Captivating color, culture & Caribbean soul
When to go
January-April, September-October
Trip length
9 days / 8 nights
Typical investmentPrice
from $3,500 pp
Divided from the rest of the country by an imaginary line, the continental divide, Costa Rica’s Caribbean feels like a country unto itself, characterized by vast expanses of lowland tropical forest, postcard-worthy beaches and a vibrant Afro-Caribbean influence. Begin your trip in Tortuguero’s verdant jungles amongst monkeys, toucans and sloths, then head south to Puerto Viejo for blissful beaches and a cultural experience distinct from anywhere else in the country. Imagine walking palm-fringed beaches while sensual Calypso wafts by on a coconut-scented breeze. This is paradise.
Along the way
Raft the wild rapids of the Pacuare River
Witness sea turtles nesting under the stars
Cycle to hidden Caribbean beaches for a gourmet picnic
Paddle jungle canals in Tortuguero with a naturalist guide
Your route
Where the jungle meets the water
Welcome to Costa Rica! Check into your hotel in the heart of bustling San José. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner at the hotel restaurant and a soak in the rooftop hot tub before tomorrow’s early start.
Get an early start for the journey to Tortuguero, traveling through cloud forested mountains and wide expanses of banana and pineapple plantations. Board a lancha for the river ride to your lodge, arriving in time for lunch. This afternoon, kayak narrow jungle canals with your naturalist guide, watching for wildlife along the way.
Begin with early-morning birdwatching as the forest stirs around you. After breakfast, cruise the river in search of monkeys, toucans, sloths, and parrots. After dark, take a twilight garden walk to look for red-eyed tree frogs. In season, and when available, continue to the beach for a turtle-nesting excursion.
Tropical tranquility on the Caribbean coast
Trade rainforest canals for the Caribbean coast and check into your luxurious beach hideaway near Puerto Viejo. Spend the afternoon on the sand, enjoying warm breezes and your first glimpse of these beautiful shores.
Ride south along the coast at your own pace to Playa Chiquita, Playa Cocles, and Punta Uva. Find a beautiful stretch of sand and enjoy a gourmet picnic. After a few hours of sun and sea, ride back to Puerto Viejo and visit Choco to sample artisanal cacao treats with local rum.
Begin with a shared snorkeling adventure in Cahuita National Park, exploring coral gardens and tropical fish when conditions allow. Return to your beach hideaway for a leisurely afternoon. A hammock, a cool drink, and a little more Caribbean bliss.
Spend your last full day in Puerto Viejo at your leisure. On your final evening here, enjoy a gourmet spread at a private beachfront table for two, and toast to beautiful days on the Caribbean coast.
A thrilling farewell
Spend the day chasing thrills as you paddle the Pacuare River, whose rapids wind through lush rainforest gorges. A whitewater adventure to round out your Costa Rican escape.
After breakfast at your hotel, a private driver will take you to the San José airport for your onward travels. So long!
Let's discover your next adventure
Our top picks
Hotel Aguas Claras brings a playful, artistic style to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Twelve individually decorated bungalows and suites sit in tropical gardens near Playa Chiquita, with open-air showers, a beach club, and bicycles for the road into Puerto Viejo.
Tortuga Lodge has welcomed travelers to Tortuguero for more than four decades and is now part of the Costa Rican-owned Boena collection. Spacious rooms and suites overlook the river from tropical gardens, while experienced naturalist guides lead daily excursions through Tortuguero National Park. Guests come for the wildlife, the guiding, and the setting rather than elaborate resort facilities.
Across the river from Tortuguero village, Pachira Lodge is surrounded by canals, wetlands, and tropical forest on Costa Rica's northern Caribbean coast. Boats leave directly from the lodge for wildlife excursions through Tortuguero National Park, where monkeys, caimans, sloths, and hundreds of bird species are regularly seen. Green sea turtles come ashore nearby between July and October.
Playa Chiquita begins just beyond awā Beachfront Hotel, one of the Caribbean coast's most refined boutique stays. Rooms and suites are surrounded by tropical gardens only steps from the sand, while Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge are all nearby. The south Caribbean's beaches, wildlife, and Afro-Caribbean culture are all within easy reach.
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Let’s start planning
Tell us a little about your plans. We’ll be in touch to talk through this trip with you.
