Costa Rica, baby! Between jungle trails, dream waterfalls, and mangrove forests by kayak, you’ll meet sloths, monkeys, and a bit of pura vida. Relax, explore, and discover that living to the Tico rhythm is contagious!

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Itinerary

Welcome to Costa Rica: it's time to enjoy some pura vida, wind down and get lost in this corner of paradise! Our trip starts in San José, but on day 2 we are already on the road to Puerto Viejo and the Caribbean. Then it's all nature: trekking, kayaking among the mangroves and, if the season is right, turtles hatching in Tortuguero National Park.

Next comes the adrenaline: rafting on the Rio Sarapiquí, the cone of Arenal Volcano National Park and the rainforest of Monteverde by zipline. On the Pacific coast, Uvita brings days of relaxation and lots of snorkelling, before our last full immersion in nature in Manuel Antonio National Park and the return to San José. Waterfalls in the jungle and the most diverse wildlife: after this trip, 'Pura Vida' will be our new motto!

A yellow-throated toucan hangs upside down on a thin branch, reaching for red and green berries.

Check-in: our adventure starts in San José

Roundtrip flights or transportation to reach the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide from where and when you want to leave! This gives you complete freedom of choice to adjust your travel itinerary to your needs.

We check into our hotel in San José and get ready to head out straight away. Hungry?

  • First stop: the lively neighbourhood of Escalante, with its many bars and restaurants.

  • The perfect opportunity to taste our first casado, a dish made up of rice, beans, salad, fried plantain and meat or fish.

A leaning palm tree and driftwood logs rest on a sandy beach next to the calm turquoise sea under a clear sky.

From San José to Puerto Viejo

Let our adventure begin! Our first stop takes us to the Caribbean side of the country: the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo.

  • A few hours in the van take us across the scenic and pristine Braulio Carrillo National Park.

  • We can rent bicycles to go from white-sand beach to white-sand beach and take our first swim of the trip, cheered on by the families of howler monkeys that love the sunset hours.

  • This evening we enjoy a traditional Caribbean-style dinner: bring your appetite!

Snorkelling and Bribri chocolate

Today we'll have the chance to experience our first encounter with the local wildlife in the beautiful Cahuita National Park.

  • We can explore the different trails that cross the jungle and grab our snorkels to peek at the underwater world of coral and tropical fish.

  • We also get in close contact with the indigenous people of the area, the Bribri, and their centuries-old way of preparing chocolate!

A large sea turtle rests on a dark sand beach next to the ocean surf, with a line of tropical palm trees in the background.

By shared boat to Tortuguero

It takes a little patience to reach Tortuguero National Park, but it's worth it!

  • We have 3 hours to spot caimans, toucans and monkeys on a shared boat from the port of Moin to the village of Tortuguero.

  • The park is the lung of the area: nature reigns supreme here, with lagoons, rivers, rainforest and animals of all species.

  • Its name comes from the Spanish word for 'turtle': turtles come to its beaches every year to lay their eggs. If it's the right season, we might witness newborn turtles on their journey to the sea!

  • In the afternoon we can stretch our legs with a hike up to Cerro Tortuguero, an extinct volcano with the best views of the area, on the lookout for monkeys, geckos, lizards, frogs and brightly-coloured birds.

A WeRoad group trip smiles for a selfie while riding in a blue boat down a river through a dense jungle.

Kayaking and a cooking class

The best time to spot animals is early morning, so we wake up before dawn. Worth it, we promise!

  • A kayak tour through the park's mangrove channels, in a silence broken only by the sounds of the animals, with the colours of the rising sun. Then, a nice breakfast!

  • We move inland towards the central valley region and reach our lodge in the rainforest surrounding the Sarapiquí River.

  • Free afternoon: chilled-out vibes in the riverside town, or a hike out of town for a glimpse of the rapids and waterfalls awaiting us tomorrow.

  • To finish, our local chef teaches us how to prepare an authentic Costa Rican empanada.

A WeRoad group trip takes a high-angle selfie while rafting on a river in a yellow boat, all smiling and wearing helmets.

Rapids and waterfalls

Another early morning, but we won't need a brew: adrenaline will be our caffeine!

  • We raft down the Río Sarapiquí, between calm stretches to enjoy the scenery and rapids to conquer with hard paddling. A risk of getting wet? Absolutely!

  • After lunch we explore the waterfall capital of Costa Rica: Bajos del Toro in Juan Castro Blanco National Park.

  • More than 30 falls to choose from, and all of them are equally impressive.

A WeRoad group trip smiles and poses for a photo on a hiking trail, with a large volcano visible in the background.

