Reserve-Sarapiqui-Typique-Finca-Ananas-Organique

An ecotourism adventure in Costa Rica!

Suggested 15-day itinerary for a trip to Costa Rica.

🌿♻️🌄Discover Costa Rica’s natural wonders on a low-carbon vacation!🌄♻️🌿

Come enjoy an unforgettable Costa Rican experiencewith this eco-friendly and authentic travel package, allowing you to discover the many facets of the Land of Green Gold.

In addition to the many national parks you’ll have the chance to visit, you’ll enjoy a variety of thrilling and eco-friendly activities, such as kayaking, canopy tours (zip lines and suspension bridges), hiking or horseback riding, tubing, and rafting… This trip will also be an opportunity to gain new knowledge—whether about Costa Rica’s wildlife, its diverse cultures, its history, and more.

For hiking enthusiasts, it’s possible to include multi-day hiking excursions in this itinerary—please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Imagine yourself in Costa Rica with this eco-friendly trip…

Length of stay: 15 days

Theme: Authentic Encounters

Difficulty: For all ages / athletes

Travel Itinerary

Juan Santamaría International Airport, Alajuela, Costa Rica

San José, Costa Rica

Heredia, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica

Boca Tapada

Alajuela, Boca Tapada, Costa Rica

Volcán Tenorio, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Volcan Rincon de la Vieja, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Costa de Pájaros, Puntarenas, Manzanillo, Costa Rica

Los Campesinos Ecolodge, San José, Quepos, Costa Rica

Puntarenas, Uvita, Costa Rica

Puntarenas, Ojochal, Costa Rica

San José, San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica

Jour 1 :

Arrival in Costa Rica!

Welcome to Costa Rica!

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

Overnight stay at one of the few eco-lodges in the Central Valley (Alajuela, near the airport)

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Jour 2 :

San José - Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

Off to the lush Sarapiquí Plains!

 

You’ll start your day by picking up your rental car

Drive from San José to Sarapiquí.

Depart for Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, whose forests are home to tapirs, sloths, coatis, and various species of monkeys.

Approximate travel time: 2 hours.

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by Don Rodolfo, who will help you settle in and show you around his traditional finca (farm).

In the afternoon, you’ll discover the secrets of organic pineapple and sugarcane farming.

At dusk, you’ll set out in search of red-eyed frogs.

Accompanied by a family member serving as your local guide, you’ll encounter numerous insects, some nocturnal mammals, and perhaps even snakes, all while being lulled by the melodies of the forest.

Spend the night and have dinner at this traditional farm in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.

Accommodations are basic.

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Jour 3 :

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui - Boca Tapada

Discover the authentic region of Boca Tapada!

After breakfast, you’ll go fishing for your own tilapia, which they’ll be happy to prepare for you for lunch.

Enjoy a free morning to soak up the tranquility of the place or explore the area, followed by a traditional lunch at the finca.

 

Drive from Sarapiquí to Boca Tapada.

Depart for the northern part of the country near the border with Nicaragua, in the San Carlos Valley.

Approximate travel time: 2 hours.

Overnight stay at an eco-lodge in Boca Tapada located on the banks of the San Carlos River.

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Jour 4 :

Boca Tapada

After breakfast, head to the front desk of your lodge for a kayaking tour!

You’ll set out on a kayaking adventure on a tributary of the San Carlos River, where you can focus on the surrounding nature and enjoy the relaxing sounds of the outdoors.

As you paddle, you’ll spot water birds and other animals along the riverbank or in the trees.

Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Overnight stay at an eco-lodge in Boca Tapada located on the banks of the San Carlos River.

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Jour 5 :

Boca Tapada - Tenorio

Onward to the Tenorio region and its breathtaking Rio Celeste!

Route from Boca Tapada to Tenorio.

You’ll leave the northern part of the country to explore the famous Rio Celeste.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours.

Overnight stay at an eco-lodge in Tenorio, which is partly dedicated to organic cacao farming and run by staff.

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Jour 6 :

Tenorio Volcano

Today’s plan: a horseback ride!

Saddle up to explore the Río Celeste!

You’ll set off on a beautiful horseback ride through the forest, along trails that will lead you to the Río Celeste, where you’ll have the chance to go for a swim ( which is prohibited in the rest of the national park).

You’ll also make a stop along the way for a thrilling activity. On the way back, you’ll have the chance to pick up a bit more speed on your horses.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Overnight stay at an eco-lodge in Tenorio, partly dedicated to organic cacao farming and run by hosts.

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Jour 7 :

Tenorio Volcano - Rincon de la Vieja

Tubing in Tenorio!

You’ll float down one of the country’s most beautiful rivers with crystal-clear waters and navigate through turbulent rapids.

This fun-filled experience is another way to explore the Rio Celeste and observe all the flora and fauna around you.

A local lunch will be served before or after the activity.

Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Drive from Tenorio to Rincón de la Vieja.

Depart for the province of Guanacaste, home of the Sabaneros—those proud and colorful cowboys.

Approximate travel time: 3 hours.

Overnight stay in a cabin at a unique lodge in Rincón de la Vieja.

Dinner at the lodge included. (drinks not included)

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Jour 8 :

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano

Hike to the Blue Morpho Waterfall!

Set out to explore the Rincon de la Vieja region on a truly authentic adventure.

