Costa Rica: Away from the Crowds

This off-the-beaten-path journey is designed for the traveler who wants to swap souvenir shops for secret waterfalls and crowded beaches for cloud forest silence. From the primary rainforests of the north to the glacial rivers of the highlands, this is Costa Rica’s best-kept secret.

Nature’s Northern Edge: Explore the bird-rich wetlands of Caño Negro and the remote, river-access-only jungle of Boca Tapada.

The Waterfall Valley: Stay in the mist-covered village of Bajos del Toro, home to the country’s most dramatic turquoise falls.

The Wild South: Discover the "Whale Tail" of Uvita and the high-altitude forests of San Gerardo de Dota, the best place in the world to spot the elusive Resplendent Quetzal.

Includes:

• Return flights from London to San José.

• 4x4 Vehicle Hire with full insurance.

• Boutique, eco-conscious lodge stays.

Days 1–3: Sarapiquí & Boca Tapada

Drive time from San José: 2.5 – 3 hours Leave the city behind for the lowlands of Sarapiquí. After a night near the river, head further north to Boca Tapada, a remote outpost near the Nicaraguan border.

• The Setting: Stay in a lodge accessible only by boat, surrounded by 60 hectares of private rainforest.

• Wildlife: This is one of the last nesting grounds for the Great Green Macaw. Keep your binoculars ready for toucans and sloths right from your balcony.

• Experience: Take a guided night hike to see the jungle come alive with red-eyed tree frogs and nocturnal mammals.

Days 4–5: Caño Negro Wetlands

Drive time from Boca Tapada: 2 hours Drive toward the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a RAMSAR site of worldwide importance.

• The Experience: Swap the car for a boat. A private river safari along the Río Frío is the best way to see caimans, monkeys, and the prehistoric-looking Gaspar fish.

• Birding: In the dry season, thousands of migratory birds gather here, creating a spectacle of color and sound.

Days 6–8: Bajos del Toro Waterfall Valley

Drive time from Caño Negro: 3.5 hours Climb into the highlands to the hidden valley of Bajos del Toro.

• The Icon: Visit Catarata del Toro, a 90-meter waterfall that plunges into an extinct volcanic crater.

• Hidden Gem: Hike to the Blue Falls (Las Gemelas), two side-by-side waterfalls with surreal, bright turquoise water.

• The Vibe: At night, the temperature drops, making it the perfect place to sit by a fire in a mist-covered cloud forest lodge.

The "bespoke" advantage

• Self-Drive: A 4x4 is essential for this route to navigate the scenic gravel roads and steep climbs safely.

• Private Driver: Our top recommendation. Enjoy the flexibility of a private vehicle with the added benefit of "local knowledge," turning every transfer into an insightful guided tour of Costa Rica’s hidden corners.