I’m traveling responsibly in Costa Rica!

Welcome to San José, the capital of Costa Rica

Our driver will pick you up atthe airport, and then we ’ll meet you at your hotel to get to know you and go over the rest of your itinerary.

Overnight stay at a beautiful hotel in San José.

Discover the lush green plains of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí!

Pick up your rental car atyour hotel in San José.

Then 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 driving time: 2 hours.

At the end of the day, learn how to cook traditional dishes from the Linda Vista community!

In the Linda Vista community, you’ll take part in a Costa Rican cooking class. The local women will share their culinary secrets with you and give you a glimpse into life in this rural region.

You’ll get to taste your creations while enjoying a meal at the end of your class.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Overnight stay at an ecolodge in Sarapiquí

This unique establishment is first and foremost a family-run project dedicated to forest conservation and sustainable tourism.

A day dedicated to the region’s signature products!

Explore an organic farm: Finca El Paraiso

You’ll be welcomed by Don Daniel and his wife, Doña Teresa, the owners of the farm.

After many years working on banana and pineapple plantations, Don Daniel and his family decided to switch to organic farming. They’ll show you around their farm and share their farming techniques before serving you a delicious meal.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

A gourmet tour!

Learn all the secrets of cacao!

Later in the day, two neighbors from your lodge, Rodolfo Alvarado and Geiner Huertas, will take you on a journey to discover the world of cacao.

You’ll learn everything about chocolate—from planting cacao beans, through the processing and history of cacao, all the way to making chocolate bars!

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Overnight stay at an ecolodge in Sarapiqui

This unique establishment is, above all, a family-run project dedicated to forest conservation and sustainable tourism.

Set out to explore the Arenal Volcano and its stunning surroundings!

The road from Sarapiqui to Arenal.

We continue on the road toward the La Fortuna region and the majestic Arenal Volcano (1,650 meters), with its perfectly conical shape.

Approximate travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Walk across the suspension bridges!

You’ll enjoy a roughly 3-kilometer trail through the primary forest and across about fifteen suspension bridges high above the canopy, offering breathtaking views of the tropical vegetation and Arenal Volcano!

Approximate duration: 2-hour walk.

Overnight stay at an eco-friendly accommodation in the Arenalregion

You’ll have the opportunity to spend the night at a unique hotel in the Fortuna region, known for its many eco-friendly practices. 

Stand-Up Paddleboarding Day on Lake Arenal!

Try stand-up paddleboardingon picturesque Lake Arenal!

On this calm body of water, facing the volcano, you’ll paddle while standing on a board similar to a large surfboard. You’ll propel yourself with a long paddle and may spot various types of birds while taking in the magnificent scenery.

Get ready to walk on water! If you’re a beginner, no worries—this activity is perfect for all adventure lovers!

Approximate duration: 4 hours.

Overnight stay at a beautiful ecolodge in the Arenal region.

This property is known for its superb nature reserve, which is accessible to all guests. 

Visit a famous wildlife conservation foundation in Costa Rica!

You’ll have the chance to explore the reserve with your guide to learn about each animal and its story. You’ll discover why animal conservation is important, how it’s done, and what impact you can make—all while having fun with our friendly guides, who will engage you and help you think about conservation in a new way.

Next, you’ll have the chance to learn how to prepare food and feed the animals, as well as create fun and enriching activities for them toenhance theirdaily routine —which will be the highlight of your visit.

Approximate duration: 3.5 hours.

Overnight stay at a beautiful ecolodge in the Arenal region.

This property is known for its stunning nature reserve, which is accessible to all guests. 

Route from Arenal to Tenorio.

Departure for the Miravalles (2,028 meters above sea level) and Tenorio (1,916 meters above sea level) volcanoes.

Approximate travel time: 2 hours.

Overnight stay at an exceptional ecolodge in the Tenorio region.

The owners, a Belgian couple, have created a true haven of peace, combining a nature reserve, an organic cacao farm, and comfortable accommodations.

Discover Tenorio National Park and the famous Rio Celeste!

You’ll explore one of the country’s most beautiful trails, winding through the jungle, past waterfalls, and natural hot springs. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the Rio Celeste, renowned for its surreal turquoise-blue color ( which intensifies as light reflects off the water) due to the minerals in its waters, which contrast with the intense green of the tropical vegetation.

Stretching 36 km, the Rio Celeste originates at the confluence of two rivers, flows through volcanic hot springs and sulfur springs, and culminates in a magnificent waterfall.

Approximate duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Overnight stay at an exceptional ecolodge in the Tenorio region.

The owners, a Belgian couple, have created a true haven of peace, combining a nature reserve, an organic cacao farm, and comfortable accommodations.

Off to Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast!

The Road from Tenorio to Samara

In the morning, set out for the Nicoya Peninsula.

You’ll cross the Puente de la Amistad before reaching Nicoya, the peninsula’s administrative center, which bustles with the comings and goings of campesinos (farmers) and cowboys. You’ll pass through varied landscapes before reaching the small beach resort of Samara.

