The Authentic Side of Northern Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica!

You’ll be greeted by your private driver at Juan Santamaria International Airport, near San José, at an elevation of 1,150 meters in the heart of the Central Valley.

Your English-speaking contact will then be waiting for you at the front desk of your first hotel. You’ll be able to ask them any questions you may have, and they’ll also be there to offer some practical advice.

Spend your first night in the country at one of the few ecolodges in the Central Valley, in Alajuela.

Heading to Poás Volcano, a natural gem in the Central Valley

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

For this itinerary, we’ve selected a more economical vehicle than our usual 4x4s, but one that’s capable of navigating all the roads on the planned route.

Then, set off for the Poás Volcano.

Approximate driving time: 1 hour and a half.

You’ll spend the night at a charming hotel in Poasito featuring chalets typical of the Poás region.

Exploring Poás National Park: Craters and Lagoons 

Ideally in the morning, you’ll visit Poás Volcano National Park, which, at 1.6 km in diameter and 300 meters deep, is renowned for having one of the largest active craters in the world. A vast terrace offers a breathtaking view of a caldera (collapsed crater) from which sulfurous fumaroles rise. You’ll need to be lucky, however, to see it in detail, as the crater is often shrouded in mist.

You’ll then have the opportunity to visit the small volcanology center and explore the few trails in the National Park.

Approximate duration: 2 hours

The second night is planned at a charming hotel in Poasito, featuring chalets typical of the Poas region.

Let’s head to the lush plains of Sarapiquí!

Route from Poás to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.

Its forests serve as a refuge for tapirs, sloths, coatis, and various monkeys.

Approximate travel time: 2 hours

Come evening, you’ll have the chance to encounter nocturnal animals!

Discover the region’s wildlife on a night hike. Your naturalist guide will help you spot snakes, spiders, frogs, and other nocturnal species…

Approximate duration: 1 hour and a half

Overnight stay and dinner at a superb ecolodge in Sarapiqui, where you’ll particularly appreciate the hospitality of its owner.

Today’s Rafting Trip on the Sarapiqui River!

The Sarapiqui River offers the perfect blend of adventure and nature. This section features Class 2–3 rapids and clear, refreshing water that flows through the Sarapiqui rainforest, making this place a true paradise.

When you arrive at the starting point, certified guides will outfit you with professional gear and brief you on safety guidelines and instructions to ensure you get the most out of your adventure. Then the adventure can begin!

Halfway through the descent, you’ll take a break to enjoy a buffet of fresh tropical fruits and recharge your energy. During this break, you’ll have the chance to swim and jump off the cliffs lining the river. The guide will take plenty of time to teach you about the flora and fauna found in this incredible location.

After all these adventures, a delicious traditional meal will await you upon arrival.

Approximate duration: 4.5 hours.

Then, in the afternoon, enjoy some downtime with a tour focused on banana cultivation.

The cultural banana tour begins at a private farm located in Llano Grande, Sarapiquí.

The goal is to spend an enriching afternoon. You’ll discoverthe history of Sarapiquí and the railroad to understand how and why the country began with banana plantations, coffee plantations, and the railroad. This tour will give you the opportunity to experience Costa Rican culture and get involved in the daily life of a local family.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Second night and dinner at a superb ecolodge in Sarapiquí, where you’ll particularly appreciate the hospitality of its owner.

Explore Sarapiqui on horseback, then drive to Caño Negro

Horsebackride to explore Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and its surroundings. Along the way, you’ll discover the tropical vegetation, cross rivers, and observe the surrounding flora and fauna.

Approximate duration: 2.5 hours.

Drive from Sarapiqui to Caño Negro.

Departure for Caño Negro, a small picturesque village near Nicaragua. This region is an exceptional natural site, renowned for its wetlands and the diversity of birds that can be observed there.

Approximate travel time: 2.5 hours.

Overnight stay at a charming local ecolodge, nestled within Caño Negro National Park.
Dinner included at the hotel.

