Costa Rica

Costa Rica, life-size

4,7/5 (3 reviews)

Réf : UCOCX

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Costa Rica, life-size

In summary

Sports

Hiking / Trekking
Duration
15 days
Level
Beginner

Levels

Hiking / Trekking

Beginner

For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.

Intermediate

For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.

Confirmed

For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.

Advanced

For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.

Expert

For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
Destination
America / Costa Rica
Age
From the age of 18
CO₂-Emissions
5254.65 kg CO2
Type of stay

This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.

Type of stay
In a group
Languages

🇫🇷
French

🇪🇸
Spanish

In a few words

Costa Rica is a land of unspoiled nature. Its landscapes range from volcanoes with smoking craters and rushing rivers to verdant mountains, high plateaus, valleys planted with banana and coffee trees, rainforests, and white sand beaches. Between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, we'll discover the most beautiful national parks, from the must-sees to the hidden gems. Our journey begins with a visit to the Poás Volcano and its crater lake, from which fumaroles still escape. After a trip to Sarapiqui and the Arenal Volcano, we'll travel down the San Juan River, which marks the border with Nicaragua, to reach the Caribbean coast and the small village of Tortuguero. An incredibly rich array of wildlife awaits us there: crocodiles, iguanas, birds, and more. Still on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, we'll encounter the Bribri people and the descendants of Jamaicans who have settled on the beaches of the country's south. We will then cross the country from end to end, passing at the foot of the Turrialba volcano, whose slopes are covered in coffee plantations, before reaching the Pacific coast and the wild Corcovado National Park, the most pristine in the country. Our trip concludes under the coconut palms of Manuel Antonio National Park, accompanied by capuchin monkeys, toucans, and sloths.

The highlights

A complete discovery of the country: forests, mangroves, Pacific and Caribbean coasts, volcanoes.
Navigation to Tortuguero
The expedition to the Bribri Indians.

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Photos

randonnée au bord du Pacifique dans la péninsule d'Osa

Observations animales en foret tropicale

randonnée et trekking parc Manuel Antonio, côte pacifique, Costa Rica

découverte en canoë du parc national Tortuguero

Costa Rica, parc de Cahuita, grenouille verte

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Beginner

For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.

In figures

Hiking

Average duration/day: 2h30
Average distance/day: 8 km
Average daily elevation gain: 70 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.

Band : 1 supervisor for 1 to 6 people

Languages spoken:

🇫🇷

French

🇪🇸

Spanish

Supervisor

Tour guide with perfect knowledge of the country and expert on the local flora and fauna.

Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Paris - San Jose.
- Transportation Plane - 11h30 - 8917km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Flight to San José, arrival late in the day and check-in at the hotel. Meals at your own expense or on the flight.
Day 1
Poas Volcano (depending on opening) - La Fortuna - hot springs
- Transportation Minibus - 04h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 3 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Departure for the discovery of the Poás Volcano, which, with a diameter of 1.6 km and a depth of 300 meters, is renowned for having the largest active crater in the world. Arrival at the Poás Volcano and visit to the small volcanology center and the National Park. A vast terrace offers a view of a caldera (collapsed crater) from which sulfurous fumaroles escape. Continue the journey to La Fortuna and the majestic Arenal Volcano. Arrival in the San Carlos Valley and check-in at the hotel near the Arenal Volcano. In the evening, we enjoy a relaxing moment at a spa in an intimate setting (entrance included). The hot waters come directly from the hot springs of the Arenal Volcano, without ever coming into contact with the magma. Dinner at your leisure. Note: the visit to the Poás Volcano (which is currently quite active) may be compromised if access to the park is closed (for safety reasons).
Day 2
Arenal Volcano - Suspension bridges - Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
- Transportation Minibus - 03h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning is dedicated to exploring the Arenal Volcano. You'll access the primary rainforest via a trail that includes suspension bridges high above the canopy. Enjoy breathtaking views of the tropical vegetation and the Arenal Volcano itself. We'll finish our hike on trails covered in volcanic ash. We then depart for the Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui region, whose forests provide refuge for tapirs, sloths, coatis, and various monkeys. Check-in at a hotel (lodge) near agricultural plantations (bananas, cacao, pineapples).
Day 3
Sarapiqui - La Pavona and sailing to Tortuguero
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we set off to explore the lodge's trails, a rainforest bordering the Sarapiqui River. Late morning, we depart for La Pavona (lunch en route). From La Pavona, we board a motorboat for a trip to Tortuguero. During this journey, we will observe the local flora and fauna. We arrive in the village of Tortuguero, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the jungle, at the end of the day. Note: For your comfort, we recommend leaving your main travel bag in the minibus and traveling with a small daypack containing your belongings for 2 days/2 nights so you can travel light in Tortuguero (your bag will be waiting for you in the minibus on the morning of day 6).
Day 4
Tortuguero National Park: Jungle exploration and canal boating
- Transportation Minibus - 03h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we'll explore the Tortuguero canals by boat. This vast national water park is entirely made up of canals and lagoons amidst an impressive jungle. It's through this unique and extraordinary network of rivers and marshes that you and your guide will set off to discover crocodiles, toucans, turtles, howler monkeys, parrots, sloths, iguanas, and multicolored birds. In the afternoon, you can enjoy exploring the park's trails at your leisure. Note: During the season (from approximately late July to early November), it's possible to witness turtles laying their eggs at night (optional extra, payable locally: USD 25).
Day 5
Tortuguero - Yorkin, Meeting with the Bribri Indians
- Transportation Minibus - 04h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 5 km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We resume our journey by boat to the La Pavona dock, where we'll meet our vehicle, which will take us to a Bribri community nestled between the Talamanca mountain range and the southern Caribbean coast. We'll travel along the coast and meet our Bribri guide in the village of Bambu. The adventure begins with a trip on the Rio Yorkin aboard a motorized dugout canoe, on the border between Costa Rica and Panama. We'll arrive at the Yorkin dock and then hike to the village, where we'll be welcomed with refreshments prepared by the locals (the term "indigenous" is preferred to "Indian"). We'll be invited to explore the surrounding trails among plantations of cacao, bananas, and medicinal plants. We'll even be treated to a demonstration of traditional chocolate making! Dinner and overnight stay with the Bribri people. Note: For this leg of the journey, you'll need to leave your large bag in the minibus and bring your own overnight essentials. You will find your bag in the minibus the next day.
Day 6
Yorkin - Southern Caribbean.
- Transportation Minibus - 03h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We spend the morning in the community, and after lunch, we'll travel back down the river by dugout canoe to meet our vehicle, which will take us to the Caribbean coast. We'll then head to our accommodation on the Caribbean coast (Cahuita or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, depending on the departure time), with its colorful villages nestled between the sea and the mountains. Their charm lies in their inhabitants, who live in brightly painted wooden houses, some perched on stilts. The late afternoon is free; you can visit one of the nearby beaches or stroll through the village. Dinner is on your own.
Day 7
Cahuita National Park - Turrialba
