Community and Conservation in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainability, with some 98% of electricity generated from renewable sources, and around a third of its territory protected. This special itinerary allows you to discover the beauty and ‘pure life’ of Costa Rica – the lodges we have handpicked are world-class pioneers in ecotourism, both protecting the environment and supporting the local community.
Trip highlights
- Enjoy an in-depth tour and coffee cupping in the Coffee Valley
- Meet the son of a Shaman from the local Cabécar indigenous community
- Hike to three beautiful waterfalls in El Silencio
- Spend time bird watching in the rainforest and along the coast
- Experience river rafting en route to a remote jungle lodge
- Discover rural towns in the Costa Rican cloud forests
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–3
Two nights in the Coffee Valley
Just north of San Jose, Costa Rica’s fertile Central Valley is ringed by volcanoes and possesses perfect conditions for growing and producing some of the world’s best coffee.
You will stroll Finca Rosa Blanca’s organic sustainable coffee plantation and learn the process of cultivation and harvest, ending with roasting your own coffee and taking part in a ‘coffee cupping’ (catación) session, before sitting on the expansive deck sipping your cappuccino and enjoying the views of the volcanoes above and coffee fields below.
Sibú Chocolate Tour and Tasting
Embark on a private tour and tasting at Sibú Chocolate for a fascinating journey through the history of cacao, from its origins as a sacred food of the gods to its use as a regional currency up to the 19th Century. Taste gourmet truffles, caramel and pure dark chocolate and learn about how cacao is grown, the Indigenous cosmology surrounding it, and the social and environmental importance of the cacao crop to Costa Rica and the region.
Days 3–6
Three nights at Pacuare Jungle Lodge
Enjoy an adventurous white water rafting transfer through the churning rapids and scenic canyons of the Pacuare Reserve to the remote Pacuare Lodge, where you will spend three days exploring some of Costa Rica’s most biologically diverse tropical rainforests. The area around the lodge is home to an extraordinary number of exotic bird species that include the Sun Bittern, Red-throated Ant-Tanager, Black-cheeked Woodpecker and a variety of colourful toucans.
Make it mine
Indigenous experience
in the treetops
canyoning
Meet the Cabécar
The Cabécar are Costa Rica’s largest Indigenous group. They traditionally live in small family groups scattered across the jungle, which has helped them to maintain their way of life. Take a short hike through the forest to a meet the son of a local shaman who will introduce to his culture and customs and show you around a traditional settlement.
A Pacuare canopy experience
Strap into a harness and experience dramatic tree top views, rappelling down towering trunks and sliding along cables from tree to tree as you descend the jungle cloaked mountain back towards Pacuare Lodge.
Explore El Tesorito Creek Canyon
Experience the adventure sport of canyoning, or canyoneering, which combines hiking, climbing and rappelling. The adventure includes a hike through the rainforest and exploration of El Tesorito Creek Canyon, where you’ll make several short rappels perfect for learning the technique before an exhilarating rappel down a 30-meter (90-foot) rock wall.
Rafting transfer from Pacuare Lodge
After breakfast on your final morning you will raft out from the lodge on a two hour journey to meet your onward transfer.
Days 6–8
Two nights in the Cloud Forests
Time to enjoy the natural evergreen environment of the exquisite and captivatingly biodiverse Cloud Forests in Costa Rica’s central highlands. Typified by elevated and tropical evergreen forest land with 100 per cent humidity the area is almost always shrouded in clouds and mist. Explore nature trails, enjoy horse riding and yoga, or take a guided hike to three nearby waterfalls: El Silencio (Silence), El misterio (Mistery) and La Promesa (the Promise),
Explore Los Bajos de Toro Amarillo
Experience Costa Rican rural community at Los Bajos del Toro Amarillo, your hotel’s hometown. Stops include the local school, church, soccer field and Doña Olga’s Pulpería, where you can palm fresh tortillas and buy some delicious local pastries.
After you stay at El Silencio you’ll fly from San Hose to Puerto Jimenez airport.
Days 8–11
Three nights of luxury in Corcovado National Park
You’ll spend your final three days in Corcovado National Park at multi-award-winning eco-lodge Lapa Rios, a model for sustainable luxury. Here, overlooking the Pacific, you will head out on forest hikes, on birding tours or go sea and mangrove kayaking, horseback riding or surfing. Your time here contributes to the protection of an area of incredible biodiversity.
We just went on our second trip with Jacada, & it will not be our last! Most recently we traveled to Costa Rica - Delfina & Carlos were incredible partners for us! They created such a personalized vacation with incredible stays, seamless transfers & private tours that allowed us to ask tons of questions & really learn about our destination.…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
