Hotels featured in this escape

Activities Featured in this Escape

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jammin - 6 Days / 5 Nights

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in San Jose by early afternoon where your friendly driver will greet you at the airport and load your luggage in preparation for your drive to the coast. Travel through the impressive central highlands giving way to the lowlands of the Costa Rica's majestic Caribbean Coast and arrive at your hotel in time for a welcome drink and and picturesque sunset before dinner and bed.

Day 2 - After breakfast head to Playa Cocles for a morning yoga class or surf lesson. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the radiant sun, soft sands, and gentle waves of this popular beach. After lunch, enjoy a massage or body treatment at the local spa or relax in a hammock outside your hotel room. Venture into town for dinner and drinks before a night of dancing at one of the popular beachside bars.

Day 3 - Depart in the morning for your 3 in 1 tour with a visit to the sloth sanctuary for an up close and personal experience with these local inhabitants of the rainforest. Afterwards visit a local chocolate farm to learn about the origins, productions, and cultural importance of this delectable treat. After lunch, take a guided hike of Cahuita National Park for opportunities to see howler monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, reptiles and insects before swimming in the refreshing turquoise blue waters bordering the park's beautiful white sand beaches.

Day 4 - Rent a bike and head south down the road in search of some of the best beaches Costa Rica has to offer. Follow gravel roads and jungle trails giving way to stretches of empty pristine coastline. Don't miss Punta Uva, our favorite of these hidden gems along this route.

Day 5 - Enjoy one or more of the many optional tours and activities offered in the region including snorkeling, dolphin watching, turtle observation, canopy zip-lining, and indigenous village experiences. We highly recommend a guided hike of Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge for even more opportunities to enjoy the abundance of wildlife in the region within its natural and unspoiled habitat. Don't forget to grab lunch at Maxi's for one of the best Caribbean style meals of whole fish and rive & beans in coconut milk you will have during your stay.

Day 6 - Transportation will meet you early in the morning to take you back to San Jose in time for your departure flight home. Say your final goodbyes to this new found paradise and your gracious hosts before taking off with memories to last until your next great escape!

Trip Notes

• Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and neighboring towns of Hone Creek, Cahuita, Cocles, Chiquita, Puna Uva, and Manzanillo make up what we call Costa Rica's 'Caribbean coast'.  While the port city of Limon and popular destination of Tortuguero are also situated on the same coastline they are located farther north and for this reason are generally excluded from our discussion of this particular region. Puerto Viejo is a 4 hour drive from the capital of San Jose. With essentially only one road leading to the coast, you must first travel north through the Braulio Carrillo National Park with its expansive and sweeping views of Caribbean lowlands visible from winding road passing through this virgin cloud forest. Patience is a must along the scenic two (sometimes three) lane highway shared with trucks carrying goods to and from Limon.  As you pass through the port city and round the bend heading due south towards Puerto Viejo, its hard to miss the massive tankers dwarfed by the Caribbean Sea lying in wait off the coast. The last part of your journey takes you into the heart of the Caribbean as the road moves past beaches, along rainforest, and through banana plantations en route to your final destination.
• Hotels on this escape are located 'on the road to' or just outside of Puerto Viejo proper.  Like most lodging options offered by Escapitos we have selected these hotels based on the unique experience provided as well as their commitment to sustainable tourism. These particular hotels are removed from the center of town, surrounded by the Caribbean rainforest, and just a few steps from the best beaches in the region offering guests a truly immersive experience in nature. Imagine waking to the sounds of tropical birds and sites of howler monkeys in the trees right outside your room before spotting a sloth on your way to hotel reception. We're confident you won't mind a short walk or bike ride to restaurants, shops, and tour providers reminding you that you're never too far from civilization! Be sure to check out our reviews of hotels included on this escape for additional orientation before traveling.
• The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica harbors Cahuita National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.  Most of the wildlife you see in and around Puerto Viejo, Cocles, Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva is an extension of these two protected areas. Cahuita offers and excellent intro to wildlife in the region with its soft sand trails winding in and out of rainforest and pristine beach, while Gandoca Manzanillo is recommended for travelers seeking to go a little farther and harder in exchange for the reward of coveted wildlife sitings and spectacular views of Costa Rica's southern coastline. Wherever your may go during your stay, keep your eyes and ears open (mostly towards the trees); be still and wait for nature's magical moments to unfold before you.
• We encourage all travelers to participate in tours and activities that support local economies and celebrate indigenous culture. Located about 15-20 from Puerto Viejo, The Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve is home to the Bribri. Take a village tour and observe their green Iguana project before lunch and a hike to a hidden waterfall.  You may also choose to support organizations like ATEC, who promote sustainable tourism by hiring local guides for tours, coordinating volunteer activities, and providing conservation education for travelers and local residents alike. Check with your Escapitos representative for more information about ways in which to make your escape even more sustainable!

