Caribbean Costa Rica Experience – Culture, Beaches & Chocolate Traditions
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a vibrant blend of cultures, wildlife, and stunning beaches. From the golden and black-sand shores of Puerto Viejo and Cahuita to the lush jungles of Talamanca, this region is perfect for travelers seeking authenticity and variety. Connect with indigenous communities, explore pristine national parks, and enjoy one of the most unique cultural experiences in Costa Rica: a visit with The Chocolate Women, a Bribri group preserving ancestral cacao traditions. More than a tour, it’s an immersive journey into local life, natural beauty, and flavors that make the Caribbean one of Costa Rica’s most unforgettable destinations.
Summary
Places to Visit:
➣ Tortuguero
➣ Caribbean South
➣ Arenal
➣ Manuel Antonio
Main attractions:
➣ Lots of wildlife (flora and fauna)
➣ Tortuguero National Park
➣ Caribbean South beaches
➣ Cultural Tour
➣ Arenal Volcano National Park
➣ Manuel Antonio National Park
Price US $1,234 per person. It could change depending on season.
This tour includes:
✓ Airport transfer - hotel and assistance
✓ 1 night at San Jose Hotel
✓ 2 nights at Tortuguero Hotel
✓ 3 nights at Puerto Viejo Hotel
✓ 2 nights at Arenal Hotel
✓ 2 nights at Manuel Antonio Hotel
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ Fullboard in Tortuguero and activities
✓ Chocolate Tour, Caribbean South
✓ Rented car
✓ Service and hotel taxes
✓ Price from US $ 1,234 per person. It could change depending on season.
This tour DOESN'T includes:
➣ Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
➣ Optional Tours
➣ Local and international calls
➣ Personal medical expenses
➣ Departure taxes (US$29 per person)
➣ Air tickets from and to Costa Rica
➣ Car rental insurance
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO COSTA RICA
Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel in San Jose. Accommodation.
DAY 2: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO
Departure. Breakfast on route. Continue to the dock to take the boat that will take you to the hotel through the Tortuguero Canals tour. Accommodation.
DAY 3: TORTUGUERO
Breakfast. Departure by boat and visit of Tortuguero National Park by the canals. Accommodation.
DAY 4: TORTUGUERO – PUERTO VIEJO
Breakfast. Departure by boat to the dock, once on land the hotel transportation takes you back to Guapiles for lunch and continue your trip to Puerto Viejo. Accommodation.
DAY 5: CHOCOLATE TOUR IN TALAMANCA
Breakfast. Early departure to the Chocolate Tour in Talamanca.
The Women of Chocolate Tour began with the departure of Cahuita or Puerto Viejo at 8 am after breakfast in your hotel. Take road towards the Bribri village to reach Shiroles village. The trip lasts approximately 40 minutes, and you will enjoy the landscapes of the route of the surrounding banana plants and emerald green forests characteristic of the Costa Rican South Caribbean. Arriving at Shiroles and in front of the soccer field will be waiting the hosts of the Tour. The chocolate women will guide through the process, how it started from the tree, take out the seed, dry it, toast it, and process it until it becomes pure Cocoa, as well as chocolate. The processes they use is organic and sustainable with the environment. Includes: lunch and guided tour. Recommendations: sunblock, repellent, cap or hat, walking shoes. Accommodation.
DAY 6: DAY OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Breakfast. Day for enjoying the beaches or optional activities. Optional Activities: Enjoy the beaches of Cahuita, Puerto Vargas, and Puerto Viejo; visit Cahuita National Park; explore the Manzanillo Natural Reserve; take a snorkeling and hiking tour in the park; join a dolphin-watching tour; experience a Chocolate Tour; visit the Jaguar Rescue Center; explore the Ara Manzanillo Macaw Reintroduction Center; enjoy a bike tour; learn about indigenous culture in a reserve; try a canopy tour; or hike to a nearby waterfall, among many other activities available in the area. Accommodation.
DAY 7: PUERTO VIEJO – ARENAL
Breakfast. Departure to Arenal Volcano. Accommodation.
DAY 8: DAY OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Breakfast. Day for enjoying optional activities: visit Arenal Volcano National Park, take a tour to Tenorio Volcano National Park & Rio Celeste, explore Caño Negro Wetlands where you can enjoy a variety of aquatic birds and take a boat ride on Caño Negro river to spot monkeys and sloths, experience a Canopy Tour, walk along Hanging Bridges, ride the Sky Tram with breathtaking views of the majestic Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, visit La Fortuna Waterfall on a guided or self-guided tour, enjoy a Kayak Tour on Lake Arenal, go horseback riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, relax in hot springs, indulge in sustainable tours such as the Chocolate Tour, Sugarcane and Coffee Tour, visit the La Marina Wildlife Rescue Center, explore the Ecocentro Danaus Biological Reserve, take a sunset hike at Mistico Park, among other exciting adventures. Accommodation.
DAY 9: ARENAL – MANUEL ANTONIO
Breakfast. Departure to Manuel Antonio in the Central Pacific. Accommodation.
DAY 10: MANUEL ANTONIO
Breakfast. Optional activities: enjoying the beaches and take a Tour in Manuel Antonio National Park. You can enjoy a Sunset Sail Tour. Accommodation.
DAY 11: RETURN
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Juan Santamaria International Airport.
Much to explore
