Buckle up and get ready for an extraordinary 10-day adventure in Costa Rica that’s bound to surpass all expectations. This isn’t your typical tourist route. We’ve carefully selected exclusive spots and hidden treasures, creating a road less traveled for a more personal, genuine experience. As you explore the diverse ecosystems of this stunning country, you’ll have the chance to see its unique plant and animal life up close, and even take part in conservation efforts to support sustainable travel.
Our mission is to craft an emotional journey, where every moment is cherished and lived to the fullest. Our curated activities are carefully chosen to bring you closer to the heart of Costa Rica. This showcase of Costa Rican highlights is amplified by our meticulous attention to detail, whether it’s selecting a Pacific beach with no skyscrapers in sight or choosing an organic farm in Monteverde that practices permaculture and boasts its own protected forest. Then, there is Rio Celeste, a sanctuary yet untouched by mass tourism. Here, you’ll relish the luxury of a secluded estate, offering a refreshing departure from the ordinary.
This trip offers a glimpse of Costa Rica, capturing its essence while avoiding the beaten path. Get ready for an extraordinary adventure, experiencing Costa Rica in its pure, untouched, and awe-inspiring form.
For the ultimate adventure seekers, we offer an awe-inspiring 18-day journey that will exceed all expectations. Or for a personalized experience, request a custom trip to Costa Rica and let us plan your ideal itinerary!
Welcome to Pura Vida Land! Upon arrival, prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey by traveling to a strategic location to kick off your adventure.
A private transfer will transport you to Chachagua Rainforest Hotel (approximately 2.5 hours away). Situated between the Children’s Eternal Rainforest and the Arenal Volcano National Park, the hotel’s location provides the perfect opportunity to explore this diverse and biodiverse ecosystem. Just steps from your room, you can enjoy the hot springs, chlorine-free pool, and a gourmet, rainforest-inspired menu at the restaurant, adding to this unique nature experience.
Today, you’ll embark on a Sky hike excursion, ascending into the forest surrounding the Arenal volcano. Following an early breakfast, a shuttle will pick you up from your accommodation.
This nature hike offers spectacular views as you traverse hanging metal bridges suspended at significant heights! Some bridges take you alongside the canopy of tall trees, with some trees colonizing the bridges and draping their woody lianas over them. Don’t forget your binoculars; this is your opportunity to spot birds and howler monkeys at their own level! Accompanying you will be a bilingual nature guide who will enlighten you about native plants and animal species. The Sky Walk is an unforgettable experience, offering the excitement of seeing the tops of trees on one side and the sensation of walking among the clouds.
Costa Rica’s rainforests encompass some of the world’s most intricate ecosystems. The primary aim is to provide a distinct observational perspective of tropical forests, offering an alternative for nature enthusiasts beyond traditional tourism.
After an early breakfast, you’ll take a private transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to Proyecto Asis. This remarkable project is dedicated to making a positive impact on both the rescue animals and the people who visit and volunteer with them.
During this experience, you’ll take part in the Wildlife Regular Tour along with a short-term volunteering opportunity. Throughout your visit, you’ll join an educational tour focused on conservation and the wildlife’s influence on the environment, led by one of our knowledgeable naturalist guides. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the reserve, learning about each animal and their unique stories, and gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation. Your friendly guide will ensure an engaging and thought-provoking experience, offering a fresh perspective on conservation efforts.
The second part of the activity involves volunteering. You will learn how to prepare the animals’ diets, gaining an understanding of the critical role that nutrition plays in animal welfare. Enrichment is vital for allowing animals to express their natural behaviors, exercise control over their environment or simply allowing them to choose what to eat, and improve their well-being. It is just as essential to animal welfare as proper nutrition and veterinary care.
Following the food preparation, volunteers will assist in creating enrichment toys to provide the animals with a varied daily routine. We have organized a schedule for environmental enrichment activities tailored to each species. Please note that only our staff, following the guidelines from the Ministry of Environment, is permitted to feed the animals. However, you will have the opportunity to observe this process from a distance for the animals assigned on that specific day.
