Trip Highlights
We begin our Costa Rica journey in Sarapiquí, passing through the lush rainforests of Braulio Carrillo National Park.
At Finca Sura, we explore an off-the-beaten-path organic farm, tasting fresh produce and learning about sustainable agriculture.
In La Fortuna, we discover the mighty Arenal Volcano, unwind in the thermal waters of EcoTermales, and experience wildlife conservation up close at Proyecto Asis.
We walk the Mistico Hanging Bridges, spot nocturnal creatures at Arenal Oasis, and then head to the Pacific coast for crocodile watching near Carara.
In Dominical, relax on wild beaches, and try ziplining.
Further south, we reach Puerto Jiménez on the Osa Peninsula, stopping in Marino Ballena National Park before immersing ourselves in local life at Playa Blanca and joining a sea turtle conservation project.
We get hands-on with chocolate at Finca Kobo, then return to San José for city strolls, markets, and museums.
Rainforest Drive & Organic Farm Tour
We travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park to Sarapiquí and explore Finca Sura, learning about pineapples, cacao, and sustainable farming.
Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
In La Fortuna, we enjoy views of Arenal Volcano, relax in EcoTermales hot springs, and explore nearby waterfalls and zipline adventures.
Wildlife Conservation at Proyecto Asis
We join a mini-volunteer experience caring for rescued animals and learning about rehabilitation efforts for native species.
Crocodile Safari & Birdwatching
We will cruise along the Tárcoles River, spotting crocodiles, iguanas, and colourful birdlife.
Beach Time in Dominical
We unwind on the Pacific coast, with options for surfing, horseback riding, and whale watching at Marino Ballena National Park.
Jungle Adventure in Osa Peninsula
Heading south, we stop in Uvita before settling in Puerto Jiménez, exploring Corcovado’s rainforest and relaxing in a jungle eco-lodge
Cultural Immersion in Playa Blanca
We engage with locals through craft, cooking, and fishing workshops while spotting wildlife in the community’s surrounding nature and join a sea turtle conservation project.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - ALAJUELA
Day 2 - SARAPIQUI : FINCA SURA – LA FORTUNA
Departure to the agricultural valley of Sarapiquí, passing through Braulio Carrillo National Park, a lush green rainforest often shrouded in rain.
Continue to Finca Sura in Chilamate de Sarapiquí, an authentic, off-the-beaten-path organic pineapple farm.
Finca Sura is a welcoming, family-run organic farm, perfect for those looking to experience Costa Rica’s agricultural life. The tour offers a hands-on exploration of the farm’s diverse crops, including pineapples, cacao, and medicinal plants like turmeric and ginger. Visitors will enjoy learning how these crops are grown sustainably and sampling fresh produce. The warm hospitality of the farm’s owner, Don Rodolfo, makes the experience both educational and fun.
Enjoy a typical lunch on-site, featuring fresh produce from the farm.
After lunch, you will then head towards La Fortuna de San Carlos at the foot of the famous Arenal volcano!
The Arenal volcano has experienced one of the most eventful volcanic histories of the last century in Central America. A perfect cone of 1633m altitude, which adjoins the lake of the same name, it offers spectacular landscapes which make it one of the unmissable destinations in Central America.
Free afternoon
At the end of the day, you will enjoy the thermal waters at EcoTermales Hot Springs, a serene and intimate thermal spa – perfect for a ladies’ getaway focused on relaxation and well-being. Nestled in lush tropical gardens, EcoTermales offers a series of natural hot spring pools with varying temperatures, ideal for unwinding while surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.
Driving time: approx. 3h00
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Ecolodge Arenal Oasis
Day 3 - PROYECTO ASIS & HANGING BRIDGES
In the morning, visit Proyecto Asis and enjoy a mini-volunteer experience.
Established in 2001 near Arenal Volcano, Proyecto Asis rehabilitates wildlife, including monkeys, parrots, coatis, and more. These animals, often rescued from trafficking or injury, are cared for by expert staff and volunteers. The centre’s goal is to release them back into the wild when possible. Unfortunately, not all animals can be released back into the wild. Some must remain at the centre for the rest of their lives, as releasing them would be harmful to their survival. Guided tours are led by highly trained staff, many of whom have studied veterinary medicine, biology, or zoology at Costa Rican universities, which are among the best in the world. Proyecto Asis staff provide visitors with valuable insights into animal behaviour and useful tips for observing wildlife safely and respectfully during their stay in Costa Rica.
The 3-hour guided visit includes educational insights about local wildlife and hands-on activities like preparing food and creating enrichment for the animals.
Next, you’ll have the chance to learn how to prepare food for the animals, feed them, and create toys for them to enrich their daily routine
Lunch on site.
