From the Caribbean to the Pacific with your family

Originally known as Villanueva de la Boca del Monte, San José is now the beating heart of Costa Rica. Nestled at an altitude of 1,150 meters, it enjoys a mild climate all year round, with an average temperature of around 23°C - a real privilege.

A dynamic city of contrasts, San José's unique neighborhoods are a delight to behold. Barrio Amón, with its old houses and neoclassical charm, evokes another era. Barrio Escalante, meanwhile, is a haven for gourmets, with its creative cafés and trendy restaurants.

Since the 1970s, the city has been in a constant state of transformation: economic growth, university expansion, urban sprawl... San José, now home to over 1.5 million inhabitants in its greater region, has become a cosmopolitan, effervescent metropolis.

Confusing at first glance, it soon reveals a warm, lively atmosphere full of surprises. With local markets, street art, museums and a vibrant cultural scene, Costa Rica's capital deserves more than just a visit.

On arrival, our driver will be waiting for you outside the airport to take you to your accommodation. There you'll meet a member of our team, ready to hand you your travel guide and a ready-to-use SIM card to keep you connected throughout your adventure.

On the northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero reveals a lush ecosystem nestled between jungle and lagoons. This region, accessible only by boat, transports travellers to a world where nature reigns supreme.

Nicknamed the "Little Amazon", this territory is home to an impressively rich tropical rainforest. From July to October, the beaches of Tortuguero become the scene of a fascinating natural event: the egg-laying of leatherback and carey turtles, which return to these shores every year to perpetuate their life cycle.

But Tortuguero is also an incredible wildlife reserve: howler monkeys, capuchins, spider monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, anteaters, not to mention caimans gliding silently through the canals.

Access is by road to a jetty, then across calm waters lined with dense vegetation. This off-the-beaten-track adventure promises a complete change of scenery, a real plunge into the wilds of Costa Rica.

Stroll through the village of Tortuguero and visit the Ranarium

Accessible only by boat, Tortuguero is a typical Afro-Caribbean village. Stroll through its colorful alleyways, amidst local artisans and tropical rhythms. Don't miss the Ranarium, a small area dedicated to Costa Rica's emblematic frogs, such as the famous red-eyed dendrobate.

Canal boat safari

Set off early in the morning for a guided tour of the park's canals, when the jungle awakens. Aboard a silent boat, keep an eye out for howler monkeys, toucanets, caimans, sloths and even a running basilisk. A peaceful and fascinating experience in the heart of the rainforest.

Entrance to Tortuguero National Park

Nicknamed the Little Amazon, this park is a sanctuary of biodiversity. It combines tropical rainforest, wild beaches and winding canals. Between July and October, sea turtles come here to lay their eggs, notably the leatherback turtle. The park is also home to jaguars, otters, capuchin monkeys, iguanas, tropical birds and, more rarely, manatees. An exceptional immersion in one of the country's richest ecosystems.

Leaving Tortuguero and collecting your rental car, you head for Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, a region with a strong identity and exceptional biodiversity. With its wild beaches, tropical forests and Afro-Caribbean culture, it's a complete change of scenery.

Over 80% of the territory here is protected, providing a natural setting for an abundance of wildlife: monkeys, sloths, iguanas, coatis, agoutis and many others. The atmosphere is both gentle and vibrant, driven by reggae music, spicy local cuisine and the tranquil rhythm of life by the sea.

The region can be explored on foot, on horseback, with fins and mask, or simply by strolling. Enjoy walks on the beach, snorkeling, visits to animal sanctuaries, or a break in a hammock under the coconut palms.

Cahuita National Park, with its seaside trail and protected coral reef, is a must-see. Further south, the Gandoca-Manzanillo refuge reveals a unique ecosystem of lagoons, mangroves and oyster beds. An immersion between land and ocean, where nature expresses itself to the full.

Guided walk in Cahuita National Park (3h)

Accompanied by an enthusiastic French-speaking guide, discover the emblematic fauna of the Caribbean coast. Keep an eye out for capuchin monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans and many other species lurking in the vegetation along the shady paths of Cahuita National Park. After your walk, treat yourself to a well-deserved break on the park's white sandy beaches - don't forget to pack a swimsuit!

NB: Entrance fee not included: voluntary contribution of approx. 5 USD per person, payable on site.

Visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center (1h30)

This wildlife rescue center is much more than just a refuge. The Jaguar Rescue Center, based in Puerto Viejo, takes in injured or orphaned animals (monkeys, felines, birds, reptiles...) to care for them, rehabilitate them and, if possible, release them back into their natural habitat. During the guided tour, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at this committed work, and get up close and personal with these animals in transition to freedom.

Take advantage of this day to discover Puerto Viejo at your own pace. With dream beaches like Playa Cocles and Punta Uva, a relaxed Afro-Caribbean atmosphere, local restaurants, craft markets and the possibility of renting a bike to ride along the coast, there's something for everyone.

For the more inquisitive, there are a number of activities on offer, including a visit to a wildlife protection center, a stroll through the Gandoca-Manzanillo reserve, a cooking class or a surfing session. A day of relaxation, freedom and discovery.

To the east of the town, immense banana and pineapple plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, testifying to the region's central agricultural role. Situated between the Caribbean coast and the Central Valley, Sarapiquí is a natural and authentic stopover, appreciated for its verdant landscapes and generous biodiversity.

Here, nature can be discovered in all its forms: on foot, on horseback or during a peaceful boat trip on the Sarapiquí River. It's an ideal place for observing tropical birds, amphibians and small mammals, in an unspoilt environment.

