Costa rica central valley chayote lodge coffee worker 4 c chayote

Costa rica osa peninsula hummingbird on heliconia flower c matt power

Costa rica osa peninsula cano island shutterstock

Hidden Highlights of Costa Rica Driving Holiday

All the diversity, none of the crowds. Cross the country from golden beaches via coffee fincas and mountain walks to the incredible wildlife of the Osa Peninsula.

Duration

19 days

Guide Price

£3,490 pp

When

Dec-Aug

This trip is an antidote to the crowded paths of Manuel Antonio, the queues of Monteverde and the billboards of Arenal. We have instead used our extensive experience of and love for Costa Rica to tie together a series of real highlights which thankfully escape most visitors’ notice. Expect peaceful wild beaches, tranquil coffee highlands, deep rainforests steeped in exotic sounds and all the warmth, colour and flavour of everyday 'Tico' life.

Itinerary

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Day 1 - Arrive in Costa Rica and relax

You begin at San José airport, where we'll be waiting to drive you out to Pilar and Javier's quaint B&B - a leafy and quiet place to relax and recharge. Your car will be delivered to you this evening.

Costa rica caribbean cahuita national park rusting pier

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Day 2 - Settle into the Caribbean

A scenic road along the Caribbean carries you to a small lodge in the forest, a short stroll from a quiet beach. Stop en route for a dip in the warm sea and lunch in a beachfront 'palapa' hut.

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Day 3 - Walk in Cahuita National Park with your guide

Today is spent with sloths, monkeys, snakes and myriad birds, plus a very talented nature guide. Later enjoy Cahuita's Caribbean culture, from calypso and reggae to jerk chicken and curried goat.

Cdn pura aventura com images hero costa rica cahuita parrot c gill ellis pura client

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Day 4 - Visit specialist conservation projects

You start today at Patricia and Todd's renowned wildlife rescue centre and botanic gardens, followed later by a special chance to see Great Green macaws in their natural habitat.

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Day 5 - Stay on a family coffee finca in Aquiares

After a private tour of the Jaguar Rescue Center, you now drive north into the fertile Caribbean uplands, where you stay in a lovely family-run coffee estate overlooking tranquil hills.

Cdn pura aventura com images hero costa rica turrialba finca aquiares cupping the coffee denise sipping

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Day 6 - Enjoy life on the coffee farm

Today is spent enjoying the views around the finca, tasting different coffee beans and exploring local life in the uplands. If the weather's warm, cool off with a dip at a spectacular waterfall.

Costa rica pacuare rafting entering the gorge

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Day 7 - Raft the Pacuare River

If there's one place to raft in Costa Rica, it's Pacuare. Class 3-4 rapids will have you safely giggling your way through tropical jungle, forested hills and plunging canyons, often shrouded in mist.