Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point – a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Costa Rica experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect Costa Rica holiday to match.
Costa Rica’s main national parks attract ever-increasing numbers of visitors throughout the year and, whilst these regions are popular for good reason, there’s magic to be found when you venture off the well-trodden tourist trail. We’ve designed this Undiscovered Costa Rica holiday to do just that. It’s still possible to experience a somewhat quieter side of the country if you're not afraid to go a little against the grain.
Beginning in San Ramon, you’ll enjoy a much quieter cloud forest experience than that found in better-known Monteverde. After exploring the peaceful forest trails here and perhaps enjoying a canopy ziplining tour, you’ll move on to the northern region of Turrialba. This area gets considerably fewer visitors compared to other volcanic regions such as Arenal. Plus, it offers more options for cultural touring than elsewhere in the country, with lots of chances to explore Costa Rica beyond the standard guidebooks. You’ll visit Costa Rica’s main archaeological site, Guayabo, as well as some fascinating local plantations where you’ll get a real insight into rural life. Next up is Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, where you can horse ride, zipline and raft through thick forests, before continuing your journey to San Gerardo de Dota. The cloud forest here is simply beautiful and, again, it’s one that isn’t often visited by tourists. We’ve suggested a hike down the dramatic Cerro de la Muerte, but you can swap this activity for horse riding to a tumbling waterfall, or perhaps a spot of relaxing birdwatching to try and catch a glimpse of the elusive Resplendent Quetzal.
Your final stop is the isolated wildlife paradise of the Osa Peninsula. The remote tented camp of La Leona offers a true wilderness experience where you can gaze up from your hammock at scarlet macaws soaring above the wild black sand coastline (though upgrades to more established lodges are available if you’d prefer something a little fancier).
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Costa Rica holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your holiday will be tailored to suit you.
Your Costa Rica adventure begins today with a flight to San Jose. As your flight heads west towards the hidden, lush green jungles, sloths and secret Pura Vida wonders of Costa Rica, feel your excitement simmering away. When you land, you’ll be met at the airport by our smiling team, who will whisk you straight off to your hotel in the tranquil cloud forest region of San Ramon.
Costa Rica is all about nature, so where better to wake up on your first full day in the country than the cool, misty surroundings of San Ramon’s hidden cloud forest, surrounded by so much of it. This morning, we’ve included a guided nature walk along the forest trails. Keep an eye out for vibrant wildlife such as toucans and fluttering hummingbirds as you go; you might even spot an elusive and adorable sloth snoozing in the branches if you're lucky. There’s so much biodiversity to see thriving here, with more than 258 bird species spotted in the skies. Plus, being so quiet, it’s the perfect place to connect straight to the heart of Costa Rica’s nature without too many other people to share the experience with. We’ve left this afternoon clear for you to relax, explore the area or even squeeze in a ziplining adventure.
The next morning, you’ll journey northeast to the sleepy region of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. This charming town is tucked away within the lush rolling landscapes of Costa Rica’s central mountain range. Bordered by the Sarapiquí River, it’s a real haven for adventure and ecotourism. Despite the country’s huge efforts towards reversing deforestation, only around 23% of Costa Rica is designated as ‘primary rainforest’ – and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is part of that! You’ll spend the next few days exploring the forests, discovering wildlife and watching local life unfold around you.
On your second day here, wake up ready for an adventure. You'll head off to explore more of the region's stunning scenery, and the way you travel is up to you. You might choose to explore on horseback. Perhaps you'll zip through the skies on a zipline. Or maybe you'll opt to brave the river rapids on a rafting adventure through the valley. If you’d prefer something a little slower-paced, though, we've got that covered. There are great bird-watching guides who will help you put your binoculars to good use – or, for the foodies, enjoy a delicious chocolate tour. Every part of your holiday will be as unique as you are – just chat to us about what you'd fancy.
Next on your Costa Rica holiday adventure is a journey off the beaten track to the breathtakingly beautiful region of Turrialba. You’ll slow down the pace for a few days surrounded by its stunning landscapes – and varied opportunities for adventure! The nearby Pacuare River is one of the best places in the country to try your hand at white-water rafting. With a handful of wonderful accommodation options to cater to all levels, we’ll be sure to find the best base for you. If you’re after a true slice of quirky adventure, though, you might choose to treat yourself to a stay at Pacquare Lodge. This lodge is as unique as it is special; you can only reach it via white-water rapids. What a travel tale!
Today you’ll take a guided tour to the Guayabo Monument, Costa Rica's only remaining archaeological site. Set against a backdrop of thick rainforest and the imposing Turrialba Volcano, this site dates back to around 1000 BCE. Once a thriving city, home to around 10,000 people, you’ll learn all about its mysterious side. Explore with your guide as you hear all about how the once-flourishing city was abandoned without a clear reason why. Stroll around the well-preserved ruins, taking in the impressive stone foundations, aqueducts and cobblestone pathways. It’s tough not to admire the engineering skills of the city’s ancient residents. If you’re a bit of a history buff, this one’s for you.
Turrialba isn’t just beautiful, it has a rich agricultural heritage and is famous for producing high-quality coffee and cheese. So, it’s an ideal spot for agro-tourism experiences. And today you’ll be exploring the jewel in its agricultural crown. Hidden away in Turrialba and founded in 1973, CATIE is a leading centre for research, education and innovation into sustainable agriculture. Working on crucial issues such as climate-smart agriculture, food security and biodiversity conservation, the centre plays a crucial part in Costa Rica’s sustainability efforts. Today you’ll head off on a cycling tour through the beautiful botanical gardens and tropical plantations that surround the centre. And, most importantly, you’ll have the chance to learn all about the impact that the centre is having on sustainability, not just in Costa Rica but across the whole of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Your journey continues south today, towards the cloud forest region of San Gerardo de Dota. This lesser-visited region is home to excellent hiking and nature walks, all with a true hideaway feel that makes you feel like you’re soaking up a secret part of Costa Rica. What’s more, it’s the best place in the country to spot the beautiful Resplendent Quetzal – so, if you’re a keen twitcher, you’ll want to stop here on your Costa Rica holiday plans.
We’ve included something a little bit daring today: A scenic and exhilarating hike down the Cerro de la Muerte. The translation? “Hill of Death”. Rising to an impressive 3,491 metres, you’ll be exploring one of Costa Rica’s most stunning high-altitude landscapes. It’s a challenging descent down 10 kilometres of trail, surrounded by lush cloud forests and far reaching views – and it’s nothing short of stunning every step of the way. The weather conditions can be unpredictable, so we’d only recommend tackling this if you’ve got a good level of fitness. We can easily switch this up for a gentler walk to a local waterfall, or a bird watching adventure to see if you can catch a glimpse of the vibrant Resplendent Quetzal.
Everywhere in Costa Rica is special, but there really is something truly magical about the Osa Peninsula. Today you’ll head overland to the wild and beautiful Osa, hidden away on the Pacific Coast and often hailed as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. You’ll spend the next three nights staying at the remote, tented camp of La Leona. You’ll experience life authentically off-the-beaten-track here, a really special opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s wild side. Of course, there are some more brilliant, established lodges available if you fancy a few more creature comforts (or fewer creatures!)
You are free to explore the wild wonders of the Osa Peninsula at your own pace over the next two days. Corcovado National Park is arguably the very best place in the country to view wildlife. So, we recommend spending as much time as possible on the jungle trails, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife, including rare species such as jaguars, tapirs and anteaters. The rugged terrain of the peninsula is made up of lush rainforests and gorgeous beaches, lapped by the tranquil waters of the Golfo Dulce – a playground for whales and dolphins. Osa really is an untouched paradise, offering an unparalleled chance to soak up the wildlife and nature that Costa Rica is so loved for. There are plenty of additional adventures you could squeeze into these two days. Take a surfing lesson, head off on a horse riding adventure, take your binoculars for bird watching or take to the waters in a kayak.
Today, it’s time to journey home. You’ll travel back up to San Jose by a light aircraft – the view from the window will be an unforgettable goodbye. Board your flight home to the UK, having explored some of the very best of undiscovered Costa Rica.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Dawn and Louise are dedicated to all things Costa Rica and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Costa Rica’s wildlife, landscapes and sense of adventure are what keep Dawn coming back. With a conservation-focused background and years of hands-on travel experience, she’s packed with ideas for making every trip feel special.
Our Lou’s been exploring Latin America for nearly 20 years, and Costa Rica is a firm favourite. She’s drawn to its wildlife, volcanoes and cloud forests – and knows how to shape a trip full of adventure that takes in all the best bits.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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