good vibes - 9 Days / 8 Nights

Tortuguero & Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica - Bocas del Toro, Panama

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Costa Rica! Your friendly driver greets you with smiles and helps you with bags as you exit the airport terminal in San Jose. Board your private

Day 2 - Wake up early and get a head start on the day with one of many activities highlighting the region's natural beauty. Hike or travel by horseback to La Fortuna Waterfall for a swim in the refreshing turquoise blue waters below the majestic jungle falls or take a guide hike of Arenal Volcano observing the unique landscape and wildlife surrounding which was was until recently, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Take the afternoon to relax in the natural hot springs of La Fortuna and Arenal, heated by the lava lying within the sleeping giant or stop by Proyecto Asis to observe and support their rehabilitation efforts for wildlife in the region.

Day 3 - La Fortuna is known for its adventure based ecotourism and you won't want to leave without feeling the rush, adrenaline, and natural highs of Arenal. Soar among the tree tops with canopy zip lining, rappel down jungle waterfalls into crystalline pools at the bottom of lost canyons, or navigate world class II, III & IV rapids with an exhilarating and heart-pounding day of white water rafting. Mountain biking, kitesurfing, and stand up paddle boarding are also available in and around tranquil Lake Arenal.

Day 4 - Depart for Monteverde as you ascend further into the western highlands.  Arrive by midday in time for lunch at the local bakery followed by a coffee tasting tour highlighting the local industry and its importance to the regional economy and national culture. After dinner take advantage of a night hike through the fabled cloud forest of Monteverde. Lead by your naturalist guide, this unique experience affords opportunities to see frogs, snakes, spiders, sleeping birds, sloths, and even a kinkajou if you're lucky!

Day 5 - As the sun rises on another day in paradise, continue your exploration of the region with a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Monteverde harbors over 2,500 species of plants, nearly 500 of which are orchids, 400 species of birds, including 40 hummingbird species, more than 1,000 amphibians and reptiles, ten s of thousands of insect species as well as more than 100 species of mammals including deer, coatis, sloth, tap, howler and capuchin monkeys as well as all five big cats native to Costa Rica; a nature lover's dream. Naturalist guides in the region are world-renowned for their ability to locate, identify, and educate visitors on a variety of flora and fauna found in these enchanted forests. 

After lunch, experience spectacular views of the pacific coast while riding the country's longest canopy zip line, stroll through hummingbird and orchid gardens, or enjoy a horseback riding tour of the surrounding landscape. Depart in the late afternoon for Manuel Antonio, arriving in time for dinner alongside the Pacific Ocean.

Day 6 -Enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast before setting out for Manuel Antonio National Park. Don't forget your camera as well as your bathing suit as the park is home to variety wildlife most famously its resident monkeys, sloths, and iguanas as well as postcard worthy beaches to enjoy following your hike. Wildlife within the park can be seen with relative ease and we encourage visitors to explore and interact with this natural world at their own pace rather than follow a large group on a guided tour. Pack a lunch and make a day of the your experience in the park, relaxing on the soft champagne sands as sparkling blue waves find their way around impressive rock formations on their way to the beach. As the day comes to a close take in an unforgettable sunset while dining on some of the best seafood in the region.

