Costa Rica · Route map
Caribbean Wilds and Coastal Rhythms
This journey balances the absolute wilderness of Tortuguero with the laid-back, Afro-Caribbean soul of Puerto Viejo. Eight days is the perfect amount of time to cover this lush eastern loop without rushing.
- 1
San José
1 night
Gritty, cultured gateway to start your journey
- 2
Tortuguero
2 nights
Water wilderness and nesting sea turtles
- 3
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
3 nights
Afro-Caribbean vibes, surfing, and wildlife
- 4
San José
1 night
An easy final evening before heading home
- ✦4 stops · 7 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Arrival in San José
Arrive into San José
Flight · Afternoon · San José
Private transfer to the city
Transfer · Afternoon · San José
Drive takes under an hour depending on traffic.
Walk through Barrio Amón
Excursion · Afternoon · San José
Admire the historic coffee-baron mansions and stop by Cafeoteca for a stellar single-origin pour-over.
Overnight in San José
Accommodation · Evening · San José
Journey to Tortuguero
Shuttle to La Pavona dock
Transfer · Morning · La Pavona
A scenic three-hour overland drive.
Public boat transfer to Tortuguero
Transfer · Morning · Tortuguero
An hour-long boat ride into the jungle canals.
Keep your camera ready as this transfer doubles as a fantastic wildlife-spotting cruise.
Explore Tortuguero Village on foot
Excursion · Afternoon · Tortuguero
Stop by Budda Cafe on the water's edge for a fresh passionfruit smoothie.
Overnight in Tortuguero
Accommodation · Evening · Tortuguero National Park
Canals and Wildlife
Early morning canoe tour
Excursion · Morning · Tortuguero National Park
A quiet, non-motorized paddle through canal backwaters.
An early 6:00 AM departure is vital for spotting rare river otters and sleeping herons.
Hike the Jaguar Trail
Excursion · Afternoon · Tortuguero National Park
This trail runs right between the beach and the rainforest canopy.
Overnight in Tortuguero
Accommodation · Evening · Tortuguero National Park
South to the Caribbean Coast
Boat transfer to La Pavona
Transfer · Morning · La Pavona
Pick up rental car at Guápiles
Car hire · Morning · Guápiles
A 4x4 SUV is ideal for the coastal backroads.
Self-drive Guápiles to Puerto Viejo
Self-drive · Afternoon · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Drive takes roughly three hours.
Sunset walk at Playa Cocles
At leisure · Afternoon · Playa Cocles
Grab a cold Imperial beer from a beachside pulpería and watch the local surfers.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo
Accommodation · Evening · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Beaches and Creole Cooking
Bike ride to Playa Punta Uva
Excursion · Morning · Punta Uva
Rent cruiser bikes in town; the flat coastal road is perfect for pedal power.
Relax at Punta Uva beach
At leisure · Afternoon · Punta Uva
Walk around the rocky point to find the hidden sea cave at low tide.
Afro-Caribbean dinner in Puerto Viejo
Excursion · Evening · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Lidia's Place is legendary for authentic, slow-cooked Caribbean rondon soup and coconut rice.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo
Accommodation · Evening · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Jungle Hikes and Coral Reefs
Hike Cahuita National Park
Excursion · Morning · Cahuita
Enter via the Kelly Creek station by donation and walk the trail alongside white sand beaches.
Snorkel the reefs of Cahuita
Excursion · Afternoon · Cahuita
Hire a local boat captain at the entrance to access the best offshore coral spots.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo
Accommodation · Evening · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Return to the Central Valley
Self-drive Puerto Viejo to San José
Self-drive · Morning · San José
Drive takes roughly four and a half hours.
Stop at El rincón caribeño in Limón for a quick, delicious patty pastry.
Drop off rental car
Car hire · Afternoon · San José
Visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Excursion · Afternoon · San José
Located beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, it holds an incredible array of indigenous artifacts.
Overnight in San José
Accommodation · Evening · San José
Adiós Costa Rica
Transfer to Juan Santamaría Airport
Transfer · Morning · San José
Departure flight
Flight · Afternoon · San José
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