Costa Rica’s Road Less Traveled: Touring the Pacific Coast Route

Keel-billed toucan in Costa Rica

What to expect on this itinerary

An unusual path offers variety and uniqueness during your Costa Rica vacation, allowing you a personalized experience away from the familiarity of the beaten path. Follow the coastal road less traveled along the Pacific and see the splendors of the secluded and hidden beaches, national parks, and volcanic landscapes often overlooked by travelers. Lounge in natural thermal springs hidden under the jungle canopy and search for migrating whales and passing dolphins on a catamaran cruise. Find active wildlife abounding as you journey in eco-friendly luxury on a Costa Rica vacation perfect for those wishing to blend exploration, relaxation, adventure, and discovery. As you dream of your perfect time spent vacationing in Costa Rica, consider browsing some of our other itineraries as you refine your trip.

Countries Visited

Costa Rica

Places Visited

Heredia, San Jose, Rio Perdido, Manuel Antonio, Playa Uvita

Suggested Duration

8 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Heredia – Arrival in Costa Rica

The bustling streets of San Jose set the stage of Costa Rica’s blend of exciting tropical destinations and hidden treasures found across the mountains and along the shores. The Gold Museum represents the grandeur of pre-Columbian design with displays of golden idols, jewelry, and coins while the mansions in Barrio Amón depict the prestige of 19th and 20th-century plantation owners around the first coffee boom. Your private transfer greets you upon arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport as the movement of the city pulses around the historical city center and along the neoclassical architecture of National Theater and the aisles of the 19th-century Central Market.

You venture outside of the city and into a township edging the ridges of the Central Valley. Heredia was once home to the coffee growing aristocracy and continues to offer vast landscapes on which locals and corporations tend to their thriving crop. Spanish colonial architecture punctuates the historical grounds providing a unique ambiance far removed from San Jose, though less than seven miles away. Students from the Universidad Nacional linger in the cafes sipping coffee, and discussing pop culture or philosophies learned during class as mango trees shade the walkways along Central Park and frame the 18th-century façade of the nearby Basilica. You will soon reach the comforts of Cariari Bed & Breakfast where you will stay in their royal suite. The reception at this full service hotel warmly greets you with a welcome drink. The friendly staff escort to your room where you can relax and take in your first impressions of beautiful Costa Rica.

What's Included:

Accommodation
Transfer
Day 2

Playa Uvita – Enjoy a 4x4 Excursion to the Costa Ballena and Playa Uvita

Day 3

Playa Uvita – Explore Playa Uvita with your Choice of Fascinating Excursion

Day 4

Manuel Antonio – Transfer to the Central Pacific Coast at Manuel Antonio

Day 5

Rio Perdido – Venture to Guanacaste to Delight in Thermal Mineral Pools

Day 6

Rio Perdido – Relish a Private Hike in the Rainforest for Active Wildlife

Day 7

Rio Perdido – Revel in Luxury or Adventure with a Day at your Leisure

Day 8

Rio Perdido – Depart for Home

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy the unique experience of drifting down a canyon river on an inner tube for a more thrilling pace beneath the rainforest canopy
  • Delight in the flavors of Costa Rican coffee with a private coffee tour along the grounds of a private plantation
  • Glide through the rainforest canopy on a zip line excursion crossing the canopy of Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Relax in the natural thermal pools heated by the volcanic activity of the Guanacaste region, hidden at the base of the gorge
  • Explore the gorgeous waters of the Pacific Ocean while in Marino Ballena National Park in search of dolphins and whales while on a private catamaran
  • Relish the chance to follow the trails in Corcovado National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park and around the Guanacaste volcanic region with naturalist guides
  • Delight in a rappelling expedition taking you down alongside a rushing waterfall at more than 160 feet tall
  • Luxuriate in gorgeous lodges that offer eco-friendly comfort on opulent grounds situated off Costa Rica’s beaten path

Detailed Description

Costa Rica is a place in which you could happily spend the rest of your life in an attempt to discover the hidden treasures found in the distant nooks and crannies that stretch from north to south, east to west. Your 9-day Costa Rica vacation immerses you in the beginnings of your lifelong connection with the scenery, wildlife, and people who will captivate you with their lifestyle dedicated to Pura Vida. The world moves at a slower pace, and you will have a chance to indulge in the wealth of flavor found in luxurious accommodations, delicious cuisine, and exciting activities.

