Costa Rica, wild sanctuaries and local immersion
In summary
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Sports
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Duration14 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAmerica / Costa Rica
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions115.63 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a journey to discover an exceptional natural sanctuary , from the heart of the tropical jungle to the beaches of the Pacific Ocean . Accompanied by an expert guide , your small group will explore preserved biodiversity at a balanced pace .
The adventure begins along the wild canals of Tortuguero National Park , an ideal setting for observing toucans, monkeys, and iguanas. The immersion continues with an overnight stay with a local family in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, followed by a meeting with the Maleku tribe for an authentic cultural exchange .
With the majestic Arenal volcano and the Rio Celeste as your backdrop, spectacular panoramas unfold before you, leading to a magical nighttime exploration of the Monteverde cloud forest . The journey concludes beautifully amidst the trails of Manuel Antonio National Park and its pristine beaches .
Designed to combine conviviality and freedom , this itinerary offers structured highlights while also allowing for moments of relaxation so you can savor each stage at your own pace. A complete immersion for lovers of escape and lush nature .
The highlights
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Discovering Manuel Antonio National Park
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Navigation on the wild canals of Tortuguero National Park
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Exchanges and traditional meal in Maleku territory
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trip is suitable for anyone in good physical condition who enjoys walking, nature, and cultural immersion. The pace is designed to balance wildlife observation, community visits, and relaxation.
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Majority river class : Class 1 - calm river
Management
French
English
We are accompanied by a French-speaking guide, ensuring the smooth running of our trip and the discovery of Costa Rican culture. At certain specific sites, such as Manuel Antonio National Park, a specialized local naturalist guide joins us for wildlife observation.
Program
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Flight to San Jose (Custom flight not included, please contact us) - Arrival in San Jose
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The vibrant energy of the Costa Rican capital marks the beginning of the adventure as soon as you step out of the airport. Our guide gathers us at the end of the day (around 6 pm) to outline the itinerary and give us his initial recommendations. The evening is then free to explore the lively streets of the city center and sample the local cuisine.Day 1 -
San Jose - Tortuguero
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we set off for the Caribbean plains, heading to the port of La Pavona. We board a small boat to reach Tortuguero National Park, navigating its canals. We settle into our lodge in the heart of this protected ecosystem, home to lagoons, jaguars, and turtles.Day 2 -
Tortuguero National Park
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Majority river class Class 1 - calm river
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
At sunrise, we explore the park by canoe, gliding silently along the canals to observe wildlife up close to the water. In the evening, we can join a guided walk on the beach to watch for turtles while supporting local anti-poaching efforts (see option).Day 3 -
Tortuguero - Santa Rosa de Pocosol
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave the rainforest behind and head towards Santa Rosa de Pocosol. During the journey, our guide offers an informal introduction to the Spanish language. In the afternoon, optional activities are available (soap-making workshop or hike to a waterfall). At the end of the day, we participate in a community cooking class to prepare part of the meal. We have dinner at the village community center before joining our respective host families.Day 4 -
Pocosol - Maleku Territory - Rio Celeste
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast with our hosts, we set off for the north of the country and the canton of Guatuso. Before reaching the lush landscape of the Rio Celeste, we stop in the heart of the Maleku indigenous community, the smallest in Costa Rica with only 650 members. We share a traditional meal with the locals and learn about their history, customs, and the challenges they face today. It's also an opportunity to discover their commitment to reforestation through the planting of fruit trees, aimed at encouraging the return of wildlife. We then continue our journey to the Rio Celeste region.Day 5 -
Rio Celeste - Free day
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We have a free day to enjoy this region, renowned for its turquoise waters and lush vegetation. Several options allow us to explore the surroundings according to our preferences. For a fun experience on the water, we can opt for a guided tubing trip down the Rio Celeste, comfortably seated in an inflatable tube. Those who prefer land-based observation can embark on a three-hour guided hike through the jungle along the river, in search of howler monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of tropical birds.Day 6 -
Rio Celeste - La Fortuna
