Landscapes of Costa Rica - 10 Days

Once you have arrived at Juan Santamaría International Airport, a local representative will be waiting to greet you and hand over your travel documents. From there, your transfer will take you to your hotel in the heart of San José’s metropolitan area. If you’re arriving early, you might like to explore some of the capital’s cultural highlights – the representative will be able to give you a few suggestions to help you make the most of your time.

San Jose - Siquirres - Puerto Viejo. This morning, you’ll head to the Pacuare River – one of Costa Rica’s top destinations for white-water rafting. Surrounded by steep, jungle-covered canyon walls, the river offers a thrilling and scenic experience with abundant wildlife, including sloths, toucans, coatis, colourful frogs, and morpho butterflies.

Once you arrive, you’ll gear up with a life jacket, helmet, and paddle before receiving a safety briefing. The first stretch features class II–III rapids – a perfect warm-up to build confidence and work as a team. You’ll then enter the spectacular Pacuare Gorge, tackling five miles of exciting class III–IV rapids, including well-known sections like “Terciopelo Snake”, “Double Drop”, and the powerful “Upper and Lower Huacas”. Along the way, you’ll pass the striking 150-foot Huacas Waterfall.

The final section winds through the wider Valle del Pacuare. Here, the river eases, giving you a chance to relax, take in the lush surroundings, and spot more wildlife.

You’ll finish in Siquirres at a private Exploration Centre, where you can shower, change, and unwind in the gardens or on the terrace with a well-earned beer. From here, you’ll continue on to Puerto Viejo – a relaxed Caribbean surf town known for its beautiful beaches and rich biodiversity.

Puerto Viejo - Cahuita National Park - Puerto Viejo. Early this morning, you will make your way to Cahuita National Park, a protected area on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast known for its tropical rainforest, pristine beaches, and coral reefs. Covering around 2,600 acres (1,052 hectares), the park is a haven for both nature and wildlife lovers.

There are two access points: the Kelly Creek entrance in Cahuita town operates on a donation basis, with funds directly supporting the park’s conservation. The Puerto Vargas entrance charges approximately USD 5 per person (entrance fees not included).

Once inside, you’ll set off on a scenic coastal trail that stretches just over 5 miles (8 km), offering excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife. The route is home to monkeys, sloths, iguanas, tropical birds, and vibrant dart frogs. As the trail runs in a single direction, a full hike requires returning the same way – a longer walk, but rich in natural encounters. After, you will be transferred back to your accommodation.

Please note: cash is the only accepted form of payment at both entrances.

After breakfast, you will venture to Punta Uva with your guide for a memorable combination of kayaking and hiking in one of the Caribbean coast’s most scenic spots. Known for its calm, reef-sheltered waters and soft white sand, Punta Uva offers a peaceful setting for outdoor exploration.

You’ll begin by paddling along the shoreline, where the rainforest meets the sea. As you glide past cliffs and sea caves, keep an eye out for local wildlife – monkeys, sloths, and colourful birds are often spotted along this stretch. There will be plenty of chances to stop for photos and take in the views.

Midway through the tour, you’ll pause on the beach to relax, enjoy a refreshing swim, and snack on fresh tropical fruit. Afterwards, a guided walk through the surrounding forest takes you back toward Punta Uva town, with your guide sharing insights into the local ecosystem and the unique biodiversity of this coastal wildlife refuge.

Puerto Viejo - La Fortuna. This morning, you will be transferred from the Caribbean coast to the northern lowlands, a region known for its tropical landscapes and rich agricultural zones. As you travel, you’ll pass through areas filled with lush vegetation and various plantations that reflect Costa Rica’s diverse climate and fertile soil.

Your journey ends in La Fortuna, a charming town nestled at the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. You might like to wander through the town centre, browse local shops for souvenirs, or relax with a cup of Costa Rican coffee at one of the many cafés and restaurants in the area.

Today, you will have the morning at leisure to explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a memorable cultural visit to Arenal Vida Campesina, where you’ll take part in a hands-on Costa Rican cooking experience.

Your visit begins with a walk through the gardens and farmland where many of the ingredients are grown, offering insight into local agricultural practices and the journey from harvest to table.

With guidance from a local cook, you’ll help prepare a variety of traditional dishes, including picadillo, guisados, and handmade tortillas. Before the cooking begins, you’ll also learn how to mix up a refreshing Costa Rican cocktail – often known as jungle juice.

Afterwards, sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labour with a hearty meal and warm conversation, gaining a deeper appreciation for Costa Rica’s culinary heritage.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to a nearby rainforest reserve, where a network of hanging bridges offers an incredible way to experience the forest canopy. Spanning different heights and lengths, the bridges provide panoramic views over the treetops as you make your way along a 3-kilometre trail through dense vegetation. With a bit of luck, you may spot howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, spider monkeys, coatis, and a variety of tropical birds.

Following the walk, your next stop is La Fortuna Waterfall – a striking cascade surrounded by lush greenery. To reach the base, you’ll descend approximately 500 steps, with resting areas along the way. Once at the bottom, there’s time for a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the La Fortuna River.

Afterwards, you’ll head to a local restaurant to enjoy a well-earned lunch featuring Costa Rican favourites. You’ll then return to your hotel for a relaxing evening at leisure.

La Fortuna - Liberia - Tamarindo. Today, you’ll leave the Arenal region behind as you journey toward Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast. At the scheduled time, your transfer will collect you for the scenic drive through changing landscapes – from lush rainforest to the tropical dry forests and open plains of Guanacaste Province.

After approximately three hours, you’ll reach Liberia, the regional capital and a gateway to the Pacific coast. From there, the journey continues along a mix of paved and unpaved roads as you make your way toward the Nicoya Peninsula.

Your destination is Tamarindo, a lively coastal town known for its golden beaches, warm waters, and vibrant surf culture. Once you arrive, settle in and enjoy a beautiful Pacific sunset from your hotel.

This morning, you will have the day at leisure to relax and enjoy the beauty of Tamarindo’s coastline. You might choose to stretch out on the soft sand with a good book, take a refreshing swim in the warm Pacific waters, or simply soak up the sun and the laid-back beach atmosphere.

For those looking to add some adventure, Tamarindo offers a range of optional activities that can be arranged locally. You could rent an ATV to explore nearby beaches, head out on a deep sea fishing trip, or take a jet ski tour along the coast. Other options include scuba diving, kayaking, or trying your hand at some extreme watersports. Surf lessons are also available if you’d like to ride Tamarindo’s famous waves, or you might prefer a full-day excursion to Hacienda Guachipelín for a mix of nature and adventure.

As evening approaches, be sure to take in Tamarindo’s spectacular sunset – best enjoyed with your favourite cocktail and the sound of the ocean in the background.

Tamarindo - Liberia. After your final breakfast, you might have some time for a bit of last-minute shopping, a final walk along the beach, or simply relaxing before your transfer to Guanacaste International Airport. At the appropriate time, you’ll be collected from your hotel in Tamarindo and driven to the airport to catch your international flight. Safe travels!