Then, check in at your hotel, located near a beautiful white-sand beach—the perfect spot for relaxing or swimming in the turquoise waters of the Pacific.

Approximate driving time: 3.5 hours

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in Samara

Free day to enjoy the beaches of the Samara region 

Enhance your stay by booking one of the following activities:

• Dolphin watching
• Kayaking
• Fishing, surfing, horseback riding
• Snorkeling
• Gyrocopter tour of the region

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in Samara

Hop on a horse for a ride along Samara’s stunning beaches!

Set out on a horseback ride through farms and along the coast, in the shade of the tall Guanacaste trees that gave the province its name.

Note that the ranch where you’ll enjoy this activity is run by a French couple and their horse-loving volunteers.

You’ll ride to the wild, gray-sand beach of Buenavista, located 3 km north of Samara. You’ll then cross numerous rivers and ride along shaded paths deep in the jungle, finally reaching Barigona Beach. There, you’ll feel like you’re in a dream: a white-sand beach lined with coconut palms, with clear, turquoise water. The views you’ll enjoy will be unforgettable.

On the way back, you’ll pass through the village of Buenavista, where you can soak up the local atmosphere.

Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in Samara

Route from Samara to Costa de Pajaros.

Today, you’ll leave the stunning Nicoya Peninsula to head to Costa de Pajaros, a region renowned for birdwatching.

Approximate driving time: 2.5 hours.

Overnight stay at a unique ecolodge on the Costa de Pajaros

The hotel features numerous hiking trails for observing local wildlife, which you can explore on your own.

Explore the Mangroves by Boat!

Early in the morning, you’ll set out by boat to explore the mangroves of the Abangares River. You’ll discover the rich wildlife of this ecosystem, typical of the Gulf of Nicoya. You’ll be able to observe the impressive diversity of birds and , with a little luck, crocodiles, crabs,lizards, and even iguanas.

Approximate duration: 2.5 hours.

Then, head south along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Route from Costa de Pajaros to Uvita

Weather permitting, you’ll have the chanceto spot impressive crocodiles on the Tarcoles River.

We also recommend visiting Carara National Park, which, although fairly small (52 km²), boasts one of the country’s greatest levels of biodiversity. The birdlife there is spectacular, particularly the scarlet macaws, which migrate twice a day between the forest and the nearby coastal mangroves.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours.

Overnight stay at a glamping site in Uvita

A unique overnight stay in a luxury tent, with a private bathroom and terrace.

Visit Marino Ballena National Park!

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 glamping site in Uvita

A unique overnight stay in a luxury tent, with a private bathroom and terrace.

A free day to enjoy the region’s beaches.

Or enhance your stay by booking one of the following activities:

• Barú Refuge (wildlife, flora, hiking…)
• Manuel Antonio National Park (wildlife, flora, swimming)
• Corcovado National Park (wildlife, flora)
• Rafting, fishing, kayaking (ocean or mangrove)
• Canopy tours (suspension bridges, zip lines)
• Dolphin and whale watching
• Nauyaca Waterfalls (hiking and horseback riding)
• Los Campesinos Reserve (hiking, nature, waterfalls, and traditional rural life)
• Meeting with the Boruca Indigenous People

Overnight stay at a glamping site in Uvita

A unique overnight stay in a luxury tent, with a private bathroom and terrace.

Discover Corcovado and Drake Bay!

Route from Uvita to Sierpe.

Departure for the Osa Peninsula via the coastal highway.

Approximate travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Return your rental car, then meet with a representative from your hotel in Sierpe for your boat transfer to Drake Bay and your hotel.

Approximate duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes by boat through the mangrove forest.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the lodge and its surroundings.

Overnight stay and dinner at a beautiful hotel in Bahia Drake.

Hike in Corcovado National Park

Early in the morning, set out for a day dedicated to exploring Corcovado National Park, considered the jewel of tropical rainforests. You’ll travel by boat and on foot through the largest tropical rainforest on the Pacific coast of the Americas, followingthe trails in the “La Sirena” sector.

You’ll have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of birds, including the harpy eagle and scarlet macaws. This is also where you’re most likely to spot jaguars and tapirs, especially on the beaches at dusk.

Approximate duration: a 1-hour boat ride to reach the La Sirena area from the lodge.

The excursion lasts about 6 hours in total, including a 2.5-hour hike—an easy walk.

Overnight stay and dinner at a beautiful hotel in Bahia Drake.

Snorkeling at Isla del Caño!

A day dedicated to exploring the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve, a place once considered sacred by the pre-Columbian Diquis people.

The seabed is perfect for snorkeling. In the warm offshore waters, dolphins, whales, and manta rays swim side by side.

Approximate duration: 6 hours, including a 45-minute boat ride to the site.

Overnight stay and dinner at a beautiful hotel in Bahia Drake.

Return to San José via a domestic flight

Transfer from your lodge to Drake Airport. You will then take a domestic flight from Drake Bay to San José. From there, your connection to your international flight will be arranged.

It is possible to return by land, with a stopover in the Los Santos Valley, to avoid an excessively long return trip.