24 T, individually to Costa Rica

Round trip Costa Rica - also ideal for solo travelers

This is our classic roundtrip- an authentic tour of Costa Rica.

We recommend the program "Costa Rica - Individual" in this or a modified form to all nature enthusiasts who want to combine absolute highlights, undiscovered spots, authentic insider tips with a well-thought-out travel itinerary including comfort, adventure, and culinary delights. Our unique concept of individual tours has been proven successful for over 25 years in Latin America. Also ideal for solo travelers.
We collaboratively create a customized program with our clients.
As a framework, one can use the tour described and proven here, but we also offer any other combination. We are helpful with constructive suggestions and a lot of experience along the way.

Day 1, Arrival, Santa Ana, Central Valley (-, -, -)

Arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela and transfer to our nearby hotel in Santa Ana. Overnight stay in a Superior Room at Posada Nena.

Day 2, Santa Ana, Central Valley (B, -, -)

Since there are occasional flight connection issues to Costa Rica, especially with connections via the USA, we do not plan a fixed program for the first day. However, there's plenty to do in the area - guests can relax in the beautifully landscaped garden of Posada Nena, explore the capital San José or the nearby mountains, and visit the "Cerros de Escazú" nature reserve on their own. San José, the historic capital, is vibrant, heavily influenced by the heritage of indigenous peoples, while the mountains offer pure nature. We provide information materials, maps, and a city guide. We input all destinations into Waze before the tour begins, so please collect the SIM card on the first day. Overnight stay in a Superior Room at Posada Nena.

Day 3, the nebulous Irazú volcano: (B, L, -)

The Irazú Volcano, considered active, and its namesake National Park, with over 3,400 meters in height, are the highest volcano in Costa Rica. The last major eruption of the stratovolcano was in 1994, reaching a magnitude of 2, creating a crater that is nearly 300 meters deep and almost 1 kilometer in diameter. With luck, one can see both of Costa Rica's surrounding seas from the top: the Caribbean and the Pacific. A strenuous ascent is unnecessary, as a well-built footpath leads from the visitor center to the crater. The experience becomes even more exciting when the Irazú Volcano spews sulfuric mud and steaming water into the air. On the way, one must keep a keen eye out, as very rare birds have been observed at this altitude. The tour also includes a visit to the Lankester Botanical Garden and the serene Orosi Valley. Overnight stay in a Superior Room at Posada Nena, tour includes lunch buffet.

Day: 4-6: Tortuguero National Park (B, -, -)

The flora and fauna of Tortuguero National Park are unique in the world. Our guides possess the knowledge and experience to provide fascinating information about every plant and animal. The tour starts early in the morning, with plenty of nature insights during the bus ride towards the Caribbean. The journey continues by boat. Depending on the wildlife sightings along the way, the journey to the lodge may be quite long. Upon arrival and after a welcome drink, guests enjoy a hearty lunch before embarking on the first afternoon activity: a tour of the fascinating 1000-soul village, Tortuguero. Accessible only by boat, Tortuguero exudes a tranquil atmosphere and unique charm. The next morning, before breakfast, an optional early boat tour is available. After breakfast, guests explore the Tortuguero National Park by battery-powered kayak, observing a variety of animals and plants. The park is home to caimans, many monkeys, sloths, iguanas, lizards, frogs, turtles, giant fish, and many more species—especially active birdlife in the early hours, offering sightings of some of the park's 300 bird species. In the afternoon, a short hike through the nearby rainforest provides insights into local plants. In the evening, guests have the option to participate in an optional night walk through the jungle. Overnight stay at Hotel La Casona, La Baula, or similar, including 1 tour and 2 small explorations.

Day 6: Puerto Viejo (B, -, D)

The relatively short transfer to the beach town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca initially passes through plantations, later along the Caribbean coast. Puerto Viejo is famous for its Caribbean atmosphere, reggae music, and stunning white sand beaches. After days of adventure and rainforest exploration, guests can enjoy some nightlife, music, and freshly prepared cocktails. Dinner takes place at the delightful Minerva restaurant. Overnight stay at our Posada Nena Caribbean with breakfast. Air-conditioned rooms in a beautiful tropical garden.

