Costa Rican Culture

Between culinary and indigenous traditions

This 10 day tour will introduce you to the country’s culinary and cultural traditions. You’ll be introduced to the local cuisine, discover the production of sugar cane, coffee and coconuts, meet the indigenous Bribri and Borucas and share a typical meal with them. 
You’ll have the chance to meet and share with others. You’ll come away with unforgettable memories, unsuspected recipes, different flavors and exotic-sounding first names. 
In addition to its cultural aspects, this loop will enable you to discover the Arenal volcano, the Caribbean coast, the central cordillera at Turrialba, the Dota valley renowned for its trout and its fabulous Quetzal. Finally, a relaxing cultural break on the Osa Peninsula. A tour of sharing, gastronomy and encounters that will not leave you indifferent, and will enable you to meet the local populations.
WEST OF SAN JOSE – SANTA ANA
Highlights: Ceramics – Onion festival – Wind farm – Shopping

Day 1 : Just 20 minutes from the capital, Santa Ana is a transition between town and country. On the heights, spectacular views from the wind farm. It’s a small town that’s still authentic, littered with typical and gourmet restaurants. An excellent option for those seeking peace and quiet, just 30 minutes from the airport.

Landing to the airport. A private driver will be waiting for you. You’ll be taken to your hotel where a member of the staff will give you your roadbook. and your SIM card that can fit any smartphone

• 1 night at hotel Luisiana

– Accommodation: Deluxe for 2.


ARENAL – ARENAL LAKE
Highlights: Volcano – Hanging bridges – Thermal waters – Canopy – Rafting – Quad biking

Days 2 and 3 : Check-in for your vehicule

From Day 2 to 9 : renting of one Cat. Mid. Size – Suzuki Vitara 4×4 – Automatic Assurance tous risques avec rachat de franchise, deux conducteurs, km illimités (Carte Sim)

La Fortuna, a small town at the foot of the Arenal volcano, is not the one that attracts visitors, but rather the many breathtaking sites that surround it. The legendarily perfect cone of the volcano makes the region a must-see.
Volcanic activity in the form of lava flows ceased in 2009. However, the steam still escaping from the crater and the warmth of the thermal waters flowing through the area are clear signs that the colossus is still alive and kicking.
Suspension bridges, zip lines, waterfalls and thermal springs are musts.
The national park is home to ancient lava flows and exceptional birdlife.
Canyoning is also a popular activity at Lake Arenal.

Driving time: 03:30 – 144 km

• 2 nights at hotel Arenal Lodge

– Accommodation: Junior suite – vista al volcan for 2.

INCLUDED AT THE HOTEL:
• Free access to the hotel trails

ON THE AGENDA:

• Cooking class – Sugar Cane and Lunch or dinner – included meal :

• Ecotermales entrance : After a day of activities, there’s nothing like a dip in the volcano-heated natural pools to relax! The large Ecotermales pools welcome you in a magnificent natural setting. A site renowned for its tranquillity.


CARAIBES – PLAYA CHIQUITA / COCLES
Highlights: Surf – Manzanillo Reserve – Cahuita National Park – Beaches – BriBri Indigenous Reserve

Days 4, 5 and 6 : The Costa Rican Caribbean is characterized by its environmental and cultural diversity. It is coastal, bordering Panama and mountainous. Over 80% of its surface area is protected. This region is home to the Afro-Caribbean culture. A place that offers both superb beaches and numerous activities: diving, horseback riding, excursions, animal sanctuaries…

Cahuita National Park runs through jungle and along the sea, protected by a coral reef. The Gandoca Manzanillo refuge, between land and sea, protects a 5 km2 reef with an abundance of coral, a natural mangrove oyster bed, lagoons and mangroves. Here you can observe monkeys, iguanas, agoutis, raccoons, sloths, anteaters, coatis and more.

Driving time: 05:30 – 294 km

• 3 nights at hotel Colina Secreta Glamping

– Accommodation: Atelier Van Gogh for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Bribri indigenous reserve – Duration : 7:00 – included meal : Your guide will accompany you to the Boca Yorkin organic farm in the BríBrí indigenous territory, accessible by Pirogue along the Yorkin River. You’ll discover the secrets of cocoa and banana production and taste delicious fruit. A typical lunch will be served. On the way back, you can cool off in a lovely waterfall. Don’t forget your swimsuits.

• Cocoa tour – Duration : 2:00 : Find out all about the drink of the gods, according to Amerindian cultures, by visiting a plantation over 100 years old. Between history, culture and tasting, you’ll enjoy sucking fresh beans before discovering how they become quality chocolate. In addition to cocoa, you’ll see heliconias, orchids and visit the indigenous museum. Optional French-language tour on request.


TURRIALBA
Highlights: Rafting – Canyoning – Monument national Guayabo – Centre CATIÉ – Volcan

Day 7 : The Turrialba volcano is one of the most active in the country. The region offers magnificent views of the valleys bordered by coffee and sugarcane plantations and the Turrialba volcano. The small town of Turrialba has retained all its authenticity. It is home to the prestigious CATIÉ, whose beautiful tropical gardens are particularly worth a visit.
Turrialba is characterized by beautiful landscapes, lush green pastures and fields, white-water rivers and numerous outdoor activities. Adventure tourism reigns supreme: rafting, canyoning, abseiling, mountain biking and horseback riding are the region’s main attractions. Coffee growing is ubiquitous, making this one of the best places to learn all about the Golden Bean. Finally, the mountains and reserves are magical places for hiking enthusiasts.

