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Discover Costa Rica South and Central Pacific

Highlights

  • Hike in the Corcoval National Park - one of the most biodiverse places on earth
  • Snorkel with marine life at Cano Island
  • Enjoy beachside glamping on remote and beautiful Isla Chiquita
From £4050 pp*
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14 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

This immersive Costa Rica Tour takes you to the country's most stunning locations, where you'll experience some of the most captivating natural sights that Central America has to offer.

Tour summary:

Day 1: San Jose
Day 2 and 3:  San Gerardo De Dota
Day 4-6: Drake Bay
Day 7-11: Manuel Antonio
Day 12 and 13: Puntarenas
Day 14: Santa Barbara de Heredia
Day 15: Departure

San José is where your wildlife holiday in Costa Rica starts, and on your adventure the locations you’ll discover are San José, Dota, Drake Bay and then back up the coast to the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio and on to Isla Chiquita.

With locals as your guides, your activities are all included. You will explore volcanoes, hike in dense rainforests, swim with sea turtles on untouched islands and take a dip in a secluded lagoon for a true Costa Rican adventure.

You’ll also visit an indigenous community and spend quality time with the locals there. In Manuel Antonio you will stay at a stunning eco hotel where the beaches are beautiful, the National park is well known for its biodiversity and you can easily spot monkeys, sloths, coatis and others.

You will visit a tiny island on the picturesque Central Pacific coast where you can relax and enjoy a luxury glamping experience – the perfect way to unwind after so much exploring. And your final stay is at a charming, sustainable boutique hotel on an organic coffee plantation, which is a global leader in responsible tourism. With great weather year-round, this itinerary is perfect for families, couples or groups of friends, and makes the ideal winter sun experience

*From price based on travel for 2 people in 2024 during the low season (between May and June and August to November). For larger groups, solo travellers or children cost please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

Please note: this is a private itinerary but on some experiences throughout the tour you may join a small group.

Begin your adventure

Arrive in San Jose and you will be met and taken to your hotel for your first night in San José.

The hotel  Parque del Lago is a comfortable hotel close to the airport where you can relax and be ready for your adventure to start first thing in the morning.

Accommodation: Parque Del Lago Hotel

Meals: None

San Jose to San Gerardo, Dota

This Morning you will be collected by your guide and driver. The first stop on your journey will be the Irazú National Park, home to the still active Irazú Volcano. At 3400 meters above sea level this is the highest volcano in Costa Rica. Here you’ll take a short hike up to the top of the majestic crater of the volcano, and see the amazing views inside the crater.

Later on, you’ll visit the colonial capital of the country San José, with the opportunity to explore her beautiful Basilica.

You’ll then continue to San Gerardo de Dota, one of Costa Rica´s favourite bird watching sites to see the extraordinary Resplendent Quetzal! San Gerardo is a  lovely little village huddled up against the roaring Talamanca Mountain Range and nestled in the Savegre River Valley, surrounded by  tropical cloud forest and the nearby Paramo covered mountain peaks.

Once you reach the cloud forest, there’s the opportunity to take one of it’s many stunning hikes, there are several hiking routes and you and your guide will decide on the best one for you. One of the highlights is the 2km hike to the secret waterfall.

After you return, you’ll head to your accommodation for the night, the wonderful Trogon Lodge where you’ll stay for two nights.

Accommodation: Trogon Lodge

Meals: Breakfast

Dota

Today will start off with a guided morning hike in the forest to find one of the most exotic and beautiful birds in the world, the Resplendent Quetzal.

For the rest of the day you have the opportunity to explore more areas of  the Tropical Cloud Forest and visit the local indigenous village of San Gerardo.

This picturesque village is the perfect opportunity to explore and interact with the locals with our Authentic community experience, visiting various families of Providencia, in Dota. You will Visit to the old mill or “trapiche” in Los Abuelos to learn about a tradition of producing raw sugar and other sweet foods from sugar cane. You will se how in rural communities Rural communities the natural environment is an integral part of daily life. You will take a walk to the Salitre waterfall through a secondary forest with many streams and waterfalls ranging from 5 to 82 metres high! In a fun cooking class you learn to make jams from the fruits of the region, such as blackberry and tomato. The last activity of the journey is artisanal coffee making with a local family here you will learn how coffee was traditionally made in the yard of their house, listening to the stories of their lives and the sound of the guitar while they sing, and you taste one of the best cups of coffee in the world.

