Costa Rica: nature & culture off the beaten track

Juan Santamaría International Airport - San Jose

Day 1: Hello, San José!

Upon your arrival at the airport, transfer to your accommodation and relax for a while - if time allows, explore Downtown San José where you can find most of the city’s museums as well as several hotels, parks and plazas. In the centre of the city, must-visit attractions include the National Theatre, National Museum, and Jade Museum. San José also offers a great range of restaurants, from the famous gastronomic delights of Barrio Escalante to the Central Market's tasty local flavours.

San Jose - Rio Celeste

Day 2: Beautiful nature in Bijagua de Upala

Your Costa Rican exploration outside of the capital begins today. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, visit Bijagua de Upala, a little village near the entrance of Tenorio Volcano National Park. As the gateway to the Celeste River and its incredible sky-blue waters, it offers a very natural and rural atmosphere with stunning mountain scenery, fantastic birdwatching, and interesting locals. Take some time here to unwind and feel at one with nature amidst beautiful surroundings.

Rio Celeste

Day 3: The Celeste River & Rio Celeste waterfall

Today, enjoy a walking tour to Rio Celeste waterfall, near the Tenorio and Miravalles Volcanoes. Begin your guided hike through the dense, lush tropical rainforest that surrounds the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Set the pace for a relaxed or invigorating experience; you'll learn fascinating facts about the rainforest along the way. To make the most of the day, don't forget to pack your sunscreen, insect repellent, a light jacket, hiking boots, and a camera.

At Los Tenideros, the point where two rivers come together, you'll be amazed by the celestial turquoise-blue colour of the water. Scientists have established that the rocks at the bottom of the river have a mineral coating that includes silicone, oxygen, and aluminium. It is the size of these minerals, as well as the reflection of the sunlight, that give the water its stunning hue.

Boca Tapada

Day 4: Night walk in Boca Tapada

Your next destination, Boca Tapada, is located in the northern lowlands near the mouth of the San Carlos River. This off-the-beaten-path part of Costa Rica is home to pineapple and sugar cane plantations, as well as unique wildlife. Boca Tapada is one of the few nesting sites of the endangered great green macaw - in fact, the local Maquenque Eco Preserve's mission is to maintain the natural habitat of this beautiful bird.

As evening approaches, enjoy a unique and atmospheric night walk. Visit the lodge's gardens and forested grounds for a glimpse of animals such as alligators, frogs, nocturnal birds, snakes, and spiders; your naturalist guide will provide plenty of facts about the area's flora and fauna as you go. Comfortable clothes, a raincoat, insect repellent and a camera are essential for a good time out.

Boca Tapada

Day 5: A unique day out on the river

Today, enjoy the tranquillity of the rainforest by gliding along the Tres Amigos River by raft. Here you can witness the sheer richness of the local flora and fauna, and discover amazing animals such as crocodiles, tortoises, iguanas, monkeys, waterfowl, and more along the way.

Your naturalist guide will explain how to paddle in line with safety regulations, as well as share his knowledge about the region and the various species you'll encounter. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes, and bring along sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, binoculars, and a hat.

Sarapiqui

Day 6: Join a flavourful cooking session

Today, drive to Sarapiqui in the Heredia province, known for its rich biodiversity and adventure pursuits. Surrounded by lush green forests and banana and cacao plantations, Sarapiqui is located at the confluence of the Puerto Viejo and Sarapiqui Rivers. The diversity of flora and fauna here is astounding, with more than 1,850 plants, 448 birds, 70 types of bat, and five of Costa Rica’s six felines.

In Sarapiqui, channel your inner chef with a comprehensive cooking session. Learn about organic agriculture, get to know local production techniques, and enjoy harvesting different products out in the fields - all before turning them into delicious traditional dishes in a firewood kitchen. Finally, proceed to sit down and taste the fruits of your labour for lunch.

Sarapiqui - Tirimbina

Day 7: Enriching cacao & horseback experiences

Start the day off with an intriguing cacao tour: take a guided walk across the Tirimbina hanging bridge to an old plantation, where your guide will reveal the secrets of transforming cacao fruit into chocolate. See the production process first-hand and treat your taste buds to real organic rainforest chocolate!

