Costa Rica's Caribbean highlights in one week
Embark on a vibrant, seven-day Costa Rican adventure along the Caribbean coast! Begin in San José, a bustling cultural hub where you'll dive into museums and plazas filled with history and wonder. Traverse to Tortuguero, a remote haven rich in Afro-Caribbean heritage and sea turtles, where you'll venture deep into its lush national park to explore the canals and jungle trails. Journey on to Puerto Viejo, a melting pot of cultures, offering nightlife and serene beaches aplenty. Discover Cahuita's underwater wonders, snorkelling vibrant reefs and trekking through the lush terrain, before returning to the capital for one last big-city exploration. Filled with iconic highlights and magnificent wildlife across city and coast, this trip makes for one unforgettable Costa Rican experience.
Services
Included:
- Bespoke, handcrafted itinerary
- Buying local to support communities
- Accommodation in your preferred hotel category
- Select meals depending on the itinerary
- Arranged in-trip transportation (driver, car rental or public transport)
- Excursions and authentic experiences led by expert guides
- Sightseeing entrance fees to select attractions
- 24/7 in-destination assistance
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa charges
- Tips/gratuities
- Personal expenses
Optional:
- Speak to your local expert if there's an experience that you'd really love to include in your trip
Itinerary at a Glance
San Jose
San José, the beating heart of Costa Rica
San Jose - Tortuguero
Explore the wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero
Pure enchantment in Tortuguero
Tortuguero - Guapiles - Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Explore Puerto Viejo's vibrant culture
Puerto Viejo De Talamanca - Cahuita - Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Active pursuits above & below the water's surface
Puerto Viejo De Talamanca - San Jose
Journey back to San José
San Jose
Goodbye, Costa Rica
Detailed Itinerary
San Jose
Day 1: San José, the beating heart of Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica! Meet and greet with your local representative at Juan Santamaría International Airport, then transfer to San José - the vibrant Costa Rican capital brimming with history, culture, architectural delights, and a popular nightlife scene. During the drive you'll be given a brief introduction to Costa Rica, and upon your arrival into the city, you'll set out to visit the downtown neighbourhood. Take your time as you explore its fascinating museums, plazas, markets and more, soaking up the cosmopolitan atmosphere as you go.
San Jose - Tortuguero
Day 2: Explore the wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park
Today you'll take a shared transfer to Tortuguero, combining journeys by car and boat to reach this stunning village on the Caribbean coast. Within the heart of Tortuguero National Park, explore the village's Afro-Caribbean roots and sea turtle habitat, before boarding a boat for a scenic rainforest tour. The area is dense with wildlife, from three-toed sloths and spider monkeys to river otters and iguanas; birdwatchers should look out for belted kingfishers, hawks, egrets and jacanas, to name a few. Keep your eyes peeled as well, for a rare but beautiful chance to spot a jaguar. You'll then end the day's itinerary by diving into local culture and history at the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum, before an overnight stay.
Tortuguero
Day 3: Pure enchantment in Tortuguero
Today, venture even deeper into Tortuguero National Park with the help of an expert guide, who will take you on a magical deep boat trip into the park's winding canals. Back on land, set out for a guided nature trail walk - the perfect chance for wildlife-lovers to spot more unique creatures as you experience the otherworldly beauty of the jungle. Finish up with some time at leisure, relaxing on the beach and taking in the enchanting scenery that surrounds you, before an overnight stay.
Tortuguero - Guapiles - Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Day 4: Explore Puerto Viejo's vibrant culture
Today you'll depart Tortuguero by boat, docking in La Pavona before a land transfer to Guapiles, in the heart of the country's banana-growing region. Sit down here for lunch, and tuck into a Caribbean feast filled with local flavours, then transfer to your main port of call: the coastal town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Here, marvel at the blend of cultures and vibrant nightlife, and enjoy the delightful climate and soft sands, before an overnight stay.
Puerto Viejo De Talamanca - Cahuita - Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Day 5: Active pursuits above & below the water's surface
Today, a fun programme of activities awaits for the chance to explore the many riches of Puerto Viejo. Head out on a snorkelling adventure to experience the entrancing beauty of Cahuita’s coral reef and underwater marvels. Then, join snorkelling sessions across two nearby locations - perfect for a comprehensive deep-dive into the local marine life. Back on land, take a guided trek through Cahuita National Park, spotting diverse wildlife as you go - be on the lookout for resident sloths, red-eyed tree frogs, howler monkeys, coatis, toucans and much more. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure before an overnight stay.
Puerto Viejo De Talamanca - San Jose
Day 6: Journey back to San José
Today you'll take a shuttle transfer back to San José. The journey is due to last approximately five hours, but you'll feel the time fly by as you absorb Costa Rica's sheer rural beauty at every turn. Back in San José, spend the rest of the day at leisure, seeking out its best bars and restaurants before bedding down for an overnight stay.
San Jose
Day 7: Goodbye, Costa Rica
It's time to bid farewell to Costa Rica: today, you'll transfer from your accommodation to Juan Santamaría International Airport, where your onward flight awaits.
