Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure

  • 9 Days
  • 18 People Max

    5 - 14 guests

  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      On the Move

      Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Trip End: San Jose, Costa Rica
tortuguero v3

Discover untamed landscapes filled to the brim with unique wildlife on our Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure.

There's no better way to turn off your busy life and take a deep dive into the peaceful culture and pristine landscapes of Costa Rica than on our 9-day Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure. Starting in San José, you'll embrace the Pura Vida (pure life) over the next nine days as you hike, raft, and kayak through the Tortuguero National Park and the Cahuita National Park. Listen to bird melodies as you float down the Pacuare River, take a snorkeling tour amongst colorful corals and hike in beautiful National Parks of the Caribbean. By evening, relax with a cold drink in hand at premium eco-lodges. Each day brings new discoveries and a deeper love for the Pura Vida culture on our Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure.

   This trip is operated by Active Adventures.

Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: San Jose, Costa Rica Trip End: San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Day 1Arrive in San José, welcome!

  • Day 2Explore Tortuguero National Park

  • Day 3Hike Tortuguero and visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Center

  • Day 4Paddle the world-class rapids of the Pacuare River

  • Day 5White water rafting, and transfer to Puerto Viejo

  • Day 6Explore Cahuita National Park

  • Day 7Canopy Tour and Puerto Vargas Walk

  • Day 8Wander the beach, explore Pierella Ecological Garden, back to San José

  • Day 9Depart for home

  • Day 1

    Arrive in San José, welcome!

    Arrive at the San José International Airport and transfer to your hotel for the evening. Once you arrive, you are free to explore San José and enjoy a delectable local meal on your own.

    Bougainvillea Hotel, San José

  • Day 2

    Explore Tortuguero National Park

    After breakfast and a brief trip orientation with your guide, we’ll make our way to Tortuguero. After a private transfer through the Costa Rican countryside to San José to La Pavona Dock (3h) we will continue by boat to Tortuguero and our accommodations for the next two nights. After lunch at the lodge, kayak the canals of Tortuguero National Park to a soundtrack of exotic birdsong, watching for manatees, caimans, crocodiles, and turtles. Return to the lodge where a buffet dinner will be waiting in the lodge’s restaurant.

    Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Kayaking: Easy, varying lengths

  • Day 3

    Hike Tortuguero and visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Center

    Opt to start the day bright and early with a birding walk. If you're more inclined to sleep in, meet your traveling companions for breakfast at the lodge. Today is all about Tortuguero National Park, beginning with the Cerro Tortuguero Hike, a trek along a well-maintained trail, an out-and-back hike through dense rainforest foliage to the top of the hill. Though the summit is only 390 ft (119 m) above sea level, the climb up through the jungle is worth it for the breathtaking 360-degree views of the Caribbean lowlands encircling the hill with their vast, complex network of rivers fanning out to the horizon. Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Center, home to the largest green turtle rookery in the western hemisphere. Break for lunch at Miss Junnie's restaurant and take in the authentic Caribbean atmosphere and entrées while watching a variety of birds in the adjacent gardens. Wander the streets of the village, taking in the brightly painted buildings and grab a cup of freshly made juice while checking out the shops. The rest of the day will be taken up by a boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National park before returning to our lodgings for another delectable dinner

    Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 2.1 kilometers (1.25miles)

  • Day 4

    Paddle the world-class rapids of the Pacuare River

    Enjoy a quick breakfast at the Lodge before beginning our boat and then road transfer to Tropical River. Our afternoon will be spent paddling the exhilarating class III-IV rapids of the Pacuare River, ranked one of the Top 10 Rivers to Raft in the World by National Geographic. Check into the Tropical River Lodge and meet for dinner in the restaurant.