You will pass by a crystal clear river, where you will have time to try your hand at fishing or take a hike from the village on one of the scenic routes round the mountain.

Accommodation: Trogon Lodge

Meals: Breakfast

Journey to Drake Bay

Today you will explore the different ecosystems of the country as you leave the cloud forests of Dota and make your way to Drake bay

Your next destination will be one of the most exciting experiences of nature in the country, within the lowlands rainforest where the climate is tropical.

On your journey there, you’ll drive through the Subalpine Paramo, pass the Mangrove swamps of the local town of Sierpe before arriving at  the Pacific coastline.

En route, you will visit an indigenous community called Rey Curré, known for its famous “Fiesta de los Diablitos” (little devil’s party) held in January commemorating the indigenous peoples’ resistance against the Spanish invaders.

You take a boat through the Mangrove out to sea and sail down the Southern coastline to reach the bay. You’ll be met by your local guide and travel to one of the less visited areas of Costa Rica, and the hotel Aquila de Osa where you’ll stay for the the next three nights.

Accommodation: Aguila de Osa

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Sail to Caño Island

Today you’ll take a boat trip to the wonderful, untouched Caño Island  the gem of the South Pacific of Costa Rica! The waters around Cano island are renowned as one of the worlds best snorkelling and diving areas, with amazing coral reefs and some of the most abundant and varied marine life in the world.

The island itself has Pre Columbian architectural remains and it is believed to have once been a pirate hideout and some say it was the inspiration for Robert Stevenson’s book ”Treasure Island”

As you sail to the island you have the opportunity to see dolphins, whales, sea turtles, rays and other magnificent marine animals and take the chance to snorkel amongst them if you wish!

Accommodation: Aguila de Osa

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Corcovado National Park

Today you will visit the Osa Península and Corcovado National Park.

These are considered the most biologically diverse places on Earth and the jewel on the crown of Costa Rica’s national parks! A must see for wildlife and nature lovers, Corcovado is one of the less accessible parks in Costa Rica, and this means less tourists visit this area, making it all the more appealing.

This wild, untamed region is home to the only tropical primary lowland rainforest in the world and is a sanctuary for many endangered flora and fauna. It protects over 140 different mammal species, 400 bird species, 20 of which are endemic, 116 amphibian and reptile species, 40 species of fish and at least 500 species of trees in its amazing and diverse habitats of beaches, mangroves, swamps, forest and palm groves.

Your guide will show you some of the best spots to admire the abundant biodiversity of Corcovado, and see animals like the tamandua, the tapir or the peccary.

Accommodation: Aguila de Osa

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Travel from Drake Bay to Manuel Antonio

Today you will start with a boat tour with your local guide through the Sierpe River and its mangrove. The Sierpe area is recognised by its canal system and is surrounded by a lush, mangrove forest and known for its biodiversity.

After your boat ride you will head to the Central Pacific area of the country.

On the way, you will stop at the spherical stones park. The archaeological site of Palmar Sur is located in the Diquís Delta, in the southern part of the Puntarenas Province. Here there are an assortment of over 300 stone spheres. Locally, they are known as ‘bollas de piedra’ and they are commonly attributed to the extinct Diquis culture. They are thought to have been placed in lines along the approach to the houses of chiefs, but their exact significance remains uncertain.

You will then continue on to Manuel Antonio, and the Eco lodge Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge.

Accommodation: Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

Meals: Breakfast

Si Como No Resort and Wildlife Refuge - Manuel Antonio

During your stay in Manuel Antonio on one of the days you will take part in a Costa Rican Cooking class. At a local ranch you will take a tour of the garden to gather herbs and spices and learn about the recipes and techniques of Costa Rican cooking, and then enjoy the wonderful authentic lunch.

Then you will learn the dripped coffee making technique to prepare your coffee the typical way, and for those who prefer tea, you can pick the aromatic leaves of plants and trees within the garden to create the delicious refreshing tea of your preference. You’ll also have the chance to extract sugarcane juice using the Trapiche and mix a wonderful, refreshing drink with it.

