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Grand Tour of Costa Rica: From the Caribbean to the Pacific

13 days  |  15 days with Rincón de la Vieja extension

Group size
12–22 travelers
Activity level

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Cities and beaches, rainforests and volcanoes—experience Costa Rica from every conceivable angle.

Costa Rica’s centuries upon centuries of history? Grand. The country’s dedication to preserving its natural habitats? Grand. No matter how you look at it, Costa Rica smashes expectations—and now, we gave it a Grand Tour to match. For almost two weeks, you’ll zip across this Central American wonderland, stopping in the former capital of Cartago; exploring the pristine cloud forests of Turrialba; and supporting the eco-tourism efforts of organizations like the Toucan Rescue Ranch. You’ll meet Ticos (a nickname Costa Ricans go by) from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean to the Guanacaste coast on the Pacific, and pick up their appreciation for la pura vida with each stop you make.

Your tour package includes

  • 12 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 12 breakfasts
  • 4 lunches
  • 4 dinners with beer or wine
  • 2 tastings
  • 12 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
  • Private deluxe motor coach

Included highlights

  • Coffee plantation tour & tasting
  • Toucan Rescue Ranch
  • Irazú Volcano National Park
  • Tree planting project
  • Guayabo National Monument
  • Afro-Caribbean drum & salsa lesson
  • Sarapiquí organic pineapple farm
  • Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
  • Tirimbina Biological Reserve
  • Farm-to-table lunch
  • Tenorio Volcano National Park
  • Guanacaste beaches

Itinerary

San José Region

Day 1: Arrival in San José

Included meal: Light dinner

Welcome to Costa Rica! Touch down in San José and transfer to your hotel. Settle in, then meet your group in the evening over a light dinner, served with your choice of beer or wine.

Please note: If you arrive after 9pm, dinner will be served in your hotel room.

Day 2: Coffee farm visit & Toucan Rescue Ranch

Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Welcome lunch

Make your way from your hotel to a local farm and discover one of Costa Rica’s finest exports—coffee. Regarded as some of the best in the world thanks to a Goldilocks combination of growing conditions, Costa Rican coffee accounts for close to 8% of the country’s gross domestic product.

  • Tour a family-owned estate to learn how coffee cherries yield coffee beans, and how those pips—after a multi-step process of cleaning and roasting—eventually become the flavorful drink in your mug each morning.
  • Learn how the estate protects and preserves the biodiversity of the area, and how it employs traditional methods to cultivate its crop.
  • Indulge in a tasting of some of the farm’s coffees, then sit down to a welcome lunch and continue getting to know your fellow travelers.

Afterward, continue on to the Toucan Rescue Ranch. Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wildlife, this nonprofit organization looks after toucans, sloths, and other animals. Join a rancher for a guided walk of the grounds, hear the stories of the various creatures in their care, and come to a better understanding of the importance of conservation in Costa Rica.

What better way to get to know authentic Costa Rica than through its traditional food and dance? Kick up your heels with an optional excursion that highlights the local folklore. Or, if you’d prefer, use your free time this evening to explore some of San José’s modern and colonial architecture.

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Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

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Hilton Garden Inn San José La Sabana

This modern hotel is centrally located in San José’s Sabana Park area. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool, spacious rooms, and fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the Costa Rican Art Museum, Museo de los Niños, and the National...

Hotel Casa Turire

This charming hotel is located in Turrialba. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, antique decor, and on-site restaurant. The hotel also offers yoga classes, spa packages, bicycle rentals, and beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Le Cameleon Hotel Puerto Viejo

This boutique hotel is located in Puerto Viejo. Guest enjoy the tropical forest setting, private beach area, and multiple swimming pools. Nearby you’ll find the Jaguar Rescue Center, the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Refuge, and...

La Quinta Sarapiqui Lodge

This charming hotel is located in the rainforests of Sarapiqui. Guests enjoy the private balconies, complimentary bikes, and on-site coffee house. Nearby you’ll find La Selva Biological Station and the Sarapiqui River,

Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience

This tropical paradise hotel is located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, near Arenal Volcano. Guests enjoy the amazing grounds featuring private, mineral-rich thermal springs, and their room's private terrace. Nearby you’ll find the...

Wyndham Tamarindo

This serene hotel is located perched on a hillside of Tamarindo on the Guanacaste coast. Guests enjoy sweeping ocean views, outdoor infinity pool, a local area shuttle. Nearby you’ll find Tamarindo Beach, Las Baulas National...

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin & Adventure Center

This welcoming hotel is located at the base of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Guest enjoy the volcanic mud pool, manicured gardens, and yoga experiences. Nearby you’ll find the Oropendola waterfall, the Rinconcito Eco...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

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