Today, your unforgettable journey continues with a private transfer (approximately 2.5 hours). Rest assured, the next destination will captivate your senses and leave an indelible mark on your memory.
Nestled at the base of the Tenorio Volcano National Park and in close proximity to the breathtaking Rio Celeste River, lies the Finca la Amistad Cacao Lodge. Here, you will immerse yourself in the life of a Costa Rican cacao farm, observe wildlife, connect with nature, and gain insight into the intricate process of cocoa and chocolate production.
Upon settling into your accommodation, you will roll up your sleeves and indulge your palate in the “from seedling to chocolate bar” tour. Delve into the world of cacao on one of Costa Rica’s most sustainable cacao farms, following the cocoa production process from seedling to dried cocoa beans. As a special treat, you will even have the opportunity to craft your own fresh chocolate right here on the farm.
Following an early breakfast, a private transfer will transport you to Volcan Tenorio National Park. Legend has it that after God finished painting the sky, he rinsed his brushes in the river now known as Rio Celeste (Light Blue River), which you will explore today.
Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you will depart the Lodge in the early morning and proceed to the entrance of Tenorio National Park. Here, your hike through the Humid Forest ecosystem will commence, offering the opportunity to spot various animal species and lush flora. As you journey, you will encounter the breathtaking falls of the Rio Celeste. This rapid stream appears to cleave the verdant hill before descending 20 meters into a basin of such a celestial blue hue that it elicits genuine expressions of wonder.
Continuing upstream, you will traverse two transparent streams merging to form the Rio Celeste at ‘Los Teñidores’, where the river takes on its extraordinary light blue shade. Guided along jungle trails, you will then be led to a volcanic field, where billows of hot volcano fumes and vapor ascend into the air, culminating this exceptional hike that seamlessly combines nature’s splendor with a remarkable opportunity to observe remarkable flora and fauna.
Today, you’ll journey by private transfer to Monteverde (2.5 h), a serene town nestled in the Pacific highlands and serving as the gateway to the stunning Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Recognized as a premier wildlife sanctuary in the New World Tropics, Santa Elena exudes a tropical Swiss charm, characterized by quaint wooden houses and an alpine climate. This unique blend of drizzle and warm sunshine creates the renowned Monteverde cloud forest, distinguished by its high-altitude setting that pierces through the clouds.
For your stay, we’ve selected the exclusive Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm, ensuring an enriched Monteverde experience with its comprehensive and sustainable amenities, including a private natural reserve, farm-to-table restaurant, and permaculture farm.
As the sun sets, prepare for an enchanting journey into the mystical beauty of the cloud forest at night. As darkness descends, the forest awakens with a symphony of nocturnal sounds, from the rhythmic chorus of tree frogs to the haunting calls of night birds. Led by an expert naturalist, you’ll navigate shadowy trails with flashlights, revealing the intricate web of life thriving in the darkness. The tour offers glimpses of elusive creatures like sloths, armadillos, and kinkajous, as well as the chance to witness the intricate world of insects, reptiles, and butterflies.
Today, you have the opportunity to embark on a private, custom-guided nature hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Your expert nature guide will collect you from your hotel and accompany you to your preferred reserve, whether it’s the Monteverde Reserve, Santa Elena Reserve, or Curicancha Reserve.
During the journey to the reserve, your personal guide will share intriguing facts about the natural surroundings and delve into the history and culture of Monteverde. Established in 1950 by 12 American Quaker families, Monteverde initially focused on dairy farming and environmental conservation. This will provide you with fascinating insights before embarking on your 3-hour hike through the Cloud Forest.
Your personal naturalist guide will tailor the tour to your needs and interests while providing detailed explanations of the intricate interactions among the diverse flora and fauna in this unique ecosystem. Using a special magnifying scope your guide will unveil its secrets bringing even the hardest-to-reach nature closer to you. Monteverde boasts 2,500 plant species, including moss, bromeliads, and ferns, as well as 420 orchid varieties. Wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and over 400 bird species, including the endangered three-wattled bellbird, the renowned resplendent quetzal, tanagers, and 30 types of hummingbirds, await your discovery. This will be an unforgettable experience to cherish for years to come!
