Oro, was a private family residence belonging to the Pozuelo family, built at the turn of the 20th century.

The Hotel Grano de Oro opened its doors in December of 1991, with 21 guest rooms, a gift shop and a modest café. Quickly gaining recognition from local and international agencies for its unique personality and great service, the hotel became a landmark within the city.

Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa - Junior Suite (or similar)

The Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa is located in the central valley, near San Jose. The hotel lies in San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca Mountains, in the midst of a precious ecosystem.

The beautiful village of San Gerardo de Dota offers fresh mountain air, outstanding cloud forests, some of the best bird watching in the country and amazing peach, plum and apple orchards.

Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa offers 20 standard rooms and 30 Junior Suite rooms, a bar and restaurant, day spa, conference room, laundry service, shuttle service, tours and related activities, as well as the beautiful gardens and impressive private reserve with its extensive network of trails.

Hotel Casa Turire - Standard Deluxe Room (or similar)

Casa Turire Hotel is located in the agricultural region of Turrialba and features stunning views of the Turrialba volcano. There are two trails located on the property as well as a farm with goats, chickens, horses and our vegetable garden.

The hotel features a gourmet restaurant which serves traditional Costa Rican and international dishes using the concept from farm to table.

A small bar serving drink and Happy Hour, the indoor patio is often a great place for afternoon coffee and tables games.

Horse back riding tours, cooking classes, cocktail classes as well as Yoga.

Accommodation is available in deluxe standard rooms, suites & master suites which include modern amenities. These include hair dryer, A/C, coffee maker with complimentary coffee, satellite TV, ceiling fans, safety box, and a telephone.

All guest rooms feature a private bathroom and balcony with beautiful views of the hotel gardens, pool area or the Angostura Lake.

Manatus Hotel - Luxury Suite (or similar)

Located in prime location in the majestic Tortuguero jungles and lagoons.

Manatus Hotel is a boutique hotel set in lush tropical gardens, there are 12 luxurious rooms which have A/C, 2 queen-sized beds and an outdoor private patio.

The restaurant surrounded by the exotic and romantic jungle of Tortuguero, serves delicious Caribbean fusion food a la carte.

Amenities include an outdoor pool with a splendid view of Tortuguero´s main channel, spa services upon request, wildlife waterway tours and Wi-Fi.

Look to stay during our green season on the months of September, October and November that match with the Turtles migrations as well as summer days on the Caribbean coast.

Boutique Hotel Aguas Claras Puerto Viejo - One Bedroom Bungalow (or similar)

Hotel Aguas Claras is a special oasis, filled with art, soul and a true sense of place.

This is the heartbeat of Hotel Aguas Claras: An Artist’s life work. Manifested as a boutique, luxury hotel in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. With our privileged, “ocean-side” beach access to Playa Chiquita, Hotel Aguas Claras is truly the best spot the South Caribbean Coast has to offer.

One Bedroom Bungalow
The most popular choice for couples who seek privacy, ample space to stretch out and easy-going Caribbean Living.

Each luxury bungalow is a playful expression of Aguas Claras’ signature Caribbean-cool and eclectic decor style.

Here, you’ll cherish the indoor-outdoor living spaces and private verandas for laid-back lounging.

Find your vibe in 50 sq.m (540 sq.ft) of private living space, hidden amongst lush gardens for complete privacy.

*Feel free to enjoy your wellness therapies on your private verandas in the open air, hidden by our gardens.

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort - El Cafetal Junior Suite (or similar)

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort is situated 15 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Surrounded by coffee plantations, volcanoes and lush gardens, Finca Rosa Blanca is a renowned hideaway, famous for its organic gourmet cuisine, superior comfort and service to its guests.

El Cafetal - Junior Suite named for the expansive views of the coffee plantations and its accompanying mural of the countryside, features a sumptuous King- size bed, a Jacuzzi bathtub large enough for two overlooking the valley and a fabulous tiled bathroom which is filled with natural light. Guests can enjoy the sunset from the private deck which is suspended over the flowing landscape with splendid views of the local pueblo.

Each Junior Suite at Finca Rosa Blanca features unique luxury with handcrafted furniture, murals and original artwork throughout.
• One King Sized Bed and One Sofa Bed.
• Spacious bathroom with Shower and Jacuzzi bathtub.
• Private Outdoor Deck.
• Ceiling fans, Minibar, Hairdryer, French Press Coffeemaker with Complimentary Finca Rosa Blanca Shade-Grown Organic Coffee, Iron and Ironing Board, Laptop-sized safe, Locally Made Organic Soaps, Lotions, Shampoos, Robes, Slippers,

Your local host

Roberto

I was born and raised in Costa Rica and have lived here my entire life. And ever since I could, I’ve been travelling the world. Soon after I left school, I travelled around Costa Rica and discovered every single part of it! Although, we do have a fairly small country, there’s an insane amount to explore, and I’m still exploring it today, seeking out new hiking trails, new lagoons, different viewpoints, that take you to places you hadn’t even knew existed before, it really is fascinating.

Due that passion for discovery and exploring new places eating away at me, I started my immersive travel company with a friend over 18 years ago  and began having way too much fun helping people discover my wonderful count... Read All

I was born and raised in Costa Rica and have lived here my entire life. And ever since I could, I’ve been travelling the world. Soon after I left school, I travelled around Costa Rica and discovered every single part of it! Although, we do have a fairly small country, there’s an insane amount to explore, and I’m still exploring it today, seeking out new hiking trails, new lagoons, different viewpoints, that take you to places you hadn’t even knew existed before, it really is fascinating.

Due that passion for discovery and exploring new places eating away at me, I started my immersive travel company with a friend over 18 years ago  and began having way too much fun helping people discover my wonderful country and the countries around it!

We choose destinations that are not the same as all the other tour companies out there, those that are emerging or have something special about them, that most people don’t know about, we work with local companies that employ real locals and we choose hotels that are sustainable and have a positive impact on their environment.

We always ensure the people we work with are committed to sustainability, it’s our mission to spread the wealth of tourism, to make sure that the money from tourism is kept in the local communities so that the destination can be developed and conserved as a beautiful place to visit.

 

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