A Taste of Coffee and Cacao Flavours of Costa Rica
Explore 9 days of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, filled with agricultural richness and cultural heritage. As, we take you through a world of coffee production and sustainable farm-to-table dining made with warmth and hospitality, thrilling rafting adventures, and the tranquil ambiance of Puerto Viejo with its Caribbean atmosphere and engage with the Bribri Indigenous Community and traditions in Yorkin, leaving you with an unforgettable experience.
Costa Rica
Price starts at 500.00 Land per person, per day, double occupancy.
9
Day 1: Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica / Escazu
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Upon arrival at the San Jose International Airport, proceed through Customs and Immigration; once cleared, collect your luggage and make your way to the arrival hall, where you are met by a Big Five Representative who will be waiting for you with a sign indicating your last name. You will be welcomed, assisted, and privately transferred to your hotel. Located in Escazu, on the west side of San Jose. (40 a minute drive).
Located in Escazu, A hidden gem, this quaint boutique cozy property, Casa 41, accommodates a garden and a shared-style lounge, which makes you feel at home. Stroll through their lush gardens with stunning views or relax on the terrace. Here, you will experience their warm hospitality, gourmet delicacies restaurant, an in-house bar, and, for those who prefer to stay in, room service to make you feel extra special.
Casa 41 – King Deluxe Room
Day 2: San Jose / Turrialba
San Jose Visit
This morning, you will meet your guide and driver, who will take you to your next destination, Turrialba. But first, let’s make a stop in route and let us show you the capital city of San Jose like a friend would, Exploring the local aesthetics of the constantly changing “chepe” city, from public libraries that were torn down and became corky parking lots, to hidden pieces of the Berlin Wall as well as nice cafeterias nestled in the old buildings.
After the lovely experience in San Jose, you continue to the enchanting little town of Turrialba, well known for its farming, adventure, and volcano. It is made up of vibrant green pastures and incredible natural scenery. Agriculture is the principal industry here and the only place allowed to produce the popular Costa Rican cheese “Turrialba”, which has a designation of origin. Here, you will see an abundance of cattle ranches, milk processing plants, and acres of land for growing Arabica coffee, sugar cane, and deliciously large macadamia nuts.
You will stay at Hacienda La Esperanza, a century-old Hacienda at the center of the largest coffee farm in Costa Rica, Aquiares Estate. Aquiares is one of Costa Rica’s most historic coffee farms and sits high on the slopes of the Turrialba Volcano, nestled between the Aquiares and Turrialba Rivers. ‘Aquiares’ means ‘land between rivers’ in the indigenous Hueter language. In 1890 founded by farmers looking to take advantage of Costa Rica’s new railroad to the port of Limón. The farm built its own mill, focusing on the washed coffee processes indicative of Costa Rican coffee. Soon, the quality of Aquiares’ coffee won its loyal clients in Europe, the United States, and Japan. The farm and the community are mutually connected. The farm provides services, land, security, and honest jobs. In return, the coffee farm has benefited from a well-educated community. It relies on highly skilled professionals from its community to continue functioning.
Hacienda La Esperanza – Suite Room (B)
Day 3: Turrialba
Coffee Experience
An exploration of the coffee-making process from seed to cup, get to know and understand the local community and learn about coffee agronomy and its importance to Costa Rica. Afterward, discover coffee roasting and cupping, tasting the finished product, and lastly, ending with a lovely lunch at the beautiful Hacienda La Esperanza. For a unique experience, combining the coffee tour with a horseback ride through the coffee farm is always a great option.
Hacienda La Esperanza – Suite Room (B/L)
Day 4: Turrialba
Santa Cruz of Turrialba with your Host Maria
Alongside your host Maria, you will learn about Santa Cruz of Turrialba a journey that showcases the beauty and simplicity of sustainable living. Blanco y Negro farm-to-table experience is an immersive exploration of the practices and principles that underpin the spirit of the farm and the production of their crops. Here, you will discover the magic of this beautiful farm surrounded by the majestic Turrialba mountains, blessed with a cool and comfortable climate throughout the year.
Stroll around the property, we invite you to involve all your senses. Touching, smelling, and select tasting some of the products, all under the guidance of your passionate hostess. To top it off, indulge in a farm-to-table meal showcasing the finest harvest produce for the perfect conclusion. Indulge in a culinary masterpiece crafted by the Blanco y Negro team, renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to allowing the pure essence of natural flavors to shine through in every dish.
An Anticipated cuisine that is both refined and delectable, offering a delightful culinary experience!
Hacienda La Esperanza – Suite Room (B/L)
Day 5: Turrialba
Rafting Day Tour
Get ready for a day filled with excitement and safety for all, featuring Class II and III rapids on the Pejibaye River and the Finca La Cruz section of the Pacuare River. These rapids are ideal for travelers who want to experience a safe and adventurous rafting activity while being encouraged by your guide to jump out of the raft into the calmer waters and enjoy a little swim and scenery between some of the rapids sections while under the supervision of your guide.
Hacienda La Esperanza – Suite Room (B/Picnic)
Day 6: Turrialba / Puerto Viejo
Start your day with a private transfer to Puerto Viejo this morning.
The southern Caribbean gives sense to the word “crossroads” as it is, a place where everything and everyone meets to create a culturally rich, complex, and unbelievably relaxed way of life. This region has amazing Caribbean beaches, world cuisine, and out-of-this-world gourmet chocolate. It is where the lush tropical jungle meets the sand, and the Afro-Caribbean people have paired with local Indigenous communities and European immigrants to create a wonderfully cosmopolitan Caribbean town where one can experience a deep respect for nature, peace, and calmness.
Dwell at Awá Beach Hotel, located on the beautiful Caribbean coast in Punta Uva is the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing and luxurious getaway in a tropical setting nestled between the jungle and the Ocean, right next to the beach. **As it’s situated on the beachfront, this adults-only hotel does not feature a pool.
Awá Beach Hotel – Ocean view room (B)
Day 7: Puerto Viejo
Old Harbour Walking Afternoon Tour
Make the most of your morning, indulging in the beaches and surroundings at your leisure. Later, join your local guide for an afternoon stroll through the Old Harbour, sampling delightful Caribbean delicacies and pausing at lookout points, where you might spot sloths along the route.
Awá Beach Hotel – Ocean view room (B)
Day 8: Puerto Viejo / Yorkin
Bribri Indigenous Interaction
The day’s excursion leads to the Bribri Indigenous Community of Yorkín. Your private guide/driver will escort you to Bambú, where your boat driver and indigenous local guide will be ready to accompany you. Climb into a canoe and embark on a journey up the Yorkin River, which marks the geographical border between Costa Rica and Panama.
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a warm welcome to the community, where you can leisurely stroll through and explore organic banana, cacao, and other plantations. Delve into the rich cacao traditions and learn why this product holds such significance in Bribri culture. Indulge in a traditional indigenous lunch, followed by a fascinating demonstration of chocolate production. From toasting the cacao beans to grinding them into a delectable chocolate sauce, witness every step of the process firsthand.
Later, return to your hotel via canoe for a memorable conclusion to your day.
Awá Beach Hotel – Ocean View Room (B/L)
Day 9: Puerto Viejo / San Jose / Depart
Following breakfast, bid farewell to the Southern Caribbean as you are chauffeured to Limon’s airstrip at a scheduled time for your return flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, our team will greet you, accompany you to the main terminal, and assist with your check-in for your departing international flight. (B)
Starting Per Diem: USD 500.00 Per Day per person sharing a double occupancy
Please call for rates.