Discover Costa Rica
through the five senses

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

🍃 We’ve put together a special menu for you for 2022. 🍃

We’ll be adding all sorts of ingredients to your trip to help spice up your“multi-sensory” vacation.

Open your eyes and take in this beautiful view overlooking the cloud forest, taste this banana tortilla, smell the fragrant scent of ylang-ylang, listen to the cries of howler monkeys, and relax in the hot springs of a volcanic region.

All that’s left is to embark on this wonderful journey that will awaken your senses…

Length of stay: 15 days

Theme: Nature and biodiversity tours

Difficulty: For all ages

Travel Itinerary

Alajuela, Costa Rica

Heredia, Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

Alajuela, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Volcán Arenal, Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica

Rincón de la Vieja, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Volcan Rincon de la Vieja, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Puntarenas, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Curi-Cancha Reserve, Puntarenas, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Isla Jesusita, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Quepos, Costa Rica

Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, San José, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica

Puntarenas, Boruca, Costa Rica

Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Jour 1 :

Arrival in Costa Rica!

Welcome to Costa Rica!

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

This is your first experience in Costa Rica; you’ll meet your driver, who will take you to your hotel.

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in the Central Valley (Alajuela, near the airport)

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Jour 2 :

Alajuela - Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

Picking Up Your Rental Car

The road from San José to Sarapiquí.

Departure for Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, whose forests serve as a refuge for tapirs, sloths, coatis, and various species of monkeys.

Short stop near the village of Horquetas to visit Maria, a local farmer who grows palmitos (palm hearts).

Tour of the plantation, tasting of raw palmitos, and a traditional meal featuring palmitos at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay and dinner at a traditional farm in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.

Accommodations are basic.

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Jour 3 :

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí - Arenal

Off to Arenal Volcano, the symbol of Costa Rica!

The road from Sarapiquí to Arenal.

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

Visit to a foundation dedicated to protecting Costa Rica’s animals

During your visit, you’ll receive a brief introduction to the foundation from one of our qualified naturalists. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the reserve with your guide to learn about each animal and its story.

You’ll learn why animal conservation is important, how it should be done, and what impact you can have—all while having fun with our friendly guides, who will engage you and help you think about conservation in a new way.

Overnight stay at a beautiful lodge in theArenal region

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Jour 4 :

Arenal Volcano

A 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 the Arenal Volcano!

Hot Springs

At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a relaxing moment at a hot spring resort in Arenal, in an intimate setting.

The hot water comes directly from the hot springs of the Arenal Volcano and never comes into contact with the magma.

Overnight stay at a beautiful lodge in theArenal region

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Jour 5 :

Arenal - Rincon de la Vieja

Off to the volcanic region of Rincón de la Vieja!

The roadfrom Arenal to Rincón de la Vieja.

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

Overnight stay at a resort in Rincón de la Vieja

The hotel features a sprawling property with plenty of activities to enjoy. 

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Jour 6 :

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

You can explore one or more of the three sectors of Rincon de la Vieja National Park (La Cangreja, Las Pailas, and Santa Maria) as you wish.

At the heart of the park stands the massive volcano of the same name. Spectacularly beautiful and dotted with nine craters, it is the source of the geothermal activity you’ll see during your hikes in the Las Pailas or Santa María sectors.

Here you’ll encounter capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys, as well as anteaters, sloths, and more than 300 species of birds. The park, established in 1973, is home to a very high concentration of orchids, including the local flower, the “Guaria morada” (Guarianthe Skinneri).

Overnight stay at a resort in Rincón de la Vieja

The hotel features a sprawling property with numerous activities available. 

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Jour 7 :

Rincon de la Vieja - Monteverde

Heading to Monteverde and its cloud forests!

 

The road from Rincón de La Vieja to Monteverde.

We set off for the Monteverde region, whose reserve offers views of alpine pastures in the heart of the Tilarán mountain range.

Thrilling zip lines

Thrills guaranteed in complete safety. You’ll explore the treetops via zip line, gliding along cables from one platform to the next. The 4-km course consists of a total of 14 platforms built at the tops of the trees.

Overnight stay at an authentic eco-lodge in Monteverde

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Jour 8 :

Monteverde Reserve

Guided tour of the incredible Curi Cancha Reserve!

You’ll explore the various trails and immerse yourself in this unique cloud forest ecosystem. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot the legendary quetzal, whose tail feathers were long used as adornments by the Aztecs.