Driving time: 03:45 – 175 km

• 1 night at hotel Hacienda Aquiares

– Accommodation: Toucan room for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• A Taste of Aquiares: Coffee Tour – Duration : 2:00 : Discover the coffee-making process, from seed to cup. Understand the local community and hear about coffee agronomy and its importance to Costa Rica. You’ll then discover how coffee is roasted, and taste the finished product.


PACIFIQUE SUD – UVITA
Highlights: Barú and La Merced reserves – Surfing – Canopy – Horseback riding – Whale watching (August to November)

Days 8 and 9 : Uvita marks the transition between the Central Pacific and the South, with its richer, denser vegetation.
This is where you’ll find the largest number of nature reserves and indigenous tribes. The area is a World Biosphere Reserve. Following the coast along the beautiful Costanera road, you’ll come across Uvita and the Marino Ballena National Park, home to humpback whales between August and November.
From here, you’ll notice the lush vegetation that covers the hills and literally flows into the sea.
Stop off at Playa Hermosa, slip into the warm Pacific waters and turn towards land. You’ll see this intense jungle right in front of you. Spectacle guaranteed.

Driving time: 02:20 – 83 km

• 2 nights at hotel La Uvita Perdida

– Accommodation: Doble Estandar for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• 1 day package – lunch + workshops + hikes + translator – Duration : 4:00 – Déj. typique inclus : A day guided through the Boruca indigenous community, discovering their crafts (masks, weaving…) and traditions. You’ll visit the village and share a delicious typical meal that you’ll help prepare… Authentic memories guaranteed! You can extend the experience by staying overnight in rustic accommodation.

• Accompanying translator Boruca : A guide to accompany you to the Boruca indigenous community. A more comfortable way to immerse yourself in the local culture and understand the explanations and indications of the indigenous guides.


Day 10 – DEPARTURE

Road to San José.

Driving time to the airport: 03:35 – 206 km

Return your vehicle to the rental company and take the shuttle to the international terminal.

END OF OUR SERVICES

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OUEST DE SAN JOSE – SANTA ANA

Luisiana

– Hosting: Deluxe for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Hotel Luisiana is located near the center of Santa Ana. Its 1950s Louisiana-style architecture features a beautiful swimming pool. The rooms are large and comfortable. Excellent value for money, not too far from the airport. Quiet neighborhood.

ARENAL – LAC ARENAL

Arenal Lodge

– Hosting: Junior suite – vista al volcan for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

A lodge nestled above Lake Arenal on an 800-hectare estate. The butterfly hothouse and panoramic views are undeniable assets. A swimming pool, Jacuzzi and restaurant are available to guests.

CARAIBES

Colina Secreta Glamping

– Hosting: Atelier Van Gogh for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

1.7 km from Cocles beach, a little way up the hill, a small treasure hidden in the middle of a nature reserve rich in biodiversity. The owners welcome you as if you were at home, in tastefully decorated rooms. La Colina Secreta offers an exceptional breakfast, sweet and savory and always different. Your hosts, Celina and Martin, will go out of their way to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Away from the main road, only the sounds of nature will disturb your peace and quiet.

TURRIALBA

Hacienda Aquiares

– Hosting: Toucan room for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

We invite you to stay at La Esperanza, a genuine coffee hacienda in the heart of the country’s largest coffee plantation. La Esperanza is located in the heart of the country’s largest coffee plantation.a large garden planted with trees, excellent traditional cuisine, you’ll be welcomed like a member of the family.a beautiful mansion full of charm and character, inhabited by several generations, the place is full of history, works of art and memories.a beautiful view of the volcano awaits you and a warm and attentive atmosphere.

PACIFIQUE SUD

La Uvita Perdida

– Hosting: Doble Estandar for 2.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

A small hotel set on the mountainous coastline of the Pacific Ocean, overlooking the ocean which, together with the harmony of the flora and fauna and the constant sea breeze, creates a unique and ideal place for rest, observation and meditation, located specifically in Whale Bay and 5 minutes from Marino Ballena National Park, very close to national parks, ecological reserves and beaches, as well as with direct access to the coastal road that runs along the country’s entire south Pacific coast.

The tour map

Price includes:

– All accommodations and breakfasts
– All meals in Tortuguero
– All transfers mentioned
– Renting of vehicule – Cat. Mid. Size – Suzuki Vitara 4×4 – Automatic
Vehicule, comprehensive insurance (TPL + CDW), 2 drivers, unlimited mileage + SIM card with illimited Waze/Google Maps. A credit card imprint of 100 US$ will be taken by the rental company.
– Our 7/7 assistance
– Your travel diary

ARENAL

– Free access to the hotel trails

• Cooking class – Sugar Cane and Lunch or dinner – included meal

• Ecotermales entrance

CARRIBEAN

• Bribri indigenous reserve – included meal

• Cocoa tour

TURRIALBA
• A Taste of Aquiares: Coffee Tour

SOUTH PACIFIC

• 1 day package – lunch + workshops + hikes + translator – Typical lunch

• Accompanying translator Boruca

Price do not includes:

– International flights
– Meals and drinks not mentioned
– Gas, parking and tolls
– Tips
– Personal purchases

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    Personalized travel idea
    Between culinary and indigenous traditions
    Suggested duration

    10 days

    Price per person
    1840 €


    Why travel with us?

    A flawless reputation since 2008

    A single contact in French

    Our presence on the ground all year round

    Our expertise for a tailor-made offer

    Our customers have their say

    Why travel with us?

    A flawless reputation since 2008

    A single contact in French

    Our presence on the ground all year round

    Our expertise for a tailor-made offer