Dive into an immersive adventure on Costa Rica’s Northern Route
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!
Highlights of the Costa Rica’s Northern Route Adventure
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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 $3,625 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation 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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Poas Volcano Lodge in Vara Blanca ★★★
Discover your home-away-from-home at this mountain retreat nestled amidst rolling pastures, and complete with epic views of the Poas Volcano.
Natural Lodge Caño Negro in Caño Negro ★★★
Perched on the outskirts of a wildlife refuge, this low-key hotel is built in a stunning natural setting where guests can enjoy adventure in the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge followed by a dip in the hotel’s outdoor pool.
Tenorio Lodge in Bijagua ★★★
Enjoy this stay in cozy bungalows at this charming lodge located near the Tenorio volcano. Guests will enjoy mountain views and a laid-back atmosphere.
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin in Liberia ★★★★
Hacienda Guachipelin is truly an ecotourism lodge for adventure travelers and nature lovers. Property is surrounded by lush gardens with native trees, exotic flowers, and many species of birds.
Hotel Bosque Del Mar Playa Hermosa in Play Hermosa ★★★★
A beautiful boutique beachfront hotel in Playa Hermosa Guanacaste that blends perfectly with the natural gardens and the constant ocean breeze creating a fresh and peaceful atmosphere.
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Rica’s Northern Route Adventure
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.
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