A tour designed by a trekker for trekkers.
A tour designed by a trekker for trekkers.
A gentle start to the trip in Corcovado with a snorkelling trip to Isla del Caño. The next day, things get serious. You’ll cross Corcovado National Park from north to south and spend a rustic but fabulous night. You’ll be able to enjoy the park’s wildlife at your leisure, and your English-speaking naturalist guide will be on hand to give you some expert advice and explanations.
Leave the park at Carate and take the 4×4 to Puerto Jimenez.
This is where you pick up your rental car. Head for Rivas, at the foot of Costa Rica’s highest peak: Cerro Chirrripo.
The next day, you’ll climb this 12,000ft-high giant, then descend and head back towards the Quetzal region.
A last stop to observe this sacred Mayan bird. Costa Rica is the easiest place in the world to observe this bird, all year round.
Day 1 : To the northwest of the capital, Alajuela welcomes visitors from all over the world, as the airport is located on its territory.
In addition to the city, its proximity to the Poás volcano makes it a privileged location. The flanks of the volcano are covered with coffee crops, and most of the country’s strawberries come from here.
Volcano viewing is best done early in the morning, then don’t miss the gardens and waterfalls of La Paz, a true concentrate of Costa Rica.
Since the volcano’s last eruption in 2019, work has been carried out to protect the public from the crater’s fumes. Tickets must now be booked online, and time in the park is limited to 20 minutes to protect the public from fumes, bearing in mind that the crater is one of the most acidic lakes in the world, with a PH of between 0 and 0.5.
Although its turquoise color is an invitation to swim, not many organisms can survive in this environment.
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 Villa San Ignacio
– Accommodation: Standard Queen for 2.
Days 2 and 3 : You’ll reach your hotel by boat or plane.
On the sea side, Isla del Caño is a popular destination for divers of all levels – it’s a true aquarium!
On land, Corcovado National Park, a sanctuary for naturalists and the country’s best observation site, attracts visitors. 10% of the mammals of the Americas are found here. The village of Drake is of little interest, but the surrounding nature more than makes up for this. In addition to Corcovado Park, there are a number of wonderful excursions that allow you to observe the same flora and fauna as in the park, without entering it and far from the tourist crowds. NB: there is no ATM in Drake. Please bring cash with you.
Domestic flight SAN JOSÉ / BAHIA DRAKE
NB: For domestic flights, the baggage weight allowance is 30 lbs – the additional/kg charge is approximately $1.5.
Flight Duration: 0:50
• 2 nights at hotel Pirate Cove
– Accommodation: “Cabina + comida + transporte for 2.”
ON THE AGENDA:
• Isla del Caño snorkelling tour – Duration: 7:00 – Breakfast included : A 45-minute boat ride away, Isla del Caño is the perfect place to discover the crystal-clear seabed of this wildlife reserve. Corals, turtles, fish, sharks, dolphins, rays and sea snakes are just a small sample of what you can see. Entrance to the reserve, equipment and picnic included.
Day 4 : Puerto Jimenez is a small town on the banks of the Golfo Dulce. Backed by Corcovado Park, it benefits from the park’s biodiversity. Macaw macaws make their home in the town’s trees, and their deafening cries can be quite impressive. The Golfo Dulce is particularly popular with marine mammals such as humpback whales (August to November) and dolphins all year round.
Driving time: 03:15 – 98 km
• 1 night at hotel Surcos Tours Puerto Jimenez
– Accommodation: “2N/1N Drake/Sirena/Carate for 2.”
Day 5 : In the south-west of the country, the gulf of the Osa peninsula is still little visited. Yet it is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Adjacent to neighboring Corcovado Park, it’s a paradise for macaws and birds of all kinds. Monkeys are omnipresent, and tapirs and anteaters frequently roam the area.
At sea, humpback whales calve and raise their offspring sheltered from predators, and dolphins live here year-round.
Fishing is a veritable religion in the region.
The Osa Biological Corridor connects Corcovado Park with Piedras Blancas Park via the Golfo Dulce forest reserve. Here, wildlife roams freely, and what can be seen in Corcovado can also be seen in Puerto Jimenez or Golfito, covering 4,300 km2, or 8% of Costa Rica’s surface area!
