A 12-day journey through Costa Rica combining culture, nature, and wildlife. Start in San José and explore the Bribri indigenous community, then continue to the Tortuguero rainforest and canals. Discover Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and rural farm life, followed by the Río Celeste and Tenorio National Park. End on the Pacific coast with mangroves, wildlife, and sunsets, before returning to San José for departure.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Bribiri Indigenous Community of Yorkin: Located along the remote Yorkín River near the Caribbean rainforest, the Bribri community offers an authentic insight into one of Costa Rica’s most important indigenous cultures. This region is defined by its deep connection to nature, ancestral knowledge, and traditional way of life. The Bribri people are known for their cacao-based heritage, artisanal crafts, and strong cultural identity preserved within the rainforest environment.
Tortugero: Accessible only by boat or small aircraft, Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic rainforest and wetland regions. Often called the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” it is a biodiversity hotspot of canals, lagoons, and tropical jungle. The area is internationally known for its rich wildlife, including monkeys, birds, reptiles, and sea turtles, as well as its unique Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage.
Arenal: Set in the northern lowlands, the Arenal region is dominated by the majestic Arenal Volcano and surrounded by rainforest, rivers, and fertile farmland. It is one of Costa Rica’s most diverse ecological zones, combining volcanic landscapes with rich wildlife and rural traditions. The area is also known for its warm hospitality and deep connection to agricultural life.
Bijagua: Nestled between volcanic ranges and lush rainforest, Bijagua is a peaceful rural region known for its exceptional biodiversity and strong indigenous heritage. It lies close to one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural areas and is characterised by dense vegetation, rich wildlife, and traditional rural communities that maintain a close relationship with nature.
Abangares: Located between the mountains and the Pacific lowlands, Abangares is a quiet and authentic region known for its natural landscapes and ecological diversity. It offers a combination of rainforest, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems, making it an excellent area for wildlife observation. The region also reflects Costa Rica’s rural heritage and peaceful countryside lifestyle.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSÉ
Upon arrival in San José, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in San José.
Day 2: SAN JOSÉ – BRIBRI INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY OF YORKÍN (215km – 4.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Then continue to the village of Bambú to board a traditional canoe on the Yorkín River, which marks the natural border between Costa Rica and Panama. Lunch en route. Visit the Bribri village and experience life within the indigenous community. Learn how chocolate is made from the sacred Bribri cacao tree. Hot chocolate is their traditional drink. Dinner and evening dedicated to Bribri stories and legends.
Overnight in Bribri.
Day 3: BRIBRI INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY OF YORKÍN
Excursion on the Nolo Tsir to discover banana, cacao, and tropical fruit plantations. Possibility to swim in the river. Return to the reserve to learn how thatch is woven. Introduction to local crafts such as gourd carving, basket making, or creating jewellery boxes from natural fibres. Dinner and overnight in the cabin.
Overnight in Bribri.
Day 4: BRIBRI INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY OF YORKÍN – TORTUGUERO (205km – 4hrs)
Early in the morning, breakfast and departure by boat to the dock in Bambú. Lunch en route and continuation toward Tortuguero. Then transfer to the dock for a motorboat journey through the Tortuguero canals to the lodge, enjoying Caribbean wildlife and flora along the way. Dinner in Tortugero.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 5: TORTUGERO
Early morning (6:00 am) boat excursion through the canals of Tortuguero National Park to observe its unique wildlife and flora and admire the crystal-clear waters. Return to the lodge and breakfast. Walk along the lodge’s nature trails with your guide to observe monkeys and various bird species. Lunch. Later, visit the small beach, museum, and village of Tortuguero. Stroll through the lively streets with Afro-Caribbean influences. Dinner in Tortugero.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 6: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (185km – 4hrs)
After breakfast, return by boat to the dock. Lunch en route. Continue to La Fortuna, at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano, one of the five active volcanoes in the country, although it has been dormant in recent years. If the weather permits, enjoy an exceptional view of its perfect cone shape. You will be divided into small groups and stay with local families to share everyday life. Dinner and overnight with host families.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 7: ARENAL
After breakfast with your “Tica” family, head to Arenal Volcano National Park. Walk along trails crossing old lava flows and observe the impressive conical volcano up close. Then experience “Vida Campesina” in La Fortuna. Guided farm visit to discover traditional crops, medicinal plants, and vegetable harvesting. Visit the Troja to process sugarcane in a manual mill, taste fresh juice, sugarcane pieces, and (for adults) “guaro” made from sugarcane. Taste seasonal fruit, visit farm animals and feed goats, make your own corn tortillas, and enjoy a typical organic lunch cooked mostly with farm products over a wood stove. Finish with “Café Chorreado” at your table. Free time to visit the town center, then relax in mineral-rich thermal waters in a natural setting. Dinner and overnight with families.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 8: ARENAL – BIJAGUA (85km – 1.83hrs)
After breakfast, visit the Guatuso community to learn about the Maleku indigenous people. A guide will explain their customs, crafts, and relationship with nature. Typical lunch. Continue to Bijagua, near Tenorio Volcano National Park, known for the beauty of the Río Celeste. Dinner and overnight in Bijagua.
Overnight in Bijagua.
Day 9: BIJAGUA – ABANGARES (95km – 1.75hrs)
Tenorio Volcano National Park is considered one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets. Walk around the Río Celeste and admire its flora, fauna, waterfalls, and hot springs that emit a strong sulfur smell. Then continue to your next destination, surrounded by wildlife refuges on the Pacific coast. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Overnight in Abangares.
Day 10: ABANGARES
Early morning mangrove tour to explore this important ecosystem. Fish, mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, and beautiful plants make this an unforgettable experience. Around the lodge, you may see crocodiles, iguanas, and many bird species. In the afternoon, enjoy a tractor ride on the property, ending the day with one of the most beautiful sunsets in Costa Rica. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Overnight in Abangares
Day 11: ABANGARES – GRECIA – SARCHÍ – SAN JOSÉ (160km – 4hrs)
After breakfast, continue to Grecia, a quiet and beautiful town known for sugarcane and coffee cultivation, and considered one of the cleanest cities in Latin America. Visit its unique metal church. Near Grecia, discover Sarchí, the birthplace of Costa Rican craftsmanship. Visit traditional workshops producing hand-painted ox carts of various sizes, admired worldwide for their beauty. Lunch en route. Continue to San José for the last night in Costa Rica, enjoying dinner at a typical restaurant overlooking the Central Valley with a traditional dance show.
Overnight in San José.
Day 12: SAN JOSÉ DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel and free morning to visit the capital and admire the National Theatre, explore pre-Columbian culture or Central American art at the Gold Museum, enjoy a typical coffee on one of the many terraces, or stroll through Barrio Amón. Around 1:00 pm, transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Pack light, breathable clothing for warm and humid conditions, plus a light jacket for cooler highland areas and early mornings. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential for hikes, volcano trails, and suspension bridges. Bring rain protection (rain jacket or poncho), insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. Don’t forget swimwear for hot springs and waterfalls, a reusable water bottle, and a small daypack for excursions.