Day 7 - The day is free to enjoy one of many activities offered in and around Manuel Antonio. Challenge yourself with a surf lesson from local instructors, explore the mangroves and fabled Damas Island by kayak, or cast off in the afternoon for a day of sailing and snorkeling on a sunset catamaran tour. Horseback riding, scuba diving, canopy zip lining, island hopping, white water rafting, sport fishing and parasailing are also available for you to choose. Treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment in town before joining a beachside barbecue as the sun sets on your final day in paradise.

Day 8 - Final goodbyes to the beach and early morning departure takes you back to San Jose arriving in time for your flight home.

* Please note: This itinerary is presented as an example of how visitors might spend their time on this escape. Remember that all independent escapes can be customized according to your liking including length of stay, accommodations, and activities. Each experience is essentially unique to the traveler.

Trip Notes

Namaste nosara - 5 Days / 4 Nights

Nosara, Costa Rica

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1  - Arrive in either Liberia or San Jose as you are greeted by private transportation outside the airport.  After a scenic drive through the central highlands and out towards the Pacific you arrive in Nosara nestled along the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. With a laid back vibe and plenty of positive energy to go around, the community of Nosara welcomes you to paradise as the sun sets on your first day.

Day 2 - Wake to the sites and sounds of the natural world around you followed by a breakfast of fresh fruits from the local landscape. Prepare your mind and body for the day ahead with yoga in the hotel pavilion before relaxing in the sun, sand, and waves of Guiones beach. As the day draws to a close take a stand up paddle board out to sea, gliding along the horizon with glassy ocean reflecting spectaxular hues of red, orange, and purple from the setting sun.

Day 3 - Participate in a sunrise yoga session before breakfast. An optional kayaking tour along Nosara's unique system of rivers and mangroves provides opportunities to see waterfowl, turtles, and caymen. After a healthy organic lunch head out for a hike in the rainforest surrounding the hotel or back to the beach for a walk on the sand.

Day 4 - Start your last full day in paradise day off right with morning meditation followed by an optional surf lesson at Guiones beach. You may also choose to spend your day 'hanging out' on a thrilling canopy zip line ride, in the town of Nosara for lunch, or in your hammock with a good book back at the hotel. In the late afternoon head to Playa Ostional to witness the "arribada" or mass arrival of sea turtles as they come to lay their eggs along the beach.*

Day 5 - Thank nature for its blessings as you say your final goodbyes to the rainforest and beaches of this magical place. Private transportation will take you back to the airport in time for your return flight home. 

Trip Notes

• Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and neighboring towns of Hone Creek, Cahuita, Cocles, Chiquita, Puna Uva, and Manzanillo make up what we call Costa Rica's 'Caribbean coast'.  While the port city of Limon and popular destination of Tortuguero are also situated on the same coastline they are located farther north and for this reason are generally excluded from our discussion of this particular region. Puerto Viejo is a 4 hour drive from the capital of San Jose. With essentially only one road leading to the coast, you must first travel north through the Braulio Carrillo National Park with its expansive and sweeping views of Caribbean lowlands visible from winding road passing through this virgin cloud forest. Patience is a must along the scenic two (sometimes three) lane highway shared with trucks carrying goods to and from Limon.  As you pass through the port city and round the bend heading due south towards Puerto Viejo, its hard to miss the massive tankers dwarfed by the Caribbean Sea lying in wait off the coast. The last part of your journey takes you into the heart of the Caribbean as the road moves past beaches, along rainforest, and through banana plantations en route to your final destination.
• Hotels on this escape are located 'on the road to' or just outside of Puerto Viejo proper.  Like most lodging options offered by Escapitos we have selected these hotels based on the unique experience provided as well as their commitment to sustainable tourism. These particular hotels are removed from the center of town, surrounded by the Caribbean rainforest, and just a few steps from the best beaches in the region offering guests a truly immersive experience in nature. Imagine waking to the sounds of tropical birds and sites of howler monkeys in the trees right outside your room before spotting a sloth on your way to hotel reception. We're confident you won't mind a short walk or bike ride to restaurants, shops, and tour providers reminding you that you're never too far from civilization! Be sure to check out our reviews of hotels included on this escape for additional orientation before traveling.
• The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica harbors Cahuita National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.  Most of the wildlife you see in and around Puerto Viejo, Cocles, Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva is an extension of these two protected areas. Cahuita offers and excellent intro to wildlife in the region with its soft sand trails winding in and out of rainforest and pristine beach, while Gandoca Manzanillo is recommended for travelers seeking to go a little farther and harder in exchange for the reward of coveted wildlife sitings and spectacular views of Costa Rica's southern coastline. Wherever your may go during your stay, keep your eyes and ears open (mostly towards the trees); be still and wait for nature's magical moments to unfold before you.
• We encourage all travelers to participate in tours and activities that support local economies and celebrate indigenous culture. Located about 15-20 from Puerto Viejo, The Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve is home to the Bribri. Take a village tour and observe their green Iguana project before lunch and a hike to a hidden waterfall.  You may also choose to support organizations like ATEC, who promote sustainable tourism by hiring local guides for tours, coordinating volunteer activities, and providing conservation education for travelers and local residents alike. Check with your Escapitos representative for more information about ways in which to make your escape even more sustainable!