Day 7, Caribbean & Cahuita National Park (B, -, -)

Guests staying at the cozy Posada Nena can easily access the nearby marine Cahuita National Park, which boasts a colorful, easily accessible underwater world. Guests can book an affordable half-day snorkeling and hiking tour through Posada Nena, or explore the national park on foot independently. Stunning white sandy beaches invite for a swim, while the coral reefs are reachable by swimming. However, one must be careful with food items, as the monkeys from the national park are not too particular about property laws. Overnight stay at our Posada Nena Caribbean with breakfast. Air-conditioned rooms in a beautiful tropical garden.

Day 8: Bribri- Amubrí, Genuine Experience (B, -, D)

Today offers a unique experience. After breakfast, a private driver picks guests up for a journey deep into the indigenous reserve of the Bribri and Cabecar. Despite being called a reserve, it is not one. The land has always belonged to these two ethnic groups—they have lived here for many generations, and nowadays, it is heavily protected by Costa Rican laws. The only people with rights here are these two ethnic groups, who live out their interesting traditions accordingly. They practice agriculture in harmony with nature. Their territory is vast and borders the international La Amistad National Park. Our hosts are a mixed couple of Cabecar and Bribri—genuine and authentic. Upon arrival in the afternoon, guests experience cocoa cultivation firsthand during a private tour. Accommodation is traditionally simple, with cozy, small rooms with private bathrooms. Overnight stay with half board at Bribri Lodge.

Day 9: Amubrí, La Amistad National Park (B, -, D)

Immediately after breakfast, guests set off with our host to explore the international La Amistad National Park. A fantastic park in a dark green environment blessed with numerous rivers and watercourses. The hike delves deep into the national park. The extent of exploration depends on one's own endurance—guides never tire. In the afternoon, guests can relax at the lodge or explore the area on their own until a very original dinner is served. Overnight stay with half board at Bribri Lodge.

Day 10: Amubrí- Puerto Viejo (B, -, D)

In the late morning, it's time to return to civilization, at least to some extent. By early afternoon, guests feel at home again and can take another plunge into the waves. Delicious à la carte dinner at the Minerva restaurant included. Overnight stay with breakfast at our Posada Nena Caribbean.

Days 11-12: Braulio Carrillo NP (B, L, D)

After breakfast, the rental car is brought to the Posada to start the self-driving part of the trip. Just west of Sarapiquí, near San Miguel, lies the rural wilderness near the western border of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Impressive, dark green primary forests await there. Here lies our small, simple, and extremely welcoming accommodation run by José and family, from where numerous tours into the nearby forests start. An absolute highlight of the Costa Rica trip—many of our guests have confirmed this. Clear waterfalls, secluded rivers accessible only by foot. The tours come in different adventure levels and are all included in the price. Nature and solitude are guaranteed with this insider tip. In addition, a very varied, regionally typical cuisine is offered. Overnight stays in the familial Posada Albergue el Socorro including tours and ample full board.

Day 13: Heading North to the Nicaraguan Border (B, -, -)

After early bird watching, the journey continues northward by jeep. There's enough time for personal exploration. The day's destination is the Maquenque Eco Lodge on the San Carlos River. The lodge is located on the edge of a 500-hectare tropical rainforest, far from civilization. In the afternoon, guests explore the jungle; some small activities are included in the price. A fantastic experience is the canoe tour, which guests can embark on independently. This tour leads to one of the 2 lagoons directly into the jungle, past decaying tree trunks covered with orchids and bromeliads. Overnight stay at Maquenque Eco Lodge. (Drive on this day: 67 km, 2 hrs 30 min)

Day 14: Rio San Carlos- Boca Tapada (B, -, -)

In the early morning, guests head to the river dock, the starting point for the boat trip on the Rio San Carlos. The Rio San Carlos, originating from the Arenal Volcano, is a substantial river even in the dry season: it flows into the San Juan River, the border river to Nicaragua, at the border town of Boca de San Carlos. The slightly over 4-hour tour offers numerous opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat. Caimans bask on sandbanks, with shy turtles nearby. With luck, guests spot sloths and monkey families in the trees near the shore. Swimming is not recommended as sharks have been sighted, having swum up the San Juan River from the Caribbean. After a possible brief, illegal border crossing and a stop at the border post (on the Costa Rican side) with the opportunity for refreshments, guests return on the Rio San Carlos. Overnight stay in a treehouse at Maquenque Eco Lodge.

