Go Caribbean Style! This exquisite self drive brings you from the lush hills and tropical plantations inland all the way to the Caribbean Sea. Lodges are one of a kind gems, often only accessible by boat, 4x4 or raft and offer various options for wildlife spotting and fun activities. This is not just any tour but an eco-adventure not be missed.
This itinerary guides you through the complete Caribbean area, from the lush Turrialba valley, through rainforest and jungle to the beautiful beaches between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, where you can relax and enjoy the Caribbean vibes. A tour for the nature and animal lover who likes to explore while having fun!
Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport to welcome you to Costa Rica and drive you to your hotel, located in the capital, very close to parks and museums.
PRIVATE TRANSFER AIRPORT - HOTEL
LODGING IN SAN JOSE AT LA ROSA DEL PASEO, STANDARD ROOM & BREAKFAST INCLUDED
Discover a true treasure. located in the heart of the Costa Rican capital, build in 1910. First, the home of the wealthy coffee farmers, now 80 years later, restored and remodeled, preserving its historical splendor, transformed into a modern-day family hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you may want to add an optional activity. Here are our suggestions:
1/ San José city walking tour with a local: Local citizens of San José are called “Chepe”. They love their city and like to show you why they are proud to call it their home. They can tell you about buildings, hidden pieces of the Berlin Wall, corky parking lots, and take you to kitsch canteens nestled in the local markets. Our guides speak Spanish and English. Snack included.
2/ The local bar tour : Let our local guide take you to the cantina’s where the Chepe’s go themselves and enjoy some drinks with your new local friends. In every bar 1 drink or shot is included in the price. You can also enjoy a “Boca” or Gallo”, a typical tapa, at one of the bars.
The representative from the car rental company will meet you at the hotel to deliver the car. Your first destination is Turrialba valley. Discover the rural country side in the lush and beautiful Central Highlands.
The region is noted for being verdant and green, rich in natural beauty and raging rivers, surrounded by ancient ruins.
Lodging at Turrialtico Lodge, built with rustic wood. The hotel balcony offers the best panoramic views of the Turrialba valley, the Turrialba Volcano and the Talamancan mountain range. The hotel is surrounded by gorgeous tropical gardens that nest a wide variety of birds, making Turrialtico an excellent spot for birdwatching.
CAR RENT, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
LODGING AT TURRIALTICO LODGE, CARIBE ROOM & BREAKFAST INCLUDED
Distance San José - Turrialba : 75 km I Duration: 2,20 hours approx.
During the plantation tour around CATIE, a guide will help familiarize you with the extensive plantations of this place and the significant contributions CATIE has made towards the research and education of tropical agriculture. He/she will give you an informative tour, during which you will learn about a variety of tropical plants from distinct parts of the world. The plantations of major relevance are: coffee, cocoa, pejibayes, tropical fruit and forest species.
Together, you will go on a stroll through CATIE Botanical Garden where you will find a century old kapok tree, towering stalks of bamboo, dripping orchids and bromeliads form the trees, as well as many other colorful and fruiting plants.
*If you prefer, you can do the tour on a bike or walk.
CAR RENT, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
CATIE VISIT
LODGING AT TURRIALTICO LODGE, CARIBE ROOM & REAKFAST INCLUDED
First you drive to Rios Tropicales’ operation center, located in Siquirres. There you can park the car. Then, they will take you to the starting point but before getting on the river, your knowledgeable bilingual guide will be sure to explain all safety instructions. Once everyone has been briefed on safety procedures the fun begins down this picturesque river. Before you know it, you'll arrive at the unique Rios Tropicales Lodge where you can spend the afternoon relaxing or hiking.
This unique ecolodge is located in the midst of primary forest near the river. Many hiking trails depart from the lodge. The open-air dining pavilion and lounge will be your favorite place to sit back, relax, observe and listen to the sounds of tropical paradise while you feel belly.
Free time to relax on the deck or take a walk around the gardens.
CAR RENT, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
PACUARE RIVER RAFTING
1 NIGHT AT RIOS TROPICALES LODGE, STANDARD ROOM (ALL MEALS, GUIDE, LODGING INCLUDED)
Distance Turrialba - Pacuare: 17 km by car I 25 minutes and 1,5 H rafting to the lodge, including 1 stop at the waterfalls to swim
Today you will raft to Siquirres and then drive to the dock of the Lirio lodge, where a boat will transfer you to the lodge. Lirio Lodge is the ideal place for animal lovers, with the magnificent Laguna Madre de Dios just in front, and located at the famous Pacuare canals. The barra del Pacuare is one of the most important places for the arrival of leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles.
