Duration
Naturally Green: Costa Rica Coffee to Coast
From $1,650 pp
Bookable From
Year-round
Trip Style
Self-Guided
Country
Costa Rica
Physical Rating
Very Easy
Overview
Discover the naturally green country of Costa Rica on this self-drive trip through a famous coffee region, to the Arenal Volcano, and to the picturesque coast.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking natural wonders with this Naturally Green itinerary. Dive deep into the heart of this eco-friendly paradise as you explore lush rainforests, savor authentic local flavors, and connect with rich traditions that make Costa Rica truly unique.
From immersive cultural experiences like a coffee tour and a cooking class, to adventures in pristine, protected environments, this itinerary promises a harmonious blend of sustainability and discovery, leaving you inspired by nature and the warmth of Costa Rican hospitality.
Highlights
- Join an immersive coffee tour in Naranjo, one of Costa Rica’s finest coffee regions.
- Savor Costa Rica’s culinary heritage with a hands-on cooking class.
- Experience the authentic rural traditions and lifestyle of local organic farmers in the lush Arenal region.
- Glide through Arenal’s waterways on a serene Safari Boat tour surrounded by stunning wildlife.
- Explore the beauty of Nosara with an eco-friendly River E-Boat tour through pristine landscapes.
- Observe Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes from above during a flight from Nosara to San José.
This itinerary allows you to have an incredible journey through Costa Rica, offering the perfect balance of culture, nature, and sustainability. You will enjoy excursions guided by expert locals who share their deep knowledge of the country's traditions and ecosystems. You will have your own rental car to drive to each main stop and explore areas on your own in the free time between planned excursions.
You'll rejuvenate with two-to-three night stays in carefully selected accommodations throughout Naranjo, Arenal, and Nosara. Our accommodation selections prioritize sustainable practices, ensuring a responsible and eco-friendly experience.
From discovering Costa Rica’s rich coffee heritage to savoring its culinary delights and observing its wildlife from two different relaxing boat tours, every aspect of the trip is designed to immerse you in the authentic beauty and culture of this vibrant destination.
This journey promises not only unforgettable adventures but also a meaningful connection with Costa Rica's natural and cultural treasures.
Seasonal Notes
Costa Rica is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences depending on what you seek—whether it's sun-soaked beaches or lush rainforests in their full vibrant glory.
Dry Season (December to April):
This is considered the high season for tourism in Costa Rica, especially on the Pacific coast. Expect sunny, warm weather, perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures. It’s the ideal time to explore national parks, visit volcanic regions, and enjoy the wildlife in its dry-season habitats. The Central Valley and most coastal areas experience pleasant temperatures, though some areas like the Caribbean may still see occasional rainfall.
Green Season (May to November):
During the rainy season, Costa Rica turns lush and green, which is why it’s often called the Green Season. Although rains are more frequent in the afternoon and evening, mornings are typically clear and perfect for outdoor activities. The green season is an excellent time for those looking to experience Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, as this period marks the peak of plant growth and animal activity. The Caribbean coast tends to receive rain throughout the year but remains fairly pleasant. Additionally, fewer tourists mean more relaxed travel conditions.
Itinerary
Day 1 San Jose [Costa Rica] (arrival day)
Day 2 Naranjo - Coffee Tour & Cooking Class
Day 3 Naranjo - Arenal Volcano
Day 4 Arenal Volcano – Arenal Vida Campesina Tour
Day 5 Arenal Volcano – Peñas Blancas Safari Boat Tour
Day 6 Arenal Volcano – Nosara
Day 7 Nosara – River E-Boat Tour
Day 8 Nosara – San José (departure day)
Route Map
Inclusions & Exclusions
Meet & Greet at SJO International Airport
7 nights lodging (2 nights in a lodge; 3 nights in a resort; 2 nights in a boutique hotel)
D2 Coffee Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience) - Without Transportation
D2 Cooking Class (Shared Half-Day Experience) - Without Transportation
D4 Arenal Vida Campesina Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)
D5 Peñas Blancas Safari Boat Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)
D7 River E-Boat Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)
Private Transfer: Nosara Hotel to Airstrip
Domestic Flight: Nosara to San Jose - Stop over Liberia
Private Transfer: San Jose Domestic Terminal to SJO Intl Airport
Meals mentioned in the itinerary
International flights
Meals not mentioned
Alcohol
Rental car (see Pricing info)
Rental car insurance (see Pricing info)
Ground transfers not mentioned
Personal expenses
Insurance
Visa
Taxes
Tips
Pricing
Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.
Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.
This trip requires a rental car and rental car insurance. Pricing for the car and insurance are upon request and will be added to the listed trip price. You're also welcome to book your rental car on your own.
Prices vary by season:
- High Season: Nov. 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025
- Mid Season: July 1 - Aug. 31, 2025; Nov. 1-30, 2025
- Low Season: May 1 - June 30, 2025; Sep. 1 - Oct. 31, 2025
Deposit per person
30% of the trip price
Shared Room - sleeps 2 - price per person
High: $2,010 Mid: $1,750 Low: $1,650
Shared Room - sleeps 3 - price per person
This room type will have two beds. High: $1,740 Mid: $1,550 Low: $1,475
Single Supplement
High: $1,350 Mid: $1,080 Low: $1,000
Sustainability
Since 1972, we have been committed to positioning Costa Rica as a sustainable tourism destination. Through partnerships with government institutions and organizations, we've implemented initiatives that protect the environment, support local communities, and promote responsible travel practices.
