Wonders of the Braulio Carrillo rainforest
Located on the north side of the Central Valley, amongst iconic massifs in the Cordillera Central Volcanic Range, Costa Rica's Braulio Carrillo National Park is a wonderful natural treasure. As one of the country's largest protected areas, and featuring one of its steepest topographies, it makes for a highly unique and unforgettable back-to-nature trip.
Immerse yourself in a land of wildlife-rich rainforests, canyons, rivers and streams, and experience the sheer beauty of this part of the world as you journey by aerial tram across the treetops. Try your hand at zip-lining to feel the rush of wind through your hair and enjoy more unforgettable views, and soak up this natural paradise on what's set to be an epic five-day adventure.
Services
Included:
- Two nights accommodation in a superior hotel in San José (first & final nights)
- Two nights accommodation in a lodge in Guapiles
- Private airport transfers
- Round-trip transportation from/to San José
- Aerial Tram adventure
- Zip-lining experience
- VAT
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Departure taxes ($29 per person)
Optional:
- San José city tour (USD 74 per person)
Itinerary at a Glance
Juan Santamaría International Airport - San Jose
Welcome to the land of "pura vida"
San Jose - Braulio Carrillo National Park
Volcanoes & rainforests
Braulio Carrillo National Park
See the rainforest from a bird’s eye view
Braulio Carrillo National Park - San Jose
Enjoy la pura vida at your own pace
San Jose - Juan Santamaría International Airport
Return to the airport
Detailed Itinerary
Juan Santamaría International Airport - San Jose
Day 1: Welcome to the land of "pura vida"
Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon landing, make your way through immigration and customs. A representative will meet and take you to your hotel near San José. During the short 15 to 25-minute drive, you will receive a brief introduction to Costa Rica and some recommendations for your trip.
Costa Rica’s capital San José is the largest city in the country, considered to be among the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. Downtown San José is a maze of streets and avenues, where you can find most of the city’s museums, hotels, and plazas. The centre is home to the unmissable National Theatre, National Museum, and Jade Museum. Relax in parks like the Plaza de La Cultura and Parque Morazán, and explore the local gastronomic variety in numerous restaurants. For more authentic and typical food, visit the lively Central Market.
San Jose - Braulio Carrillo National Park
Day 2: Volcanoes & rainforests
Today you'll head into the heart of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Located in the Cordillera Central Volcanic Range, it is surrounded by the Poás, Irazú, Barva and Cacho Negro Volcanoes, each one stunning in their natural beauty and looming presence. This park is one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica, and is located in the steepest topography of the country.
The landscape consists of high mountains, densely covered with forests and canyons with several rivers and streams, which are key for the local production of hydroelectricity. Due to the area's high altitudinal gradient, precipitation levels are varied - from 8.2 feet (2,500 mm) on the slopes overlooking the Central Valley, up to 18.8 feet (5,734 mm) on the Caribbean slopes.
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Day 3: See the rainforest from a bird’s eye view
Today, explore every level of the dense Costa Rican rainforest from the ground to the treetops. An Aerial Tram tour allows you to get a first-hand experience of the forest, while you fly above the treetops and experience magnificent views of Braulio Carrillo National Park.
From this vantage point, you will have an immersive nature experience as well as a glorious treetop flight over the canopy of the rainforest. Besides the gondola ride, you will also take a nature walk, visit a butterfly and orchid garden, and finish by admiring local amphibian and reptile species.
The canopy tour is among the most popular activities in Costa Rica, and you will feel real adrenaline and adventure while safely sliding among and above magnificent nature, crossing platforms and rivers as you go.
Braulio Carrillo National Park - San Jose
Day 4: Enjoy la pura vida at your own pace
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel and prepare for a day at leisure, doing as much or as little as you wish - either partaking in more thrilling activities, or simply unwinding. Speak to your guide or the hotel reception team, who will happily help recommend the best things to see and do locally. You'll retun to San José in time to check into your hotel and relax for an overnight stay in the city.
San Jose - Juan Santamaría International Airport
Day 5: Return to the airport
Your rainforest adventure is coming to an end: today, you'll say goodbye to this beautiful part of Costa Rica and its wonderful people! Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you straight to the international airport, in time for your onward flight.
