Premium Costa Rica: Tortuguero and Caribbean Coast

Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. When you arrive at San Jose Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After the meeting, join your group for a welcome dinner at Tiquicia Restaurant, where you’ll watch some traditional folkloric dancing and dine on typical Costa Rican cuisine. If you arrive in San Jose early, maybe visit the bustling Mercado Central for a glimpse of local daily life or the Museos del Banco Central, which showcases a range of visual arts and archaeological exhibitions.

This morning, take a private transfer to Cano Blanco dock, where you'll board a boat to your Feature Stay in Tortuguero for the next two nights – Tortuga Lodge. Located on a canal by Costa Rica’s northeastern shore, this lodge has a pool, gardens and its own private nature reserve – the rainforest will be at your doorstep. You'll have a view over the Tortuguero River from your comfortable room. When you arrive, check in and settle into your room. Later this afternoon, join your leader for a jungle walk in the nature reserve. See native flora and tropical wildlife – you might even see the thumbnail-sized strawberry poison dart frog. Tonight, have dinner at the lodge with your group.

Spend this morning exploring the village of Tortuguero with your leader and learn how this former hunting and fishing village became an ecotourism hub. Get a snapshot of daily life as you walk through the car-free streets past the local school, churches and small artisan shops. You’ll also pass by the local recycling centre, considered one of the most efficient community-run recycling centres in Costa Rica. This afternoon, venture out on a boat safari through the canals of Tortuguero National Park. You might spot monkeys, toucans, caimans, turtles, iguanas and sloths as you cruise through the vibrant rainforest. This evening, there’s the option to go on a night-time turtle nesting tour on the beach (only available July to October) or to go on another jungle safari. Otherwise, you could simply relax at your lodge – there are plenty of tranquil spots to unwind in a hammock and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Say farewell to Tortuguero and make your way to the southern Caribbean Coast. You’ll take a boat back to Cano Blanco dock, then drive south. On the way, stop for lunch, then visit Cahuita National Park. Here, you’ll meet a local guide for a wildlife hike where you might see sloths, monkeys and colourful reptiles as you walk along easy, flat trails where the jungle meets the beach. Your guide will use spotting scopes to help you catch sight of camouflaged sloths. You’ll also have time to relax on the sand and take a refreshing dip in the water. After, continue to your accommodation by the beach for the next three nights. The rest of your evening is free.

You’ll have some free time this morning to either relax at the accommodation or do some independent exploring. Ask your leader about the optional activities on offer today – you might like to visit the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge or the Ara Manzanillo conservation project. This afternoon, follow your leader on an orientation walk in Puerto Viejo, then head south of town to visit a permaculture farm in Cocles. During this Premium Signature Experience, you’ll meet the local family who own the farm for a tour, picking fresh produce like yucca, herbs and tropical fruits along the way. Then, head to the kitchen, where you’ll roll up your sleeves and learn to cook some traditional local recipes. Get to know the family and learn about their cultural traditions, then tuck into your culinary creations for dinner.

Visit the Bribri Indigenous Reserve to learn about the way of life of the local Bribri community. Start the day with a visit to a traditional farm, where you’ll learn about the spiritual and medicinal value of cacao in Bribri culture. Next, it’s time to get hands-on – make your own artisanal chocolate using traditional techniques which have been passed down through many generations. Continue your guided tour with a hike along trails rich with medicinal plants and natural fibres for you to observe and learn about. Hear about Bribri traditions that incorporate forest resources, including natural dyeing methods. Your hike comes to an end with a visit to a waterfall. Cool off in the clear waters, then snack on some fresh tropical fruits. Return to your accommodation for a free evening.

Have a leisurely start to the day before driving back to San Jose. On the way, you’ll stop at Bici Chocolate for a guided tour and chocolate tasting, set in the mountains of San Isidro de Heredia. This chocolate factory uses bicycle-powered machines called ‘bicimaquinas’, which you can have a go at pedalling yourself. See how cacao is roasted, ground and processed to produce artisanal chocolate bars. Continue to San Jose, where you’ll head to a restaurant with your group for a farewell dinner to celebrate a trip well-travelled.