Trek Hidden Costa Rica

There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. As it is located in the central highlands, San José enjoys a moderate climate.

Amid the hustle and bustle, San José has beautiful parks, museums and the ornate Costa Rica National Theatre downtown. Enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains from the downtown streets.

The central plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.

Spend the day visiting some shops and stock up before the next day's trek into the jungle. Located near three rivers and Costa Rica's highest mountain, Mt Chirripó, this region is well-known but few travelers stay to find out why.

The journey is always half the fun! Travel in the back of a pickup truck through lush green landscapes and end in the small town of Brujo. Enjoy a 4-hour hike to a jungle homestay while spotting tropical fauna and plenty of wildlife along the way.

Wake up with the sun today and get ready for loads of activities. In small groups, make 'dulce' (candy) at the family's traditional 'trapiche' (sugar cane mill).

Hike one hour to the Granados household and stay the night. While there, local guides and members of the family will explain how to make fresh cheese and breads.

Cool off in the river that flows right by the house with a late-day dip, enjoy tasty traditional Tico cooking, and head to bed for a well-deserved rest.

Start the day with a delicious home-cooked breakfast and fortify for the two-hour hike through the rainforest to Los Fonseca’s retreat.

Cross over the Savegre River to the house by cable car. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the rushing waterfall directly in front of the dining area. Watch wildlife and hummingbirds up close.

End the day with a traditional ‘Temascal’ sweat sauna and reflect on the day’s events. Reward yourself homemade chocolate made from cocoa beans collected right from the garden.

Today is a full, action-packed day. Set your alarm for an early morning start and a two-hour hike back to Brujo where we jump into rafts and head off on the Savegre River.

Paddle toward the Pacific coast, then take a van to Dominical. Spend the rest of the day at the local bungalows, in the swimming pool or walking along the beach.

Time to put the boots back on and hike to Catedral de Piedra ('Cathedral of Stone').

A free day for exploring the area, the local guides will plan a number of activities depending on the group’s interest and energy levels.

Options include a number of hikes to the surrounding falls, waterfall rappelling, cliff jumping and swimming in the natural pools.

Wake up early and set off on foot back to Las Tumbas. At the trail's end, hop in a private van and enjoy the ride to Uvita, a small beach town on the southwestern Pacific coast.

Take some much deserved time to rest and relax.

This is a perfect day for some quality hammock time. Still need to move? There's lots to do. Take a surf lesson, visit the Ballena Marine National Park (December to April is prime-time to see humpback whales), horseback ride, snorkel, SCUBA dive or take a trip to nearby Caño Island.

Depart from San José at any time.