Classic Costa Rica
Pristine beaches and nesting turtles
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San Jose
At first glance, San Jose might not seem like the prettiest of cities but delve a little deeper into the colonial mansions of Barrio Amon, the restaurants of Barrio Escalante and the many live music clubs, and you’ll soon uncover the beating cultural heart of Costa Rica’s capital... -
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Once a sleepy backwater surfing town, Puerto Viejo has become a stop-off for travellers looking to party... -
Tortuguero National Park
This wild and interconnected web of canals is an aquatic fairyland, where gavilan trees stand sentry at the water’s edge, caiman snouts poke out of canals, tiger herons perch atop driftwood, and four species of endangered sea turtle travel thousands of miles every year to lay their eggs on the beaches where they once hatched... -
San Jose
At first glance, San Jose might not seem like the prettiest of cities but delve a little deeper into the colonial mansions of Barrio Amon, the restaurants of Barrio Escalante and the many live music clubs, and you’ll soon uncover the beating cultural heart of Costa Rica’s capital... -
Guanacaste National Park
Sandwiched between Santa Rosa National Park and Rincón de la Vieja National Park -- the other two parks in the Guanacaste Conservation Area trio -- this incredibly diverse and endearingly rustic national park is one of Costa Rica’s least visited... -
San Jose
At first glance, San Jose might not seem like the prettiest of cities but delve a little deeper into the colonial mansions of Barrio Amon, the restaurants of Barrio Escalante and the many live music clubs, and you’ll soon uncover the beating cultural heart of Costa Rica’s capital...
Begin your Costa Rica trip in capital San Jose, before travelling to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca for beach relaxation, Caribbean food and surfing. From here, travel to Tortuguero National Park on the coast, where green sea turtles leatherbacks and hawksbill turtles come to nest. End your trip on the beaches of Guanacaste near the border with Nicaragua. Here, you can mix beach life with wildlife watching. Travel back to San Jose for your flight home.
Key information
| Destinations | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Guanacaste National Park, San Jose, Tortuguero National Park |
|---|---|
| Activity | Beach, Family, Nature & Wildlife, Responsible Travel |
| Physical Level | Easy |
 Season |
January - December |
Classic Costa Rica itinerary
Get cultural in San Jose
Day 1 in San Jose
At first glance, San Jose might not seem like the prettiest of cities but delve a little deeper into the colonial mansions of Barrio Amon, the restaurants of Barrio Escalante and the many live music clubs, and you’ll soon uncover the beating cultural heart of Costa Rica’s capital.
Surf and snooze in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Day 2–4 in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Once a sleepy backwater surfing town, Puerto Viejo has become a stop-off for travellers looking to party. While it can be raucous on the main strip, head a couple of blocks out of town and you’ll be able to stay with families in quiet houses with only the sounds of the rainforest for company.
Float down the canals of Tortuguero
Day 5 in Tortuguero National Park
This wild and interconnected web of canals is an aquatic fairyland, where gavilan trees stand sentry at the water’s edge, caiman snouts poke out of canals, tiger herons perch atop driftwood, and four species of endangered sea turtle travel thousands of miles every year to lay their eggs on the beaches where they once hatched.
In this truly unique and special place, days are spent exploring motoring through amaretto-, emerald- and black-hued canals, and evenings are dedicated to watching returning sea turtles conclude their epic journeys.
Return to San Jose
Day 6 in San Jose
A free day to explore San Jose; there are lots of hidden gems to be found in the capital — we recommend exploring the historic neighbourhoods such as Barrio Amon, where grand colonial mansions have been transformed into contemporary art galleries, or the city’s wonderful gastronomic centre to delight in some delicious cuisine.
Laze on tropical beaches in Guanacaste
Day 7–9 in Guanacaste National Park
Sandwiched between Santa Rosa National Park and Rincón de la Vieja National Park -- the other two parks in the Guanacaste Conservation Area trio -- this incredibly diverse and endearingly rustic national park is one of Costa Rica’s least visited.
Hiking trails connect the park’s various biological stations and sectors, offering intermediate to difficult paths for which a professional guide is highly recommended.
San Jose
Day 10–11
Enjoy the sights and scenery of this glorious city for one more day before your adventure draws to an end. There are lots of cafes, restaurants, museums and galleries to see, in addition to serene parks and magnificent monuments to explore.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from £1,929pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.
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