Caribbean to Pacific

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10 Days From

~~$3473~~

$2977

Caribbean to Pacific

10 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica

Visiting: Cementerio, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Turrialba, Pacuare, Copey District, Manuel Antonio

Tour operator:

Destination Services Costa Rica

Tour code:

21450

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 30

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

From: $3473 $2977 (USD) Operator discount: -$347 Travel Club discount: -$148 -14%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Depart on a 10-day coast-to-coast journey discovering the wild side of Costa Rica. Stay in a picturesque Caribbean beach town and explore the country’s inland in search for the awe-inspiring quetzal bird. Hike in lush rainforests, snorkel over an incredible reef, get an adrenaline rush on a white-water rafting adventure, and vbserve the vast variety of flora and fauna throughout the tour. Prepare yourself for a stunning trip you will never forget!

Highlights

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: A Caribbean seaside town famous for its surfing scene, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere.
Cahuita National Park: Boasting beautiful coral reefs, this natural park will amaze you with its pristine beaches and coastal rainforest.
Turrialba: Found in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, the verdant town of Turrialba is the base to a great white-water rafting adventure down the River Pacuare.
San Gerardo de Dota: Set in a deep forested valley, this charming remote area is great for fishing and bird-watching.
Manuel Antonio: Costa Rica’s smallest national park is a fascinating site, full of wild animals, lush vegetation, and beautiful beaches.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival San Jose

Location: Cementerio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Forum or similar 3, Holiday Inn Escazu or similar 4, Real Intercontinental or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Upon arrival to San Jose, the meet and greet services at Juan Santamaria International Airport will direct you to your transport. You will be transferred to the selected hotel in San Jose for your first night in Costa Rica.

Overnight in San Jose

Day 2 : San Jose – Puerto Viejo De Talamanca (215Km – 5 Hrs)

Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villas del Caribe or similar 3, Cariblue or similar 4, Le Cameleon or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and then depart towards Puerto Viejo, passing through Braulio Carrillo National Park and its rainforest and admiring the spectacular mountain scenery, as well as the quaint villages of Costa Rica Caribbean region. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the surroundings on your own or join an optional activity like a Horseback riding session. Meet your experienced guide, a great horse lover with whom you will share this wonderful experience. Once assigned to a horse, you are ready to ride towards Punta Uva to enjoy a beautiful stroll along the shores of the Caribbean Sea and reach the estuaries of Punta Uva River. Afterwards, begin returning along the paths of the wetland, an ideal time to learn about the different species of animals and plants encountered on your way. And if horseback riding is not your cup of tea, enjoy a memorable Canopy Tour. This consists of 9 aerial platforms and 13 ground platforms, with a total of 2,760 m of cable. The guide will teach you about the flora and fauna of the primary forest, including its use by the indigenous people. It is a great way to indulge in the Southern Caribbean coastal experience. The Canopy Tour and Horseback Riding are not included.

Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Day 3 : Cahuita National Park

Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villas del Caribe or similar 3, Cariblue or similar 4, Le Cameleon or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Luxuriate in a tasty breakfast and prepare yourself for an active day of snorkelling and hiking through the nearby Cahuita National Park. First, venture out on a snorkelling tour, going out in a 12-person boat with captain and guide, riding the coast of Cahuita National Park. Here, we will snorkel for about two hours in the most important coral reef of Costa Rica. Packed full of sea life, be prepared to see many different species of coral, an abundance of tropical fish, sharks, eels, sea urchins, and more. Snorkelling equipment included (mask, fins and snorkel tube).

After discovering the beauty of the underwater world, savour a tropical fruit snack and some water to reenergize before beginning the second part of the tour, hiking through Cahuita National Park with a naturalist guide. The guide will take you to different points of interest between Cahuita Point and the small town of Cahuita on a 3.5-kilometre stretch, with the possibility of observing various types of snakes, sloths, white-faced and howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and much more. At the end of the tour, delight in a delicious Caribbean lunch. After lunch, return to your hotel with the rest of day at leisure to relax or enjoy an optional tour. If you didn´t adventure yourself into joining the exciting Canopy Tour or the relaxing Horseback Riding experience, today you have another chance!

Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Day 4 : Puerto Viejo – Turriabla (180Km – 4 Hrs)

Location: Turrialba

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villa Florencia or similar 3, Guayabo Lodge or similar 3.5, Casa Turire or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then, in the early morning, you will be picked up in a shared transfer and taken to the village of Turrialba. Enjoy a four hours journey and have the rest of the day at leisure. Explore the mesmerising surroundings or just relax, luxuriating in the hotel facilities. Unwind and prepare yourself for tomorrow’s rafting adventure down the River Pacuare.

