CaribbeanCoast CostaRica
5
Day Itinerary •
Costa Rica
Five days on the Costa Rica Caribbean Coast gives you the full extraordinary depth of the most biodiverse and culturally rich coastline in Central America, from the remarkable Tortuguero National Park with its extraordinary green sea turtle nesting and canal wildlife, to the outstanding Cahuita coral reef, the remarkable Puerto Viejo Afro-Caribbean culture, the extraordinary Punta Uva beach, the fine Bribri indigenous chocolate tradition and the remarkable Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge. This extended route covers the Caribbean Coast completely. Two full days in extraordinary Tortuguero including a sea turtle night tour and the remarkable rainforest hiking, then Cahuita National Park coral reef and wildlife on Day 3, and two final Puerto Viejo days including the Jaguar Rescue Centre, the extraordinary Punta Uva beach, the remarkable Bribri chocolate tour and the finest Gandoca-Manzanillo snorkelling in Costa Rica.
Best Time To Visit
July to October for turtle nesting, February to April for reef clarity
Getting There
SJO then boat or plane to Tortuguero, bus or car to Caribbean
Getting Around
Boat in Tortuguero, hired car or bus on coastal road
Budget Per Day
Approx 60 to 180 USD per person per day
Difficulity
Easy, flat boat channels, beach and jungle trails
DAY 1
TORTUGUERO DAY 1
MORNING
TORTUGUERO CANAL WILDLIFE BOAT TOUR
The most extraordinary wildlife boat tour in Costa Rica, navigating the remarkable Tortuguero canal system through the extraordinary Caribbean lowland rainforest. The fine series of canals is home to extraordinary caimans sunning on logs, fine three-toed sloths hanging over the water, remarkable Amazon kingfishers, outstanding great green macaws in the canopy and the fine river otters hunting the shallows. The finest wildlife boat tour accessible from San Jose. Tours from 6am. 30 min boat
MIDDAY
TORTUGUERO VILLAGE AND SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
The extraordinary Tortuguero village, accessible only by boat or plane, a remarkable Afro-Caribbean community living among the extraordinary turtle nesting beaches. The remarkable Caribbean Conservation Corporation museum tells the outstanding story of Archie Carr's extraordinary green sea turtle research from 1955. The fine village atmosphere and remarkable Caribbean culture are the finest on the Costa Rica coast. 1.5 hours boat
AFTERNOON
ARRIVAL AT CAHUITA AND CARIBBEAN CULTURE
The extraordinary arrival at Cahuita, the most authentic Afro-Caribbean village in Costa Rica, a remarkable black Creole community with an extraordinary mix of reggae music, fine Caribbean patois, outstanding calypso culture and the remarkable Creole cooking tradition of rice and beans in coconut milk.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary moonlit sea turtle nesting watch at Tortuguero from July to October, when remarkable giant green sea turtles of up to 180kg emerge from the Caribbean to lay extraordinary clutches of 100 eggs, is the finest wildlife experience in Costa Rica. Book months ahead through certified CCC guides only. The remarkable sight of a turtle covering her nest at dawn is extraordinary.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Tortuguero lodge Breakfast at the extraordinary lodge before the dawn canal tour. | Lunch: Turtle Village cafe Fine Caribbean rice and beans and fresh fish at a remarkable Tortuguero village restaurant. | Dinner: Miss Edith's, Cahuita The most celebrated restaurant on the Caribbean Coast. Extraordinary Caribbean Creole cooking since 1979.
