Day 1: Arrive to San José
Welcome to Costa Rica! For your added comfort, once you have passed immigration and customs and stepped out of the airport doors, you will have one of our representatives waiting for you outside with a sign with your name on it. He will drive you to your hotel in San José.
Double Tree Hilton Cariari (1 Night)
Day 2: This morning pick up your rental car and drive to the destination of Boca Tapada
Looking for a truly unspoiled and virtually untouched tropical rainforest where nature can be explored at your own pace while staying in a cozy jungle hideaway? You’ve found it!
Nestled in northern Costa Rica near the Nicaraguan border, Boca Tapada is a haven of biodiversity—a paradise for bird and nature lovers. This remote gem is a vital nesting site for the endangered Great Green Macaw and one of the last strongholds of the majestic Almendro tree, essential to the region’s fragile ecosystem.
The Maquenque Biological Reserve spans approximately 50,000 hectares of protected tropical rainforest, safeguarding wetlands, lagoons, rivers, and streams teeming with life. Set off on a boat journey down the San Carlos River, where sightings of crocodiles, turtles, bats, herons, kingfishers, and king vultures are common. For a more intimate experience, glide through the still waters on a canoe trip, immersing yourself in the pure, untouched beauty of the rainforest.
Whether seeking adventure or serenity, Boca Tapada offers an unparalleled escape into nature’s wonders.
Maquenque Ecolodge (2 Night)
Day 3: Free Day at Boca Tapada
Spend the day unwinding at your hotel or exploring the area at your own pace
Day 4: Today, journey to Los Chiles, where nature and culture will meet you
Seventy kilometers north of Muelle, along a smooth, paved road that winds through vast sugarcane fields, lies the sun-drenched farming and fishing town of Los Chiles—just 6 km shy of the Nicaraguan border. While the newly opened Las Tablillas border crossing has rerouted much of the transit between the two countries, Los Chiles remains a gateway to one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking ecological treasures: the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.
Fed by the scenic Río Frío, this vast wetland sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers and one of the continent’s premier birdwatching destinations. Beyond its remarkable avian diversity, Caño Negro shelters an array of wildlife, including sloths, three species of monkeys, caimans, basilisk lizards, and bats, all thriving amid its lush wetland flora. Whether you’re gliding along its tranquil waters or marveling at the vibrant ecosystem, Caño Negro offers an unforgettable immersion into Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.
Caño Negro Lodge (2 Nights)
Day 5: Today, Embark on a Boat Adventure Through the Enchanting Wetlands
This tour provides a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience, inviting you to explore the stunning beauty and rich biodiversity of one of Costa Rica’s most vital wetlands. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone passionate about ecology and conservation, this aquatic adventure takes you through the natural wonders of Caño Negro. Along the way, expert guides, deeply dedicated to protecting and preserving this extraordinary environment, will share their knowledge and love for the region’s unique ecosystem.
Bilingual guide, 4-stroke motor boats, life jackets and insurance
Day 6: Today, travel to Rincón de la Vieja.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park is a captivating treasure chest of natural marvels, where waterfalls and mud baths are just the beginning. Spanning 34,800 acres, it’s home to two majestic peaks, with the towering Rincón de la Vieja often hidden in a veil of mist. This vibrant park serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, where monkeys, sloths, and birds make their home, waiting to be discovered on a single day’s adventure.
Here, the thrill of nature comes alive through horseback riding, river rafting, zip lining, and hiking along trails that lead you past steamy hot springs, rejuvenating mud baths, and cascading waterfalls. The volcanic mud not only offers a fun photo opportunity but also a detoxifying treat for the skin. With colorful fumaroles, steaming springs, and bubbling mud pots, the park immerses you in a geothermal wonderland, creating a truly unique experience.
Hacienda Guachipelin Hotel (2 Nights)
Day 7: Exploring the Trails of Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Embark on a captivating 2-mile circular trail, where you can experience the raw volcanic energy of Rincón de la Vieja without having to scale the main crater. Along the way, discover a rich tapestry of vegetation, including towering guanacaste trees, the aromatic cedro amargo, the fragrant laurel, and the striking indio desnudo (gumbo-limbo). Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as the playful raccoon, the curious white-nosed coati, and the elusive guatusa.
Birdwatchers will delight in sightings of the vibrant blue-crowned motmot, the mountain finch, and the emerald toucanet. As you explore, you’ll encounter small waterfalls, rushing rapids, volcanic mud pools, steaming hot springs, and bubbling fumaroles. The trail also leads to the mesmerizing “volcancito,” a small volcano that captures the park’s volcanic essence.
Local Guide and Transport from the hotel to the main gate and back by car and Entrance fee to National park.
Day 8: The beautiful beaches of Nosara are waiting for you.
Nosara is a vibrant blend of international surf culture, breathtaking backroads, and a sanctuary for yoga enthusiasts. Three pristine beaches are seamlessly connected by winding, rugged dirt roads that wind over coastal hills, eventually meeting the shore just west of the charming village of Nosara. Venture inland, and you’ll find pockets of lush, untouched vegetation that draw in an array of birds and wildlife, thriving thanks to the nearby wildlife refuge and the area’s low levels of logging.
This sprawling region is best explored with your own set of wheels, as the laid-back town is spread out, offering a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. Known for its world-class surf and rejuvenating yoga retreats, Nosara is a serene escape with its dark sands, dusty roads, and casual beach bars. For those seeking upscale yoga retreats that offer daily sessions, healthy cuisine, and indulgent spa treatments, Nosara is the ideal destination. You might even find yourself inspired to dive deeper into your practice with a month-long teacher training course.
Day 9: Spend the day unwinding at your hotel or exploring the area at your own pace
Day 10: Free morning at Nosara Beach. In the afternoon transfer from Nosara to San José
Enjoy your last night in the country and take some time to relax as you prepare for your departure tomorrow.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson (1 Nights)
Day 11: Departure from San Jose to the International Airport