Overnight in Turrialba.

Day 5 : Pacuare River

Location: Pacuare

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villa Florencia or similar 3, Guayabo Lodge or similar 3.5, Casa Turire or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Have a nice breakfast to make sure your energy reserves are high for today’s adventurous outing. Embark on a Pacuare white-water rafting adventure, riding down one of the best rafting rivers in Costa Rica. Feel the adrenaline rush as you paddle through the thrill of the rapids and observe the natural beauty that surrounds you, admiring the paradisiacal cascading waterfalls and the variety of tropical flora and fauna. Halfway through the tour, we make a stop to admire the tremendous views of the Pacuare and indulge in a mouth-watering lunch. It will be a day full of thrilling but safe adventures. Once at the point of disembarkation, return back to the hotel and have the afternoon free to enjoy the hotel and the spectacular surroundings.

Overnight in Turrialba.

Day 6 : Turriabla – San Gerardo De Dota (120Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Copey District

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Suria Lodge or similar 3, Trogón Lodge or similar 4, Savegre Lodge or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up in a shared transfer to San Gerardo de Dota, in the Los Quetzales National Park, a cloud forest reserve where the iconic quetzal bird lives. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the area on your own or join an optional activity. Visiting the Guayabo Monument is a fantastic choice. Veiled in the shadow of the Turrialba Volcano, like a mythical lost city from a storybook, lies a mysterious ancient city that was home to over 10,000 people who seemed to have mysteriously vanished just before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. This area, known as Guayabo National Monument, is Costa Rica’s most important archaeological site and its only named national monument. A guide will walk you through the park while explaining the findings of the excavations and the history of the people that once lived there. Another great activity is the Tropical Biking Tour at CATIE. This tour takes place in and around the plantations and botanical gardens of CATIE. The topography of the trails used on this tour is for all levels of bike riders and children over eight years old. As you go along, your naturalist guide will explain the great diversity of forest and fruit plantations, which can include coffee, cocoa, sugar cane, citrus, plantain, bananas, macadamia, pineapple, mangosteen, mango, avocado and many other exotic species from tropical countries all over the world. Thanks to the diversity in flowers and fruits, the plantation is also an ideal site for the observation of birds, mammals and some reptiles. The Canyoneering and Canopy Tour is another memorable activity availed today. Canyoning involves rappelling and descending cliffs and waterfalls within the canyon. Begin this exciting tour with an introduction of our guides and the equipment, as well as with a safety speech, to help you familiarise with the activity. Your guide will make sure you know the mechanisms and procedures for canyoning, ensuring you a safe and fun experience. You are off on a 2-3 hour adventure, rappelling down four waterfalls, zip lining down four canopy cables, and walking across a 40m hanging bridge – all giving you an unforgettable adrenaline rush! The optional activities mentioned are not included.

Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota.

Day 7 : San Gerardo De Dota

Location: Copey District

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Suria Lodge or similar 3, Trogón Lodge or similar 4, Savegre Lodge or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day early to go out on a ‘quetzal quest’ in San Gerardo de Dota, a proud home to a large population of these birds. Join the local guide for coffee before going on this adventurous journey. Your guide will lead the tour to try and spot at least one of these magnificent birds. Its metallic green plumage, bright red breast, spikey head and its fascinating tail feathers make spotting a male quetzal in flight, a magical experience. Return to the lodge for a tasty breakfast and take advantage of the rest of the day, indulging in a self-guided hike in the forest or relaxing at the hotel.

Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota.

Day 8 : San Gerardo De Dota – Manuel Antonio (150Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villa Bosque or similar 3, San Bada Hotel or similar 4, Parador or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, transfer to the Central Pacific Coast down the Pan-American Highway to San Isidro de El General. Enjoy a beautiful trip, admiring the stunning surroundings, take the road to the South Pacific, and finally, the coastal route will take you to the town of Quepos, just outside of Manuel Antonio National Park. Check in at your hotel and have the afternoon to enjoy the inspiring area.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 9 : Manuel Antonio National Park

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villa Bosque or similar 3, San Bada Hotel or similar 4, Parador or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to transfer to the Manuel Antonio National Park. During today’s tour of the park, your knowledgeable nature guide will walk you through the park and explain the mysteries of the rainforest. The trail is flat, picturesque and loops through the park, making your course about two miles long. Throughout your hike, your guide will stop and narrate the park’s natural history, which includes thorough descriptions of the plants and animals that can be observed along the way. The park is a great place to take pictures or just to admire the impressive views. One of the highlights of this tour is that Manuel Antonio is home to three of the four existing tropical primates living in Costa Rica. Halfway through the hike, enjoy a leisurely stop at the world-famous ‘Third Beach’. Take a rest on the soft sand or play in the waves. The stop will last around 20 minutes. Throughout the hike, it is common to see sloths, birds and reptiles as well as admire wild orchids, butterflies and tropical vegetation. Your guides are equipped with Pentax and Swarovski monocular/telescopes, so you can observe wildlife and take pictures from a different perspective. Once the tour is over, transportation is provided back to your hotel.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 10 : Manuel Antonio – Depart San Jose (160Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Cementerio

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your last day in spectacular Costa Rica with a delicious breakfast. Then, at the appropriate time, transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your flight back home or on to your next destination.

