A 10-day adventure in Costa Rica for seniors who are young at heart but prefer a slower style of travel. This carefully crafted itinerary is designed to cater to the unique preferences and needs of older explorers, ensuring a perfect blend of leisurely discovery and cultural immersion. Join us on this exceptional journey, where the natural wonders of Costa Rica unfold at a pace that invites relaxation, making every moment a cherished memory for our more distinguished travelers. Looking to spend more time discovering Costa Rica? Our Travel Specialists are on hand to customize this Costa Rica for Seniors itinerary to create your dream vacation.
Itinerary: Costa Rica for Seniors
Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica and stay one night in San José city
Meet your private transfer service, rental car, or Serendipity guide at the San José airport. Depending on arrival time you might be ready to immerse yourself in our culinary cuisine, lunch? We will head on over to your hotel so that you can check in and freshen up. Once you are ready we’ll take you on a walking tour of San José. A rather small capital city with many hidden secrets.
Day 2: Sarchí and Coffee
The Oxcart was instrumental in the development of Costa Rica’s economy, and the same factory that built the carts 100 years ago is still functioning in the same way as in its beginnings, without electricity to power the machinery. You will have a fascinating view into history, craftsmanship, and art as you move through the different stages of construction and finishing of Costa Rica’s most authentic National Symbol. Then, visit a local coffee plantation on the slopes of Poas Volcano to learn everything about the process behind making the perfect cup of joe.
Day 3: Cloud Forest Hike
Today, we’re headed towards the Arenal volcano area, but we’ll make an interesting stop en route. We’ve discovered a private nature reserve that protects 1000 acres of untouched cloud forest, a rare type of tropical forest known for its ultra-rich biological diversity. This family-operated preserve is strongly focused on conservation and education, and visitation is strictly limited to small groups (ideal!). Cooler weather and soft winds are typical of these bizarre forests, which exist only in the clouds in the mountains of Central and South America and Southeast Asia. After hiking the cloud forest we’ll continue down into the plains of San Carlos, where the landscape is dominated by the cone-shaped Arenal volcano.
Day 4: Hanging Bridges & Arenal Volcano
Head to the treetops to explore the rainforest canopy along a network of hanging bridges. Your guide will help you discover the flora and fauna found at this level. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys overhead! Then, we’ll visit the Arenal National Park. In 1992, the volcano ejected lava that burned through the virgin rainforest on its western flank. Since then a National Park has been established to protect the remaining rainforest and to control the curious visitors that come to see the volcano up close. We’ll walk along the trails that lead to the old lava blaze.
Day 5: Nature Float Safari
A unique moment to spot wildlife. On our stealth boats, made of inflatable kayaks tied together in pairs and equipped with a silent electrical motor, make it easier for us to approach creatures without disturbing them, you will be able to watch howler monkeys resting on the top of the trees, caimans getting their daily sunbath and aquatic birds galore.
Day 6: Tirimbina Nature Reserve
We’re headed toward the Caribbean coastline but, along the way, we’ll visit the region of Sarapiquí. A large network of rivers drain the abundant rainfall to the north and east, creating many habitats and micro-climates allowing for impressive biodiversity found in this area. This afternoon, you will be taken through the rainforest across the longest hanging bridge in the region to a traditional cacao plantation. You will have the opportunity to taste the cacao bean at its different stages in the process of making chocolate and also be involved with different preparations of it, so make sure your appetite is ready!
Day 7: La Selva Biological Station
La Selva Biological Station is the principal station for studies and education in Costa Rica, situated on 1,600 hectares of old-growth and new-growth tropical wet forest. A quick list of biodiversity is described at the Station: 2,080 varieties of plants, 420 species of trees, 467 species of birds, and approximately 700 species of ants. A resident Naturalist Guide will relay the importance of La Selva to Tropical Conservation and lead you on a walk through the rainforest, spotting wildlife and giving insight into their natural history in addition to plants, fungi, insects, and more. Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera, although your guide will have a spotting scope for your viewing and getting great photos.
Day 8: Travel to Tortuguero
We’ll continue your journey east to a beautiful location on the northern Caribbean Coast: Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero means “place of turtles”, referring to the many species of Sea Turtle that nest there making Tortuguero one of the most important nesting conservation areas for these endangered species. There are no roads to Tortuguero, but rather access is done by boat. The rivers and canals along the way travel first through farmlands with Riparian Forest along the banks, then amid lush Tropical Rainforest to the small town of Tortuguero. Should you visit between July and October, we’ll arrange for a night walk to witness the incredible sea turtle nesting that takes place here.
Day 9 – Canals and Caribbean Culture
Rise early to explore the network of canals that run through Tortuguero National Park and enjoy the lush biodiversity of flora and fauna in this ecosystem which is the most complex and dynamic of Tropical America. As well as being a wildlife haven, Tortuguero is home to a unique community that inhabitants of this beautiful Caribbean region. With your bilingual naturalist guide, you will spend time this afternoon chatting with the locals and learning about their way of life first-hand. The history of settlement on this Caribbean coastal outpost is a fascinating one: a blend of exotic cultures, untamed wilderness, and the struggle to make a living in such a place to begin with.
Day 10 – Return to San José
It is time to say goodbye! Thank you for joining us on this adventure in Costa Rica for seniors. Travel back to the Central Valley of Costa Rica for your departure flight. Don’t want your Costa Rican adventure to end? Talk to one of our Travel Specialists about adding some days to this itinerary. We recommend continuing along the coast to discover the stunning beaches of the South Caribbean before heading to Turrialba for a taste of authentic Costa Rican culture.
Pricing
Your final price depends on how many people will be in your group, your preferences for action, hotel choices, and what tourist season or holidays are involved. Please note that our itineraries do not include international airfare, travel insurance, lunch and dinner (unless stated as included), optional activities and tips, and additional services (e.g. laundry).
When you speak with one of our Travel Specialists, they will ask you what your individual or family budget is. This is so they can create a trip plan that fits your needs, while also respecting the budget available.
| Style of Travel | Price per Person, per Week |
|---|---|
| Fully Independent | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Mix of Independent & Guided | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Fully Guided Trip | $3,500 – $4,000+ |