This is a suggested Costa Rica itinerary put together by our travel experts. Dates, stops & activities are all flexible.
8 Days: San Jose - Tortuguero - Cahuita - Pejibaye
Activities: boat excursions, turtle watching, indigenous community visit, birding, white water rafting, beach
Day 1: Arrive at the international airport of San José, where you will be met by one of our representatives and taken to your charming hotel. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time to do a walking tour around the centre of town.
Day 2: Your adventure starts with a shared transfer to Guapiles, situated at the start of the inland canals that lead to Tortuguero National Park. During the drive you will cross through the primary rainforest and rolling hills of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Then navigate the canals with a guide and boat from Tortuguero Lodge where, after a refreshing tropical drink and lunch, you can boat across the river to visit the Sea Turtle Museum, the beach and Tortuguero Village. (B/L/D)
Day 3: Today starts with an early morning shared boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero at dawn, marvelling at the exotic protected flora and fauna protected in the park. After breakfast, enjoy the nature trails from your lodge, take another boat trip or relax around the pool. During turtle season (July-Sept) you will be able to watch the turtles coming up the beach to lay their eggs. (B/L/D)
Day 4: After breakfast, a boat will take you back along the canals to Guapiles, then your adventure continues as you drive south along the Caribbean coast to Cahuita. Enjoy the afternoon in Cahuita National Park where it is easy to see monkeys, sloths, iguanas and tropical birds and perhaps take a dip in the warm tropical waters. (B/L)
Day 5: Wake up to the sounds of the sea and, together with your guide, set off by road and canoe to the Bribri indigenous territory, in the tropical rainforest of Talamanca. This is an unique opportunity to experience Bribri culture and learn about indigenous medical plants and Bribri cuisine. (B/L)
Day 6: Today is free for you to relax on the beach, explore the area or choose an optional activity (not included) such as dolphin watching, snorkel or kayak tour, cooking class, surfing lessons, Caribbean dance lessons, night hike or a bicycle tour. (B)
Day 7: Today you will be driven back to the Central Valley and the stunning El Copal Reserve, a paradise for birdwatchers with 190 hectares of protected forest and over 380 bird species. Relax in hammocks and enjoy the view from your lodge’s balconies or take a walk along one of the numerous forest trails. (B/D)
Day 8: Finish your holiday with a whitewater rafting adventure on the Pejibaye river! The trip is approximately 6km long, floating on turquoise water and passing by fields of crops such as coffee, sugar cane and macadamia nuts. The rapids are gentle and suitable for the whole family. Afterwards, it is time to head back to San Jose to travel home or continue your voyage through Costa Rica. (B)
Prices from: £995 per person
Services included: hotels on shared room basis, meals, transfers and activities as mentioned, entry fees, English speaking guide, 24 hour assistance
Services not included: flights, drinks, tips and personal expenses
Note: stops can be extended, added or cut - just ask us!