DAY 2
TORTUGUERO DAY 2
MORNING
SECOND TORTUGUERO CANAL TOUR AT DAWN
The extraordinary second canal tour at dawn, the finest time for remarkable American crocodile activity and the outstanding tapir that visits the canal edge at first light. The fine early morning mist over the extraordinary Caribbean canals and the remarkable blue morpho butterflies emerging from the forest make the dawn Tortuguero canal the finest wildlife experience in Costa Rica. The extraordinary bird activity at dawn includes fine magnificent frigatebirds. 30 min walk
MIDDAY
TORTUGUERO RAINFOREST TRAIL HIKE
The extraordinary El Gavilan rainforest trail inside Tortuguero National Park, the only land trail in the park. The fine trail reveals extraordinary wildlife including the remarkable giant anteater, outstanding spider monkey and fine baird's tapir tracks in the mud. Entry approx 5 USD. A certified guide gives the finest wildlife encounters in the extraordinary Caribbean lowland forest. Boat transfer
AFTERNOON
GREEN SEA TURTLE NIGHT NESTING TOUR
The extraordinary green sea turtle night nesting tour at Tortuguero, the finest wildlife experience in Costa Rica, where remarkable giant green turtles of up to 180kg emerge from the Caribbean Sea after dark to lay extraordinary clutches of 100 eggs. Peak season July to October. Book months ahead through certified CCC guides only. The remarkable experience is unlike any wildlife encounter in the Americas.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary moonlit sea turtle nesting watch at Tortuguero from July to October, when remarkable giant green sea turtles of up to 180kg emerge from the Caribbean to lay extraordinary clutches of 100 eggs, is the finest wildlife experience in Costa Rica. Book months ahead through certified CCC guides only. The remarkable sight of a turtle covering her nest at dawn is extraordinary.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Lodge breakfast before dawn Early breakfast before the 5:30am dawn canal tour. Finest wildlife before 7am. | Lunch: Tortuguero village soda Outstanding rice and beans, fried plantain and fresh fish at a village soda. | Dinner: Lodge dinner Outstanding Caribbean dinner at the lodge after the extraordinary turtle night tour.
DAY 3
CAHUITA
MORNING
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK CORAL REEF SNORKEL
The most extraordinary coral reef in Costa Rica, a remarkable 22,400-hectare marine park protecting the finest coral garden on the Caribbean coast, with outstanding visibility of up to 15 metres. The remarkable wildlife includes extraordinary hawksbill sea turtles, fine nurse sharks resting under the coral, the remarkable spotted eagle ray and the extraordinary parrotfish in the living coral. Entry by donation. 30 min drive
MIDDAY
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK WILDLIFE TRAIL
The extraordinary 8km coastal trail through Cahuita rainforest, the finest combination of beach and jungle trail in Costa Rica, where remarkable white-faced capuchins forage on the beach, fine three-toed sloths hang in cecropia trees overhanging the path and the extraordinary collared peccary herds move through the forest. 1 hour drive
AFTERNOON
PUERTO VIEJO AND AFRO-CARIBBEAN CULTURE
The extraordinary Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, the finest culture town on the Costa Rica Caribbean, where remarkable Afro-Caribbean Creole culture, outstanding Rastafarian community and the fine Bribri indigenous culture create the most extraordinary cultural diversity in Costa Rica. The remarkable Caribbean music scene and fine local chocolate are the finest evening experience.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Hone Creek organic cacao farm 5km from Cahuita, producing remarkable single-origin Caribbean chocolate from the extraordinary Theobroma cacao trees under the primary rainforest canopy, is the finest small-scale cacao producer on the coast. Visits by appointment. The remarkable explanation of cacao used by the Bribri people for 4,000 years is extraordinary.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cahuita hotel Good breakfast before the morning reef snorkel. Check tide times at the park office. | Lunch: Cahuita soda after snorkel Outstanding fresh Caribbean ceviche and pipa fria coconut water at a Cahuita soda. | Dinner: Selvin's Restaurant, Puerto Viejo The finest Caribbean restaurant in Puerto Viejo. Extraordinary lobster and rice and beans in coconut milk.