- Transportation Minibus - 02h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure for the exploration of Cahuita Coastal Park. We will alternate between hiking and moments of relaxation and swimming in the Caribbean Sea. In addition to observing medicinal plants, you might encounter sloths, monkeys, agoutis, and toucans. Departure for the Turrialba Valley, whose surroundings are renowned for their pure, fresh air. Arrival in Turrialba and check-in at the charming and welcoming Fuentes-Duran family guesthouse, a finca (small farm). The house offers a beautiful view of the Turrialba volcano. (Note: depending on departures, the guesthouse may exceptionally be replaced by a hotel overnight stay.)
Day 8
Turrialba- Coffee Tower - Dota
- Transportation Minibus - 04h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure for the Balaica Biological Corridor: the inhabitants of the various communities have come together to protect this passage between Tapanti National Park and Barbilla National Park. After an explanation by your local guide, Manuel, about the history and objectives of this project, we will set off on foot through the Costa Rican fields. While enjoying the views of the Turrialba and Irazú Volcanoes, we will encounter local farmers working in the sugarcane fields, observe toucans flying overhead, and even sloths hanging from the trees. We are then expected for a visit to Finca Monteclaro, a coffee plantation, where we will learn everything from seed to cup. We will tour the plantations, discover roasting techniques, and have the opportunity to taste different types and qualities of coffee. We then travel to Dota and its high-altitude rainforest. Overnight stay in a lodge at 2,650 meters (it can get chilly!). Welcome to the paradise of hummingbirds and quetzals!
Day 9
Dota, search for the quetzal - Osa Peninsula: Sierpe - Bahia Drake
- Transportation Minibus - 06h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, we'll set off on the lodge's trails in search of the famous quetzal, which inhabits this high-altitude cloud forest environment, where mosses, lichens, orchids, and bromeliads vie for attention with their beauty. Then, we'll depart for the Osa Peninsula, taking the Pan-American Highway via the towns of San Isidro de El General and Palmar Norte. We'll stop in Palmar to discover mysterious stone spheres of pre-Columbian origin. We'll then be met in Sierpe and continue our journey, this time by boat, on the Rio Sierpe, which originates on the southern slopes of Talamanca and flows into the Pacific Ocean. We'll continue to Bahia Drake, named after Sir Francis Drake, the English explorer who is said to have anchored his Golden Hind here in March 1579. Finally, we'll enjoy a short walk from San Josecito Beach to our accommodation. The hotel is a simple, family-run lodge by the ocean, home to capuchin monkeys and scarlet macaws; the setting is magnificent. NOTE: For your comfort, we recommend, as with Tortuguero, that you leave your main travel bag in the minibus and travel with a small backpack containing your belongings for 2 days/2 nights so you can travel light in Corcovado (your bag will be waiting for you in the minibus on the morning of day 12).
Day 10
Osa Peninsula: Hiking in Corcovado National Park.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day dedicated to exploring Corcovado National Park, considered the jewel of tropical rainforest reserves. You'll traverse the largest rainforest on the Pacific coast of the Americas by boat and on foot, passing waterfalls and crystal-clear pools along the San Pedrillo trails. You'll have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of birds, including scarlet macaws. This is also where you have the best chance of seeing jaguars and tapirs, especially on the beaches at dusk. Return to the lodge.
Day 11
Bahia Drake - Sierpe - Terraba Community - Uvita
- Transportation Minibus - 05h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we depart by boat for the small port of Sierpe and navigate between the mangroves and the Pacific Ocean. At low tide, we can spot numerous crocodiles. We rejoin our minibus and head towards the Terraba (or Teribe) community, a little further inland, on the banks of the Terraba River. We meet the community, discover their culture and traditions, enjoy a local lunch, and learn about mask carving, a very important aspect of Terraba culture. We then continue our journey towards the Pacific and check into our hotel in the village of Uvita (arriving in the early afternoon, which will allow time for those who wish to go to the beach).
Day 12
Uvita - Manuel Antonio National Park - San Jose
- Transportation Minibus - 04h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 5 km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We continue our journey along the coast before reaching Manuel Antonio, a beautiful park named after a Spanish conquistador. The region is also a prime location for sport fishing and palm oil production. We'll visit Manuel Antonio National Park, exploring its trails and perhaps spotting monkeys, toucans, sloths, or even coatis. Lunch is on your own, then we'll head back to the Costa Rican capital. Note: Manuel Antonio has become very touristy; we no longer stay overnight, but we've maintained the National Park visit at the request of previous travelers. It's a beautiful park, a must-see, but don't expect to be alone in the forest or on the beach :)
Day 13
San José and return flight.
- Transportation 03h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on flight schedules, free time to enjoy Costa Rica's capital. Then, transfer to San José airport for your overnight flight to France. Meals are at your own expense or served on board.
Day 14
Arrival in France.
- Transportation Plane - 11h30 - 8917km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
End of the journey!
Day 15