Day 15: Boca Tapada- Arenal Volcano (B, -, -)

Today's special destination is the Arenal Volcano. The Arenal is considered the most active volcano in Central America and is also the youngest in Costa Rica. The drive to "La Fortuna" passes through Pital and "El Muelle de San Carlos," where the famous iguana river is crossed. A must-stop. Continuing eastward through the highlands, Arenal looms in the distance. In "La Fortuna de San Carlos," there's time to explore the beautiful town, get another glimpse of the Arenal Volcano, and taste some fruits at Plaza Central. After lunch, guests can visit the Fortuna Waterfalls (La Catarata de la Fortuna). A beautiful walk through the forest leads to a viewpoint, followed by a 15-minute walk down 370 steps to reach the 70-meter-high waterfall. Alternatively, guests can explore the Arenal Volcano National Park on their own, taking an exciting hike along the volcano's slopes through lava flows to a large, open lava field, where rocks sometimes still tumble down. Overnight stay at Hotel La Fortuna Lodge overlooking the volcano. (Drive on this day: 90 km, 3 hrs)

Day 16: La Fortuna and Caño Negro (B, L, -)

There's no place where one can observe so many animals in their natural environment. The tour to Caño Negro is ideal for nature lovers. Incredible nature and incredible variety of animals await visitors. The journey from La Fortuna to Caño Negro is very interesting. Passing through fruit plantations, guests see pineapples, sugarcane, yucca, and papaya being grown. The tour starts from a restaurant on the banks of the Rio Frio. After a welcome drink, guests embark on a boat into nature. Now, one delves into Costa Rica's real wildlife: caimans, monkeys, turtles, iguanas, lizards, and a plethora of birds. Every ornithologist loves "Caño Negro" with its rich birdlife: herons, egrets, cormorants, storks, snowy egrets, American stilts, ibises, spoonbills - just a tiny selection of what can be seen here. Overnight stay at Hotel La Fortuna Lodge.

Day 17: Fortuna- Rincon de la Vieja: Costa Rica's Tropical Cuisine (B, -, -)

Continuing westward on gravel roads to the next lodge. Wild nature, waterfalls, excellent information, and proximity to the Miravalles and Rincón de la Vieja volcanoes make this lodge location an insider experience. A small cooking class in the countryside explains and tastes the secrets of Costa Rican cuisine. The dishes cooked will make mouths water—dining with the family afterward. Overnight stay at Finca la Anita. (Drive on this day: 130 km, 4 hrs)

Day 18: Rincón de la Vieja - The Bubbling Cauldron (B, -, -)

Now is the time to explore the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and its namesake national park. The volcano is not only very attractive and gigantic—it has 9 craters to show for it—but it is also sometimes still active. Smoking chimneys and steaming mini-craters remind us that Costa Rica is in a geologically very active zone. The tour is self-guided with the rental car. A guide is not necessary but can be ordered if desired (optional). Overnight stay at Finca la Anita.

Day 19: Rincón de la Vieja- Playa Samara (B, -, -)

Another day of contrasts. After breakfast, guests leave the cold and rainy mountains for the blue, warm sandy beach. Samara Beach is one of the most suitable bathing beaches in Costa Rica. The kilometer-long white bay with sandy beach invites swimming, surfing (also suitable for beginners), sunbathing, beach walks, and horseback riding. The accommodation is close to the town, near the beach. Guests can relax in and around the pool, enjoy a massage, or relax on the beach. Overnight stay at Samara Palm Lodge.

Days 20-22: Samara- Good Food, Swimming, and Relaxing (B, -, -)

Samara has a lot to offer: horseback riding, tours to nearby nature reserves, sailing trips, waterfalls, and surf lessons. One could stay in this paradise forever. Of course, there is the possibility to extend the stay. Overnight stay at Samara Palm Lodge.
Day 23: Samara- Santa Ana (B, -, -)

Return to Santa Ana; the farewell is near. Overnight stay in a Superior Room.

Day 24: Santa Ana- Airport- Home (B, -, -)

The car rental handover at the airport is arranged to coincide with the international flight. Hasta luego Costa Rica! And certainly see you again soon.

• If more than 2 participants share a room, the tour is slightly cheaper.
• Changes to the route, exchange of selected hotels, tours, or services are easily possible at any time.
• We are happy to request a car rental quote (upon request)