After lunch, you will enjoy a half-day excursion at Mistico Park. Visitors who love nature can enjoy 15 bridges from 5 to 100 meters long and friendly design, along a 3 km rainforest circuit of interpretive trails built with paving blocks to prevent slipping. The bridges are built of aluminium, galvanized steel and concrete, to ensure maximum security for their visitors. The tour is led by a naturalist guide, who through the natural history, will open the doors of a fascinating and colourful Tropical Rainforest world. The imposing vistas of the Arenal Volcano and over the forest, from the hanging bridges, make a perfect combination for an unforgettable experience. If weather permits, you will also see different angles of the Arenal Volcano.
At the end of the afternoon, the night tour at Arenal Oasis Wildlife Refuge. It offers visitors a magical experience in the lush rainforest. Guided by knowledgeable naturalists, you’ll explore the reserve’s unique nocturnal wildlife, including frogs, insects, and various creatures that come alive at night. The tour emphasizes safety and engagement. Along the way, visitors can learn about the ecosystem and conservation efforts while enjoying the sounds and sights of the rainforest after dark. This immersive adventure promises an unforgettable evening filled with discovery and wonder.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Ecolodge Arenal Oasis
Day 4 - CARARA
You will then head towards the Central Pacific coast in Carara.
Stop near the Carara National Park and the Tárcoles River to enjoy a crocodile-watching tour! An exciting and educational experience that allows you to explore the wildlife-rich waters of Costa Rica. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you will observe crocodiles up close and learn about their habitats and behaviours. The tour also features opportunities to see a variety of other wildlife, including birds and iguanas, all in a safe and engaging environment. This interactive adventure promises to be both fun and informative.
Possibility of visiting the Carara National Park (additional entrance fee $10 per adult)
This park has the particularity of being in a transition zone between the dry tropical forests of the north and the humid tropical forests of the south.
It is also one of the best places in the country to observe the Scarlet Macao. On the Laguna Meandrica trail, you are also likely to encounter more than 400 different species of birds: great-crested savacou, herons and night herons, scarlet macaws, tanagers, warblers, etc.
Once at the hotel, you’ll be able to enjoy a refreshing swim in the hotel’s pool or a walk in their beautiful garden.
Driving time: approx. 3h30
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Selva Color
Day 5 - PUERTO JIMENEZ
Today we will head to a new part of Costa Rica and settle in a beach-front hotel in Puerto Jimenez. Nestled between lush rainforest and the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce, the hotel offers the perfect balance between nature, comfort, and relaxation.
The resort features a large outdoor swimming pool, direct access to a quiet beach with gentle waves, and an open-air restaurant serving Costa Rican and international cuisine.
Driving time: approx. 4h50
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Botanika
Day 6 - PLAYA BLANCA CULTURAL TOUR & COCOA TOUR
This morning, there is a quick transfer to the local community of Playa Blanca. Morpho Evasions, in partnership with the National University of Costa Rica, has developed a sustainable development project in the community of Playa Blanca.
This morning will be dedicated to meeting the community.
The tour is a cultural immersion into the life of the residents of Playa Blanca. It goes beyond the tourist facade of the town, allowing travellers to understand how people live and their daily routines. While sharing valuable information about the lifestyle and history of the village, you will have the chance to engage in workshops (craft-making and/or cooking coconut cajeta and/or learning a recipe for a typical local drink). Additionally, the guide will reveal the natural secrets of Playa Blanca, with opportunities to observe various animals like sloths, toucans, macaws, and stingrays during the tour.
The tour includes:
- The art of artisanal fishing with Doña Maria
- Craft workshops with Mama and daughter Calderón
- Collection center for recyclable waste
- Cajeta workshop with Doña Cristina
- Sonia’s restaurant offering a typical drink
Back to Puerto Jimenez to enjoy Playa Preciosa and its amazing sunsets!
Hotel: Hotel Botanika
Day 7 - LAST PROJECT
This morning, you’ll be heading out to sea with scientists from a local environmental association on a project to conserve the marine turtles of the Golfo Dulce.
The organisation is dedicated to the protection of sea turtles in Costa Rica through conservation and awareness-raising activities. Its main activities include monitoring nesting beaches to protect eggs, rehabilitating injured turtles, and research projects on their behaviour and migrations.
It also runs educational programmes to raise awareness of the importance of conservation among local communities and tourists, while working with fishermen to promote sustainable practices. Community involvement and ecotourism are encouraged to support these efforts.
This full day will be an opportunity to accompany the scientists in their work collecting data on marine turtles and to gain a better understanding of the issues surrounding these species. Includes lunch.
Dinner at the lodge.
Hotel: Hotel Botanika
Day 8 - COCOA TOUR - DOMINICAL
Road to Dominical.
On the way, we will make a stop at Finca Kobo for a chocolate tour! At Finca Kobo, the chocolate tour is an exciting and educational experience for families. You will learn about the entire chocolate-making process, from cacao tree cultivation to the delicious finished product. The tour includes hands-on activities, such as harvesting cacao pods and making your own chocolate treats. It’s a fun and engaging way to appreciate the art and science behind chocolate!
