Costa Rica Highlights

FIRST STEPS IN COSTA RICA
Costa Rica's biodiversity is unique in the world. Through different activities, your Autenteo trip is designed to make you discover immense national parks, white sandy beaches and majestic volcanoes. Do you need a ride?

HOTEL IN SAN JOSÉ: Airport - Hotel 30min
Our partner hotel is an establishment that offers comfortable rooms to spend a good night and start your trip on the right foot. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the wooded park and the swimming pool of the property to relax after your flight.

CROCODILES DE TÁRCOLES: Journey Hotel - Tárcoles 1h30 (activity included in the price)
Morning departure to Tárcoles where you will be picked up for a safari on the water to discover the crocodiles that populate the nearby river. During this mini-cruise your guide will explain to you the way of life and the particularities of these impressive reptiles. Bird lovers will not be outdone as many species can also be observed.

RELAXATION AT THE BEACH : Tárcoles - Beach 30mn
After this experience, I advise you to go to the small and often deserted beach of Limoncito. To get there, you have to walk 20 minutes on a beach and then on rocks. If you have your mask and snorkel you will be able to observe the seabed of this beautiful place.

UVITA ECOLOGIC: Beach - Ecolodge 2h15
Exchange and sharing are the key words of this Uvita establishment. Set in a lush garden, this ecolodge offers lovely wooden chalets, decorated with great charm. This place is ideal to recharge your batteries in the middle of the flora of Costa Rica.

DOLPHINS OBSERVATION : Lodge - Dolphins 2h20 (activity included in the price)
A local fisherman will take you on his boat for a private outing in search of dolphins and humpback whales. Although they like to show up most of the time, I cannot guarantee their presence as I have made the choice to bring you to meet animals that are not fed by man! You will then be able to get in the water and observe fish of a thousand and one colours.

BIOLUMINESCENCE : On site (activity included in the price)
Bioluminescence is a luminous phenomenon produced by marine micro-organisms. Costa Rica is one of the few places where it can be observed. We will go for a night swim and you will see the ocean glistening before your eyes.

LODGE PUERTO JIMENEZ : Bioluminescence - Lodge 10 mn
This small establishment, located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, will welcome you in well-kept and comfortable lodges. You can relax in the swimming pool before enjoying the flowery garden where many birds come. The owners will look after your luggage during your expedition in the Corcovado National Park.

DIRECTION LE CORCOVADO : Lodge - Pier 15min (activity included in the price)
In the early morning, you will embark in the direction of the Corcovado National Park for a sea trip that will allow you to observe a totally preserved coastline. You may have the opportunity to see dolphins playing in the boat's wake or even the chance to admire the impressive jumps of humpback whales.

CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK: On site (activity included in the price)
Corcovado is considered the best National Park in Costa Rica for animal watching. You will go out to hike the trails, some animals may approach out of curiosity but certainly not to ask for food. Indeed, in order not to change their behavior, this practice is strictly forbidden in the park.

BIOLOGICAL STATION: On site
You will be accommodated in the biological station. The comfort is quite basic but ideal for a total connection with nature in a unique setting. This will be the opportunity to share dinner with the guards and exchange on their passion which has become their job.

MORNING WALK: On site (activity included in the price)
If you enjoy walking, you can make a nice 22 km hike to leave the park. In the company of your private guide, you will observe different animals to those seen the day before. You will surely have the opportunity to see monkeys, anteaters or tapirs that have taken their ease in this park like nowhere else in the country. It would be exceptional to see a jaguar, but I prefer to warn you that unfortunately your chances are slim. If you do not
don't want to take that long walk, you can like on the boat trip.

AFTER THE EFFORT, THE COMFORT! : Lodge - Beach 20mn
At the end of this walk, you will be amazed to have discovered this timeless place, in the middle of one of the largest tropical forests in the world. A driver will pick you up and take you to your accommodation in Puerto Jimenez. The afternoon will be an opportunity to rest while admiring the beauty of the landscape from the beaches of the region.

LODGE PUERTO JIMENEZ: On site
You will find the comfort of your first night's accommodation in Puerto Jimenez . If you wish to wash some things, you can leave them at the reception and pick them up the next day. The owners will be happy to advise you on activities to do nearby.

ON THE ROAD TO NAUYACA: Lodge - Nauyaca 3h (activity included in the price)
Today, you will discover the Nauyaca waterfalls. To get there you will walk 8 km (round trip) through a splendid tropical forest, the opportunity to enjoy nature in a quiet environment. Think well to prepare your picnic because you will not find any restaurants.

JUNGLE HEART FALLS: On site (activity included in the price)
After this effort, you will discover the majestic waterfalls of Nauyaca! Believe me, its 80 meters wide
and 45 meters high won't leave you indifferent. I recommend a refreshing swim in one of the
basins of the waterfall.

LODGE TURRIALBA : Nauyaca - Lodge 4hrs.
You will be welcomed by a Costa Rican family in a comfortable house with a zen atmosphere. You will be able to enjoy their beautiful flowered garden and especially exchange with them in French, since your hosts have lived in France for several years. It's a bit like joining friends at the end of the world!

RELAXED AMBIANCE: Lodge - Caribbean 3hrs.
You'll be leaving for the Caribbean! You'll feel like you're in another country, so much so that the culture is so contrasted: music, climate and the mix of locals make it a land of diversity. You will be able to enjoy the comfort of the hotel and its swimming pool, go on an adventure on the trails or revel in the warm sandy beach.

CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK: On site
It is in a breathtaking setting, between land and sea, that you will be able to observe many animals. It is common to see sloths, monkeys and several species of snakes. It is important to know that the National Park is managed by a community whose members have managed to preserve its beauty.

LODGE PUERTO VIEJO : Route Cahuita - Lodge 20mn
Amidst tropical vegetation and close to the Caribbean Sea, you will find well-appointed rooms in the local style, which are suitable for ecotourism. Featuring a tropical garden and swimming pool, this hotel is ideal for relaxing and unwinding.

IN THE DIRECTION OF THE COMMUNITY: Lodge - Bribri 30mn (activity included in the price)
You will leave for an Amerindian reserve aboard a small traditional motorized pirogue. I like this boat trip very much, you will feel immersed in the heart of the forest. At your hosts' place, no fake animations like welcome dances or handing-over of flower necklaces. I absolutely wanted to avoid it!

CACAO AND CHOCOLATE: On site (activity included in the price)
You will be able to visit the area and enjoy a swim in the waters of the river. The community will teach you a lot about cocoa, a commodity they have been growing and working with for many years. In fact, their ancestors even used it as a bargaining chip. You can also try your hand at processing it. Personally, I still enjoy tasting their 100% natural spread!

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY: On the spot
Our guests offer to enjoy nature while learning their culture and language, between walks in the heart of the rainforest and chocolate tastings. For the night, you will have the choice between the comfort of a room or the adventure in a tent, according to your desire.

TO BRIBRI : On site
This getaway will have allowed you to spend time with endearing people in order to understand their true way of life, their traditions and their history. You will leave by motorized dugout canoe to retrieve your vehicle and set off in the direction of Tortuguero. You will reach the pier of the Pavona where your boat will be waiting for you and drop you off at your hotel.

CENTRE CITY OF TORTUGUERO: Bribri - Tortuguero 3h45
Strolling through the streets, you will be able to soak up the atmosphere of Tortuguero: music, climate and the mixture of local people make it a land of diversity. You can then revel in the warm sandy beach or go and discover the turtle museum which I find very informative.

LODGE TORTUGUERO : Downtown - Lodge 10mn
This charming establishment is located in the heart of Tortuguero, ideal for strolling around the city centre without having to take a water taxi. Please note that swimming in the sea is not allowed due to the strong currents, so you will appreciate being able to cool off by the lodge's swimming pool.

