Highlights
Trek into a remote community to live with the locals.
Explore the Costa Rican jungle.
Make your own sugarcane candy.
Whitewater raft on the Savegre River
Itinerary
Think Costa Rica is all about beaches and resorts? Think again. The "Trek Hidden Costa Rica" tour is your ticket to authentic adventure, plunging young adults and intrepid travelers into the emerald heart of this wild country over 12 unforgettable days. This challenging itinerary is designed for those seeking more than just a holiday—it’s for explorers hungry for real connection, adrenaline, and discovery.
Venture on foot through dense jungles, where you’ll stay with local families in a remote village, learning their traditions and savoring home-cooked meals. Sleep behind a thundering waterfall in a secret cave, and let the sounds of nature lull you to sleep. Your trek will introduce you to medicinal plants, the craft of making sugarcane candy, and the pulse of true Costa Rican life far from the crowds.
This trip isn’t just about trekking—it’s about pushing boundaries. Rappel down waterfalls, try your hand at surfing, or tackle the rapids with whitewater rafting. Every day offers new challenges and rewards, and the camaraderie forged with fellow travelers and locals alike is unmatched.
The unique selling point? A rare chance to live, learn, and adventure in places most only dream of, guided by those who call these jungles home. For those ready to trade the ordinary for the extraordinary, this is the tour package that delivers the real Costa Rica.
day 1 - San José
Arrive at any time.
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 2 - San José/San Isidro
Travel by local bus over the highest mountain pass in the country. Arrive in the valley of San Isidro de El General and take a walk in the main plaza.
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 3 - San Isidro/Piedras Blancas
Embark on a three-day, three-night excursion with a locally owned and operated adventure company to the community of Piedras Blancas, found in the heart of the Zona de los Santos region.
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 4 - Piedras Blancas
Experience life in a remote community in and around a local family farm.
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 5 - Piedras Blancas
Travel across the Savegre River to the next homestay with an included medicinal plant walk.
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 6 - Piedras Blancas/Esquipulas
Walk through the jungle from the homestay and raft the Savegre River. Then, relax at the end of the Day at camp and enjoy 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 7 - Manuel Antonio
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 8 - Quepos
Enjoy a free Day in the area for optional activities. Be as active or relaxed as you'd like.
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 9 - Esquipulas/Uvita
Enjoy a morning at your leisure before travelling to beautiful seaside Uvita. Opt to surf, whale-watch, horseback-ride or kick back 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 10 - Uvita
Spend the morning swimming, relaxing, and watching humpback whales off the coast of Ballena Marine National Park, before enjoying free time in Uvita.
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 11 - Uvita/San José
Transfer back to the capital for a final evening with the group.
day 12 - San José
Depart at any time.
Depart from San José at any time.

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount
Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour
What's Included
Note: Allow USD250-325 for meals not included.
What's Excluded
Tour Availability
Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot
Loading availability...
Do you need help from our trip consultants?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Our travel experts are ready to help.


Why Book with Bookmundi
Earn USD 66+ in travel credits.
Best price guaranteed.
No credit card or booking fees.
100% financial protection.
Carbon neutral tours.
25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.










