Explore Costa Rica’s Caribbean side and discover some of the most authentic and colourful regions of the country.

This is a great itinerary for those looking for a mix of adventure, nature and relaxation.

The fascinating Afro-Caribbean culture predominates in this region and fills the atmosphere with tropical rhythms and brilliant colours.

Visit Tortuguero, a great destination for observing wildlife and an important site of refuge for marine turtles.

Discover the Caribbean plains and the Pacuare River, with rafting through breath-taking canyons and the luxuriant vegetation of the Talamanca Mountain Range.

Finish this amazing journey relaxing in Puerto Viejo in a boutique hotel of your choice.

This vibrant seaside town offers isolated beaches, clear blue water and a wide variety of bars and restaurants.

Day 1: Fly UK to Costa Rica

On arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight San Jose. Breakfast included.

Day 2: Tortuguero National Park

After an early departure from San Jose, discover the spectacular Braulio Carrillo National Park and the town of Guapiles.

Stop to enjoy a delicious local breakfast and continue through banana fields and plantations of cassava.

Arrive at the pier from where it's a two-hour scenic boat ride through the canals to the lodge.    

On arrival enjoy a refreshing cocktail and delicious lunch. 

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to the picturesque town of Tortuguero and visit the Sea Turtle Information Center. 

Overnight Tortuguero. All meals included.

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park  

After breakfast, explore the canals of Tortuguero National Park in small open boats. 

Tortuguero is linked by a network of navigable lakes, rivers and canals that are used for transportation as well as being a great place for observing local wildlife.

Wildlife is abundant here with amphibians, reptiles, mammals and over 300 species of birds.

Please note that the sea turtles nest between July and September. (Optional night tours are available at an additional cost). 

Overnight Tortuguero. All meals included.

Day 4: Pacuare River Adventure

After breakfast, take a shared boat transfer back to the pier, where the trip will continue by bus to your next destination.  

The Pacuare River is a popular location for white water rafting, white-water kayaking and river boarding.

The rainforests that surround the river are home to exotic animal species such as jaguars, monkeys, ocelots, and a very large number of birds. 

On arrival, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to Pacuare Lodge through impressive scenery along a quite challenging dirt road.

Arrival at the lodge is quite exciting, crossing the river on a hanging gondola!   

In the evening, enjoy dinner by candlelight and perhaps visit the upstairs lounge for a drink before bed.

Overnight Pacuare Lodge. All meals included.  

Caribbean Coast

Costa Rica's laid-back Caribbean Coast is home to Afro-Caribbean culture, isolated and uncrowded beaches, colourful and lively towns and lush jungles.

The Caribbean Coast offers a wide range of attractions for both adventure and beach lovers. Water conditions are also ideal, with some of the best diving and surfing in Costa Rica.

Puerto Viejo is a popular and vibrant seaside town home to Bribri indigenous communities.

Discover the Pacuare River which winds through the lush rainforests of Central Costa Rica, home to a rich variety of birds and wildlife. It is also a popular location for white water rafting, kayaking and river boarding activities.

Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast is also witness to sea turtle nesting in the Tortuguero National Park.

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero is a fairly remote National Park on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast side, but is still the third most visited national park in Costa Rica.

The park protects a large area of natural wetland on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and covers an area of 77,000 acres.

The park formed from a series of volcanic islands which gradually became linked over time as alluvial soils from Costa Rica's mountains silted up the channels between them.

The high rainfall and rich soils here have helped to create an area of exceptional biodiversity and a magnet for nature lovers.

On any visit to Tortuguero, be prepared to encounter some rain as this is one of the rainiest areas of Costa Rica, even in the dry season!

There is no permanent settlement within the park and there are only 4 trails, 3 aquatic ones and a land trail, a 2 km walking route called the Gavilan Trail.

Consequently most visits to Tortuguero are by boat or canoe, gliding along the streams.