Private Transfert PUERTO JIMENEZ / BAHIA DRAKE
Driving time: 00:05 – 1 km
• 1 night at hotel La Leona Eco Lodge
– Accommodation: Beach Tent Cabin – pack # 1 for 2.
– All meals included
Days 6 and 7 : Check-in for your vehicule
The Chirripó valley, dominated by the volcano of the same name, offers a veritable natural treasure trove. In addition to the ascent to Costa Rica’s highest peak, Mount Chirripó, which towers at 3,820 m, there are a number of equally interesting hikes accessible to trekkers of a slightly softer disposition.
But this region doesn’t stop at the ascent of Chirripó, and at the foot of the volcano, the Cloudbridge Forest Reserve is a paradise for all. Hikes here will be accompanied by indescribable wildlife. A guide is highly recommended to make sure you don’t miss a crumb of this natural treasure.
Between waterfalls, landscapes and tropical forests, your excursion will be constantly on the move.
For those who are tired, fishing is a ubiquitous activity, and botanical gardens and birdwatching are easily accessible from Rivas.
From Days 6, 7, 8 and 9 : renting of one Cat. Mid. Size – Suzuki Vitara 4×4 – Full cover insurance with excess waiver, two drivers, unlimited km (Sim card – collection/return charges)
Driving time: 05:45 – 261 km
• 2 nights at hotel El Pelicano
– Accommodation: “Paquete 2 -Pelicano + Chirripo + repas for 2.”
Days 8 and 9 : From San Isidro up the Interamerican towards San José, you’re on the road to Cerro de la Muerte. You’ll want to stop off at the Savegre River, one of the best places to admire the splendid quetzal and sample a trout, a local specialty.
At higher altitudes, you can contemplate the Paramo, a very special type of high-altitude vegetation. Nestled in the valleys, several small rural villages open their doors to you: San Gerardo de Dota, Santa Maria de Dota, Copey de Dota, Providencia, etc.
Quetzals are the emblems of this magnificent mountain region, but hikers and fishermen alike will be delighted to indulge their passion.
Driving time: 04:00 – 172 km
• 2 nights at hotel Tami Lodge
– Accommodation: Bungalow Standard for 2.
Eco-friendly hotel with no electricity – Devices can be recharged at reception
ON THE AGENDA:
• Quetzal Tour – Duration : 4:00 – included meal : Providencia, adjacent to Los Quetzales National Park, is without doubt the best place in the world to observe the sacred Mayan bird. In addition to the region’s emblem, you’ll be able to observe no fewer than 80 other bird species. The tour ends with a delicious typical lunch.
Road to San José.
Driving time to the airport: 03:00 – 110 km
Return your vehicle to the rental company and take the shuttle to the international terminal.
END OF OUR SERVICES
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POAS
Villa San Ignacio
– Hosting: Standard Queen for 2.
WHY THIS HOTEL?
Only a few kilometers from the airport, in a beautiful estate, Villa San Ignacio offers a peaceful place to sleep. A good restaurant and a lovely swimming pool are at guests’ disposal. The rooms are comfortable. A little jewel of greenery next to the airport.
CORCOVADO
Pirate Cove
– Hosting: Cabin + meals + transfers for 2.
WHY THIS HOTEL?
The Pirate Cove lodge offers simple but comfortable bungalows. A garden, swimming pool and bar directly on the beach allow you to enjoy moments of relaxation. The kayaks available are perfect for adventurers, and tours leave directly from the hotel. Meals are taken collectively in the main rancho.
GOLFO DULCE – PUERTO JIMENEZ
Surcos Tours Puerto Jimenez
– Hosting: 2N/1N Drake/Sirena/Carate for 2.
WHY THIS HOTEL?
GOLFO DULCE – CARATE
La Leona Eco Lodge
– Hosting: Beach Tent Cabin – pack # 1 for 2.
WHY THIS HOTEL?
If you dream of Robinson, if you imagine you’ll one day see the end of the world, then Carate is for you.
At the southernmost tip of the Osa Peninsula, Carate is the southernmost point of entry to Corcovado Park. A destination in a class of its own, with difficult access. Adventure awaits!
It’s a 30-minute walk to La Leona, with luggage transported on horseback.
Leona Lodge is located on the beach on the edge of Corcovado Park. The tents are perfectly set out in the heart of the living world: only the wildlife and the sea will disturb your peace.
