Costa Rica Caribbean Pacific Journey

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, you will be welcomed and directed to your transfer. We will take you to your chosen hotel in the city, where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica. This initial evening allows you to settle in and prepare for the adventures ahead. Overnight in San José.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Puerto Viejo, travelling through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Along the way, you’ll see lush rainforest, impressive mountain scenery and charming villages typical of Costa Rica’s Caribbean region. Arriving at your hotel in the afternoon, you have the rest of the day at leisure to explore independently or join an optional horseback riding excursion. Meet your experienced guide and ride towards Punta Uva, enjoying a peaceful walk along the Caribbean shore and the estuaries of Punta Uva River. On the return, we follow wetland trails where you can learn about the local wildlife and plants. Alternatively, you may prefer to take the Canopy Tour, which features nine aerial platforms and thirteen ground platforms connected by 2,760 metres of cable. Your guide will share insights into the primary forest’s flora and fauna, including its significance to indigenous communities. Please note that the horseback riding and canopy tours are optional and not included. Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out for an active day exploring Cahuita National Park. We begin with a snorkelling tour along the park’s coastline aboard a 12-person boat, accompanied by a captain and guide. For around two hours, you will snorkel over Costa Rica’s most significant coral reef, teeming with diverse marine life including tropical fish, sharks, eels, and sea urchins. Snorkelling equipment—mask, fins and snorkel—is provided. After the underwater adventure, refresh with a tropical fruit snack and water before embarking on a guided 3.5-kilometre hike through the park. Our naturalist guide will lead you between Cahuita Point and the town of Cahuita, pointing out wildlife such as snakes, sloths, white-faced and howler monkeys, anteaters and armadillos. The tour concludes with a delicious Caribbean lunch. Afterwards, return to your hotel where you have the afternoon at leisure to relax or take part in an optional activity. If you haven’t yet tried the Canopy Tour or Horseback Riding, today offers another opportunity. Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before an early morning shared transfer to the village of Turrialba. The journey takes approximately four hours, offering a chance to relax and take in the changing scenery. Upon arrival, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore the tranquil surroundings or unwind in the comfort of your hotel. This restful day prepares you for tomorrow’s exciting white-water rafting adventure on the Pacuare River. Overnight in Turrialba.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for today’s adventure. We set off on an exhilarating white-water rafting trip along the Pacuare River, widely regarded as one of Costa Rica’s premier rafting locations. As you navigate the rapids, take in the stunning natural surroundings, including cascading waterfalls and diverse tropical flora and fauna. Midway through the journey, we pause to admire the spectacular river views and enjoy a satisfying lunch. The day promises thrilling yet safe experiences on the water. After disembarking, you will return to the hotel with the afternoon free to relax and appreciate the beautiful setting. Overnight in Turrialba.

After breakfast, we will transfer you by shared vehicle to San Gerardo de Dota, located within Los Quetzales National Park—a cloud forest reserve known for its population of the iconic quetzal bird. You will have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the area independently or take part in optional activities. One memorable option is the canyoneering and canopy tour, which involves rappelling down waterfalls and cliffs, zip-lining across canopy cables, and crossing a 40-metre hanging bridge. Your guides will provide a safety briefing and equipment introduction to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. This thrilling adventure lasts around two to three hours. Please note that optional activities are not included. Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota.

Start the day early with a ‘quetzal quest’ in San Gerardo de Dota, home to a significant population of these striking birds. Meet your local guide over a cup of coffee before setting out to spot at least one quetzal. The male’s metallic green plumage, bright red breast, distinctive crest and elegant tail feathers make seeing one in flight a truly memorable experience. After the tour, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. You then have the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy a self-guided forest hike or simply relax at the hotel. Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota.

After breakfast, we transfer along the Pan-American Highway to San Isidro de El General, enjoying scenic views of the Central Pacific Coast. Continuing towards the South Pacific, we follow the coastal route to Quepos, located just outside Manuel Antonio National Park. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel and have the afternoon at leisure to explore and appreciate the inspiring surroundings. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel for a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. Your knowledgeable nature guide will lead you along a flat, scenic two-mile loop trail, sharing insights into the rainforest’s plants and wildlife. The park is home to three of Costa Rica’s four native tropical primates, and you can expect to see sloths, birds, reptiles, orchids, butterflies and lush vegetation throughout the walk. Midway, we pause for about 20 minutes at the famous Third Beach, where you can relax on the soft sand or enjoy the waves. Your guides carry Pentax and Swarovski monoculars and telescopes to enhance wildlife viewing and photography. After the tour, we will transfer you back to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Costa Rica before your transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport. Here, you will board your flight home or continue onwards to your next destination. Breakfast is included.