Paddle Through the Waters of Caño Negro

One of the best ways to feel like you’re truly part of the tropics is to go on a canoe trip. Enjoy the most iconic scenery in the heart of the Caño Negro lagoons—surrounded by life and color—in a calm and peaceful setting.

During this pleasant journey, you’ll be able to observe a variety of birds, caimans, turtles, iguanas, and many other animals that make this area one of the most important in the Americas due to its exuberant biodiversity.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a typical Costa Rican finca

Get to know and become part of the way of life of many Costa Ricans: discover a farm made up of a mosaic of picturesque landscapes where, every day in their gardens, orchards, and forests, they demonstrate that an environmentally friendly way of life is possible. On this property, a family combinesecotourism, livestock farming, and environmental conservation, setting an example for others to follow.

Visit the gardens adorned with beautiful orchids, discover the wide variety of tropical fruits, smell the aromas of medicinal plants, and admire the majesty of the tall trees, which are true treasures. Experience the essence of a Costa Rican family dedicated to contributing to environmental conservation.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Second night at a charming local ecolodge, nestled within Caño Negro National Park.
Dinner included at the hotel.

On our way to Rincón de la Vieja!

Route from Caño Negro to Rincón de la Vieja.

We set off for the province of Guanacaste, home of the Sabaneros—those proud and colorful cowboys.

Approximate travel time: 3 hours.

Overnight stay planned at a small, traditional hotel in Rincón de la Vieja—the perfect base for exploring the region. Dinner included at the hotel.

Thrills guaranteed with this zip-line, rappelling, and rafting combo!

Let yourself be tempted by this adventure-packed combo! You’ll take on the canopy via zip line, with no fewer than 16 platforms crossing the Río Colorado, among other spots.

You’ll then continue with an abseil down a 17-meter cliff in the canyon’s gorges, where you can also try your hand at climbing the rock faces.

Finally, aboard small two-person rafts called “Dokis,” you’ll tackle Class 2–3 rapids in a spectacular setting!

After this adrenaline rush, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved traditional meal.

Approximate duration: 3 hours; intermediate difficulty.

The second night is planned at a small, traditional hotel in Rincón de la Vieja —the perfect base for exploring the region. Dinner is included at the hotel.

Las Pailas: A Volcanic Hike!

A half-day hike in the heart of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, along the trails in the Las Pailas (The Cauldrons) area. Throughout the hike, you’ll pass by various volcanic features: waterfalls, solfataras, fumaroles, geysers, and bubbling mud lakes emitting the smell of sulfur.

You may even have the chance to encounter coatis and howler monkeys and observe the many birds that inhabit the national park.

Approximate duration: 4 hours.

The third night is planned at a small, traditional hotel in Rincón de la Vieja—the perfect base for exploring this region. Dinner is included at the hotel.

End your trip on the stunning Pacific beaches of Conchal!

Drive from Rincon de la Vieja to Playa Conchal.

Continue on to the beaches of GuanacasteProvince toend your trip on a high note.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours.

The afternoon is free so you can enjoy Playa Conchal and its surroundings.

Overnight stay at a beautiful hotel in Playa Conchal near the beach, one of the most beautiful in the country.

A free day to enjoy Playa Conchal

Please ask us about the various water activities you won’t want to miss while you’re there.

Second night at a beautiful hotel in Playa Conchal near the beach, one of the most beautiful in the country.

Snorkeling at one of the country’s most beautiful spots!

A half-day snorkeling trip to explore the underwater world of the Las Catalinas Islands, one of Costa Rica’s most renowned diving spots.

Early morning departure for two dives at different sites, depending on visibility conditions.

Approximate duration: 4 hours.

Third night at a beautiful hotel in Playa Conchal near the beach, one of the most beautiful in the country.

Departure for San José, then back home!

Along the way, you’ll cross the Gulf of Nicoya via the Tempisque Bridge before joining the Inter-American Highway.

Return your vehicle to our local partner 3 hours before your international flight. They will then arrange your transfer to the airport.