Home > EcoVacations > Roots & Culture Tour   Experience a true eco-journey on our Roots and Culture Tour. Travel along the Caribbean coast and immerse yourself in the pristine beaches and lush tropical rainforests. This relatively undiscovered region offers a natural simplicity. This experience exposes the traveler to the secrets and intricacies of the rainforest, the rich lives and traditions of the people who live in it, a plethora of wildlife, and the magic of the Southern Caribbean coast. In addition, enjoy the thrills of rafting on the Pacuare River and observing the active Arenal Volcano. Itinerary Day 1 An early flight gets you into Costa Rica by mid-day with time to head directly to the beautiful Caribbean coast. The drive takes you immediately into Braulio Carillo National Park, Costa Rica's largest. Enjoy your first exposure to the rainforest as you drive between the giant elephant ear plants and the waterfalls along the roadside. Then, pass through vast acres of banana plantations before you reach the port city of Limon. Once you meet the Caribbean Sea, you will head directly south to the town of Puerto Viejo- your base for the next several days. Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Day 2 Learn about the culture and customs of the Bribri People, the indigenous inhabitants of this region, while hiking through the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve with a native guide. After this exhilarating hike through secondary rainforest, arrive at the village community center and see how the Bribris make everything from crafts to chocolate. A native three-course lunch is served in typical Bribri style with most ingredients coming right from the rainforest. The afternoon is spent exploring the town of Puerto Viejo or relaxing on the beach. You may choose to visit Punta Uva, one of Costa Rica's most breathtaking beaches where the rainforest practically pours into the sea. Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca   Roots & Culture Tour: Privately guided tour prices     Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Back to Top

Day 3 Begin the day by hiking along the coast through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge where you can see monkeys, parrots, sloth and toucans. Traveling on the beach path and up into the jungle, observe an abundance of both tropical flora and fauna. If you like, visit our organic farm & sustainable education center. Tour the extensive organic gardens with a member of the gardening team to learn about and taste some of the 180 different fruits and vegetables being grown here. Savor a meal created from the gardens' harvest. Hang out on the beach or the hammocks at this picturesque and remote slice of paradise. There is an option to spend the night here in tents or in the bunkhouse (prior arrangements required). Return to the town of Manzanillo by boat and search for some of the three species of dolphins that live off shore. Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca   Day 4 As you leave the Caribbean region, stop at Cahuita National Park for a final experience in a coastal wet tropical rainforest. Walk through the easy trails along the shore looking for sloth and monkeys in their natural habitat. Optional: Travel by boat to snorkel at beautiful offshore reefs within the park, which allows you to view not only the beauty of this underwater ecosystem but also the effect that the banana plantation runoff is having on the coral reefs.* After a native Caribbean lunch at Cahuita's famous Miss Edith's, leave the coast for the town of Turrialba. This drive into the mountains offers fabulous views and panoramas. Stop at a local serpentarium, run by Minor Camacho, one of the country's foremost herpetologists. View some of Costa Rica's many reptile species and witness Minor 'milk' the venom from the deadly fer-de-lance. Overnight: Turrialba   Manzanillo Beach Back to Top   * Snorkeling recommended January-April and August-September. Snorkeling in this part of the world is highly dependent on rainfall and other weather patterns for good visibility and proper snorkeling conditions. Day 5 In the morning, head to the banks of the Pacuare River for an unforgettable day of white water rafting. This most scenic river slices through virgin rainforest and plunges through mountain gorges which drop the most beautiful waterfalls alongside your raft. Stop on the riverside for an excellent picnic lunch. After you take out and dry off, spend the evening in a jungle lodge surrounded by the sounds of the forest. Overnight: Chilamate de Sarapiqui   Day 6 Explore the Sarapiqui River on a relaxing boat ride where you have the opportunity to see monkeys, caimans, river otters, and many different species of birds. The bio-diversity is unbelievable! Then, make your way to the mighty slopes of the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's most active volcano. In the afternoon and evening relax in the magical Tabacon Hot Springs and witness lava exploding out of the volcano against the backdrop of night. A rare sight to behold! Overnight: La Fortuna   Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve Back to Top   Day 7 Hike to the La Fortuna waterfall, which pours out of the rainforest and into beautiful pools that make for a perfect swim. Savor the rainforest for one final time before heading back to the capital city. Back in San Jose, check out the National Museum, which houses artifacts dating back to 12,000 B.C. or, visit the outdoor flea market where you can purchase mementos of your Costa Rican Adventure. Enjoy a final dinner before your return flight home the following day. Overnight: San Jose   Day 8 Board the plane filled with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime! Contact Us today to sign up for this tour or send us your Registration Form and deposit to hold your space. Other Roots & Culture Tour Options Privately guided tour prices for this itinerary Other Established Tours Pacifica Tour Osa Adventure Tour Tabacon Hot Spring, Arenal Back to Top