    Tropical River Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Rafting: Pacuare River Rafting: Moderate, Class III & IV rapids

  • Day 5

    White water rafting, and transfer to Puerto Viejo

    Today boasts another beautiful morning of bird watching while sipping a cup of coffee. The pace quickly picks up from there, as our day is filled with an invigorating white water rafting excursion, the best way to experience Costa Rica. Wind down from an exciting morning on our transfer to the Caribbean coast. Check in to our accommodations for the evening and then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

    Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort or similar, Puerto Viejo (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Rafting: Pacuare River Rafting: Class III & IV rapids, moderate

  • Day 6

    Explore Cahuita National Park

    Explore Cahuita National Park and all it has to offer. Marvel at the colorful corals, sea fans, and countless species of tropical reef fish on a snorkeling tour and hike through Cahuita National Park. After lunch, we’ll head out to Puerto Vargas Station, part of the Cahuita National Park's northern border. Our hike this afternoon includes several vegetation types typically found in the lowlands rainforest and Caribbean coastlines, and we’ll be on the lookout for white-faced monkeys, sloths, iguanas, hermits, amazing blue butterflies, crabs and birds. Afterwards, we’ll head back to enjoy a local cooking class and dinner tonight.

    Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort or similar, Puerto Viejo (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Diving/Snorkeling: Varying lengths, easy
    Hiking: Varying lengths, easy

  • Day 7

    Canopy Tour and Puerto Vargas Walk

    Today is an exhilarating journey through the jungle treetops! The Canopy Tour consists of 9 aerial platforms and 13 ground platforms, connected by several cables or zip lines that will take you to the heart of the canopy´s jungle! Expert local guides will teach you about the flora and fauna of the primary forest, and the use of these plants by the indigenous people. Once you reach the seventh platform, you will not touch the ground again until the end of the route, so you will cross and watch the jungle as birds and monkeys do. After lunch, we’ll head out for a walk in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge. This wildlife refuge protects more than 4,500 hectares of marine habitats, 15 kilometers of rainforest coastline, and is a well-known nesting area for several species of sea turtles. With its incredible forests, lagoons, coral reefs and white sand beaches, it is one of the most isolated and exotic places on the entire South Caribbean coast. Tonight you'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

    Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort or similar, Puerto Viejo (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 8 kilometers (5 miles), 1-2 hours

  • Day 8

    Wander the beach, explore Pierella Ecological Garden, back to San José

    This morning we’ll spend time relaxing at the resort pool or take advantage of the walkable beach access from the hotel. Then we’ll start making our way back to San Jose, stopping off to venture through the Pierella Ecological Garden, a breeding ground for butterflies and a refuge for many species that live in their natural environment. We’ll enjoy lunch here to before continuing onto San Jose where we’ll drop you at the hotel. Tonight, we get together for a farewell dinner and toast to a wonderful trip: Pura Vida!

    Bougainvillea Hotel, San José (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  • Day 9

    Depart for home

    After breakfast you will be dropped off at the San José Airport at least 3 hours prior to your international flight.

    No Accommodation (Breakfast)

Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure Departure Dates

  • Upcoming
  • 3 months
  • 6 months
  • 1 year
USD $5799/per adult
21 Jul 2023
2023
21 Jul29 Jul
Departure Open Open
4 Aug 2023
2023
4 Aug12 Aug
Departure Open Open
18 Aug 2023
2023
18 Aug26 Aug
Departure Open Open
1 Sep 2023
2023
1 Sep9 Sep
Departure Open Open
22 Sep 2023
2023
22 Sep30 Sep
Departure Open Open
6 Oct 2023
2023
6 Oct14 Oct
Departure Open Open
20 Oct 2023
2023
20 Oct28 Oct
Departure Open Open
3 Nov 2023
2023
3 Nov11 Nov
Departure Open Open
8 Dec 2023
2023
8 Dec16 Dec
Departure Open Open
26 Dec 2023
2023
26 Dec3 Jan
Departure Open Open
12 Jan 2024
2024
12 Jan20 Jan
Departure Open Open
26 Jan 2024
2024
26 Jan3 Feb
Departure Open Open
9 Feb 2024
2024
9 Feb17 Feb
Departure Open Open
23 Feb 2024
2024
23 Feb2 Mar
Departure Open Open
8 Mar 2024
2024
8 Mar16 Mar
Departure Open Open
22 Mar 2024
2024
22 Mar30 Mar
Departure Open Open
5 Apr 2024
2024
5 Apr13 Apr
Departure Open Open
19 Apr 2024
2024
19 Apr27 Apr
Departure Open Open
17 May 2024
2024
17 May25 May
Departure Open Open
14 Jun 2024
2024
14 Jun22 Jun
Departure Open Open
12 Jul 2024
2024
12 Jul20 Jul
Departure Open Open
9 Aug 2024
2024
9 Aug17 Aug
Departure Open Open
6 Sep 2024
2024
6 Sep14 Sep
Departure Open Open
4 Oct 2024
2024
4 Oct12 Oct
Departure Open Open
1 Nov 2024
2024
1 Nov9 Nov
Departure Open Open
29 Nov 2024
2024
29 Nov7 Dec
Departure Open Open
13 Dec 2024
2024
13 Dec21 Dec
Departure Open Open
27 Dec 2024
2024
27 Dec4 Jan
Departure Open Open
10 Jan 2025
2025
10 Jan18 Jan
Departure Open Open
24 Jan 2025
2025
24 Jan1 Feb
Departure Open Open
7 Feb 2025
2025
7 Feb15 Feb
Departure Open Open
21 Feb 2025
2025
21 Feb1 Mar
Departure Open Open
7 Mar 2025
2025
7 Mar15 Mar
Departure Open Open
21 Mar 2025
2025
21 Mar29 Mar
Departure Open Open
4 Apr 2025
2025
4 Apr12 Apr
Departure Open Open
18 Apr 2025
2025
18 Apr26 Apr
Departure Open Open
2 May 2025
2025
2 May10 May
Departure Open Open
16 May 2025
2025
16 May24 May
Departure Open Open
13 Jun 2025
2025
13 Jun21 Jun
Departure Open Open

Trip Map

Austin PIF 2

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full.

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. 

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T+Cs Apply.

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Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip we’ll meet you at the San José at Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport and transfer you to the Hotel Bougainvillea.

After passing through Immigration, you will be greeted by a member of the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR). You will be given a sticker that helps our Costa Rica Sun Tours representative identify you once you exit the airport building.
Take the right-hand side exit door and proceed to customs. When you leave the building after clearing customs, look for a Costa Rica Sun Tours representative who will be holding a sign with the Austin Adventures logo and your name on it.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends after breakfast, with a drop-off at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in time for flights below.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving at Juan Santamaria Airport the night before the trip starts, or no later than 3pm on the first day of the trip. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, you can depart anytime after breakfast from Juan Santamaria Airport. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What accommodations do we stay at on this trip?

The unique and comfortable  Bougainvillea Hotel is set among 10 acres of lush gardens where guests can truly experience the world famous beauty of Costa Rica. Original pieces of Costa Rican art complement the stunning landscaped tropical gardens dominated by tall trees, plentiful flowers, ponds, and mountain views.

Evergreen Lodge is located in the northeastern corner of Tortuguero, 5 minutes by boat from the main
entrance to Tortuguero National Park, and accessible only by air and water. Evergreen Lodge is the ideal location from which to explore this unique and magical area, surrounded by towering trees and exuberant vegetation and are adorned with tropical designs.

At Tropical Rivers Lodge you can relax, explore and enjoy all that Costa Rica offers on our 2,000-acre private reserve at the mouth of the Pacuare Gorge. We have more than 40 miles of hiking trails and numerous waterfalls, streams and pools. Our open-air dining pavilion and lounge let you watch the local wildlife and listen to the sounds only found in a tropical paradise.

Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort faces the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea in the southern part of Costa Rica and reaches out
over five acres of earth inside of a pristine forest. With modern resort rooms are inspired by the surrounding nature; technological comforts harmonize with local wood and stone furniture reflecting on the wonders of the land.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travellers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travellers who book within 90 days of departure, where there are no other solo travellers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement. 

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Is tipping expected in Costa Rica?

Most people do choose to tip their Active Adventures guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. During your Active Adventures trip, your guides will take care of all included restaurants and service tips for you. For other restaurants or services during your time in Costa Rica, 5-10% is a typical gratuity amount.

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Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure