Undiscovered Costa Rica
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
The natural beauty and diverse wildlife that has given Costa Rica worldwide fame is hardly a secret, and footfall to the rich, natural paradise continues to increase with no signs of subsiding. However, despite its small size, there still remain a handful of untouched places and hidden secrets located well off the tourist trails just waiting to be discovered.
Embark on an exciting adventure into the heart of Costa Rica's private nature reserves, escaping the crowds and delving deep into ...
The natural beauty and diverse wildlife that has given Costa Rica worldwide fame is hardly a secret, and footfall to the rich, natural paradise continues to increase with no signs of subsiding. However, despite its small size, there still remain a handful of untouched places and hidden secrets located well off the tourist trails just waiting to be discovered.
Embark on an exciting adventure into the heart of Costa Rica's private nature reserves, escaping the crowds and delving deep into the quieter recesses of its biodiverse cloud forests, rainforests and wild flowing rivers. This original tour takes you on a journey through the timeless beauty of Costa Rica’s volcanic landscapes, discovering the flora and fauna in the Central Highlands by foot, and then on to explore the steamy jungles of the Northern Lowlands by boat. Next, hike around the refreshing rivers and ice-blue waterfalls of Rio Celeste, before a final evening at a quaint coffee farm not far from the capital.
Expect fun activities like zip lining with some relaxation time in hot springs whilst staying at charming ecolodges that boast some fantastic sustainability credentials - living Costa Rica's 'Pura Vida' (pure life) as it really should be experienced.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive San José – Bajos del Toro
Day 1 Arrive San José – Bajos del Toro
The starting point of this extraordinary adventure is the city of San José, from where you will be met at the airport and driven straight out into the peerless landscapes of Bajos del Toro. It is a remarkable feature of this diminutive country that just a short distance from its capital you can find yourself immersed in the rural idyll of the Central Highlands, where secluded roads, lush mountain vistas and colourful village life is the norm. Spend the first two nights at a private eco reserve close to the Poas Volcano National Park.
Day 2 Bajos del Toro: Waterfall Hike
Day 2 Bajos del Toro: Waterfall Hike
Richly blessed with orchid gardens and birds, this mountain paradise is also home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. This morning you'll set off on a hike up to a breathtaking waterfall, a three-hour round trip through verdant primary rainforest alive with the calls of a myriad of birds, including the iconic resplendent quetzal. Returning for lunch, the afternoon is then free to relax back at the naturally blessed lodge.
Day 3 Bajos del Toro – Boca Tapada
Day 3 Bajos del Toro – Boca Tapada
Next, head for Costa Rica's humid northern lowlands near the mouth of the San Carlos River. Boasting some of the country’s most productive agricultural lands, this little-visited region is a colourful patchwork of pineapple farms and sugar plantations, as well as one of the last remaining nesting sites of the endangered great green macaw. Journeying towards Pozo Verde and through the picturesque Alajuela Province, you'll spend the next two nights amongst the rich rainforests of the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge.
Day 4 Boca Tapada: Jungle Boat Trip
Day 4 Boca Tapada: Jungle Boat Trip
As well as endangered macaws, Maquenque is also home to rare manatees, jaguars and some of the oldest forests in the country. Much of this area is untouched with lagoons, swamps and tropical wet forest providing a habitat for nearly 140 species of mammals and over 420 species of birds. A boat trip this morning will take you through a timeless jungle backdrop to the border town of Boca San Carlos, where you will have an opportunity to disembark and explore the town before returning back to the lodge for some lunch and downtime by the pool amongst the tropical setting.
Day 5 Boca Tapada – Bagaces
Day 5 Boca Tapada – Bagaces
Following an early breakfast this morning, you'll depart the humid northern zone and head for Costa Rica's North Atlantic Corridor next, passing through traditional farming communities, golden savannahs and the deep to reach your stop en route. Hike through the spectacularly green forests around Tenorio Volcano and the impossibly bright, blue waters of the Rio Celeste Falls before lunch and your arrival at your next hotel amongst the verdant landscapes of Guanacaste.
