Day 1

Most tourists stay in San José for a night before heading off to the beach or our famous tropical forests. As travelers, we would never advise you to disregard this city at this point in time.

Our capital city is in the midst of a cultural renaissance propelled by a younger generation that is reclaiming it as it’s own: art, amazing food, coffee, music and, of course, great drinks.

Yes, it might not be the most beautiful city on earth, but its gritty, somewhat chaotic aesthetic is part of what makes it unique. Just go where the locals go and you are sure to find this city to be the true local discovery.

Enjoy our exclusive Localista® walking historic tour to get a grasp of our capital’s city center and then get on a bike across town, or hop from a coffee house to a bar or, to top it all off: take a dance class that would have been forbidden in many local night spots some years ago. It’s all up to you, but we sure have a few cards under our sleeve to make sure you make the best out of your time in the capital.

Day 2

If you dream about rafting on a wild tropical river with warm water, the celadon-colored Pacuare is a dream come true! Rated one of the top rivers in the world, you’ll experience the intimate nature of the rainforest as you raft right through it on 19 miles of Class III-IV white water. The warm water, cascading waterfalls, and opulently lush rainforest with its brilliantly colored plants, animals, and birds indulge your senses on every level.
Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca Mountain Range, home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife, including parrots, toucans, deer, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, butterflies, and more. Add in the exciting Class III-IV white water rapids and you have a tropical adventure packed with rich experiences that last long after you’ve returned home.

Day 3

6:00-7:00 a.m. Departure time from major hotels in San José area. We will travel through highway #32 and drive past the scenic Braulio Carrillo National Park. We will stop for a Costa Rican style breakfast, including the local recipe of “Gallo Pinto” in Guápiles at approx. 8:00 am. Our journey will continue to the dock at either La Pavona in Guapiles or Caño Blanco in Siquirres. (La Pavona is our main port of operation, but depending on weather conditions it might be necessary to change to Caño Blanco).

11:00 a.m. Arrival to the pier and after a chance for restroom use, board the boat for your one hour ride to Tortuguero. For the first part of the journey, you´ll be cruising on “La Suerte” River, and then, as you get closer to Tortuguero you will get into the wider Tortuguero river

12:15-1:00 p.m. Arrival to the Lodge. Welcome by our manager, and check into your room. Afterwards, meet your tour guide and group at the Restaurant for a buffet lunch (lunch available 12:30 – 2:00 pm)

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. This afternoon is a great opportunity to visit the Village of Tortuguero along with your guide and group. Through this visit, learn about the ways of life of the local residents of Tortuguero, a small town of approx. 1,300 people.

7:30 p.m. Meet your guide and group at the restaurant for your buffet dinner, served from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Day 4

Breakfast available from 7:30 to 9:00 am.

12:30 p.m. Gather for a buffet lunch at the restaurant by the pool. Lunch is served from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

2:00 p.m. (Or at a time agreed with your tour guide) meet for the afternoon canal tour in the Tortuguero National Park. Visit one of the park’s canals by boat and discover with your guide the wonderful biodiversity that resides in this area. We recommend you bring your windbreaker and poncho. A shower can always be expected in the rainforest! Also, don’t forget to bring cash to pay for your National Park fee. Return to the Lodge approx. at 4:15 pm for some free time to relax before dinner time.

7:30 p.m. Dinner at the restaurant by the pool

Day 5

7:30 a.m. Breakfast is served at the Lodge. We kindly ask you to check out of your room around 8:30 am, and gather around the reception/souvenir shop area for departure at 9:00 am back to La Pavona, on a return ride from your way in.

11:00 a.m. Arrival to La Pavona, use the restrooms before boarding the bus for the return drive to San José.

1:00 p.m. Stop for lunch in Guápiles. Connection point to pick the car or shuttle to Puerto Viejo.

Arrival to the Puerto Viejo´s Hotel in the afternoon.

Day 6

Breakfast at the hotel

Free morning to enjoy the beach

Single-origin local chocolate tour

Get ready for your taste buds to explode on this Localista® favorite. If Bob Marley, Willy Wonka and Dom Pérignon had decided to start something together, this would be their tour. Learn about the amazing efforts of local entrepreneurs who are trying to bring Cacao back in the form of single origin and extremely delicious chocolate (which youʼll obviously taste). Welcome to the Napa Valley of chocolate

Lodging at Hotel Cariblue or similar

Day 7

Free day to relax at the beach.

Day 8 

You can’t  leave the Caribbean without trying the famous Rice & Beans! Lunch included before departure

Back to San José – by car or shuttle.

Day 9

Transfer hotel – airport

.