Note

To offer you a greater number of guaranteed departures, this trip is offered by another company within the Altaï group: Atalante and Huwans. Depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour leader reserves the right to modify the itinerary for your safety and comfort.

This trip will offer you the best conditions for observing abundant wildlife, but these are wild animals and we obviously cannot guarantee that you will see all the animals listed in the program.

Volcanoes: an interesting website to find out their real-time activity level: http://www.ovsicori.una.ac.cr/index.php/vulcanologia/nivel-de-actividad-volcanica

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.

🏨 2-star hotel - Days 2 to 5

The hotels we have chosen are simple and comfortable. They are often small bungalows (sometimes called lodges) in pleasant, flower-filled settings, with a shower (and mosquito net if needed). You will be accommodated in double rooms, or exceptionally triple or quadruple rooms, depending on the group's configuration. Bathrooms are private except on certain days when a bathroom may be shared between several rooms.
Turrialba's guesthouse is charming, the welcome is warm, and most rooms have private bathrooms. Single rooms are not available due to the size of the accommodation. Please note that up to four people can share a room.
For trips with overnight stays at local homes: the comfort is basic, the bathroom is usually shared with the family.

Staying with a local resident - Day 6

The hotels we have chosen are simple and comfortable. They are often small bungalows (sometimes called lodges) in pleasant, flower-filled settings, with a shower (and mosquito net if needed). You will be accommodated in double rooms, or exceptionally triple or quadruple rooms, depending on the group's configuration. Bathrooms are private except on certain days when a bathroom may be shared between several rooms.
Turrialba's guesthouse is charming, the welcome is warm, and most rooms have private bathrooms. Single rooms are not available due to the size of the accommodation. Please note that up to four people can share a room.
For trips with overnight stays at local homes: the comfort is basic, the bathroom is usually shared with the family.

Access

Departure

San José

Day 1

End of stay

San José

Day 15

Go to the starting point

Access by plane

The nearest airport isAéroport de San José

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Price details

The price includes

Regular flights departing from Paris (Departures from other French cities on request and subject to availability).
Air taxes.
Transportation.
Accommodation in a double room.
Full board, except for certain meals which must be paid for on site.
Entrance fees to the parks included in the program.
Accompaniment by a French-speaking naturalist guide.

The price does not include

Personal expenses, drinks and tips
Meals in San José on days 1 and 14 (free or on flights), dinners on days 2 and 7, lunch on day 12 and meals on day 13. (approx. 10 to 15 USD per meal)
Departure fees (USD 29): but now, most airlines already include this tax in the price of the plane ticket: Iberia, American Airlines, Avianca, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Air France

Options

Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities

Equipment

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers

4,7/5

(3 reviews)

At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.

Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order

Philippe

august 2026

Translated from French

A wonderful discovery, showcasing the many facets of Costa Rica, with a fantastic guide and a driver who made a great team. The scenery was breathtaking, with lush green landscapes and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The tour was a bit active, but not too strenuous, at a reasonable pace, and the food and tastings were delightful. Summer is the rainy season, so it's naturally a little different.

Published on 30/08/2026

Caroline

february 2024

Translated from French

You have always been very responsive to my questions, and it's very easy to book and contact you. However, I question the benefit of going through Decathlon Travel, given that you are simply a front for another (or other?) travel agency(ies). I thought you organized the trips yourselves, and that I would only be with people who had booked through Decathlon Travel (and therefore I imagined being with a fairly "young" group, which is my image of the Decathlon company). I will therefore no longer book through you but with websites that have an age limit and where I am certain of being with people in my age group. Finally, we receive very little information before departure. We have to rely solely on the website. A member of the group traveled with you in December and had the same impression on this point. PS: I do not wish for my review to be published.

Published on 13/03/2024

Amel

december 2023

Translated from French

A very nice trip.
Special mention to our guide Gregory

Published on 25/12/2023

Decathlon Travel Partner

The Paulin team

4.4/5 (2842 reviews) • 821 stays

For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Discover their team and their trips

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In summary

In a few words

The highlights

Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

In figures

Hiking

Management

Program

Paris - San Jose.

Poas Volcano (depending on opening) - La Fortuna - hot springs

Arenal Volcano - Suspension bridges - Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Sarapiqui - La Pavona and sailing to Tortuguero

Tortuguero National Park: Jungle exploration and canal boating

Tortuguero - Yorkin, Meeting with the Bribri Indians

Yorkin - Southern Caribbean.

Cahuita National Park - Turrialba

Turrialba- Coffee Tower - Dota

Dota, search for the quetzal - Osa Peninsula: Sierpe - Bahia Drake

Osa Peninsula: Hiking in Corcovado National Park.

Bahia Drake - Sierpe - Terraba Community - Uvita

Uvita - Manuel Antonio National Park - San Jose

San José and return flight.

Arrival in France.

Note

Accommodation

Access

Go to the starting point

Price details

The price includes

The price does not include

Options

Practical information

Specifics

Equipment to bring

Clothing to bring

They traveled with us

Philippe 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

Caroline 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

Amel 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

The Paulin team

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Philippe

Caroline

Amel