You will settle at Villas Río Mar (or similar), nestled in the lush jungle just outside Dominical. The resort offers spacious villas surrounded by gardens, a large swimming pool with a swim-up bar, and a peaceful setting just a short walk from the beach and town.
With an on-site spa, open-air restaurant, and yoga space, it’s perfect for unwinding together.
Dinner in a local restaurant in Dominical.
Driving time: approx. 2h40
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Villas Rio Mar
Day 9 - DOMINICAL
Day 10 - QUEPOS - ALAJUELA
This morning you will head for your last adventure of the trip! Ziplining is one of Costa Rica’s must do activities and so much fun!
The Santuario Canopy Adventure is designed for adventure seekers who want to fly through the rainforest while surrounded by breathtaking nature. This canopy tour features 10 dual ziplines, including one of the longest in Central America, stretching over 1,300 meters (nearly a mile!).
The adventure begins with a scenic ride into the mountains, followed by a safety briefing with professional bilingual guides. As you glide from platform to platform, you’ll soar above the treetops, catch glimpses of monkeys, toucans, and waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views of the jungle and Pacific coast.
After lunch near Quepos, return route to the Central Valley and your hotel situated near Alajuela.
Check-in at the hotel for your last night in Costa Rica.
Dinner at the hotel.
Travel time: Approximately 3h15
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Villa San Ignacio
Day 11 - JUAN SANTAMARIA AIRPORT
Morning at leisure.
Depending on the departure time of your return flight:
Free time to visit the capital and stroll around the districts close to the hotel: Barrio Otoya, Barrio Amón, Parque Morazan, Parque Nacional and the Plaza de la Cultural, where you can visit the Gold Museum and the Teatro Nacional. We also recommend a visit to the Mercado Central, where you can immerse yourself in the narrow corridors full of smells and colours!
For your “souvenir” shopping, we highly recommend the Chieton Morén museum shop, which sells handicrafts from Costa Rica’s 8 indigenous ethnic groups in accordance with the principles of fair trade, or the Eñe shop (on the corner of Parque España), which has a wide range of 100% Ticos souvenirs.
We also recommend a visit to the “Museo de los niños”.
There is also the possibility to book further tours at your own expense, depending on time available, such as:
- a guided tour of San José (or Chepe as it’s known to the locals), to discover all the facets of this little capital:
- cultural tour
- coffee tour
- San José by night bar crawl and discover the many craft beers!
- You can take part in a free tour of San José in English: Monday to Friday, meeting point at 9am in front of the Aurola Hotel. However, you need to register in advance on the San José Walking Tour website: https://sanjosewalking.com/tour/9amtour/
Private transfer to the terminal of San José’s Juan Santamaria airport. (One group transfer)
Driving time: approx. 25 min
Meals: Breakfast
PLEASE NOTE:
- The itinerary is subject to changes – Whilst we do our best to keep to our planned itinerary, on occasions things do have to be altered due to logistics and weather and for this reason, please do not book and additional tours outside of the itinerary in advance.
The room sizes vary at each hotel on this trip and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
- There are usually fans or air conditioning in rooms.
The USD price may differ upon booking due to the exchange rate at the time.
We reserve the right to adjust hotel accommodations if necessary. Rest assured, we strive to maintain the highest level of comfort and service.
Our travels will be conducted exclusively as a group, and wherever possible, tours will be private, provided we meet the minimum participant numbers required.
FAQ
What's Included
- English-speaking naturalist guide and a Spanish-speaking driver with vehicle
- 10 hotel nights with hotel taxes included.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Visit to Finca Sura pineapple farm with a local guide, includes lunch on site
- Access to Ecotermales Hot Springs with dinner on site
- Wildlife tour and voluntary experience at Proyecto Asis, includes lunch on site
- Access to Mistico Park hanging bridges
- Night tour at Arenal Oasis Wildlife Refuge, includes one flashlight per person
- Crocodile tour in Carara, includes lunch on site
- Entrances to Marino Ballena national park
- Half-day cultural Tour “Las Valientes” in Playa Blanca
- Full-day voluntary marine experience with the NGO LAST, includes lunch
- Chocolate tour at Finca Kobo
- Zipline at The Santuario Canopy Adventure in Quepos
- English-speaking assistance 24/24, 7 days a week.
What's not included
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Personal purchases
- Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips at discretion.
- Entrances to national parks not marked as included
- Costs of any visa that may be required to enter Costa Rica
Your host
This unforgettable Costa Rican Ladies Adventure is hosted by an experienced Wild Hearted Host
Coming Soon!
TBC
At times, unforeseen circumstances may require a change in your assigned host. However, rest assured that you’ll always be in the capable hands of a passionate, knowledgeable, and exceptional host from the Wild Hearted team, ensuring an unforgettable experience.