Belize Please - 7 Days / 6 Nights

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Belize City and meet your private transportation outside of the International Airport. A short drive brings you to the water taxi station where you will board the next boat destined for Ambergris Caye. Feel the warm Caribbean air cooled to a refreshing ocean breeze as the boat cuts through the calm turquoise waters of the sea. You boat arrives in San Pedro in time to check into your hotel and grab dinner on the town as sunset brings your first day in paradise to a close.

Day 2 - After a Caribbean style breakfast, set sail for a day of spectacular snorkeling in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Located five miles south of the island, this natural aquarium provides unforgettable opportunities to observe vibrant colorful fish like royal fairy basslets, parrot fish, trigger fish, and blue tangs (Dory from Finding Nemo) as well as larger fish like grouper, barracuda, and even moral eels! With shallow waters and premium visibility Hol Chan Marine Reserve allows you to explore the reef in all its natural wonder with iridescent sponges, sea fans, various corals contributing to the biodiversity of marine life in this unique location.

Continue on to Shark Ray Alley to explore the shallow waters that live up to their name. Swim alongside giant mantas and play with gentle nurse sharks, an experience not to be soon forgotten. You may also be lucky enough to spot a curious turtle, majestic spotted eagle ray, or migrating manatee hanging out in the area! Return to San Pedro in the afternoon for lunch and free time to hang out on the beach or explore San Pedro Town before dinner.

Day 3 - Take the morning to enjoy the numerous offerings of the island as you please. You won't have to go far to find an umbrella and chair on the white sands a few steps from your hotel room. Take advantage of paddle boats, sea kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and water trampoline to cool off in the crystal clear Caribbean waters. The adventurous traveler may opt for kitesurfing offshore or diving at the world renowned Blue Hole.

After lunch climb aboard a catamaran for an optional sunset sailing cruise. Enjoy snorkeling along the reef before rum punch and post card worthy views back on the boat.  Arrive at the dock in time for a belizean style beach barbeque complete with fresh caught lobster, fish, chicken, rice, and beans! End your night with dancing in town, a stroll on the beach, or at the end of the docks under the Caribbean night's sky.

Day 4 - Leaving the islands behind your water taxi departs for Belize City and the adventure of the Maya mainland.  Private transportation takes you over land towards the capital of Belmopan via the Hummingbird Highway. Arrive at your ecolodge nestled in the lush tropical rainforest of central Belize by late afternoon. Settle in, take a tour of the grounds or hang out by the pool before dinner.

After sunset, explore another wild side of the rainforest with an optional night hike. Equipped with headlamps, follow your guide in search of monkeys, sleeping birds, deer, frogs, spiders, and snakes as you explore an ecosystem that comes alive when the lights go out.