Lirio Lodge is located at 10 minutes by boat from where the Pacuare River meets with the Caribbean Sea. In front, there is a large and pristine rainforest reserve. Located between the town of Tortuguero and the city of Limón, this lodge lays in the most unspoilt part of the Tortuguero canals. The restaurant is set on the water, so you can enjoy fantastic views while savoring the hearty breakfasts, the delicious lunch and dinner.
At night, enjoy the Turtle Nesting tour. In season there are daily departures from 7:45 pm to 10:00 pm from the Lirio Lodge pier. It consists of a guided walk along the beach, where the guide will explain the importance of the protection and conservation of these magnificent species that are endangered.
Spawning Season Leatherback: March to July.
CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
PACUARE RIVER RAFTING
2 NIGHTS AT LIRIO LODGE, STANDARD ROOM (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER, GUIDE INCLUDED)
Distance: 2 hours rafting to Siquirres and 1 hour drive I 36 km to the dock of the Lirio lodge. Then boat transfer to the lodge.
Enjoy the day at the lodge and explore the pristine surroundings by boat and on foot. Free kayaks available at the lodge.
CAR RENT, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
2 NIGHTS AT LIRIO LODGE, STANDARD ROOM (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER, GUIDE INCLUDED)
Drive south to Bananito at Limón. You will leave the car at Salon Delia. From there you will be transfered in a 4x4 to the lodge.
Selva Bananito Lodge offers elegantly tiled bathrooms with solar heated water. A spacious "Rancho" (main lodge) to enjoy meals and socialize with others. Ample decks with spectacular views and comfortable hammocks for your "siesta". Romantic, candle-lit evenings. And the privilege of exploring a pristine environment in the intimacy of a small group, while also learning about human land use in the lowland tropics.
Once in the lodge you can choose 1 tour per day: hiking, horseback riding, bird watching or tree climbing.
Other optional tours are a scenic flight above primary forest with a Gyrocopter or an overnight hike (sleep in a hammock) into the forest. On the way, you can help change the camera's, used for tracking wild cats.
CAR RENT, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
TOUR TO CHOOSE AT SELVA BANANITO
LODGING AT SELVA BANANITO LODGE, STANDARD ROOM & BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER INCLUDED
Distance Barra del Pacuare - Selva Bananito: boat to the dock, then drive 77 km I driving time 2H
Enjoy the day at Selva Bananito Lodge.
Once in the lodge you can choose 1 tour per day: hiking, horseback riding, bird watching or tree climbing.
CAR RENT, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
TOUR OF YOUR CHOICE AT SELVA BANANITO
LODGING AT SELVA BANANITO LODGE, STANDARD ROOM & BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER INCLUDED
Today you will be brought back to Salon Delia, from where you can drive to Puerto Viejo.
Among the original laid-back Caribbean villages of Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, right in front of Cocles Beach, an enchanting and serene lodge, in complete harmony with the surrounding tropical rainforest, awaits you at Azania bungalow. There is a pool, jacuzzi and restaurant on site. The bungalows are spacious with private deck so you can enjoy the unique garden.
CAR RENT, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
LODGING AT AZANIA, BUNGALOW ROOM & BREAKFAST
Driving distance: 1,4 H I 55 km
Today Fernando, one of the best local guides, will show you the secrets of Cahuita National Park! You will walk through this beautiful Park and then dive into the emerald waters of the Caribbean. Learn about the importance of protecting the natural resources in this ecoconscious half-day adventure.
CAR RENT, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK
LODGING AT AZANIA, BUNGALOW ROOM & BREKFAST
In the afternoon, get your taste buds ready! If Bob Marley, Willy Wonka and Dom Pérignon had decided to start something together, this would be their tour. Learn about the amazing efforts of local entrepreneurs and taste some extremely delicious chocolate. Welcome to the Napa Valley of chocolate!
CAR RENT, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
LODGING AT AZANIA, BUNGALOW ROOM & BREAKFAST
Drive back to San José, where you will spend the last night at La Rosa del Paseo hotel.
CAR RENT, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
CAR DELIVERY
LODGING AT LA ROSA DEL PASEO, STANDARD ROOM & BREAKFAST INCLUDED
Distance Puerto Viejo - San José: 225 km I approx. 4,3 H
Private transfer at the time of your convenience to Juan Santamaria International Airport.
BREAKFAST
PRIVATE TRANSFER HOTEL - AIRPORT
Extra days at the beach or extensions in other parts of Costa Rica are possible. Contact hello@yugentours.com before booking and we will be more than happy to assist in putting together your perfect itinerary.
If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you must inquire at the embassy in your country. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:
Download the car rental information.
