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Highlights
Dive into an immersive adventure on Costa Rica’s Northern Route
Take a front row seat to Costa Rica’s wildlife at one of the country’s best wildlife observation areas, the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.
Soak up the jungle vibes in Bijagua, a small town nestled amongst volcanoes and home to pristine jungle and an array of wildlife.
Stand in awe of the azure waters of the Rio Celeste as you embark on a stunning day hike to these turquoise blue waterfalls.
Hop in the saddle and explore the trails on horseback at Rincon De La Vieja National Park.
Strike the perfect balance of thrilling guided activities and relaxing leisure days on the coast on the 11-Day Costa Rica’s Northern Route Adventure. This multi-day adventure tour spanning several provinces in countries North is the perfect fit for those looking for an immersive and active vacation with plenty of free time as well.
Covering highlights like Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the beautiful north Pacific beach of Playa Hermosa, you’ll hop from adventure to adventure as you explore Vara Blanca, Bijagua, Rincon de la Vieja National Park and more. Enjoy a range of guided activities suitable for the whole family, like guided wetlands wildlife tour at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a rainforest wildlife tour at Tapir Valley Reserve, a guided hike at Tenorio, and horseback riding at Rincon De La Vieja National Park. To top it off, you’ll unwind each night in charming hotels and stunning lodges tucked away in nature.
This itinerary concludes with 3 free days at Guanacaste’s Playa Hermosa, where you’ll stay beachfront at a lovely hotel and soak up the North Pacific coast vibes!
Strike the perfect balance of thrilling guided activities and relaxing leisure days on the coast on the 11-Day Costa Rica’s Northern Route Adventure. This multi-day adventure tour spanning several provinces in countries North is the perfect fit for those looking for an immersive and active vacation with plenty of free time as well.
Covering highlights like Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the beautiful north Pacific beach of Playa Hermosa, you’ll hop from adventure to adventure as you explore Vara Blanca, Bijagua, Rincon de la Vieja National Park and more. Enjoy a range of guided activities suitable for the whole family, like guided wetlands wildlife tour at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a rainforest wildlife tour at Tapir Valley Reserve, a guided hike at Tenorio, and horseback riding at Rincon De La Vieja National Park. To top it off, you’ll unwind each night in charming hotels and stunning lodges tucked away in nature.
This itinerary concludes with 3 free days at Guanacaste’s Playa Hermosa, where you’ll stay beachfront at a lovely hotel and soak up the North Pacific coast vibes!
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Costa Rica’s Northern Route Adventure Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in San José & Transfer to Vara Blanca
Touch down in San José and transfer to the Vara Blanca (1 hour 20 m) where you’ll check into the Poas Volcano Lodge. Vara Blanca is located between Poas Volcano and Barva Volcano in the Heredia Province of Costa Rica.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Vara Blanca
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2 Transfer to Caño Negro
This morning you’ll check out of your hotel and wave goodbye to Vara Blanca as you get ready to enjoy a rendezvous with Costa Rica’s natural wonders. Transfer from Poas Volcano Lodge to Natural Lodge Caño Negro which will be your base for exploring the incredible Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge in the coming days.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Caño Negro
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Today is all about immersing in the heart of one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse and awe-inspiring ecosystems at the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. The adventure kicks off today with a wetlands boat tour in the morning, with the opportunity to spot an array of wildlife as you traverse the Rio Frio. In the evening, you’ll enjoy another tour of the conservation area before heading back to the lodge for another cozy sleep tucked away in nature.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Caño Negro
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Bound for Bijagua
This morning you’ll check out of the lodge and travel to the small town of Bijagua, nestled between the Miravalles and the Tenorio Volcanoes. This pristine jungle area is home to an array of tropical animal species and birdlife which you’ll have the chance to enjoy from the Tenorio lodge where you’ll be based for the next two nights.
On arrival, you’ll set out on a guided tour of the nature reserve, with the opportunity to spot green parrots, macaws, hummingbird, toucans and more!
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bijagua
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Hike & Waterfalls
Today you’ll witness the brilliant azure waters of the Rio Celeste waterfall, the result of a unique chemical reaction that occurs when the two rivers of Rio Buenavista and Quebrada Agria, meet and mix before your eyes. Today you’ll enjoy a guided hike and exploration of the cascading waterfall.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bijagua
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Rincon De La Vieja National Park
Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to a dormant volcano, whose imposing presence creates a dramatic backdrop for your stay at the Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, home for the next two nights.
Arrive at the Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin & Adventure Center and get ready to experience the magic of this wondrous natural area!
Overnight Location: Hacienda in Liberia
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Hike or Horseback in Rincon De La Vieja National Park
Today you can opt to explore the park on foot, or from the vantage point of the saddle on horseback! No matter how you opt to explore today, you’re sure to fall in love with the parks extensive network of trails, showcasing mesmerizing waterfalls, bubbling mud pots, and hot springs.
Overnight Location: Hacienda in Liberia
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Beach Bound for Playa Hermosa
After several days of active adventures, it’s time to enjoy some R&R on the coast! Today you’ll check out of your hotel and transfer to Hotel Bosque del Mar Playa Hermosa on the stunning North Pacific Coast.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Guanacaste
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Beach Day at Playa Hermosa
The Pacific Ocean is the ideal place for surfing, sailing, long walks on the beach, sandcastles and more! Enjoy today at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Guanacaste
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Final Day in Paradise
Continue to soak up the balmy beach vibes in paradise today as you revel in yet another stunning day at Play Hermosa. Laze by the pool at your upscale hotel or hit the beach and wade in the Pacific.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Guanacaste
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Goodbye to the Pura Vida!
Say goodbye this morning and check out of your hotel bound for Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Say goodbye to the Pura Vida, until next time!
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Costa Rica’s Northern Route Adventure Dates and Prices
This guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.- Group of 2+: from USD3625*
Accommodation on Costa Rica’s Northern Route Adventure
This tour is based in charming hotels and tropical lodges set in nature. Accommodations on this trip are a mix of 3 and 4 star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Costa Rica’s Northern Route Adventure
Meals
10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 10 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included by can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, including several private transfers and some shared transfers.
Also included
- English-speaking guides for activities
- Airport transfers
- Wetlands Boat Tour at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
- Conservation Tour at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
- Shared Tapir Valley Reserve & Rainforest Wildlife
- Shared Rio Celeste / Tenorio Hike tour
- Shared Horseback Riding or Hike to Las Pailas & Oropendola Waterfall tour
Not included
- Flights to and from San José
- Insurance
- Visas if required
- Any meals not noted as included
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Anything not noted under ‘included’
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- How hard is the Costa Rica’s Northern Route Adventure Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
- Are meals included on the Costa Rica’s Northern Route Adventure Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to San Jose to start this tour?
- Is the Costa Rica’s Northern Route Adventure Tour?
- Where does the Costa Rica’s Northern Route Adventure Tour?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Costa Rica?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Costa Rica?
We rate this tour a 3 out of 5. While the activities are not excessively strenuous, a good level of general fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experiences and manage the walks comfortably.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover the activities mentioned in this itinerary. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into San Jose Airport (SJO) where a private transfer will greet you and take you to the starting point hotel.
Yes, the tour guides are English-speaking.
This tour ends at Playa Hermosa where a private transfer is included to return to the San Jose Airport (SJO).
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Since 1984 Horizontes Nature Tours has delivered top-quality service in Costa Rica. They dedicate time to exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations and authentic activities that allow them to offer unique barefoot-luxury experiences. Sustainability, quality, health, safety, and innovation are key ingredients in Horizontes Nature Tours immersive journeys.
