Caribbean Escape
7 Days · 6 Nights · Costa Rica's Caribbean side, at your own pace.
Rainforest | Wildlife | Canals | Caribbean Beaches | Afro-Caribbean Culture | Road Trip | Couples | Friends
Itinerary
Designed for travelers who want to trade the classic route for Costa Rica's wild, rhythmic Caribbean coast. Over 7 days and 6 nights, you'll glide through the jungle canals of Tortuguero, then take the wheel and explore the South Caribbean on your own terms: black- and golden-sand beaches, protected coral reefs, and the vibrant culture of Limón. We handle the essentials: arrival transfer, hand-picked hotels, and on-the-ground support. You set the pace. This is Costa Rica – living life to the purest.
Your journey, your memories
San José
Day 1
Alajuela
Day 7
Limón
Days 2-3
Caribbean Coast
Days 4-6
Route
Map
Itinerary
Day 1
Your Caribbean escape begins at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). A private transfer takes you to your hotel in the Central Valley, where you can rest, recharge, and get ready for the road ahead.
Overnight in San José.
Day 2
Morning pickup in San José. The highway descends through Braulio Carrillo's cloud-draped mountains toward the Caribbean lowlands, where the road ends and the rivers begin. From here, Tortuguero is reached only by water, and the jungle takes over.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3
A free day in one of Costa Rica's most remote corners. Stay close to the lodge and let the canals, howler monkeys, and birdsong set the rhythm, or add a guided excursion for an extra charge.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4
Leave the canals behind and pick up your rental car in the Guápiles area. From here, the road is yours: head south along the coast toward the South Caribbean, where reggae, coconut and cacao flavor every stop.
Overnight in the South Caribbean.
Day 5
Keep exploring at your own pace. Beach-hop between quiet coves, discover local cafés, and take in a coast where the rainforest meets the sea.
Overnight in the South Caribbean.
Day 6
Slow down in the Gandoca-Manzanillo area, where turquoise water, coral reefs and untouched jungle make the perfect final day on the coast.
Overnight in the South Caribbean.
Day 7
Drive back through the mountains to the Central Valley and settle in near the airport, ready for an easy departure.
Overnight in Alajuela.
What´s included?
Accommodation
· 1 night San José
· 2 nights Tortuguero (3D/2N lodge package)
· 3 nights South Caribbean
· 1 night Alajuela
Experiences & Meals
· Private arrival transfer
· San José – Tortuguero transport
· Rental car for the Caribbean route
· Meals and tours of the Tortuguero package
Not Included
· International flights
· Travel insurance
· Tips & personal expenses
· Drinks and meals not specified
· Optional excursions
· Departure tax
Why book with us:
Local Expertise
We know every trail, every hotel and every detail. Our team is on the ground, not behind a desk in another country.
One Point of Contact
From your first quote to your departure transfer, one dedicated team handles everything seamlessly.
Proven Experience
Years designing pure Costa Rica experiences for travelers and agencies across North America and Europe.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best time to travel on this program?
The best time to visit depends on your interests and the purpose of your trip. From December through April, Costa Rica enjoys its dry season (summer), which is also the peak travel period. During these months, demand is higher, which may result in reduced availability for some services. That said, Costa Rica offers pleasant weather year-round. From May through November, the country experiences its renowned Green Season, characterized by lush landscapes, fewer visitors, greater service availability, and more attractive rates. While September and October are typically the rainiest months, this does not limit the wide variety of activities and experiences available throughout the country.
Can this program be customized?
Absolutely. This itinerary is intended as a general example of the experiences, activities, and destination combinations that can be enjoyed in Costa Rica. At Destination Costa Rica DMC, we specialize in designing tailor-made travel programs for both individual travelers and groups, adapting each proposal to our clients’ interests, expectations, and budget.
How do I request a quote?
You can request a personalized quotation through our contact form, via our online chat, or by emailing us at info@destinationcr.com. Our team will prepare a customized proposal based on your travel needs and preferences.
What if the itinerary order changes?
Any changes to the sequence of destinations, activities, or experiences may affect logistics, travel times, and service availability. Depending on the requested modifications, operational adjustments may be required, which could impact the final cost of the program. Our team will be happy to advise you and recommend the best alternatives based on your preferences.