Afterwards, you'll set out on an invigorating horseback tour: don a helmet, leggings and rain poncho, and learn the basics of horse-handling and safety. When you’re ready, you and your horse will head out onto trails that run through pastureland, jungle, and rivers. See the beautiful countryside and spot birds and other wildlife, with stops to enjoy fresh fruit and water along the way. A bilingual guide and wrangler will accompany every rider, ensuring that your tour is both educational and safe.

Pierella Ecological Garden - Turrialba

Day 8: Explore the fabulous Pierella Ecological Garden

Today you will venture to the Pierella Ecological Garden, a special space run by a local family. Your hosts William and Krista will start the tour with a little background story and tell you all about the wonderful work they do here. Visit the butterfly garden to learn about the different species and their striking metamorphosis processes, and walk along the trails to meet other friendly residents - sloths, frogs, colourful insects and birds. As the tour comes to an end, tuck into a delicious lunch.

Turrialba

Day 9: See the Splendid Attractions of Turrialba

Get set to explore Turrialba. Located in the rural part of the Cartago Province, Turrialba combines a charming little town with amazing sites such as the Turrialba Volcano, an active volcano. The Pacuare and Reventazon Rivers are perfect for whitewater rafting. Also, Guayabo is located in Turrialba – it is Costa Rica’s only pre-Columbian archeological site that is open to public access. These ruins provide a fantastic insight into what life circa 1000 BC to 1400AD must have been like.

Turrialba is a farming town. It has a very interesting climate due to the proximity to the Caribbean side in the Central Valley. You will see fields of lettuce, cilantro, sugar cane, coffee, and others. Besides this, one of the most famous products from Turrialba is their cheese.

Turrialba - Savegre De Aguirre

Day 10: The natural charms of Los Santos

Today, proceed to the next destination on your Costa Rica tour: Los Santos, located in the Talamanca Mountain Range in the highlands of south-central Costa Rica. This region features wonderful wildlife - particularly birds, as its high elevation attracts woodpeckers, warblers, falcons, owls, and the resplendent quetzal. The Los Santos zone is in fact home to Los Quetzales National Park, perfect for hiking and nature adventures - avid hikers are often rewarded with stunning views here. High-quality coffee is also produced locally, and you can delight your taste buds as you visit a local plantation and shop.

Savegre De Aguirre

Day 11: Spot dazzling quetzals

In San Gerardo de Dota, Savegre, you'll have the best chance of spotting and observing the elusive quetzal bird. The Aztecs believed the resplendent quetzal was the representation of Quetzalcoatl, their supreme god. While you're here, a naturalist guide will take you to the places where the quetzal feeds on aguacatillo berries, their favourite fruit. If you're lucky enough to spot one, you'll soon appreciate why it is considered to be the most beautiful bird species on the American continent.

Savegre De Aguirre - Uvita

Day 12: Unwind with beach bliss in Uvita

Today, continue your travels to Uvita: located on the South Pacific Coast, this small town features quaint shops and souvenir stalls, as well as several bar and restaurant options for a laid-back evening. The town itself is spread out, and stretches from the beach area back into the mountains. It is the primary entry point to the incredibly beautiful Ballena National Marine Park spanning both coastline and sea.

The park is best-known for the humpback whales that migrate here annually to rear their young. It was in fact created to protect the dolphins and whales that call these waters home; these beautiful creatures can be observed most of the year, with the exception of May and June; the best months are August, September, and October, followed by January and February. The park's backdrop is spectacular, too, made up of towering lush green mountains shrouded in clouds.

Uvita - Ballena National Marine Park - Uvita

Day 13: Sea kayaking & snorkelling adventures

Take to the seas for a kayaking and snorkelling adventure today: begin at low tide as you paddle to Whale's Tail for about 30-45 minutes. The snorkelling portion of the tour will last between 45-90 minutes, allowing you plenty of time to marvel at the rich marine life, including a variety of fish and coral species. Continue on kayaking into a small mangrove forest in Ballena National Marine Park, where you'll be able to spot sea birds, toucans, and some small reptiles. For a fuss-free day out, don't forget to pack your sandals, bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, rain jacket, and waterproof camera.

Uvita - San Jose

Day 14: Return to San José

After spending blissful days enjoying the sea, forest, and marine life in Uvita, you will return to the city where it all began: San José. Relax in your hotel in the capital, and spend your final evening in Costa Rica at your own pace.

San Jose - Juan Santamaría International Airport

Day 15: Farewell, Costa Rica!

It’s time to bid goodbye to Costa Rica, as you travel back to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your return journey home.