Following the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in time for the afternoon activity.
In the afternoon you will participate in the accommodation’s Permaculture Tour, in which you walk through the grounds of Valle Escondido looking at different working systems from a design approach.
An introduction will cover the ethics and principles of permaculture, followed by real-life examples illustrating these principles in action.
Are you ready for an unforgettable trip to a secluded paradise? Imagine spending days on a tranquil tropical island with barely a soul in sight. If you answered “YES!” to both, then Playa los Vivos Beachfront will redefine your beach getaway experience.
Nestled amidst a mangrove and a patch of tropical rainforest, this beach is tucked away in a lesser-known corner of the Nicoya Peninsula, between the renowned surf town of Santa Teresa and the Curu Wildlife Reserve. Accessible only by crossing a small canal on a local boat, this pristine beach boasts white sands and serene, crystal-clear waters, offering a secluded retreat unlike any other.
While some visitors spend the day at Playa los Vivos, those staying in the sole available accommodation will have the entire natural splendor all to themselves once the day-trippers depart.
On your final day in paradise, you have the freedom to choose your activity. Whether it’s joining a sailing trip (not included), exploring the Curu Wildlife Reserve, or simply relaxing at the beach, there’s no wrong decision!
As the evening approaches, prepare for a memorable experience. Begin by watching the breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean from the comfort of the accommodation lounge. Indulge in freshly caught seafood, delightful cocktails, and impeccable service. Following this sunset feast, get ready for an enchanting adventure. Ever heard of bioluminescence? Well, in case you missed it, the bay where you’ve been staying is blessed with this natural wonder! The mangrove area serves as a breeding ground for bioluminescent algae, creating a magical, movie-like experience. Hop on a boat and head to the bay’s darker spots, where beams of light will emerge as the water moves. Put on your snorkel mask, take the plunge, and witness something you thought was only possible in movies like The Life of Pi… Simply breathtaking, right?
At a specific time determined by the flight schedule, you will be privately transferred to San Jose International Airport.
Wishing you a safe journey home filled with lasting memories and vibrant experiences. Pura vida!
This specially curated trip incorporates three key strategies to promote sustainability.
Firstly, we carefully select responsible accommodations for all 9 nights of your stay, ensuring they adhere to sustainability standards in their procedures, supplies, and real commitment to society and the environment. Secondly, we include an environmentally conscious, first-hand activity at a wildlife rescue center. And finally, we arrange visits to a national park and nature reserves, not only supporting them through entrance fees but also creating awareness and fostering appreciation for these natural areas.
On this trip, you’ll indulge in organic cuisine, lodge in rooms crafted from local materials, engage in activities that foster connections with rural communities, and promote cultural exchange. Your visit will also contribute to the betterment of small-scale producers, entrepreneurs, and fair working conditions for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.
Additionally, you’ll gain insight into endangered species, fragile ecosystems, and develop a heightened awareness of the pressing ecological challenges our planet faces.
We are still working on the FAQ section for this particular trip. For questions about booking a tour, prices, preparation for your trip, health and safety or other themes, please check our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you can’t find your question & answer, email us and we’ll add it!
Hey there, fellow travelers! Julian here, your trusted travel designer, excited to introduce you to an incredible opportunity.
Immerse yourself in the pure beauty of Pura Vida in Costa Rica and go beyond traditional sightseeing. This isn’t just another tour; it’s a chance to connect with local communities, create unforgettable memories, and make a real difference along the way. Join this extraordinary 10-day adventure where you’ll uncover hidden gems, encounter captivating wildlife, and immerse yourself in the authentic culture of Costa Rica.
Do not be simply tourists; be ambassadors for change, supporting local communities and preserving the natural wonders that make our world so extraordinary.
So, my friends, now is the time to take action and book your adventure. Let’s make a positive impact while experiencing the journey of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this remarkable opportunity to travel with purpose. Join us on the Impactful Pure Pura Vida tour today!
