3 weeks in Costa Rica
Itinerary
Days 1-3 – We know the way to San José
After a long flight you’ll be pleased to see a representative from our local office waiting to whisk you away to your modern hotel. The next morning you’ll visit the office of our local partner where you’ll be greeted with a Costa Rican coffee. We’ll organise a two hour walk for you around the city with an English speaking guide to discover the secret sights of the city.
Days 3-5 – Nature calls!
Today you’ll be picked up from your hotel in central San Jose and transferred by private car to rural Boca Tapada. This journey will take just over 3 hours. Today you’ll travel to an area well known for its wildlife and in-particular its bird spotting opportunities. Set along the Rio San Carlos, the lodges we use in this area are perfect to relax in. Surrounded by nature and with your food included, there’s no need to worry about leaving this little piece of paradise! During your stay, you’ll have your own bungalow with a private bathroom and porch, perfect for relaxing after your day’s activities.
Whilst staying here you’ll take part in two guided walks – one in the morning and one at night. This will give you the perfect opportunity to spot some of Costa Rica’s famous wildlife, and the guides here will amaze you with the animals they can spot and their knowledge of them too. If you fancy something even more special there is also a wooden treehouse you can sleep in! Just let your Travel Specialist know and they can check availability for your trip.
Days 5-6 At home with the Tico
Today you’ll be transferred to Santa Rosa de Pocosol, home to the Juanilama community. The journey should take 2 hours. Today you’ll travel to a lesser explored area of Costa Rica – one hour north of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. Arriving in a typical Tico village in the Juanilama community, you’ll be immersed in local culture and tradition, learning all about everyday rural life. The initiative was launched by a group of women to introduce travellers to villages and communities off the usual tourist trail and give the women a sense of independence and entrepreneurial spirit.
During your time here you’ll join one of the women to learn about the produce they grow in this area. She will tell you about the plants and their many uses whilst you collect ingredients for your cooking lesson afterwards at her home. You’ll help whip up a traditional meal, using the local produce before enjoying your last meal in the community.
Days 6-8 – Lava flows of Arenal volcano
Next up you will head into the highlands to La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal Volcano. The journey is around an hour and the road can be quite winding! As you head towards La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal volcano, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more mountainous and the winding road becoming more pot-holed. The mighty volcano and beautiful countryside is one of the most iconic images of Costa Rica. We’ll arrange for you to stay in a comfortable wooden cabin hotel, just outside the popular tourist town. During your stay, you will take a hike through the lush landscape, with the volcano as a beautiful back-drop before being transferred to the hot springs where you can unwind.
Days 8-10 – Into the cloud forests of Monteverde
Next you will travel by shuttle bus to Monteverde, home of the cloud forests. The bus takes around 3.5 hours. Alternatively you could take the ‘bus-boat-bus’ option which takes you across Lake Arenal – it won’t save you much time,but adds to the adventure! Just let your travel specialist know if you would like to switch to this option.
Feel the magic of the dense cloud forest of Monteverde. Take a guided canopy walk through the forest where ferns, mosses and orchids bloom amongst the hanging tree branches and beautiful birds dart through the trees. Due to the humid climate the forest gives off a fairytale-like atmosphere, especially in often-present mist. You’ll stay in a comfortable Swiss-style chalet, set amongst wooded surroundings.
Days 10-12 – Ocean waves & jungle days
Next you’ll head towards the sea and the town of Manuel Antonio. The shuttle bus will take around 3.5 hours. Manuel Antonio, located on the Pacific Coast, boasts crescent-shaped bays, jungles bursting with wildlife and an excellent bar and restaurant scene. You’ll stay in a hill-top villa resort with a pool for refreshing dips and serene views across the ocean. During your stay you’ll visit an animal sanctuary inland who are hard at work rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing a whole host of animals. The area is home to the most visited National Park in the country and is easy to explore on your own with a mix of jungle trails and pretty beaches.
Days 12-15 – Dolphins & bays of the Pacific Coast
Today you’ll journey down the coast to the village of Ojochal on the Costa Ballena, taking just over an hour. You’ll arrive in an area less visited by tourists, at a tented lodge surrounded by tropical vegetation near Costa Ballena. After your first night you’ll take a trip out to go dolphin spotting in the Marine Park. They sometimes swim along with the boat and there are many species to watch out for! The rest of your stay is free for you to enjoy the beaches.
Days 15-18 – Snorkelling coves & tropical rainforests
You’ll take a quick shuttle bus transfer to Sierpe today, the gateway to Corcovado National Park. Your journey will be around an hour depending how many pick-ups there are along the way. The isolation of the Corcovado rainforest makes it one of the most special places in the country. You’ll take a speedboat through narrow winding channels to Drake Bay, the coastal strip just before the park where your family run B&B is based. You’ll go on a guided walk in Corcovado National Park and snorkel in the tropical waters off the coast of Isla del Caño.
Days 18-19 – 1 night in Alajuela
After your time in this remote corner of Costa Rica comes to an end you will take the boat back to Sierpe where you will catch the shuttle bus back towards San Jose. The bus will take around 4 hours without stops. You’ll be staying in Alajuela just outside San Jose, shuttle buses into the city don’t run to Alajuela, so you’ll be dropped off at Denny’s Restaurant where you’ll need to get a local taxi. There are normally taxis waiting as they know when the shuttles are due to arrive. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes and should cost between $15-$20. You’ll stay in a cosy hotel located in the Alajuela area of the city and only a 10-minute drive from the airport. This family-run accommodation is surrounded by peaceful gardens and has a pool for a refreshing dip.
Days 19-23 – Reefs & reggae of the Caribbean
The following day you’ll head for your beach stay on the Caribbean coast in the laid-back town of Puerto Viejo. The journey will take around 4 hours. After all that travelling you’re probably ready for a long stretch of sandy beach and a tasty Caribbean stew; well, Puerto Viejo is the place for both. The distinctly Caribbean feel means that you’re never too far from an intoxicating reggae beat or a tropical cocktail. You’ll also get your nature fix, visiting nearby Cahuita National Park to explore the colourful world both above and below the water.
After your chilled out stay on the Caribbean coast you will be transferred back to San Jose by shuttle bus for your final night. The following day you’ll be collected by private transfer and taken to the airport for your international flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Travel by Hire Car
For a little extra freedom, you can choose to travel by hire car. Aside from the occasional pothole on the rural roads, driving in Costa Rica is pretty easy and stress-free, and we think it’s a really lovely and adventurous way to explore the country. You’ll have a modern SUV car complete with GPS and insurance cover, so you’re all good to go!