Program: Frog-watching tour - Duration: 1:30: With 180 species of amphibians, Costa Rica is one of the richest countries for amphibians: red-eyed frogs, Blue Jean, tree frogs and buffalo toads are easy to spot. Open your ears and enjoy nature's concert!

Nestled between the Arenal and Miravalles volcanoes, this region will appeal to wilderness enthusiasts and bird lovers alike. Activities such as hiking, horse-riding and tubing are readily available, while enjoying an ecologically rich environment.

The jewel in the crown is the Tenorio Volcano National Park, renowned for its spectacular Rio Celeste, a river with supernaturally blue waters. A hike through the forest takes you to its emblematic waterfall, a must-see in the north of the country.

Benefiting from a climate influenced by both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, this area offers ideal conditions for observing remarkable biodiversity: tapirs, pumas, sloths, coatis, anteaters, colorful frogs, butterflies and, of course, a multitude of bird species, making the region a birdwatcher's paradise.

Tubing on the Rio Celeste or Rio Frio - 1h45 + lunch

Comfortably installed in an inflatable buoy, let yourself be carried away by the crystal-clear waters of the Rio Celeste or Rio Frio. This fun activity alternates between small rapids and calm zones, perfect for observing the surrounding nature: monkeys, birds, iguanas and tropical vegetation. A refreshing experience for the whole family.

Lunch included after the activity.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Costa Rican cocoa with a tour offered directly by your accommodation (departures at 8am or 1:30pm). You'll discover the secrets of cocoa cultivation, from fruit to bar, with a demonstration and tasting at the end. A convivial, gourmet activity, ideal for curious young and old alike.

Guided hike in Tenorio National Park - 3h30 + lunch

Join an experienced French-speaking guide to discover Tenorio National Park, famous for its unique natural phenomenon: the Rio Celeste, whose turquoise waters are the result of the mineral mixture of two rivers. Along the trails, you'll be accompanied by tropical fauna: tapirs, monkeys, hummingbirds, toucans and perhaps even a discreet puma.

Lunch included after the tour.

Dominating a 14,000-hectare protected park, the Rincón de la Vieja volcano is a true concentrate of natural diversity. Here, landscapes change with altitude and slope: arid savannahs, tropical rainforests, hot springs, rivers and fumarole zones create a lively and spectacular backdrop.

The region is particularly renowned for its horse trails, considered to be among the finest in the country. At an altitude of 520 metres, panoramic views of the canopy and valleys are simply breathtaking.

Animal lovers will be delighted: howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capuchins and a multitude of tropical birds inhabit the trees. The site is also famous for its natural hot springs, soothing volcanic mud baths and numerous adventure activities in the surrounding rivers, including tubing, canyoning and hikes to refreshing waterfalls.

Canyon tour & Tyrolean traverse - 2 hours of adrenalin

Get ready for a thrilling experience! This adventure tour combines zip-line descent, rock wall climbing, suspension bridge crossings and spectacular canyon traverses. Clinging to nine cables above the river, you'll enjoy breathtaking views before ending the activity with a memorable Tarzan jump. All supervised by a professional team for a 100% safe, 100% fun adventure.

Night walk in the rainforest - 2h

As night falls, the forest takes on a whole new look. Accompanied by an experienced local guide, set off to discover nocturnal biodiversity in an unspoilt rainforest reserve. Armed with headlamps and patience, you may be lucky enough to spot frogs, insects, sloths, snakes or sleeping birds. A fascinating outing to listen, feel and rediscover the jungle in a different way.

On Guanacaste's north coast, Playa Grande has an unspoilt atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of its neighbors. Separated from Tamarindo by the Matapalo River, this vast beach of golden sand lies at the heart of the Marino Las Baulas National Park, a protected area of remarkable biodiversity.

Renowned for its consistent, powerful waves, Playa Grande is considered one of Costa Rica's best surf spots, attracting both experienced surf enthusiasts and the curious in search of a thrill.

But there's more to this coastline than just surfing. The park is home to over 170 species of birds, as well as a wide variety of terrestrial fauna: opossums, white-tailed deer, howler monkeys, coyotes, raccoons... And between October and February, leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs on the beach, in impressive silence. A destination where sport and nature meet in perfect harmony.

Catamaran cruise on the Pacific coast - 4h with lunch

Climb aboard a comfortable catamaran for a half-day at sea to discover Guanacaste's seascapes. Along the wild beaches and secluded coves, you may be lucky enough to spot playful dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and, in season, even whales.

A snorkeling break (equipment supplied) lets you explore the seabed and observe a multitude of tropical fish. All in a friendly atmosphere, with cool drinks, lunch included and breathtaking views of the Pacific.

Departure from Tamarindo marina.

Today, take time to enjoy Playa Grande at your own pace. This immense, unspoilt beach is as much an invitation to idleness as it is to exploration. Stretch out your towel on the warm sand, let yourself be lulled by the sound of the waves, or take a stroll along the coastline in search of seabirds and forgotten shells.

For surf enthusiasts, it's the perfect time to learn to surf or watch the pros tame the waves at this renowned spot. Those who prefer nature can explore the Marino Las Baulas National Park, where it's sometimes possible to spot howler monkeys, raccoons or sea turtles, depending on the season.

In the mood for a refreshing drink? Treat yourself to a tropical juice in one of the small beachside cafés, or plan a trip to the sea from Tamarindo, on the other side of the river. Whichever option you choose, this free day will offer you peace, beauty and relaxation.

Drive to San José airport: 04:50 - 250 km.

Return your vehicle to the rental company and transfer to the international terminal to catch your return flight.