Discover Costa Rica South and Central Pacific

Highlights

  • Hike in the Corcoval National Park - one of the most biodiverse places on earth
  • Snorkel with marine life at Cano Island
  • Enjoy beachside glamping on remote and beautiful Isla Chiquita
From £4050 pp*
Trip Dates
Please select
Trip Dates
Please select
Guests
Please select
Room #
Adults
12+
- +
Children
- +
Guests
Please select
Request Availabilty

14 Nights

Trip Dates
Request Availability'

Trip Dates

Please select
Clear dates

Guests

Room #
Adults
12+
- +
Children
- +

What you'll do

Overview

This immersive Costa Rica Tour takes you to the country's most stunning locations, where you'll experience some of the most captivating natural sights that Central America has to offer.

Tour summary:

Day 1: San Jose
Day 2 and 3:  San Gerardo De Dota
Day 4-6: Drake Bay
Day 7-11: Manuel Antonio
Day 12 and 13: Puntarenas
Day 14: Santa Barbara de Heredia
Day 15: Departure

...Read All

Begin your adventure

Arrive in San Jose and you will be met and taken to your hotel for your first night in San José.

The hotel  Parque del Lago is a comfortable hotel close to the airport where you can relax and be ready for your adventure to start first thing in the morning.

Accommodation: Parque Del Lago Hotel

Meals: None

San Jose to San Gerardo, Dota

This Morning you will be collected by your guide and driver. The first stop on your journey will be the Irazú National Park, home to the still active Irazú Volcano. At 3400 meters above sea level this is the highest volcano in Costa Rica. Here you’ll take a short hike up to the top of the majestic crater of the volcano, and see the amazing views inside the crater.

Later on, you’ll visit the colonial capital of the country San José, with the opportunity to explore her beautif...Read All

Dota

Today will start off with a guided morning hike in the forest to find one of the most exotic and beautiful birds in the world, the Resplendent Quetzal.

For the rest of the day you have the opportunity to explore more areas of  the Tropical Cloud Forest and visit the local indigenous village of San Gerardo.

This picturesque village is the perfect opportunity to explore and interact with the locals with our Authentic community experience, visiting various families of Providencia,...Read All

Journey to Drake Bay

Today you will explore the different ecosystems of the country as you leave the cloud forests of Dota and make your way to Drake bay

Your next destination will be one of the most exciting experiences of nature in the country, within the lowlands rainforest where the climate is tropical.

On your journey there, you’ll drive through the Subalpine Paramo, pass the Mangrove swamps of the local town of Sierpe before arriving at  the Pacific coastline.

En route, you will ...Read All

Sail to Caño Island

Today you’ll take a boat trip to the wonderful, untouched Caño Island  the gem of the South Pacific of Costa Rica! The waters around Cano island are renowned as one of the worlds best snorkelling and diving areas, with amazing coral reefs and some of the most abundant and varied marine life in the world.

The island itself has Pre Columbian architectural remains and it is believed to have once been a pirate hideout and some say it was the inspiration for Robert Stevenson’s...Read All

Corcovado National Park

Today you will visit the Osa Península and Corcovado National Park.

These are considered the most biologically diverse places on Earth and the jewel on the crown of Costa Rica’s national parks! A must see for wildlife and nature lovers, Corcovado is one of the less accessible parks in Costa Rica, and this means less tourists visit this area, making it all the more appealing.

This wild, untamed region is home to the only tropical primary lowland rainforest in the world and...Read All

Travel from Drake Bay to Manuel Antonio

Today you will start with a boat tour with your local guide through the Sierpe River and its mangrove. The Sierpe area is recognised by its canal system and is surrounded by a lush, mangrove forest and known for its biodiversity.

After your boat ride you will head to the Central Pacific area of the country.

On the way, you will stop at the spherical stones park. The archaeological site of Palmar Sur is located in the Diquís Delta, in the southern part of the Puntarenas Province...Read All

Si Como No Resort and Wildlife Refuge - Manuel Antonio

During your stay in Manuel Antonio on one of the days you will take part in a Costa Rican Cooking class. At a local ranch you will take a tour of the garden to gather herbs and spices and learn about the recipes and techniques of Costa Rican cooking, and then enjoy the wonderful authentic lunch.

Then you will learn the dripped coffee making technique to prepare your coffee the typical way, and for those who prefer tea, you can pick the aromatic leaves of plants and trees within the gar...Read All

Glamping on the Isla Chiquita - Central Pacific Coast

After breakfast on day 12, you will be transferred to Puntarenas in the Central Pacific area. You will board the ferry boat that takes you across the Nicoya Gulf, and as you approach Isla Chiquita from the water, you will be struck by the lush foliage covering this tiny island. Once you’ve arrived and been shown to your high-quality glamping tent nestled amidst the trees, looking out to the Gulf, you’ll be  immersed in the nature surrounding you.

Children and adults alike will rel...Read All

Transfer back to San Jose

After breakfast you will be transferred from the island to Central Valley for your last day in Costa Rica.

Finca Rosa Blanca is a friendly boutique eco-resort set within a coffee farm plantation only 25 minutes from the international airport.