NB: Rooms have no electricity or hot water. You can recharge your appliances in the restaurant.
CHIRRIPO – SAN GERARDO DE RIVAS
El Pelicano
– Hosting: Pack #2 – Pelicano + Chirripo + meals for 2.
WHY THIS HOTEL?
Located at the foot of Cerro Chirripo, you’ll find peace and quiet at the Pelicano.
The hostel’s surroundings are simply enchanting: rolling landscapes, immaculate forest, birdsong, wild rivers… A true haven of peace.
The rooms, in the characteristic mountain style of the area – small wooden chalets – are rustic but charming.
The lovely swimming pool is a plus in the dry season.
DOTA – SANTA MARIA DE DOTA
Tami Lodge
– Hosting: Bungalow Standard for 2.
WHY THIS HOTEL?
Unusual and original accommodation in the Providencia de Dota valley. Immersing yourself in nature, between mountains and cloud forest, is an experience in itself. The bungalows are in fact large safari tents with minimum comforts such as a bathroom with hot water and good blankets for cool nights. The lodge has electricity only at reception and in the restaurant, but provides solar-powered lamps. A nature experience in the truest sense of the word.
The tour map
Price includes:
– All accommodations and breakfasts
– All meals in Tortuguero
– All transfers mentioned
• local flight mentioned
– Renting of vehicule – Cat. Mid. Size – Suzuki Vitara 4×4 – Automatic
Vehicule, comprehensive insurance (TPL + CDW) with damage waiver, 2 drivers, unlimited mileage + SIM card with unlimited Waze/Google Maps. A credit card imprint of 100 US$ will be taken by the rental company.
– Our 7/7 assistance
– Your travel diary
CORCOVADO
– All meals included
• Tour Isla del Caño snorkeling
DOTA
• Quetzal Tour – included meal
Price do not includes:
– International flights
– Meals and drinks not mentioned
– Gas, parking and tolls
– Tips
– Personal purchases
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10 days
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Our customers have their say
Hi Barbara, Thank you so much for your wonderful message 😊 We’re truly delighted to read that your journey through Costa Rica was such a memorable experience, and that each destination brought its share of discovery and emotion. Your words perfectly capture what we aim to create: a seamless adventure filled with beautiful moments, nature, and special encounters. A big thank you as well for your kind mention of Sandrine—we’ll be sure to pass it along! We love that you chose to keep a bit of mystery for future travelers… you’re absolutely right, some surprises are part of the magic ✨ It was a real pleasure to organize this trip for you and your partner. We hope to welcome you again one day for another Costa Rican adventure! Pura Vida 🌴☀️ The Costa Rica Découverte Team
Thank you Bernardo for your lovely comment 🙏 It takes daily teamwork to listen to our customers before, during, and after their trip! And that's true that your trip was a good one. Pura Vida! 😎🇨🇷
Dear Tiffany, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your lovely feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you had a great trip and that you enjoyed the balance between activities and relaxing moments, as well as the hotels and communication throughout your journey. We’re especially happy that our team’s knowledge helped you discover so much wildlife — that’s exactly what we love sharing about Costa Rica 🌿🐒 Thank you again for your trust and your recommendation. It was a real pleasure organizing your Costa Rica découverte!
Dear Michelle and Mital, Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a wonderful and detailed review. We are truly touched by your kind words and delighted to know that your family trip to Costa Rica was such a positive and memorable experience. It was a real pleasure for our team to design this journey for your family and to ensure that every detail — from planning to on-the-ground logistics — met your expectations. Knowing that you felt well supported, relaxed, and able to fully enjoy time together as a family is exactly what we strive for. We will be sure to pass on your feedback to our local partners and guides, who will be thrilled to hear how much they contributed to your experience, especially with your children. Thank you again for your trust and recommendation. We would be absolutely delighted to welcome your family back to Costa Rica in the future and to help create another unforgettable journey. Warm regards, Sandrine 🦥
Hi Brendan! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that, despite the flight delays, everything worked out smoothly for you. Our team is always happy to go the extra mile to ensure your trip starts stress-free and comfortably. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Costa Rica for another unforgettable experience. Pura Vida! 🇨🇷😎
Hello Gregoire! Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment. We are really happy to have been able to participate in the success of this trip! The whole team wishes you an excellent selection of photos, and maybe we'll see you next time 🙂 Pura Vida!
