Trek Hidden Costa Rica - 12 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female67%
- Male33%
Average age
Start / End
- San José
- San José
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
13Highlights
- Trek into a remote community to live with the locals
- Make your own sugarcane candy
- Rappel down hidden waterfalls
- Whitewater raft on the Savegre River.
- Camp for a night in the Costa Rican jungle
Talk to a travel expert
Our experts are ready to perfect your trip with personalised advice on itineraries, transfers, and local tips.
Email UsCall Us: 0208 004 8886
Free Brochure
Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.
Summary
Think you know Costa Rica? Trade in the same old settings for the real deal. Trek into the heart of the jungle to live with three families in a remote village. Discover the emerald core of a diverse land while bunking down amid the beauty of the jungle. Learn about the medicinal plants native to these parts and how to make sugarcane candy. This is a spectacular country with opportunities for waterfall rappelling, surfing, and whitewater rafting. This is what adventure is all about.
Itinerary
Day 1
San José
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. As it is located in the central highlands, San José enjoys a moderate climate.
Amid the hustle and bustle, San José has beautiful parks, museums and the ornate Costa Rica National Theatre downtown. Enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains from the downtown streets.
The central plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.
Day 2
San José/San Isidro
Spend the day visiting some shops and stock up before the next day's trek into the jungle. Located near three rivers and Costa Rica's highest mountain, Mt Chirripó, this region is well-known but few travelers stay to find out why.
Day 3
San Isidro/Piedras Blancas
The journey is always half the fun! Travel in the back of a pickup truck through lush green landscapes and end in the small town of Brujo. Enjoy a 4-hour hike to a jungle homestay while spotting tropical fauna and plenty of wildlife along the way.
Day 4
Piedras Blancas
Wake up with the sun today and get ready for loads of activities. Enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican breakfast to start the day off right. In small groups, make 'dulce' (candy) at the family's traditional 'trapiche' (sugar cane mill). Cool off in the river that flows right by the house while the sugar simmers over the fire and lunch is being prepared.
Hike one hour to another household and stay the night. While there, local guides and members of the family will explain how to make fresh cheese and breads, play card games and enjoy tasty traditional Tico cooking. Once the evening winds down, head to bed for a well-deserved rest.
Day 5
Piedras Blancas
Start the day with a delicious home-cooked breakfast and fortify for the two-hour hike through the rainforest to tonight's home stay retreat. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the rushing waterfall directly in front of the dining area. Watch wildlife and hummingbirds up close. Reward yourself homemade chocolate made from cocoa beans collected right from the garden.
Day 6
Piedras Blancas/Dominical
Today is a full, action-packed day. Set your alarm for an early morning start and a two-hour hike back to Brujo where we jump into rafts and head off on the Savegre River.
Paddle toward the Pacific coast, then take a van to Dominical. Spend the rest of the day at the local bungalows, in the swimming pool or walking along the beach.
Day 7
Dominical
Enjoy a free day in beautiful Dominical. Take a surf lesson, hike to a local waterfall for a swim, go on a whale watching cruise, or kick back and relax.
Day 8
Dominical/Diamante Verde
Time to put the boots back on and hike to Catedral de Piedra ('Cathedral of Stone').
A free day for exploring the area, the local guides will plan a number of activities depending on the group’s interest and energy levels.
Options include a number of hikes to the surrounding falls, waterfall rappelling, cliff jumping and swimming in the natural pools.
Day 9
Diamante Verde/Uvita
Wake up early and set off on foot back to Las Tumbas. At the trail's end, hop in a private van and enjoy the ride to Uvita, a small beach town on the southwestern Pacific coast.
Take some much deserved time to rest and relax.
Day 10
Uvita
This is a perfect day for some quality hammock time. Still need to move? There's lots to do. Take a surf lesson, horseback ride, snorkel, SCUBA dive or take a trip to nearby Caño Island.
Day 11
Uvita/San José
Transfer back to the capital for a final evening with the group.
Day 12
San José
Depart from San José at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels (5 nts twin-share, 2 nts triple-share), jungle homestay (3 nts, multi-share), camping (1 nt, sleeping bags, no electricity).
Meals
Breakfasts: 4, Lunches: 5, Dinners: 4
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
from £989Nov 25
from £1,376Dec 25
from £1,454Jan 26
from £1,454Feb 26
from £1,454Mar 26
from £1,454Apr 26
from £1,376May 26
from £1,309Jun 26
from £1,309Jul 26
from £1,376Aug 26
from £1,376Nov 26
from £1,376Dec 26
from £1,454Jan 27
from £1,309Feb 27
from £1,309Mar 27
from £1,309Apr 27
from £1,309May 27
from £1,309Jun 27
from £1,309Jul 27
from £1,309Aug 27
from £1,309Nov 27
from £1,309Dec 27
from £1,309
- Save 27%Sat 9 Aug 2025 > Wed 20 Aug 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£1,359Best offer£989
Customer reviews & ratings
Incredible! Getting outdoors and trekking was such a unique way to experience Costa Rica. The homestays were a highlight! I had an amazing time on this trip! Getting outdoors and trekking and exploring was incredible.
Katie Aug, 2024 VerifiedRelaxing but exciting I had a great time
Kathryn Aug, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
Still have questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Why book with us
Help Change The World
We collaborate with local businesses and communities.
Best Price Guaranteed
We won't be beaten on price. If you find this adventure at a lower price please get in touch!
You're In Good Hands
We work with trusted tour operators around the world.
You're spoilt for choice
We have the best choice of adventures on the market.