Accommodation: Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort

Meals: Breakfast

Departure Day

It’s time to say goodbye to Costa Rica and head back to San Jose airport, with amazing memories of your wonderful Costa Rican adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • Private transfers from and to the airport
  • 14 Overnight stays with Breakfast each day
  • 1 night Parque del Lago Boutique San Jose BB*
  • 2 nights Trogon Lodge, Dota BB
  • 3 nights Aguila de Osa Inn, Drake Bay FB*
  • 5 nights Eco Lodge Si Como No, Manuel Antonio BB
  • 2 nights Isla Chiquita Luxury Glamping BB
  • 1 night Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort BB
  • Guided tour of Dota Cloud forest, community visit and lunch
  • Private transfers and shared Boat trip to Drake Bay
  • Boat trip and snorkel adventure at Cano Island with lunch
  • Guided tour of Corcavado national park with lunch
  • Boat tour with a local guide through the Sierpe River
  • Costa Rican cooking class including lunch
  • Land and boat transfers to Isla Chiquita
  • *BB - Breakfast Included
  • *FB - Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Accommodation

Parque Del Lago Hotel - Executive Room (or similar)

Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel is located 20 minutes from the Juan Santamaria International Airport and in close proximity to San Jose. The hotel offers 24-hour front desk, free parking, concierge, laundry and dry cleaning. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.

Accommodation includes air-conditioning, cable TV, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, security box and free Wi-Fi.

Trogon Lodge - Standard Room (or similar)

Trogon Lodge is simple but stylish, and the comfortable guest rooms are set in exuberant cloud forest gardens. The terrain around is a rugged and hilly collage of green trees and mountains. It’s a peaceful setting at 2,200m above sea level, where you will be soothed by the sounds of the river below.

There's a shared terrace with rocking chairs, where you can relax to observe the birds flitting through the foliage and the location in is one of Costa Rica's key areas for sighting the resplendent quetzal.

The lodge includes a botanic garden, a swimming pool and a bar and restaurant which features a shaded veranda, its gardens produce much of the fresh fruit and vegetables used in the restaurant and there is a trout pond, ensuring fresh fish is always on the menu.

Aguila de Osa - Standard Room (or similar)

Nestled amid jungle covered hillside overlooking the tranquil waters of Drake Bay, Aguila de Osa is a jungle Eco Lodge close to  the beautiful Corcovado National Park and Caño Island Biological Marine Reserve.

There are amazing wildlife spotting opportunities and many water and land based activities on offer. The large thatched wooden cabins are simply furnished and very comfortable with views of the surrounding lush jungle.

There is an open air restaurant serving delicious local dishes and there is a bar on site. The hotel works closely with the local community and to protect the environment, using water from its on site well, and composting food waste to use in the organic gardens.

Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge - Superior Room (or similar)

The Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge lodge is situated above Manuel Antonio National Park, on a jungle hilltop and has been awarded Costa Rica’s highest hotel sustainability rating.

There are 58 rooms, most with private balconies, only 1 tree was removed during the construction of the Lodge, and energy efficient light and heating are used throughout.

There is an outdoor swimming pool with swim up bar and a spa. Guests can dine at Claro que Si elegant seafood restaurant or at the casual poolside Bar & Grill.

Sitting in 10 acres of gardens on the jungle hillside and striking the perfect balance between design and comfort, the lodge connects guests with the surrounding tropical forest of Manuel Antonio and the spirit of Costa Rica

Isla Chiquita Glamping - Tent Suite (or similar)

The Glamping tents are very comfortable, each tent has a king-size bed and a daybed, so it can sleep up to three people and have private bathrooms with double sinks, ceiling fans and electric lights.

Each tent has a spacious decking area outside each tent with views through the trees and out to sea.

There is delicious sea food served at the Tía Nora, a seaside restaurant and bar, and an on site spa.

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

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort is surrounded by coffee plantations, volcanoes and lush gardens, there is a strong emphasis on sustainability here and a tour of the coffee farm is available.

Finca Rosa Blanca is famous for its organic gourmet cuisine, the Restaurant offers classic Costa Rican food and Bar Buho has comfy sofas set around a fireplace.

There is an infinity pool and spa.

All 13 rooms are individually designed and have a Jacuzzi bath along with spectacular views.

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 to be exact) and began having way too much fun helping people discover my won... 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 to be exact) and began having way too much fun helping people discover my wonderful country and the countries around it, so as soon as the possibility came around I just grabbed it, and have worked in the industry ever since.

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.

 

Location

This tour starts from Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, where your guide will lead you for the next ten days around the central Pacific region.

You’ll drink in incredible natural parks, volcanoes, waterfalls, jungles, and graceful colonial cities, get to know local, offbeat communities and, spot stunning wildlife and try the best, most authentic food.

Your Itinerary
1. San Jose
2. San Gerardo De Dota
3. Drake Bay
4. Manuel Antonio
5. Puntarenas
6. Santa Barbara de Heredia

 

What our travellers are saying...

We were keen to have a family trip of a lifetime before our eldest left home and had flight vouchers to use. We had an amazing time exploring the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This trip ticked all the boxes- no long journeys, we had amazing local knowledgeable private transfers (by minibus or boat!) and the support of a local guide when we decided last minute to alter a trip and go zip lining! It was brilliant to be off the beaten trail and we saw

Ruth

FAQs

What clothes do I need to bring?

Lightweight cotton and linen clothing is recommended for most of the year, with warmer clothes for cooler evenings. Waterproofing is necessary during the rainy season. Loose-fitting clothing is best. Wear neutral browns and greens for bird and wildlife viewing. Always bring mosquito repellent for both day and night.

Join our community

Get off the beaten track and support local communities that you visit.

Sign up for inspiriation for your itinerary, new experiences and special offers.