DAY 4
PUERTO VIEJO
MORNING
JAGUAR RESCUE CENTRE SLOTH EXPERIENCE
The extraordinary Jaguar Rescue Centre with its remarkable baby sloth rehabilitation programme and the extraordinary close-up encounters with recovering three-toed sloths. The outstanding dedicated sloth morning tour gives the finest access to the remarkable feeding programme. The fine kinkajous and remarkable porcupines are equally extraordinary. Entry approx 15 USD. 20 min drive
MIDDAY
PUNTA UVA BEACH AND SNORKEL
The extraordinary Punta Uva, the finest beach in Costa Rica, with the remarkable calm Caribbean water and the fine headland coral formations for the finest snorkelling in the southern Caribbean. The outstanding sea turtles, fine nurse sharks and the remarkable spotted eagle ray are visible from the Punta Uva rocks. 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
BRIBRI CHOCOLATE FARM AND CEREMONY
The extraordinary Bribri indigenous chocolate farm tour in the remarkable Talamanca territory. The outstanding guides explain the remarkable relationship between cacao and Bribri spiritual life developed over thousands of years. The fine grinding on volcanic stone metates and the extraordinary ceremonial drink are the finest indigenous cultural experience on the coast. Tours approx 30 USD.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary yoga and wellness culture of Puerto Viejo, built around the remarkable fusion of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri indigenous and international cultures, is unique in Central America. Several fine retreat centres operate at the forest edge. The extraordinary combination of Caribbean beach and jungle is the finest wellness setting in the region.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast Good breakfast before the Jaguar Rescue Centre. | Lunch: Punta Uva restaurant Outstanding Caribbean lobster and coconut rice at a beachside Punta Uva restaurant. | Dinner: La Pecora Nera, Puerto Viejo Outstanding Italian-Caribbean fusion. The finest restaurant on the Costa Rica Caribbean Coast.
DAY 5
MANZANILLO FAREWELL
MORNING
GANDOCA-MANZANILLO WILDLIFE REFUGE SNORKEL
The extraordinary Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge at the southern end of the coast, the finest and least visited protected area in the region. The remarkable coral reef snorkelling at the Manzanillo headland is the finest in the southern Caribbean. The outstanding manatee population in the Gandoca lagoon is accessible by boat. Entry free. 30 min drive
MIDDAY
MANZANILLO VILLAGE AND CARIBBEAN FAREWELL
The extraordinary Manzanillo village at the end of the coastal road, the most isolated and authentic community on the Caribbean, where the remarkable Afro-Caribbean Creole culture is best preserved. The outstanding fresh lobster and Caribbean cooking at the small village restaurants is the finest seafood on the coast. 2.5 hours drive
AFTERNOON
RETURN TO SAN JOSE
The extraordinary return drive from the Caribbean through the remarkable Talamanca foothills and back over the Continental Divide, passing through the fine Braulio Carrillo National Park cloud forest on Route 32. The remarkable transformation from extraordinary Caribbean lowland rainforest to the highland cloud forest and down to the Central Valley is the finest single-day driving journey in Costa Rica.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge south of Manzanillo village is the finest and least visited protected area on the Caribbean Coast, with remarkable coral reef snorkelling and the extraordinary manatee population in the Gandoca lagoon. The fine Manzanillo village at the road end is the most authentic Caribbean community in Costa Rica. Almost no tourists reach it.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Puerto Viejo hotel Good breakfast before the Manzanillo drive. | Lunch: Restaurant Maxi, Manzanillo The finest local Caribbean restaurant at the road end. Extraordinary fresh lobster and patacones. | Dinner: San Jose or airport Fine farewell dinner in San Jose before departure.
Where To Stay
Tortuguero, Nights 1 to 2 Tortuga Lodge or Pachira Lodge. Canal view rooms. Approx 150 to 350 USD all-inclusive. Puerto Viejo, Nights 3 to 4 Kaya's Place or La Costa de Papito Eco-Cabinas. Approx 60 to 200 USD per night. Budget Tortuguero hostel guesthouses or Chi-Chi's Place Puerto Viejo. Approx 20 to 60 USD per night.
Top Tips
1. Sea turtle nesting tours July to October require certified CCC guide booking months ahead.
2. Gandoca-Manzanillo reef snorkel is best February to April when Caribbean visibility is finest.
3. Book Tortuguero as a package from San Jose. Boat connections, lodge and meals simplify logistics.
4. Punta Uva on a weekday is the finest quiet beach experience. Weekends attract San Jose day-trippers.
5. The Caribbean bus from San Jose takes 5 hours. Book MEPE tickets at least one day ahead.
6. Bring reef-safe sunscreen only. Cahuita and Manzanillo reefs are protected marine areas.
Total Budget
60 to 500 USD/day