Overview
Volcanoes, rainforests, wildlife and oceans
Dive into the 'Pura Vida' of Costa Rica, a narrow sliver of Central America with magnificent coastlines, pristine rainforests and lush volcanic interior harbouring diversity unlike anywhere else.
Start a short way from the capital, San Jose, in the verdant Cloud Forests, visiting waterfalls and billowing volcanoes. Then head by road and boat to Tortuguero in the northeast where you'll explore mangroves from a wonderful ecolodge and watch at turtles come ashore to nest.
Following the Caribbean coast south, your next stop is Puerto Viejo and Cahuita National Park. Snorkel on coral reefs and try to spot sloths, howler monkeys and toucans. End at the wonderful Playa Cativo, on the edge of the Golfo Dulce – one of the most biodiverse spots on earth – to spot incredible marine and rainforest species.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Discover four diverse ecosystems
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See hundreds of turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park
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Afro-Caribbean meets Tico culture in Puerto Viejo
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Incredible marine wildlife in the Golfo Dulce
Inclusions
What's included
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12 nights of luxury accommodation
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Tours, experiences and adventure activities
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Internal flights and private transfers
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Price per person based on two adults sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 4
Into the Cloud Forests
You’ll be met at San José’s and driven north into the heart of Costa Rica, where coffee plantations and charming rural towns give way to spectacular volcanic and mist-cloaked forests. Staying at a lodge with panoramic views, there a huge variety of excursions and experiences we can arrange here.
We’ve included a private visit to Poás Volcano’s smoking caldera and La Paz Waterfall Gardens’ picturesque falls and wildlife sanctuary, with other highlights here including cultural tours to learn about local crafts, guided birding walks, ziplining and horse rides.
Days 4 — 6
Tortuguero
Take scenic drive northeast and a motorboat through verdant mangroves into Tortuguero National Park. Originally intended to protect an important nesting beach for turtles, Tortuguero now includes a swath of tropical rainforest and eleven habitats. Staying at its best lodge, explore the with guided walks in the reserve, boat rides and excursions to learn about the local history. If you're here during nesting season which peaks in July and August you can watch as hundreds green sea and hawksbill turtles come ashore to lay eggs in the sand.
The system of natural canals and lagoons inland flanked by rainforest mangroves create a ‘little Amazonas’ home to caiman, iguanas, manatees, basilisk lizards, poison dart frogs, three species of monkeys, three-toed sloths, and river otters and more than 320 species of birds. Free fishing poles and tranquil sitting areas and hammocks make it easy to relax and enjoy the surroundings if you fancy being less active.
Days 6 — 9
Cool Caribbean coast
On the South Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo is a relaxed spot between gorgeous beaches and protected jungle where Afro-Caribbean culture blends with the Tico ‘pura vida’. The town itself has a great energy, with cool cafes and bars a favourite among visiting surfers and those in the know taking a break from San Jose, while the stretches of sand outside and coastal national parks are ripe for exploring.
It’s a great place to discover at your own pace, but we’ve included a couple of ‘must do’ private tours here. Visit the neighbouring Cahuita National Park to snorkel in the warm Caribbean reefs alongside tropical fish, sharks, turtles and more, then hike into the rainforest on the lookout for sloths and monkeys. You’ll also meet members of the Indigenous Bribri culture to learn about medicinal plants and get a hands-on course in traditional cacao cultivation, from freshly picked pod to chocolate.
Days 9 — 13
The Sweet Gulf
After touching down in Puerto Jimenez, board a traditional boat to cross the Golfo Dulce. Formed by the Osa Peninsula curving out into the Pacific, the 'Sweet Gulf' is a stunning tropical fjord surrounded by pristine lowland rainforest. The waters themselves are a vital nursery and feeding ground for all manner of marine life – sharks, whales, dolphins, rays and more – while the mangroves and jungles of Corcovado and Piedras Blancas National Parks are one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.
During your four night stay here, head out into the gulf to spot whales and dolphins, snorkel with turtles, kayak at night on magical bioluminescent plankton that glows blue in the surf and your paddles and head into Playa Cativo's Protected Reserve and Piedras Blancas National Park for some incredible birding. Or you can go fishing, try surfing, picnic by waterfalls, indulge a little at the spa and simply relax on the beach.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
