Hidden Gems of Costa Rica Itinerary

printer-friendly version

Day 1
Arrive to Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose (Juan Santamaria International Airport). Once you collect your luggage and pass through customs inside the airport, a member of Sol Encounter, S.A. will meet you at the outer doors. From here you’re be given a mini-city tour to help you orient and exchange money before you’re dropped off at the hotel. The whole group will have a chance to meet and chat with the head guides at a welcome dinner planned for the first evening.

Day 2
Breakfast and Lunch included.This trip starts off with a real thrill as you experience one of the longest bungee jumps in the world. Haven’t you always wanted to throw yourself off a bridge 265 feet high in Central America and have a video to show your friends in family? Well now’s your chance. We’ll leave San Jose in the morning for a short drive out of town to Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) for the adrenaline thrill of a lifetime. There is no obligation to jump if you decide this is not for you. Afterwards, let Sol Encounter treat you to a typical Costa Rican lunch leaving the rest of the day open for you to explore the city.

Day 3
Breakfast included. Today we wake up early and head to Manuel Antonio for a couple of days at the beach and one of the best spots for catching a glimpse of wildlife. White-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, two-and three-toed sloths, countless iguanas and more abound in Manuel Antonio National Park. You’re thinking-- this place isn’t hidden, Manuel Antonio is one of the most traveled destinations in Costa Rica. And one of the most beautiful, you can’t miss this treasure. Let Sol Encounter treat you to our own special sunset viewing that evening.( That part is a secret!)

Day 4
Breakfast and Lunch included. You’ll find some of the best whitewater rivers in Costa Rica, and the lesser-traversed Rio Savegre is one of them. An exciting Class III+ river, you’ll get a chance to surge your way through big water, rainforest, and rural countryside only seen from the rapids of the river. This is a unique way to experience something that most visitors see from the inside of a bus. This evening we’ll return to catch another breath-taking sunset in Manuel Antonio.


Day 5
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included. Our private transfer will pick us up early in the morning to head to the south-central mountains outside of Dominical. Our next destination is situated in 200 acres of pristine cloud/rain forest with pasture lands, mountain ranges and river valleys. With 2 mountain ranges, 12 waterfalls, 4 swimming holes, over 15 miles of hiking this is truly a jungle adventure. We’ll hike up the mountain face and bunk down in a fully equipped cave behind a 90 foot waterfall with organic meals and a magical ambience.

Day 6
Breakfast and Lunch included. Wake up in a cave surrounded by waterfalls and rainforest this morning. If the views and serenity of this special place aren’t enough, Sol Encounter will take you rappelling down the faces of cliffs and through waterfalls today. After lunch, the group will hike back down the mountain and head to the beaches of Dominical.

Day 7
Breakfast included. Dominical is little known surfer town that’s gaining a reputation for great waves and a style all its own. With many expatriates here called by the consistent waves, the town has become an eclectic mix of cultures joined by a love of surfing. Sol Encounter will allow you hang ten here with surf lessons or take a jungle horseback tour to Nayaca Falls where a rural, tico family will prepare a home-cooked lunch for you. Enjoy yet another Pacific coast sunset.


Day 8
Breakfast and Dinner included. The morning is yours to practice your surfing skills on your own, sleep in, or relax on the beach one last time. After lunch our private transportation will bring us back to San Jose to prepare for departures the next day. One last group dinner will be provided to share stories and say goodbye.

Day 9
Sol Encounter will accompany you to the airport and assist with checking in. Don’t forget your $26 exit tax paid in cash-either dollars or colones.

Optional Activities- If you will be staying in Costa Rica longer, a Sol Encounter guide will be available for advice, trip planning and general information.


All dates and itineraries are subject to change based on safety conditions and local festivals/holidays to enhance your adventure and cultural experience.

All meals included in this itinerary are as mentioned. Please budget for 3 lunches and 5 dinners not included.