CHANNEL DISCOVERY: Lodge - canal trip 10mn (activity included in the rate)
This morning, your private guide will make you discover the beauty of the Tortuguero canals. It is aboard your private rowing boat that you will discover the numerous species that populate the banks. I preferred this boat because it allows you to go to areas inaccessible by motorboat, to approach the animals without frightening them.

ORGANIZATION OF SUPPLIES: On site (activity included in the price)
You will then go to a place that I am passionate about and that I want my travellers to discover. After years of research, Léo has managed to reconstruct three natural anthills. During one hour, he will explain the social system of ants, tell you about their organization and make you discover all their secrets.

DISCOVERY OF THE ARENAL: Route Ants - Arenal 1h30 (activity included in the price)
This afternoon, you will discover nature from a different perspective. You will go for a walk on the suspension bridges to observe the different species that populate this forest. If you are afraid of heights, there are alternative paths to avoid the highest bridges. At the exit, you can take the time to sit down and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Arenal volcano.

LODGE GUANACASTE : Arenal - Lodge 3hrs. 
After a few days in Costa Rica, you will enjoy spending two nights in this family establishment run by French people. When I visit them, it is a real pleasure to be able to relax in their swimming pool which has one of the most beautiful views of the bay. It's the perfect place to watch the sunset!

WALKING AND RELAXATION: Route Lodge - Rincón de la Vieja 1h40 (activity included in the price)
You will discover the Rincón de la Vieja park, which is for me the most interesting volcano in Costa Rica. There are different trails ranging from one to eight hours of walking. You will be able to choose which one to hike according to your physical fitness and your desires of the day. Throughout your walk, you will be able to observe volcanic formations such as bubbling waters or fumaroles.

LLANOS DE CORTES: Route Rincón de la Vieja - Llanos de Cortes 1h15 (activity included in the price)
Llanos de Cortes is another relaxing stop. I suggest you take the time to swim in the waters of this waterfall. To reach it, you will have to walk for 20 minutes on a path surrounded by lush vegetation.

LODGE GUANACASTE : Route Llanos de Cortes - Lodge 1h15
You will enjoy spending a second night in this accommodation which is the cozy cocoon that everyone needs to recharge their batteries. If you are a sea bed lover, there are many beaches nearby that are famous for snorkelling.

PAPAGAYO IRRESISTIBLE : Route Lodge - Papagayo 50mn
For me, the Gulf of Papagayo is the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. The beauty of the landscape amazes me at each of my visits. The beaches are inside a private establishment, I will give you all the necessary information to access them.

THE PRESERVED BEACHES: On site
A shuttle will be at your disposal to make you discover the 4 beaches of the establishment. The first one is only a few meters from the place where the driver will drop you off. While to get to the more preserved beaches, you will have to walk for about 30 minutes.

HOTEL SAN JOSÉ: Journey Papagayo - Hotel 4hrs.
For your last night in Costa Rica, you will find the comfort of your first day's accommodation. It will be the opportunity to relax in the pool and remember all the great adventures you had during those 2 weeks in this beautiful country.

FREE VISIT OF SAN JOSÉ : Hotel - City Centre 20mn
For this last day in Costa Rica you will discover San José. You will be able to stroll around the city centre, shop at the Mercado Central and soak up the atmosphere. If you like museums I recommend the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.

CENTRAL MERCADO
Located near the cathedral, the Mercado Central is the authentic market of Costa Rica. With more than two hundred fruit, meat and fish stalls, it is the best place to discover or rediscover the country's culinary specialties. Coffee beans, cigars, cocoa, handicrafts, you will find all kinds of local products.

YOUR HEAD FULL OF MEMORIES
After 2 weeks of wonder between breathtaking landscapes and touching encounters, it's time to go home. You will leave for the airport to catch your flight to Paris. You will return home with your head full of beautiful images and a new vision of the world.