Trek Hidden Costa Rica image
Save 25% off, auto-applied, ends 2026-06-19
Operated by G Adventures

Trek Hidden Costa Rica

From
CAD 1,897
Duration
12 days
Countries
Costa Rica
Activity
active

The adventure

Think you know Costa Rica? Trade in the same old settings for the real deal. Trek into the heart of the jungle to live with three families in a remote village. Discover the emerald core of a diverse land amid the beauty of the jungle. Learn about the medicinal plants native to these parts and how to make sugarcane candy. This is a spectacular country with opportunities for hiking, surfing, and whitewater rafting. This is what adventure is all about.

At a glance

Duration
12 days
Route
San José → San José
Countries
Costa Rica
Activity level
active
Style
Active & Multi-Sport, Beach & Islands, Local Living & Homestays, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Trek Hidden Costa Rica image

Day by day

Scenic view of the verdant hills and lush forests of Monte Verde, Costa Rica.
Your journey through

Costa Rica

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere 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.
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.
Day 2Travel by local bus over the highest mountain…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.
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.
Day 3Embark on a three-dayThe 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.
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.
Day 4Experience life in a remote community…Wake up with the sun today and get ready for loads of activities. Enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican breakfast to start the day off right. In small groups, make 'dulce' (candy) at the family's traditional 'trapiche' (sugar cane mill). Cool off in the river that flows right by the house while the sugar simmers over the fire and lunch is being prepared. Hike one hour to another household and stay the night. While there, local guides and members of the family will explain how to make fresh cheese and breads, play card games and enjoy tasty traditional Tico cooking. Once the evening winds down, head to bed for a well-deserved rest.
Wake up with the sun today and get ready for loads of activities. Enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican breakfast to start the day off right. In small groups, make 'dulce' (candy) at the family's traditional 'trapiche' (sugar cane mill). Cool off in the river that flows right by the house while the sugar simmers over the fire and lunch is being prepared. Hike one hour to another household and stay the night. While there, local guides and members of the family will explain how to make fresh cheese and breads, play card games and enjoy tasty traditional Tico cooking. Once the evening winds down, head to bed for a well-deserved rest.
Day 5Travel across the Savegre River to the next…Start the day with a delicious home-cooked breakfast and fortify for the two-hour hike through the rainforest to tonight's home stay retreat. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the rushing waterfall directly in front of the dining area. Watch wildlife and hummingbirds up close. Reward yourself homemade chocolate made from cocoa beans collected right from the garden.
Start the day with a delicious home-cooked breakfast and fortify for the two-hour hike through the rainforest to tonight's home stay retreat. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the rushing waterfall directly in front of the dining area. Watch wildlife and hummingbirds up close. Reward yourself homemade chocolate made from cocoa beans collected right from the garden.
Day 6Walk through the jungle from the homestay…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 Esquipulas. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at camp before an included dinner.
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 Esquipulas. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at camp before an included dinner.
Day 7Enjoy a day trip to explore beautiful Manuel…
Enjoy a day trip to explore beautiful Manuel Antonio Park. In the afternoon the group will transfer back to Esquipulas for a relaxing evening and included dinner.
Day 8Enjoy a free day in the area…A free day for exploring the area, there are a number of activities to choose from depending on the group’s interest and energy levels.
A free day for exploring the area, there are a number of activities to choose from depending on the group’s interest and energy levels.
Day 9Enjoy a morning at your leisure before travelling…After a slow morning, 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.
After a slow morning, 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.
Day 10Spend the morning swimmingThis is a perfect day for some quality hammock time. Still need to move? There's lots to do. Take a surf lesson, horseback ride, snorkel, SCUBA dive or take a trip to nearby Caño Island.
This is a perfect day for some quality hammock time. Still need to move? There's lots to do. Take a surf lesson, horseback ride, snorkel, SCUBA dive or take a trip to nearby Caño Island.
Day 11Transfer back to the capital for a final evening with the group
Transfer back to the capital for a final evening with the group.
Day 12Departure dayDepartureDepart from San José at any time.
Depart from San José at any time.

Discover Costa Rica

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

A serene waterfall cascades through dense forest greenery in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
A stunning landscape of Arenal Volcano with clouds and a serene lake view, capturing nature's beauty.
A breathtaking aerial view of the coastline at Puntarenas, Costa Rica, showcasing pristine beaches and lush greenery.
Breathtaking view of a lush green landscape with a majestic volcanic mountain under a cloudy sky.
A bird soars over lush hills and forests in San Ramón, Costa Rica.

Upcoming departures

Last Minute 25% off CRAC260711 · ends 2026-06-19 · auto-applied
DatesPrice / personAvailability
20 Jun 20261 Jul 2026CAD 2,399unknownBook my trip
Operated by G Adventures

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

Book my trip →

More Central America adventures

Epic Central America: Seven Countries & the Softest Sand Ever image
G Adventures
Save 15%

Epic Central America: Seven Countries & the Softest Sand Ever

Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador · 45 days · Easy

fromCAD 3,814
Next: 28 Jun
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Intrepid Travel
Deal

Epic Central America

Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua · 45 days · Easy4.0(2)

fromCAD 4,643
Next: 01 Jul
Central American Journey with Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel
Deal

Central American Adventure

Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua · 34 days · Easy4.9(25)

fromCAD 6,651
Next: 01 Jul