Trip Highlights

  • Stay in 5* accommodation with superb sustainability and eco values throughout
  • Experience a jungle hideaway like no other at Costa Rica’s’ most celebrated Jungle Lodge
  • Walk the hanging bridges amid the jungle canopy and seek out sloths in Arenal
  • Embrace the Pura Vida life on white-sand beaches
Our South America expert, Scarlett

Our Expert Tip

”Tortuguero (“Place of Turtles”) is most famous for the thousands of sea turtles that come ashore between July and September to lay their eggs on the beach. Be sure to include a nighttime excursion to watch nesting and later hatching, for an incredible experience.”

Scarlett, Costa Rica Expert


Day 1-2: Central Valley

Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica’s lively capital, and transfer to the tranquil Central Valley, just thirty minutes outside the city.

Your stay is at a charming boutique coffee farm nestled on the hills of Heredia, surrounded by sweeping vistas. Enjoy a guided tour of the property’s organic, sustainably operated coffee plantation and witness every stage of production, from planting and cultivation to harvest and roasting.

In the afternoon, delve in to the city’s hidden gems on a guided city and culinary exploration. Discover the flavours that define Costa Rican cuisine and learn local stories and traditions.

The Central Valley at sunrise, in Costa Rica
Explore the remote wilderness of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

Day 3-6: Tortuguero National Park

Travel by road and boat to the remote wilderness of Tortuguero National Park, one of the largest remaining areas of tropical rainforest in Central America, a nature and wildlife lover’s paradise.

Spend three nights at the area’s premier eco-lodge, perched on the water’s edge and surrounded by a private 26-hectare nature reserve.  Explore the national park on daily nature walks and boat trips, led by the lodge’s experienced naturalist guides and discover a wealth of flora and fauna.

Optional activities include kayaking the Tortuguero River, twilight nature hikes and visits to local communities.

Day 7-8: Pacuare River

Journey to the Pacuare Reserve and spend two nights at a magical jungle lodge, recognised by National Geographic as one of the world’s most unique.

Guided activities led by excellent local guides include rainforest hikes to hidden waterfalls and visits to the indigenous Cabécar people, bird watching, ziplining, canyoning and much more.

The lodge operates in complete harmony with nature: energy is 100% renewable, and all tours are carbon neutral.  A stay here is utterly inspiring and embodies the epitome of Costa Rica!

Enjoy a thrilling day on the river at Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is perfect for active adventure holidays with Travel Differently

Day 9-11: Arenal

Exit your lodge by raft, along the rapids of Pacuare River, passing 300-foot canyons and cascading waterfalls, before transferring overland to Arenal: Costa Rica’s adventure capital. 

Explore the jungle canopy on a guided tour along the hanging bridges, encounter both two-toed and three-toed sloths on a dedicated tour and enjoy a luxury farm-to-table picnic by the Burro River.

The rest of your time is at leisure: unwind in the natural hot springs, explore scenic hiking trails, enjoy horseback riding through lush landscapes, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views of Arenal’s impressive surroundings.

Day 12-15: Santa Teresa

Transfer to the laid-back beach town of Santa Teresa, known for its white-sand beaches set against a jungle back drop and a true Pura Vida atmosphere.

Stay in a luxury eco-boutique hotel and enjoy time at leisure. For those that want to keep going, the region offers world-class surfing, snorkelling among volcanic coral reefs, and wildlife exploration in nearby reserves.

Relax in the laid back beach region of Santa Teresa in Costa Rica
Overhead beach scene in Costa Rica

Day 16: Depart

Say goodbye to the coast and transfer to either Liberia or San Jose for your international flight home. Read more about how to combine luxury travel while being sustainable, in our article here.

When to Go

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec