A Short But Sweet Time on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast with Toni

duration
5 days · 4 nights
travel date
Nov 2 - 6, 2026
activity level
Moderate
group size
7
transportation
Group airport & activity transfers, van
Your TourHero
tourhero
Toni
bio

Hello! I'm Toni and I think group travel forges life long friendships. That's why I curated this Costa Rica trip around food, fun and culture! We'll be experiencing amazing food, culture and relaxation making memories that we'll have forever!

Costa Rica > A Short But Sweet Time on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast with Toni

Searching for authentic experiences, local food, and a ton of fun along the shores and forests in Costa Rica? You’ve come to the right place! Over five enriching days, you’ll get to go from the capital to the coast, soaking in the blissful Caribbean vibes of Puerto Viejo and its natural wonders. Take a Caribbean cooking class to explore flavors that celebrate the soul of your location, hike and seek out the best of Costa Rica’s lush forests and wildlife in Cahuita National Park, and dive into the indigenous BriBri culture with a visit to the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve. Along the way, say hi to iguanas, monkeys, and other wildlife that call Puerto Viejo home, and take some time for yourself to relax on the beach. There’s no shortage of new experiences here - open the door to a world of flavor and tradition, set against a breathtaking Caribbean location, now!

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · November 2, 2026 · San Jose
Arrive in San Jose at Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO)
Group transfer from airport to accommodation
Check-in at the Hilton Garden Inn La Sabana (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Day 2 · November 3, 2026 · San José & Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Breakfast and check out
Scenic transfer to Puerto Viejo
Check-in at the Namuwoki Lodge (or similar)
Free night
Day 3 · November 4, 2026 · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Breakfast at hotel
Caribbean cooking class
Cahuita National Park guided hike
Return to hotel
Free night
Day 4 · November 5, 2026 · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Breakfast at hotel
Tour the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve (includes a chocolate production demonstration and medicinal plants tour)
Visit a waterfall to enjoy a bath
Return to hotel
Free night
Day 5 · November 6, 2026 · Departure
Breakfast at hotel and checkout
Group transfer from accommodation to the airport
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · November 2, 2026
Starting in San José

-You’ve made it! Touch down in San José at Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) and take a group transfer from the airport to your hotel to start the journey.

-Check in and settle into the city’s lively rhythm. You’ll have some time to grab a delicious Costa Rican coffee and stroll through the city, visiting the theaters, museums, and parks along the way.

Day 2 · November 3, 2026
Puerto Viejo bound

-After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, set out on a scenic drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a laid-back town where Afro-Caribbean culture meets wild nature. As you travel through lush landscapes and coastal villages, notice the shift in flavors, music, and architecture—a preview of the region’s unique character.

-Once you arrive in Puerto Viejo, check into your hotel and then you’ll be free to roam the colorful streets, sample local snacks, or relax by the sea.

Day 3 · November 4, 2026
Caribbean flavors and coastal trails

-Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel and then dive headfirst into Caribbean flavors with a hands-on Caribbean cooking class, learning the secrets behind dishes like rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, patí pastries, and spicy rondon soup.

-Once the afternoon rolls around, join a guided hike through Cahuita National Park, home to the best-preserved coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean. This park is famous for its coastal rainforest, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant wildlife - keep an eye out for sloths, iguanas, and a variety of birds.

-At the end of the day, return to your hotel with new recipes in hand and a deeper connection to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

Day 4 · November 5, 2026
Indigenous wisdom and chocolate traditions

-After breakfast at the hotel, start your day of exploration with a visit to the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve. Begin at a small BriBri farm where you’ll witness a chocolate-making demonstration, while learning the importance of cocoa to the BriBri people.

-Afterwards, learn about the Bribri people’s traditional uses of medicinal plants to better understand the fiber and the dyeing process.

-Cap off the day with a visit to a hidden waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle.

-End your tour and head back to your hotel for a free night to soak in Puerto Viejo’s charming beauty even more.

Day 5 · November 6, 2026
Fun times were had in Costa Rica

-After a final breakfast at the hotel, check out of your hotel and enjoy a final stroll or a last swim before your group transfer back to Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) in San José.

-As your short and sweet Costa Rican journey comes to an end, you’ll carry home new flavors, friendships, and memories of a region where food, culture, and nature are deeply intertwined. The countdown to your next trip to Costa Rica has begun!

Tour Price
USD 1,800
per person
Flexible payment plans available
17 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Adventure, culture, relaxation, local food
Your local guide
With more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry, Best of Costa Rica endeavors to provide unique and memorable experiences on personalized trips for guests in Costa Rica. Committed to guaranteeing the best travel experiences while also ensuring a sustainable tourism operation, the team at Best of Costa Rica pride themselves on their reliability, professionalism, and environmental social responsibility. If you’re looking for unique, memorable and tailor-made trips in Costa Rica that match your interests and preferences, you can rest assured that the team will curate the perfect itinerary for you, and execute the trip in a seamless, safe, and sustainable way. Let them take care of all the little details and do what they do best!
Accommodation
Hilton Garden Inn San José La Sabana (or similar according to availability)

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana offers a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of San José, Costa Rica. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, free Wi-Fi, and modern amenities including flatscreen TVs, minifridges, and tea and coffeemakers. The hotel also features a variety of on-site facilities, such as a restaurant, a 24-hour convenience store, and a fitness room for your convenience. For relaxation, take a dip in the rooftop pool and enjoy stunning views of the city. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this hotel provides everything you need for a pleasant stay. Room type: Double. Room configuration: 2 Twin Beds or 1 Double.

Namuwoki Lodge (or similar according to availability)

Nestled in the lush tropical surroundings of Puerto Viejo, Namuwoki Lodge offers a serene retreat just minutes from stunning Caribbean beaches. The lodge features eco-friendly bungalows, a refreshing outdoor pool, an open-air restaurant serving local and international dishes, and lush gardens teeming with wildlife. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and nature, ideal for those seeking relaxation and adventure. Room type: Double. Room configuration: 2 Twin Beds or 1 Double.

Included
  • 1 night at the Hilton Garden Inn San José (or similar)

  • 3 nights at the Namuwoki Lodge (or similar)

  • Shared double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • All tours & activities listed in itinerary

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

  • Private transportation with English-speaking guide

  • Cahuita National Park entrance fee

Not included
  • Flights

  • All food & drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Personal expenses not stipulated

  • Optional add-ons

  • Gratuities

  • Travel insurance

  • Carrying of luggage unless otherwise specified

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Jul 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -6), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Jul 31, 2026 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -6) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Jul 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -6), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.

Available add-ons
Single room upgrade

Upgrade to a private room for the duration of your trip.

USD 372
2 spots left