Hot pools and hanging bridges

Fun fact: Costa Rica has 5% of the world's biodiversity. A new day means another national park, perhaps one of the most famous in Costa Rica!

  • Arenal Volcano dominates the landscape with its symmetrical cone. Until recently it was one of the country's most active volcanoes, with an average of 41 eruptions a day, but it is now in its dormant phase.

  • A dip in the several hot pools surrounded by lush jungle, perhaps with a cool pipa fría, a drink served directly in a coconut.

  • Then one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country and the opportunity to walk across several hanging bridges to observe the wildlife up close. What more could we wish for?

A coiled, bright green snake with yellow markings rests on the stalk of a leafy plant at night.

Nocturnal animals, zip lines or coffee

We drive all around Lake Arenal, wave goodbye to the iconic volcano and climb into the mystic cloud forest of Monteverde, home to a unique flora and fauna.

  • Late in the evening we explore the area as the nocturnal wildlife comes out: sloths, armadillos, racoons, red-eyed tree frogs, scorpions and tarantulas! They'll be our walking companions for the night.

  • Next morning we fly through the clouds on one of the longest zip lines in all of Latin America, before heading down towards the Pacific coast.

  • Not our thing? A visit to a sustainable coffee farm shows where our morning cappuccino comes from and the importance of the coffee industry in Costa Rica. And of course we get to try it too!

A colorful sunset with orange and pink clouds reflects on the wet sand of a beach, with small islands on the horizon.

Surfing, yoga and chilling

The last few days of our adventure are spent in paradise: Uvita! Days of relaxation, yoga on the beach and long sunset walks await.

  • Surfing lessons, snorkelling, hiking... there are plenty of options to choose from!

  • This is home to Marino Ballena National Park: every year humpback whales come here to carry out their reproductive cycle, and the whole bay has the shape of a whale tail.

  • We're also close enough to pay a visit to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.

  • In the evenings we find our favourite place for sunset and a drink or two: ticos (Costa Ricans) know how to party!

A white-headed capuchin monkey sitting on a large green palm frond while holding a dry leaf.

Sloths, beaches and a final toast

One last immersion in the jungle: a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

  • This 680 m park is made up of rainforest inhabited by curious little creatures such as the sloth, plus pristine sandy beaches.

  • A park guide takes us along the dozens of paths that cross it. Time to relax? Towels out on some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Costa Rica.

  • In the evening we return to the capital for our last evening in Costa Rica. For dinner we can taste typical dishes such as marisco soup, chicharrones or chifrijo. Let's raise a glass to the memories we made together!

A WeRoad group trip smiles and poses for a photo on mossy rocks in a dense green jungle.

Check-out and goodbyes

Check-out and goodbye: until your next WeRoad adventure!

What's included

  • 12 nights hotel/lodge in shared room with private bathroom

  • All breakfasts

  • 2 dinners in Sarapiquí

  • Private transfer to Puerto Viejo on Day 2

  • 3-hour shared boat excursion to Tortuguero on Day 4

  • Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Food and beverages unless specified

  • All souvenirs and extras that you wish to buy and will be able to squeeze in your backpack 

  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

  • Puerto Viejo excursion including Cahuita, Almuerzo, Catarata - approx. USD60

  • Tortuguero National Park entrance fee - approx. USD17

  • Entrance fee to La Fortuna waterfall - approx. USD18

  • Excursion on the suspension bridges - approx. USD32

  • Visit to a coffee plantation - approx. USD40

  • Cerro Tortuguero Hike - approx. USD12

  • Tortuguero turtle nest (available June-October only) - approx. USD40

  • Monteverde natural walk - approx. USD35

  • Monteverde zip line - approx. USD68

  • Surf lesson in Uvita - approx. USD60

  • Whale watching (available July-October only) - approx. USD90

  • Uvita Isla del Cano snorkeling excursion - approx. USD150

  • Uvita Corcovado tour - approx. USD150

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Accommodation

    Hostels, hotels and typical Central American posadas.

    The private room option is unavailable for the 2 nights in Sarapiqui (Days 5-6).

    The first hotel will be shared with you at least 2 days before your departure by your Group Leader!

  • Transport

    Minivan with local driver.

  • Staff

    Our trips are led by a Group Leader who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Group Leader.

  • Passport

    For this trip, you must provide a passport image with six months of validity remaining at least 30 days before departure to allow us to proceed with booking all travel services. If you do not provide it, we cannot accommodate your participation in the trip. The image can be uploaded to your reserved area after booking.

  • Luggage

    Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalSan José (Alajuela) (SJO)
ReturnSan José (Alajuela) (SJO)
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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

About WeRoad

About Costa Rica

From$ 2,840
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$ 2,585
Book with $ 0
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