Our approach includes collaborating with eco-certified accommodations, supporting conservation projects, and integrating carbon offset programs to reduce our environmental impact. We also work closely with local communities, reinvesting in their economies and fostering cultural preservation. Some of our company-wide initiatives include:
- Actively collaborating with local projects that protect national parks, reserves, and biological corridors throughout Costa Rica.
- Organizing a volunteer trash collection program.
- Supporting food banks in San José and Guanacaste.
- Educating employees, travelers, and business partners on sustainability and conservation to encourage responsible practices.
- Adhering to Fair Trade practices for all collaborators and partners, from tour guides to small-scale farmers, to foster ethical economic development.
- Promoting tourism dispersal and economic support in rural areas by focusing on less-visited regions, reducing the strain on popular destinations, and promoting inclusivity.
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to creating meaningful travel experiences while ensuring the preservation of Costa Rica's natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
We are proud to hold certifications such as the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), awarded by the Costa Rican Tourism Board, which reflects our dedication to environmental conservation and response tourism.
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Environmental Initiatives
- This itinerary has been carefully designed to minimize its environmental impact by prioritizing eco-friendly accommodations and activities.
- Each hotel selected is committed to sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local conservation projects.
- Activities are chosen with respect for Costa Rica's natural ecosystems, ensuring wildlife and habitats are preserved for future generations.
Community Support
- Guests will have the opportunity to connect with local communities through authentic experiences, such as learning about traditional farming techniques and Costa Rican culinary traditions.
- The trip supports small, family-owned businesses and local artisans, ensuring that tourism directly benefits the communities visited.
- Travelers can actively engage in cultural exchanges, deepening their understanding of Costa Rica's heritage while fostering meaningful connections.
Economic Initiatives
- This trip emphasizes responsible travel by partnering with locally owned accommodations and tours, directly supporting the local economy.
- Sustainable tourism initiatives included in the itinerary create jobs and provide income for rural communities, helping to promote equitable economic growth.
- By participating in this journey, guests contribute to a tourism model that reinvests in the regions they visit, ensuring long-term benefits for both residents and the environment.
Health & Safety
Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
We are dedicated to ensuring that tourists visit a healthy and safe country. Costa Rica, with its exemplary national health system and status as one of the safest countries in the region, provides a secure environment for our visitors. Our Sustainability Handbook seeks to ensure the safety of the services customers receive. These guidelines include the selection of responsible suppliers and support for strategies that promote a safe destination, different policies that cover visitors, and participation in initiatives such as the Tourism Safety Committee of the National Chamber of Tourism.
We also provide advice for travelers upon arrival in the form of a Welcome Letter that includes Responsible Tips to Become a Sustainable Traveler.
FAQs
What does the Physical Rating of "Very Easy" mean?
This itinerary is designed for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. It’s perfect for mature travelers, families, couples, solo travelers, or small groups looking for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
You don’t need any special training or preparation to embark on this journey - it has an easygoing pace and offers comfortable activities making it accessible to everyone. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or new to exploring, this itinerary ensures a seamless and stress-free adventure in Costa Rica.
What are the accommodations like?
The accommodations included in this itinerary are thoughtfully selected to cater to all types of travelers. Each property offers a unique blend of comfort and charm, featuring boutique-style designs that highlight the essence of Costa Rica. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the country’s natural beauty, from lush rainforests to serene beaches and majestic mountains. These accommodations provide excellent amenities, such as cozy rooms, local and international dining options, and relaxing common areas, ensuring a memorable and rejuvenating stay for everyone. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or as a family, these properties guarantee an exceptional experience.
Does the cooking class include transportation?
No, transportation is not included. However, since you will have a rental car, the experience can be easily done using your own vehicle. All the rest of the excursions offer transportation, this is the only one that requires a rental car.
What does it mean to have a "Shared Experience"?
A Shared Experience means that you will be with other travelers during this excursion; it will not be a private experience for only your group. The Shared Experiences will respect a small group size and are a good option for travelers seeking high-quality excursions at more accessible price points.
How much sitting time can be expected in the rental car?
It is varied. From Juan Santamaria International Airport to Chayote it takes about 1 hour; from Chayote to Arenal it takes around 3 hours; and from Arenal to Nosara it takes around 4 hours. Then, the local flight from Nosara to San Jose takes about an hour to arrive at the Domestic Terminal in SJO.
Do you need to pay tips for our services?
We would like to inform you that tipping is not necessary for our services. Our team members are fully compensated for their work, ensuring they receive fair wages. Of course, if you feel someone has gone above and beyond, any additional gesture of appreciation is entirely up to you.
What kind of experience can I expect from this trip?
This itinerary is crafted for those seeking to relax, reconnect with nature, and recharge their minds and spirits. From breathtaking landscapes to meaningful experiences, every moment invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica and return home feeling refreshed, inspired, and renewed.