Breakfast included.

What's Included

Tour Guide

Operated with bilingual Spanish and English-speaking licensed local guides on a shared basis for activities only. There is no guarantee of being part of a group or the same group throughout the tour.
Accommodation

9 nights accommodation in various categories ranging from standard to deluxe in different locations throughout the tour.
Meals

Includes 9 breakfasts and 2 lunches on specific days of the tour.
Transport

Includes private transfers to and from the airport, as well as air-conditioned transportation as indicated in the itinerary on a shared basis. Note that tour guides do not accompany guests during transport.
Entrance Fees and Activities

All monument and activity fees as indicated in the itinerary, including snorkeling and hiking in Cahuita National Park, rafting on the Pacuare River, a 'quetzal quest' morning hike, and a hike in Manuel Antonio National Park.
Other

Meet and greet on Day 1 and hotel taxes are included.

What's Not Included

Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
Airport taxes
Airport porterage
Optional tours
International and domestic flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes
Gratuities for drivers and guides

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

No refund for unused services. Splitting of package is not allowed

Recommended departure time: after 15:00 hrs.

Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Mondays

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 San Jose:
Category Standard = Holiday Inn Express Forum or similar 3*Category Superior = Holiday Inn Escazu or similar 4*Category Deluxe = Real Intercontinental or similar 5* Day 2-3 Puerto Viejo:
Category Standard = Villas del Caribe or similar 3*Category Superior = Cariblue or similar 4*Category Deluxe = Le Cameleon or similar 5* Day 4-5 Turrialba:
Category Standard = Villa Florencia or similar 3*Category Superior = Guayabo Lodge or similar 3.5*Category Deluxe = Casa Turire or similar 5* Day 6-7 San Gerardo de Dota:
Category Standard = Suria Lodge or similar 3*Category Superior = Trogón Lodge or similar 4*Category Deluxe = Savegre Lodge or similar 5* Day 8-9 Manuel Antonio:
Category Standard = Villa Bosque or similar 3*Category Superior = San Bada Hotel or similar 4*Category Deluxe = Parador or similar 5*

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 San Jose:

Category Standard = Holiday Inn Express Forum or similar 3*Category Superior = Holiday Inn Escazu or similar 4*Category Deluxe = Real Intercontinental or similar 5*
Day 2-3 Puerto Viejo:

Category Standard = Villas del Caribe or similar 3*Category Superior = Cariblue or similar 4*Category Deluxe = Le Cameleon or similar 5*
Day 4-5 Turrialba:

Category Standard = Villa Florencia or similar 3*Category Superior = Guayabo Lodge or similar 3.5*Category Deluxe = Casa Turire or similar 5*
Day 6-7 San Gerardo de Dota:

Category Standard = Suria Lodge or similar 3*Category Superior = Trogón Lodge or similar 4*Category Deluxe = Savegre Lodge or similar 5*
Day 8-9 Manuel Antonio:

Category Standard = Villa Bosque or similar 3*Category Superior = San Bada Hotel or similar 4*Category Deluxe = Parador or similar 5*

Check out our Q&As

What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Easy
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, English speaking local guide on this tour.
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

As details in itinerary.
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, Airport transfer is included.
Are flights included in this tour?

No, International and domestic flights are not included.

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

All monuments and visits as indicated: Snorkelling and hiking in Cahuita National Park, rafting on the Pacuare River, ‘quetzal quest’ morning hike, hike in Manuel Antonio National Park is included.
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included

Reviews of this operator

Brian

Exotic Costa Rica

12-Feb-2022

We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.

Peter Herbert

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

11-May-2022

A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....

Jean Walsh

Exotic Costa Rica

17-Mar-2022

This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.

Susan Langton

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park

06-Jan-2022

Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.

Marianne Brownell

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park

03-Oct-2022

Terrific experience!

Debra R

PURAVIDA CR

26-Jun-2023

Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.

Keith

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

08-Mar-2022

A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.

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Sunday - Tuesday

Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 18, 2025

~~$3473~~ $2977 (USD)

Operator discount: -$347 (USD)