You’ll start the day with a horseback ride from the village of Buenos Aires to a small farm. You’ll then continue on foot to admire the view of the Morpho Azul Waterfall. Next, head to the natural pools to cool off in the magnificent crystal-clear waters and enjoy the exceptional setting. The day ends at the natural hot springs.

Approximate duration: 5 hours, easy hike.

Overnight stay in a cabin at a unique lodge in Rincon de la Vieja.

Dinner at the lodge included. (drinks not included)

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Jour 9 :

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano - Costa de Pajaros

Off to the Costa de Pajaros, an authentic region perfect for watching migratory birds!

The drive from Rincón de la Vieja to the Costa de Pajaros.

Free time, then back on the road to a peaceful haven in the Puntarenas region, at the Costa de Pajaros.

Approximate travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes.

Along the way: you’ll have the opportunity to visit the stunning Palo Verde National Park, a must-see for birdwatchers.

Overnight stay at an eco-lodge on the Costa de Pajaros.
The property features numerous hiking trails—feel free to explore the surrounding area. 

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Jour 10 :

Costa de Pajarós - Los Campesinos

Head to the Los Campesinos community for an immersion in Costa Rican culture!

Route from Costa de Pajaros to Los Campesinos.

Departure inland to the east of Manuel Antonio.

Approximate travel time: 4.5 hours.

Welcome to the Los Campesinos Reserve!

Upon arrival, you’ll receive a brief presentation and introduction to Quebrada Arroyo and the association.

Then, in the afternoon, you’ll go for a horseback ride along the various trails on the property.

Overnight stay at the Los Campesinos Lodge, a rural community dedicated to sustainable tourism.

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Jour 11 :

Los Campesinos

A Day of Suspension Bridges and Waterfalls!

Departure for the Los Campesinos Reserve.
After enjoying a fresh fruit juice and hearing an explanation of how the community organizations in the village of Quebrada Arroyo operate, a local guide will lead you along the El Pacifico trail, teeming with wildlife and tropical birds.

During the hike, your local guide will reveal all the secrets of the plants found in the forest, which were once used by the indigenous people.

The adventure continues with a walk to a magnificent viewpoint. You’ll be able to admire the entire Savegre River Valley and the Pacific Coast.

Take a break, then return to the lodge to enjoy a delicious traditional meal.

After lunch, resume the hike toward the “Poza de Olivo” trail. You’ll cross a suspension bridge 40 meters high and 127 meters long. You’ll reach the splendid “Los Chorros” waterfall and can take a moment to relax and swim in the river’s crystal-clear waters.

A day full of color and excitement!

Overnight stay at Los Campesinos Lodge, a rural community dedicated to sustainable tourism.

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Jour 12 :

Los Campesinos - Dominical - Ojochal

Off to the southern Pacific coast and the beach resort of Dominical!

We set off from Los Campesinos after one last breakfast in this welcoming community in the Manuel Antonio region.

The drive from Los Campesinos to Dominical.

We’re heading toward the Dominical and Uvita area on the southern Pacific coast.

Approximate travel time: 1.5 hours.

Kayaking through the mangroves in Dominical!

At high tide, this area becomes a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. As you paddle, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this ecosystem and may even spot coatis, capuchin monkeys, and various species of snakes that share the area with crocodiles and caimans.

Approximate duration: 4 hours.

Overnight stay at a beautiful hotel in Ojochal ( 30 minutes from Dominical), known for its exemplary environmental practices.

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Jour 13 :

Ojochal - Uvita - Ojochal

Exploring Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita

Created to protect the country’s largest coral reef, the national park owes its name to the humpback whales that migrate through its warm waters to breed.

You’ll be amazed by the natural shape of the park’s beach, which looks exactly like a whale’s tail!

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Overnight stay at a beautiful hotel in Ojochal ( 20 minutes from Uvita), which follows exemplary environmental practices.

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Jour 14 :

Ojochal - San Gerardo de Dota

The final leg in the Dota Mountains to discover a new side of Costa Rica!

Route from Ojochal to San Gerardo de Dota (Los Santos).

Depart for San Gerardo de Dota (2,200 meters above sea level), the land of the quetzal, taking the Pan-American Highway through the town of San Isidro de El General.

Approximate travel time: 3 hours.

Overnight stay in a mountain hotel typical of the region known as “Los Santos.” 

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Jour 15 :

San Gerardo de Dota - San José

Morning hike to spot quetzals, then back to the capital!

Around 5:30 a.m., set out on a leisurely 1.5-km hike through the cloud forest thatwill take you to the quetzals’ habitat. The hike, led by a professional guide equipped with a spotting scope and a bird guide, will provide detailed explanations along the way.

Epiphytes, such as orchids and bromeliads, adorn the trees, making this hike a truly enriching experience on your way to encountering the quetzal.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Drive from San Gerardo de Dota to San José.

Departure for the capital. You’ll cross Cerro de la Muerte (3,400 meters above sea level), so named in memory of the farmers who froze to death while transporting their harvest to San José before the construction of the Pan-American Highway, which connects to Cartago, the first city and colonial capital of Costa Rica, founded in 1563 by the Spanish conquistador Juan Vásquez de Coronado, who named it Carthage.

You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles, named in honor of La Negrita, the country’s patron saint.

Approximate driving time: 2 hours.

 

Return your vehicle to our local partner, who will then arrange your transfer to the airport.

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Why travel with us?

Local Expertise

Custom Design

Monitoring and Security

Authentic Experiences

No middlemen

Responsible Tourism

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