The journey begins with your arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport. Your private transfer greets you at the hotel and escorts you to Cariari Bed & Breakfast in the town of Heredia. Explore the historical colonial buildings or relax in the comforts of your lodge at your preferred pace. Take your time wandering through the coffee plantation on a guided tour to learn about the history of cultivation and the quality of the organic beans produced on the property before traveling to your magnificent resort near Playa Uvita.

Delight in the many excursions you can choose to enjoy as you indulge in the grand opulence bordered by golden beaches and emerald rainforest. Trek the trails of Corcovado National Park. Travel the landscape on horseback or venture to view waterfalls and rushing rivers with a rafting expedition. While at your resort in Manuel Antonio National Park you can enjoy the remarkable biodiversity of Costa Rica’s smallest protected landscape. Bask on the soft sands and warm Pacific waters, search for butterflies and scarlet macaws while zip lining or rappel within the forest canopy.

Board your private catamaran and set sail on the ocean in search of migrating whales between November and April, or super dolphin pods enjoying the wake. The splendors of Guanacaste emerge from the rolling volcanic peaks and encompassing dwarf forest and meeting point of two separate gorges. While enjoying the pleasures of your luxury resort, you can also take part in the marvelous adventures offered around the stunning landscape, including hiking to the natural thermal baths, trekking to magnificent lookouts, and riding an inner tube down the river’s whitewater framed by the canyon walls.  Learn from our other travelers by reading Costa Rica vacation reviews and have further inspiration for your own adventure.

Starting Price

$2,400 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 895 reviews

Allison A.
Costa Rica Trip Review: 8 Nights

We used a Zicasso travel expert to plan our trip. The trip was absolutely fabulous and the service was very easy to use. We would definitely use them again.

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Tara I.
Costa Rica Trip Review: Isla Chiquita, 1 Week

Zicasso's travel company was very attentive and followed up with us throughout the trip to make sure we were doing well. We had an awesome time and would recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Costa Rica

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Lolli H.
Costa Rica Travel Review: Catamaran Trip, Ziplining, National Park, 8 Nights

Everything was arranged thoughtfully, with time for "adventures" and downtime at terrific resorts to relax. All pick-ups, travel by limo, and drop-offs went as arranged. The drivers, guides, and hotel staff were all very pleasant and kind. Zicasso's tour operator did a great job planning our eight-day, family-of-10 trip to Costa Rica! We appreciated that most tours, hikes, and ocean experiences were small groups of just our group of 10. This made it a personal and annoyance-free experience all around. Thanks!

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David M.
Costa Rica Vacation Review: Family Time, 8 Nights

The Zicasso tour company was very accommodating. They put together a great itinerary and when we wanted to add something, it was no problem.

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JESSICA V.
Costa Rica Trip Review: Private Driver, Culture, 9 Nights

We had an unbelievably great trip! Everything went smoothly, was already lined up by Zicasso's tour company, and communication was excellent. The private drivers between locations were excellent and very informative. We could not have asked for a better experience!

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Tim K.
Costa Rica Tour Review: Ziplining, Wildlife, 1 Week

We loved our trip. Zicasso's travel specialist did an awesome job of listening to what we wanted ahead of time and tailoring the itinerary to that.

We had one very minor issue where a tour was running late to pick us up and we were able to get in touch with him easily to make sure we were still on track, which he confirmed as they arrived. We'll reach out to them for sure when it's time to go back.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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