Day 5 - Spend the day at your leisure with the option to Belize's unique network of caves in one of three ways: observe hanging crystal formations as you float along an underground river of caves via inner tube, ascend and pool plunge through a series of waterfalls within the caves, or explore on foot to go deep inside the same caves used by Maya Shaman as their ceremonial centers 2,000 years ago.

Day 6 - Your journey continues with an early start and departure for Petén, Guatemala. After getting your passport stamped and crossing the border into Guatemala, arrive with the group at the ancient Maya ruins of Tikal around mid morning. A four hour guided tour takes you through major structures of the site including the Great Plaza, North Acropolis, Central Acropolis, Mundo Perdido (Lost World Complex), and Temple IV. Your guide shares a wealth of information regarding the archeology and history of this magical place as well as its significance to the Maya culture both past and present. After the tour you may follow a troop of monkeys, observe a curious coati, or spot tropical birds as you explore the mystic jungles ruins at your leisure befor returning to your hotel in Belize.

Day 7 - After final farewells return to Belize City and the airport in time for your departure flight. Board the plane refreshed, relaxed, and ready to take on life back home after your incredible journey to this magical destination.

Trip Notes

• Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and neighboring towns of Hone Creek, Cahuita, Cocles, Chiquita, Puna Uva, and Manzanillo make up what we call Costa Rica's 'Caribbean coast'.  While the port city of Limon and popular destination of Tortuguero are also situated on the same coastline they are located farther north and for this reason are generally excluded from our discussion of this particular region. Puerto Viejo is a 4 hour drive from the capital of San Jose. With essentially only one road leading to the coast, you must first travel north through the Braulio Carrillo National Park with its expansive and sweeping views of Caribbean lowlands visible from winding road passing through this virgin cloud forest. Patience is a must along the scenic two (sometimes three) lane highway shared with trucks carrying goods to and from Limon.  As you pass through the port city and round the bend heading due south towards Puerto Viejo, its hard to miss the massive tankers dwarfed by the Caribbean Sea lying in wait off the coast. The last part of your journey takes you into the heart of the Caribbean as the road moves past beaches, along rainforest, and through banana plantations en route to your final destination.
• Hotels on this escape are located 'on the road to' or just outside of Puerto Viejo proper.  Like most lodging options offered by Escapitos we have selected these hotels based on the unique experience provided as well as their commitment to sustainable tourism. These particular hotels are removed from the center of town, surrounded by the Caribbean rainforest, and just a few steps from the best beaches in the region offering guests a truly immersive experience in nature. Imagine waking to the sounds of tropical birds and sites of howler monkeys in the trees right outside your room before spotting a sloth on your way to hotel reception. We're confident you won't mind a short walk or bike ride to restaurants, shops, and tour providers reminding you that you're never too far from civilization! Be sure to check out our reviews of hotels included on this escape for additional orientation before traveling.
• The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica harbors Cahuita National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.  Most of the wildlife you see in and around Puerto Viejo, Cocles, Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva is an extension of these two protected areas. Cahuita offers and excellent intro to wildlife in the region with its soft sand trails winding in and out of rainforest and pristine beach, while Gandoca Manzanillo is recommended for travelers seeking to go a little farther and harder in exchange for the reward of coveted wildlife sitings and spectacular views of Costa Rica's southern coastline. Wherever your may go during your stay, keep your eyes and ears open (mostly towards the trees); be still and wait for nature's magical moments to unfold before you.
• We encourage all travelers to participate in tours and activities that support local economies and celebrate indigenous culture. Located about 15-20 from Puerto Viejo, The Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve is home to the Bribri. Take a village tour and observe their green Iguana project before lunch and a hike to a hidden waterfall.  You may also choose to support organizations like ATEC, who promote sustainable tourism by hiring local guides for tours, coordinating volunteer activities, and providing conservation education for travelers and local residents alike. Check with your Escapitos representative for more information about ways in which to make your escape even more sustainable!

Ready to Go?

Simply fill out the form below and a representative will provide you with a personalized quote today!

Trip Notes

There are no trip notes for this escape available at this time. Please check back soon for updates.

Multimedia

There is no multimedia available for this escape at this time. Please check back soon for updates.