Gourmet dinner at a restaurant suspended among the trees of Monteverde

A unique 7-course meal designed to awaken your senses. Vegetarian options are available.

Overnight stay at an authentic eco-lodge in Monteverde

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Jour 9 :

Monteverde – Isla Chiquita

Off to one of the most delightful island resorts!

 

Route from Monteverde to Isla Chiquita.

Departure for the Nicoya Peninsula.

Includes a guided hike and unlimited use of kayaks and paddles.

Overnight stay atthe country’s only island resort, at the tip of theNicoya Peninsula.

Includes a guided hike and unlimited use of kayaks and paddles.

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Jour 10 :

Jesuit Island

Bioluminescence Boat Tour

Our planet is home to special areas where an impressive natural phenomenon causes tiny lights to glow in the ocean on dark nights.

Caused by a high concentration of light-emitting plankton, bioluminescence occurs in dark areas and when the water is moving.

This rare phenomenon can be seen around Jesuita Island, and thanks to this boat adventure, you’ll have the chance to witness it.

Overnight stay atthe country’s only island hotel, at the tip of theNicoya Peninsula.

Included are a guided hike and unlimited use of kayaks and paddles.

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Jour 11 :

Jesuit Island - Manuel Antonio

Heading to Manuel Antonio, the famous beach resort on the southern Pacific coast!

The road from Isla Chiquita to Puntarenas.

You’ll leave this remote island by boat to return to the mainland and your vehicle, then take a ferry from Paquera to cross the Gulf of Nicoya to Puntarenas.

Note: You’ll take the ferry from Paquera to Puntarenas (payable on site).

Route from Puntarenas to Manuel Antonio.

Departure for Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast.

Treat your taste buds!

Rediscover the authentic flavors of vanilla, cacao, and cinnamon…

At Villa Vanilla, you’ll explore the plantations where these two spices are grown and learn all about how they’re produced.

You’ll cap off this experience with a tasting featuring vanilla, chocolate, and cinnamon… A truly exhilarating moment with a breathtaking view!

Overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Manuel Antonio

Stunning view of Manuel Antonio Bay

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Jour 12 :

Manuel Antonio

Local Flavors!

During this culinary activity, you’ll discover local products, learn how the region’s traditional dishes are prepared, and find out how to recreate the recipes at home. During the first stop at the local market in Quepos, you’ll have the chance to browse the stalls and choose the ingredients for your meal.

Afterward, you’ll head to the ranch, where you’ll pick fresh produce from the garden to add a variety of flavors, colors, and textures to your dish. Next, you’ll prepare your own meal alongside our local chefs. Tortillas, ceviche, plantains, traditional-style rice, chicken in sauce, “picadillos” (a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and spices), and more.

Last but not least, you’ll enjoy the meal you’ve prepared. Once you return home, all you’ll have to do is let your imagination run wild and try to recreate this dish with your own seasonal ingredients.

Overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Manuel Antonio

Stunning view of Manuel Antonio Bay

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Jour 13 :

Manuel Antonio - Dominical - Ojochal

Heading to Dominical, a small beach resort on the southern Pacific coast!

The road from Manuel Antonio to Dominical.

Continuing along the southern Pacific coast.

Exploring the Nauyaca Falls

Set out on a hike to the Cataratas de Nauyaca, one of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls. You’ll continue the hike through lush vegetation to a canyon about 80 meters wide.

Arrival at the waterfalls, some of which reach 45 meters in height. You’ll then be able to fully enjoy the natural pools for swimming and relaxing while taking in the surrounding nature.

Departure a few kilometers south toward Ojochal.

Overnight stay at a beautiful hotelin Ojochal (20 minutes from Uvita), known forits exemplary environmental practices.

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Jour 14 :

Boruca - Ojochal

Meeting the Boruca People

Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll discover the history and culture of theBoruca people. They’re known for their Fiesta de Los Diablitos, as well as for their carved gourds (jicaras) and masks. You’ll have the opportunity to watch a performance of traditional dances and participate in workshops on sewing or making bows and arrows. You’ll also share lunch with them.

Spend the night at a beautiful hotelin Ojochal (20 minutes from Uvita), which hasexemplary environmental practices.

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Jour 15 :

Ojochal - San José

End of the trip and return to the capital!

Route from Ojochal to San José.

Departure for Costa Rica’s capital. You’ll pass through San Mateo and Orotina along a scenic mountain road, then through Alajuela, the city of mangoes.

Connect to your international flight.

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  • 15 days