Itinerary

Day 1 San José

San José was founded in 1737 and is a pleasant mixture of traditional and modern Spanish architecture. Places of interest include the Teatro Nacional, the Legislative Assembly building, and the Parque Central, east of which is the Cathedral. The National Museum and the Museum of Gold are also worth a visit.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle, and professional driver. The transfer is approximately 30 mins (22km/14mi).

Grano de Oro is the hotel of choice for those who visit San Jose, with a reputation for hospitality and fine quality. The 35 rooms are magical and full of allure, with each possessing a carefully chosen color scheme and theme. Pleasant features such as a fountain or balcony add to the appeal of each room. Grano de Oro's restaurant is recognized for its culinary success, surpassing the expectations of even the most critical guest. Set under a high ceiling, or in the romance of the outdoors, each dish is prepared with local and international influences. The subtle ambiance of the restaurant is what makes visitors return. Spend time lounging on the lawn beds of the rooftop garden terrace. Otherwise, sink into relaxation in the Jacuzzi.

Overnight at Grano de Oro.

Day 2 Tortuguero

Tortuguero National Park protects the Atlantic green turtle egg-laying grounds; it is in an area of great ecological diversity. Its network of canals and lagoons serves as waterways for transportation and exploration.

Start your adventure with an early morning pick up in San Jose. Absorb the natural beauty of Costa Rica as you travel on a guided tour from the city into the Braulio Carrillo National Park and through the agricultural versatility of the Limon lowlands, including pineapples, rice, cattle, a tour of a working banana plantation (closed Sundays and national holidays) and much more. Experience a typical Costa Rican breakfast along the way. Upon Arrival at the port, you will be transferred to the Turtle boat. Enjoy a scenic ride on the Tortuguero River and the Tortuguero National Park canals as you voyage to your lodge.

The total transfer time including stps along the way is approximately 7.5 hours (267km/166mi).

NOTE: There is a luggage restriction for excursions to Tortuguero. Passengers are limited to 25lbs per person only.

Receive a friendly welcome to Turtle Beach Lodge with a cool, fresh fruit cocktail and delicious lunch buffet, then settle into your airy room.

Explore the most popular sightseeing attractions of the area including the Tortuguero village and a visit the National Park office to purchase entrance tickets.

Enjoy a buffet dinner in the candle lit Turtle Tavern and Restaurant.

Turtle Beach Lodge is a secluded resort spanning 175 acres. It encompasses miles of jungle trails, a meandering private canal and a half mile of isolated beach on the Caribbean Sea. The lodge provides highly trained staff and guides who ease you into an extraordinary jungle experience. Tortuguero has incredible biological variety due to the existence of eleven different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches and lagoons. The beaches are a key nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, including Hawksbill, Loggerheads, Green and Leatherbacks. Manatees, caiman and crocodiles live in the canals and the jungle is home to endangered jaguars, three species of monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced Capuchin) and three-toed sloths. Basilisk lizards and tree frogs inhabit the area, along with 375 species of birds. There are more than 400 species of trees and approximately 2,200 species of plants. Return from your explorations each day and relax on the beach, in a hammock by the pool or perhaps kayak through the canals. Play chess, cards or have a cool drink in the bar rancho and enjoy a leisurely dinner with your fellow travelers. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation or a combination of the two, the unique location and diversity of Turtle Beach Lodge provides an unforgettable experience for all.

Overnight at Turtle Beach Lodge.

Day 3 Tortuguero

Rise and shine! Enjoy Costa Rican coffee, tea and cookies in the restaurant to start your morning. Join an early morning (5.30am) guided Canal Tour and experience the awakening of the jungle surrounding the canals as the animals start their day. This is one of the most exciting times of the day in the jungle. Replenish with a healthy, typical “Tico” breakfast in the Turtle Restaurant. After breakfast, suit yourself up with a pair of complimentary boots provided by the lodge and explore the mysterious Tortuguero Jungle with your Guide. Learn about the jungle flora and fauna as well as the animals that live in the tropical rain forest.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the lodge.

Schedule a canopy, garden, kayak or cerro tour, go fishing or just nap in a hammock on the beach or by the pool! Speak with your Guide for times and other options if you feel like being active. Alternatively, simply relax for the afternoon before perhaps enjoying a cocktail before dinner.

Enjoy a buffet dinner in the candle lit Turtle Tavern and Restaurant.

Overnight at Turtle Beach Lodge.

Day 4 Puerto Viejo

Puerto Limón, is the country's main Caribbean port city and has a population of around 105,000 (including many neighboring small cities). The city, and the province in general, is home to most of Costa Rica's citizens of African descent. Originally from Jamaica, these workers were brought to the area in the late 19th century to build the railroad line from San José to Limón. The rail line boosted the country's banana exports and economy in general. By the time the line was closed, the city was the country's primary harbor.

Private transfer from Tortuguero Dock to the Sloth Sanctuary in Aviarios. Guided tour includes a one-hour, guided, canoe ride through the bayous of the Estrella River Delta where, if you watch carefully, you may see wild sloths as well as other inhabitants of the rainforest. Next stop is the Learning Center where you will view a short video about the sloth and meet some of the resident adult sloths followed by baby sloths! We will introduce you to these tiny orphans and tell you their stories. Of course, Buttercup, the Grande Dame of the Sanctuary, is waiting patiently, slowthfully, for her turn to meet you, as well. Transfer to your hotel on the Caribbean coast in the afternoon.

Le Caméléon Boutique Resort is located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast within the tropical forest of Puerto Viejo, Limón. With its laid back attitude and Caribbean lifestyle, Puerto Viejo has it all: long walks on the pristine beaches, exotic flora and fauna in a wildlife refuge, snorkeling or diving among the many reefs in crystal clear waters, world-class surfing, mountain biking, kayaking and cultural visits to indigenous communities creating a natural and soothing ambiance. Cocles Beach, with its beautiful golden sands, is within walking distance from the resort. The serene atmosphere here is wonderfully relaxing. Smart, contemporary décor cleverly melds with the rustic ambience and intriguing lighting that changes colour each day, adding a sophisticated warmth and sense of fun. This is the place for surfing, diving or snorkelling. Cocles Beach is just steps away; alternatively, visit Playa Chiquita, an isolated beach area, exclusively for guests of the hotel. Try mountain biking,

Overnight at Le Cameleon .

Day 5 Puerto Viejo

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Parque Nacional Cahuita. This park has the largest system of Coral Reefs in Costa Rica, a wide range of colorful tropical fishes and the occasional encounter with a harmless reef shark or sting ray. This beach has a horse shoe shape, with the entrance of the park at one end and beautiful Punta Cahuita at the other. You will start with a scenic 20 minute boat ride and have 2 snorkelling sessions. You will then get dropped off at the Punta to enjoy a nicely presented fruit and snacks break at the beach followed by a 1.5 hour/3.5 kms guided hike in this wonderful coastal forest : monkeys, sloths, birds, iguanas and other interesting encounters are common and complemented with great information from your guide. Morning departures at 8am, duration 4.5 hours.

Overnight at Le Cameleon .

Day 6 Puerto Viejo

Spend time at leisure on the beach or choose an optional activity (additional costs apply) including; canopy tour, rafting, rainforest hike, animal rehabilitation centre and more!

Overnight at Le Cameleon .

Day 7 San José

Meet your driver for a private transfer to San Jose.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) .

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