15 Day Top-End Costa Rica

Turrialba is home to the Irazu Volcano in the Cordillera Central. This pretty town holds some magnificent attractions for nature lovers and adrenalin seekers from stunning cloud forest to the world-class Pacuare River rafting. Set between the Central Valley and the Caribbean coast, Turrialba is a fertile valley and agricultural centre. Farm trucks filled with sugar cane, palm hearts and the local delicacy pejibaye, can be seen moving along the country roads, as well as humble rustic roadside restaurants serving artisan cheeses, adding a picturesque feel to the already stunning landscape.  Reaching an elevation of 3432 m, it is the highest volcano in Costa Rica.  By ascending to the breathtaking summit of the Volcano, passing all types and forms of vegetation, from coffee plantations to ferns, at the different elevations, we are greeted with some spectacular views over the valleys.

On the top, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the massive crater, home to a lagoon with mystical green waters surrounded by rugged rocks. On a clear day, you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans! 

We will also visit a cheese-making farm called Florita. We will be able to see the four processes of the elaboration of Turrialba cheese … from the diet of the dairy cows, Manual milking, the origin of the Turrialba cheese, and elaboration process, and waste management where the biodigester and earthworm systems are explained in full.

Today we will visit a coffee processing activity, another traditional activity in the area. We will visit Aquiares community, where we will learn all about coffee its production and the people who produce it. We can visit the church, a site of historical interest, and walk through the picturesque community.

Today we will head to the beach resort of Puerto Viejo on the south Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. From Cahuita to Manzanillo we can appreciate a series of idyllic beaches of golden sand, palm trees, turquoise water and gorgeous coral reefs. Rich in culture, colours, music, and gastronomy, the South Caribbean's local people are the wonderful mix of indigenous and Afro-Caribbean descendants. Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva and Manzanillo with the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge, are all beach towns with incredible attractions including exquisite snorkelling and incredible biodiversity Cahuita is best known for its beautiful National Park, white sand beaches, vibrant wildlife and the largest coral reef in Costa Rica! Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a laid-back beach town with welcoming bars and restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood and tropical cocktails. It is a popular destination with stunning beaches like Playa Negra, ideal for swimming and surfing. This is where we will spend the evening.

After breakfast, we will head to Cahuita for a snorkelling trip. The Cahuita National Park has the most extensive Coral Reef system in Costa Rica, including 6 species of coral, a wide range of colourful tropical fishes, and the occasional meeting of a harmless reef shark or stingray. The snorkelling here is stunning! We will then head on a hike through this spectacular coastal forest. All around us will be monkeys, sloths, birds, iguanas and other fascinating animal species. After a delicious Caribbean style lunch, we will visit the Sloth Sanctuary where you´ll meet the famous Buttercop, visit the nursery, take a guided canoe ride and learn about the sloth´s natural habitat. 

Today is a free day to explore the area or relax on the spectacular beaches

La Fortuna is close to the Arenal National park, making it the perfect play to stay to explore the Arenal Volcano. This magnificent conical volcano rises up from San Carlos Plains. The surrounding mountains, lake, natural reserves, rivers, canopy tours, culture tours, hot springs, and rainforests make this an excellent luxury destination.  Soak up the incredible hot springs heated by the volcano, surrounded by glorious countryside destination. La Fortuna is the perfect place to stay with the rural roads taking you through stunning landscapes of endless pasturelands. The next 3 nights we will stay in a 5 star luxury tent camp over the jungle of the Arenal National Park, the only one of its kind in Latin America!

The Tabacon experience will take us to the hot thermal mineral springs that turn into natural pools and cascades in the middle of the forest. Tabacon features more than 20 natural pools and ponds strategically located along the park's walking trails and provides a nice break from the exploration of the flora and the surprisingly regular sightings of local wildlife. You´ll walk through different scenarios with variable kinds of vegetation where you’ll have the chance to meet the local fauna. You will also stand at a viewpoint incredibly close to the volcano and step on ancient lava flows turned into stone. The guide will provide interesting information about the place, the hiding fauna among the trees and bushes and of course, about the Arenal Volcano. We can enjoy the therapeutic properties, soothing and relaxing after a day of outdoor activities in the region. After soaking in the springs, we will take you for a delicious lunch nearby.

After breakfast we will head out on a horse ride to the La Fortuna waterfall. A beautiful example of the Costa Rican country site will be found along the way, cattle farms and agriculture, also the chance to see some bird species such as the oropendola and tucan. We will hike into the forest to see the stunning 70 m high waterfall. At the base of the waterfall, there is a “natural pool” where we can swim in the freshwater of La Fortuna River to freshen up.

Today, we will travel to the beach town of Santa Teresa on the pacific coast. Bathed by the effervescent waves of the Pacific Ocean, this small town has everything you could possibly need. Relaxing walks by the beach, relaxing yoga sessions, admiring the lush vegetation, adrenaline charged surfing or zip-lining over the treetops of the tropical forest, beachfront restaurants that offer a variety of fusion and local menus with the freshest seafood and delectable fruits …After the spectacular golden sunset, the nightlife is inviting and full of rhythm to dance the night away.

After breakfast, we will head to Cabo Blanco, with its hanging bridge and numerous waterfalls. This is the perfect place for wildlife lovers. As we pass over the hanging bridges and trails to the Montezuma falls, we can learn all about Costa Rican biodiversity through the exuberant tropical scenery. This lush biological reserve, consists of a tropical forest and a diverse ecosystem, making it the home to howler monkeys, white face monkeys, a wide variety of birds, agoutis and other animals. Perfect for those who enjoy bird watching and love nature. 

Free day to explore the spectacular area or take it easy on the beach.

Free day to explore the spectacular area or take it easy on the beach.

Today, we will leave this Pacific paradise and head back to the capital of San Jose, for our final evening of this luxury tour.

We will collect you from the hotel to head to the San Jose airport, making sure you arrive in time for your international flight back home or on to your next exciting destination!