Day 6 Bagaces: Zipline, Hot Springs & Starry Dinner
Day 6 Bagaces: Zipline, Hot Springs & Starry Dinner
Packed with some real highlights, today begins with an innovative canyon adventure that includes an exhilarating zip-line tour through the Rio Blanco Canyon. After lunch, the afternoon pace then slows a little to enjoy the natural hot springs and peaceful forest surroundings before returning to the hotel for a wonderful dinner under the starry-night sky.
Day 7 Bagaces – Heredia
Day 7 Bagaces – Heredia
Making your way back towards the capital, your final evening will be spent around Heredia on the edge of the Central Valley. Nestled in the foothills of the Barva Volcano, this captivating spot lies in the heart of a region sprinkled with coffee plantations, beautiful gardens and active volcanos. Overnight at the idyllic Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm set against a backdrop of the mountains and forests of the Central Valley.
Day 8 Heredia – Depart San José
Day 8 Heredia – Depart San José
Depending on your flight time, you may have time to relax by the pool before your private transfer takes you back to San José airport, where your travels in Costa Rica come to a close.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River, Bagaces
Designed to work in perfect harmony with its surroundings, the Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River allows guests to enjoy the golden forest of Guanacaste without sacrificing luxury and comfort. Sat atop elevated land, formed by two converging canyons, the hotel offers incredible views over the area. The spacious bungalows are bright and airy, featuring contemporary décor and a terrace and hammock with views out to the forest. Elevated pathways, curving around the natural landscape, connect the accommodation, main buildings and hiking trails. The on-site, open restaurant and bar uses fresh, local produce and a special dinner can be arranged on the floating platform.
Maquenque Ecolodge, Boca Tapada
Maquenque Eco-lodge is a 60-hectare reserve located just north of Boca Tapada, San Carlos and offers easy access to the newly created Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge. Surrounded by tropical rainforests, and bordering the Majestic San Carlos River, it has become famous for as a region for ecology, wildlife observation, unique birding and adventure tours. Offering 14 beautiful bungalows, each comes equipped with solar-panel-heated water, ceiling fans and charming décor and furniture, making them rustic yet very comfortable. Each bungalow also has direct access to the lodge’s green surroundings, whilst some are elevated 12 metres high in the trees.
Finca Rosa Blanca, Heredia
Finca Rosa Blanca encompasses contemporary architecture inspired by the tropical environments of Costa Rica. The fresh and colourful design brings the forest inside, with waterfalls and foliage, alongside local crafts and artwork. Running for over thirty years, the hotel is committed to hospitable service, the local community and environmental awareness. It has received the Certification for Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica for planting more than 5,000 native trees and using organic methods in its coffee plantation. During your stay you can relax on the open-air restaurant, serving organic produce from the greenhouse, or in your beautifully decorated guest room, hidden in the gardens. Tucked away in the Heredia Province, half an hour from San Jose, Finca Rosa Blanca is a fantastic option for volcanoes tours, canopy tours, bird watching, river rafting and coffee lovers.
Bosque De Paz Lodge, Bajos del Toro
A haven for local birds and orchids, Bosque de Paz is set on a private ecological reserve and research centre in the mountains. Guests can go on nature hikes through the lodge’s grounds for an immersive experience into Costa Rican flora and fauna. Around one and a half hours from the capital, the hotel is engulfed by magnificent cloud and rain forests showcasing wild natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. The lodge houses just twelve charming rooms, featuring Mediterranean-style, terracotta flooring and warm cosy décor adorned with Costa Rican artwork. Most rooms include two iron-frame double beds and a balcony with views of the surrounding nature. Guests look forward to waking up to the sound of birds and monkeys, before going on a day’s hike and returning for local lunch at the onsite restaurant.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640