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We set off for La Fortuna, a peaceful town nestled at the foot of the imposing Arenal Volcano. The region is renowned for its numerous hot springs and natural pools. Upon arrival, we have some free time to plan our afternoon. We can stroll through town and sample fresh fruit, or take a taxi to La Fortuna waterfall to hike to the pool and swim beneath its cascading waters surrounded by jungle. In the evening, we have the opportunity to gather and try a local specialty like chifrijo, a traditional dish of fried pork, beans, salsa, and tortilla chips.Day 7 -
La Fortuna - Free day
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We're taking advantage of a free day to explore La Fortuna and its surroundings. The area offers a wide variety of landscapes, from rainforest and lush vegetation to water sports on the lake. The volcano's geothermal activity also feeds numerous natural hot springs nestled in the vegetation, perfect for a relaxing soak. Depending on our preferences, we can choose between a stand-up paddleboarding session on Lake Arenal with views of the volcano, or a boat safari in the Caño Negro Reserve to try and spot sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, and lizards.Day 8 -
La Fortuna - Monteverde
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We drive in the morning towards the highlands of Monteverde and its famous cloud forest. Established in 1951 by an environmentally conscious Quaker community, this region shelters a pristine ecosystem, shrouded in a near-permanent mist. In the evening, we set off to explore the jungle in search of nocturnal wildlife. Accompanied by the Monteverde Conservation League, we hike through the Children's Eternal Rain Forest, a private reserve created in 1986 thanks to an international campaign by children.Day 9 -
Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Today we head to the Pacific coast, arriving in Manuel Antonio, a peaceful town nestled between the ocean and the national park. Along the way, we stop at the home of a local family who welcome us into their home. We participate in preparing a traditional Costa Rican lunch, an opportunity to learn local culinary techniques before sharing the meal and enjoying a cup of Costa Rican coffee. After lunch, we continue to our accommodation where we enjoy some relaxation. The late afternoon allows us to visit Espadilla Beach to admire the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.Day 10 -
Manuel Antonio
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We explore the trails of Manuel Antonio National Park on a hike with a naturalist guide. Between panoramic coastal views and lush vegetation, we keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area, from monkeys and sloths to armadillos and a multitude of birds. In the afternoon, we enjoy the beaches bordering the national park, relaxing or renting a surfboard at Playa El Rey. To further our wildlife exploration, optional excursions are available, such as a guided kayak trip through the mangrove forest where monkeys, crocodiles, and snakes roam (See option).Day 11 -
Manuel Antonio - San José
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We leave the Pacific coast this morning and head back towards San José. Upon arrival in the capital, we'll have free time to relax or explore the city at our own pace. In the evening, we can gather for a final dinner with our guide and the rest of the group to celebrate the end of this trip.Day 12 -
San Jose - Return Flight
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We enjoy a final Costa Rican breakfast to conclude our journey through the country. Our trip ends here. Everyone is free to make their own way to the airport according to their flight schedule, or can opt for a pre-arranged transfer by contacting us.Day 13 -
Arrival in France
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of the journey.Day 14
Note
Depending on weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary.
Accommodation
Access
At our hotel in San José on Day 1. It is best to arrive before 6pm in order to participate in the welcome meeting with our guide and the whole group.
Go to the starting point
For our entire itinerary across Costa Rica, we combine modes of transport adapted to the specific terrain:
- Private vehicle: We carry out our ground transportation in a private vehicle.
- Motorboat: To reach and explore Tortuguero National Park, we take small motorboats from the port of La Pavona.
- Airport transfers: Transfers between the international airport and our hotel in San José are offered as an option.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation with breakfast in a double or twin room
- Homestay accommodation in Santa Rosa de Pocosol in a twin room with shared bathroom
- Meals: 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 1 dinner
- Supervision by a French-speaking guide
- The services of specialized local guides when specified
- The transport described in the program
- The entrances, activities and visits described as included in the program
The price does not include
- International flights and airport taxes
- Meals not mentioned in the program and drinks
- Optional activities, visits and excursions
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Personal expenses and tips for the local team
- Meals not included
- Optional activities
- Tips
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Binoculars
- Electrical adapter (American flat plugs to European round plugs)
Clothing to bring
Adapt it to the climate.
- lightweight clothing (t-shirts, shorts)
- 2 or 3 pairs of hiking pants
- 2-3 long-sleeved mosquito nets
- fleece jacket
- waterproof windproof jacket
- rain poncho or umbrella
- swimsuit
- hat
- sunscreen
- sunglasses
- pocket knife
- gourd
- flashlight or headlamp with battery and bulbs
- a pair of high-top walking shoes and other lighter ones, like rubber walking sandals for walking in water.
