Undiscovered Costa Rica Inland Secrets
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
The natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Costa Rica is hardly a secret; it has given this spectacular country worldwide fame. Popularity is a double-edged sword for ecotourism, however, and footfall to the progressive, tropical paradise has certainly been increasing yearly with no signs of subsiding. Despite Costa Rica's small size, there still remain a handful of untouched places located well off the tourist trails, and these hidden gems hold natural secrets just waiting for you to discover....
The natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Costa Rica is hardly a secret; it has given this spectacular country worldwide fame. Popularity is a double-edged sword for ecotourism, however, and footfall to the progressive, tropical paradise has certainly been increasing yearly with no signs of subsiding. Despite Costa Rica's small size, there still remain a handful of untouched places located well off the tourist trails, and these hidden gems hold natural secrets just waiting for you to discover.
This stunning adventure takes you into the heart of Costa Rica's private nature reserves, escaping the crowds and delving deep into the biodiversity of its cloud forests, rainforests, volcanic landscapes and flowing rivers. This unique tour will open you up to the timeless beauty of this oasis of conservation and sustainability, with the assistance of expert naturalist guides throughout.
You'll enjoy exhilarating canyon adventures and tranquil boat journeys, spend your nights amongst some of the most picturesque countryside anywhere in the Americas and experience Costa Rica's 'Pura Vida' (pure life) as it really should be experienced.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover some of Costa Rica’s most spectacular natural highlights
- Enjoy the hospitality of some of the most naturally integrated lodges in the country
- Explore the steamy forests of Maquenque, home to the great green macaw
- Take an exhilarating zip-line adventure through the Rio Blanco Canyon
- Visit Rio Celeste Falls and take a boat journey down the San Carlos River
- Hike to waterfalls through pristine rainforest
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: SAN JOSE - BAJOS DEL TORO
DAY 1: SAN JOSE - BAJOS DEL TORO
The starting point of this extraordinary adventure is the city of San José, from where you will be driven straight out into the superlative 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. You'll spend the next two nights at a private eco reserve close to the Poas Volcano National Park.
DAY 2: BAJOS DEL TORO
DAY 2: BAJOS DEL TORO
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 the breathtaking Fatima Falls, a three-hour round trip that takes you through verdant primary rainforest that is alive with the calls of a myriad of birds, including the unique Resplendent Quetzal. Returning to the lodge for lunch, the afternoon is then free to relax or enjoy some optional activities.
DAY 3: ALAJUELA - BOCA TAPADA
DAY 3: ALAJUELA - BOCA TAPADA
Today you'll head towards Costa Rica's humid northern lowlands, which are amongst the most productive agricultural land anywhere in the country. Lying near the mouth of the San Carlos River, this little-visited region is home to 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
DAY 4: BOCA TAPADA
As well as endangered great green macaws, Maquenque is also a haven for rare manatees, jaguars and some of the oldest forests in the country. Much of this area is pristine with lagoons, swamps and tropical wet forest providing a home 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.
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 next for Costa Rica's North Atlantic Corridor, passing through a collection of traditional farming communities along the route. The road takes you past the golden savannahs and deep forests that surround the Tenorio Volcano and on to the spectacular bright blue waters of the Rio Celeste Falls, before finally depositing you amongst the rich verdant landscapes of Guanacaste.
DAY 6: BAGACES
DAY 6: BAGACES
Packed with some real highlights, today begins with an innovative canyon adventure that includes a truly awe-inspiring zip-line tour through the Rio Blanco Canyon. With lunch included, the afternoon pace then slows a little, allowing you the chance to enjoy the natural hot springs and forest surroundings before returning to the hotel for a special dinner under the stars (weather permitting).
DAY 7: BAGACES - HEREDIA
DAY 7: BAGACES - HEREDIA
Heading back towards the Central Highlands today, your final evening will be spent around Heredia, on the edge of the Central Valley. Nestling in the foothills of the Barva Volcano, this captivating spot lies in the heart of a region scattered with colonial architecture, rich coffee plantations and beautiful gardens. Stay overnight at the idyllic Finca Rosa Eco Resort, set against the backdrop of the mountains and jungles of the Central Valley.
DAY 8: HEREDIA - SANJOSE
DAY 8: HEREDIA - SANJOSE
The end of the tour sees you transfer to the airport today with plenty of time to catch your onward flight.
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