Accommodation: Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

Meals: Breakfast

Glamping on the Isla Chiquita - Central Pacific Coast

After breakfast on day 12, you will be transferred to Puntarenas in the Central Pacific area. You will board the ferry boat that takes you across the Nicoya Gulf, and as you approach Isla Chiquita from the water, you will be struck by the lush foliage covering this tiny island. Once you’ve arrived and been shown to your high-quality glamping tent nestled amidst the trees, looking out to the Gulf, you’ll be  immersed in the nature surrounding you.

Children and adults alike will relish the chance to explore the island’s lush interior and spot some indigenous species, and you will have ample opportunity to get out on the water with paddle boards, kayaks and on boat trips.

You will have the opportunity to try artisanal fishing in the traditional way, as your local guide takes you out on a small boat into the gulf to try your hand! (Fishing can be restricted in this area at some periods.)

The resort offers several guided experiences including a spectacular bioluminescence tour – an unmissable adventure exploring bioluminescent algae as it lights up the sea under dark evening skies.

Accommodation: Isla Chiquita Glamping

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer back to San Jose

After breakfast you will be transferred from the island to Central Valley for your last day in Costa Rica.

Finca Rosa Blanca is a friendly boutique eco-resort set within a coffee farm plantation only 25 minutes from the international airport.

Accommodation: Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort

Meals: Breakfast

Departure Day

It’s time to say goodbye to Costa Rica and head back to San Jose airport, with amazing memories of your wonderful Costa Rican adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • Private transfers from and to the airport
  • 14 Overnight stays
  • 1 night San Jose - BB*
  • 2 nights Dota - BB
  • 3 nights Drake Bay - FB*
  • 5 nights Manuel Antonio - BB
  • 2 nights Central Pacific Coast - BB
  • 1 night Santa Barbara de Heredia - BB
  • Guided tour of Dota Cloud forest, community visit and lunch
  • Private transfers and shared Boat trip to Drake Bay
  • Boat trip and snorkel adventure at Cano Island with lunch
  • Guided tour of Corcavado national park with lunch
  • Boat tour with a local guide through the Sierpe River
  • Costa Rican cooking class including lunch
  • Land and boat transfers to Isla Chiquita
  • *BB - Breakfast Included
  • *FB - Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Accommodation

Parque Del Lago Hotel - Executive Room (or similar)

Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel is located 20 minutes from the Juan Santamaria International Airport and in close proximity to San Jose. The hotel offers 24-hour front desk, free parking, concierge, laundry and dry cleaning. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.

Accommodation includes air-conditioning, cable TV, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, security box and free Wi-Fi.

Trogon Lodge - Standard Room (or similar)

Trogon Lodge is simple but stylish, and the comfortable guest rooms are set in exuberant cloud forest gardens. The terrain around is a rugged and hilly collage of green trees and mountains. It’s a peaceful setting at 2,200m above sea level, where you will be soothed by the sounds of the river below.

There's a shared terrace with rocking chairs, where you can relax to observe the birds flitting through the foliage and the location in is one of Costa Rica's key areas for sighting the resplendent quetzal.

The lodge includes a botanic garden, a swimming pool and a bar and restaurant which features a shaded veranda, its gardens produce much of the fresh fruit and vegetables used in the restaurant and there is a trout pond, ensuring fresh fish is always on the menu.

Aguila de Osa - Standard Room (or similar)

Nestled amid jungle covered hillside overlooking the tranquil waters of Drake Bay, Aguila de Osa is a jungle Eco Lodge close to  the beautiful Corcovado National Park and Caño Island Biological Marine Reserve.

There are amazing wildlife spotting opportunities and many water and land based activities on offer. The large thatched wooden cabins are simply furnished and very comfortable with views of the surrounding lush jungle.

There is an open air restaurant serving delicious local dishes and there is a bar on site. The hotel works closely with the local community and to protect the environment, using water from its on site well, and composting food waste to use in the organic gardens.

Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge - Superior Room (or similar)

The Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge lodge is situated above Manuel Antonio National Park, on a jungle hilltop and has been awarded Costa Rica’s highest hotel sustainability rating.

There are 58 rooms, most with private balconies, only 1 tree was removed during the construction of the Lodge, and energy efficient light and heating are used throughout.

There is an outdoor swimming pool with swim up bar and a spa. Guests can dine at Claro que Si elegant seafood restaurant or at the casual poolside Bar & Grill.

Sitting in 10 acres of gardens on the jungle hillside and striking the perfect balance between design and comfort, the lodge connects guests with the surrounding tropical forest of Manuel Antonio and the spirit of Costa Rica

Isla Chiquita Glamping - Tent Suite (or similar)

The Glamping tents are very comfortable, each tent has a king-size bed and a daybed, so it can sleep up to three people and have private bathrooms with double sinks, ceiling fans and electric lights.

Each tent has a spacious decking area outside each tent with views through the trees and out to sea.

There is delicious sea food served at the Tía Nora, a seaside restaurant and bar, and an on site spa.

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort - Junior Suite (or similar)

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort is surrounded by coffee plantations, volcanoes and lush gardens, there is a strong emphasis on sustainability here and a tour of the coffee farm is available.

Finca Rosa Blanca is famous for its organic gourmet cuisine, the Restaurant offers classic Costa Rican food and Bar Buho has comfy sofas set around a fireplace.

There is an infinity pool and spa.

All 13 rooms are individually designed and have a Jacuzzi bath along with spectacular views.

Your local host

Roberto

I was born and raised in Costa Rica and have lived here my entire life. And ever since I could, I’ve been travelling the world. Soon after I left school, I travelled around Costa Rica and discovered every single part of it! Although, we do have a fairly small country, there’s an insane amount to explore, and I’m still exploring it today, seeking out new hiking trails, new lagoons, different viewpoints, that take you to places you hadn’t even knew existed before, it really is fascinating.

Due that passion for discovery and exploring new places eating away at me, I started my immersive travel company with a friend (over 18 years ago to be exact) and began having way too much fun helping people discover my won... Read All

I was born and raised in Costa Rica and have lived here my entire life. And ever since I could, I’ve been travelling the world. Soon after I left school, I travelled around Costa Rica and discovered every single part of it! Although, we do have a fairly small country, there’s an insane amount to explore, and I’m still exploring it today, seeking out new hiking trails, new lagoons, different viewpoints, that take you to places you hadn’t even knew existed before, it really is fascinating.

Due that passion for discovery and exploring new places eating away at me, I started my immersive travel company with a friend (over 18 years ago to be exact) and began having way too much fun helping people discover my wonderful country and the countries around it, so as soon as the possibility came around I just grabbed it, and have worked in the industry ever since.

We choose destinations that are not the same as all the other tour companies out there, those that are emerging or have something special about them, that most people don’t know about, we work with local companies that employ real locals and we choose hotels that are sustainable and have a positive impact on their environment.

We always ensure the people we work with are committed to sustainability, it’s our mission to spread the wealth of tourism, to make sure that the money from tourism is kept in the local communities so that the destination can be developed and conserved as a beautiful place to visit.

 

Roberto image

Location

This tour starts from Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, where your guide will lead you for the next 15 days around the central Pacific region.

You’ll drink in incredible natural parks, volcanoes, waterfalls, jungles, and graceful colonial cities, get to know local, offbeat communities and, spot stunning wildlife and try the best, most authentic food.

Your Itinerary
1. San Jose
2. San Gerardo De Dota
3. Drake Bay
4. Manuel Antonio
5. Puntarenas
6. Santa Barbara de Heredia

 

What our travellers are saying...

“We had a great 10 day holiday travelling around the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Not In The Guidebooks organised a fantastic itinerary which was just perfect and tailored personally to us… Every aspect of the holiday was fun filled and breathtaking… this trip was incredible. A special thank you to Not In The Guidebooks and our wonderful tour guides for making this a trip of a lifetime.”

Faye

"Costa Rica is simply stunning and this NITGB tour enabled us to see different parts of the country, with a perfect mix of feeling adventurous but completely spoilt at the same time. Highly recommended."

Ruth G

"We had an amazing time exploring the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This trip ticked all the boxes... and the support of a local guide when we decided last minute to alter a trip and go zip lining! It was brilliant to be off the beaten trail and we saw amazing scenery and wildlife and of course the famous quetzal bird in the beautiful cloud forest... I would thoroughly recommend this as a memorable family trip."

Ruth

FAQs

What clothes do I need to bring?

Lightweight cotton and linen clothing is recommended for most of the year, with warmer clothes for cooler evenings. Waterproofing is necessary during the rainy season. Loose-fitting clothing is best. Wear neutral browns and greens for bird and wildlife viewing. Always bring mosquito repellent for both day and night.

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