Costa Rica with Stephanie Dagostini

Dates

Sep 16–22, 2024

Group Size

8–20 Travelers

Duration

7 days, 6 nights

Activity Level

Exploration

About This Trip

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, where the pristine wonders of nature await in Tortuguero National Park. Immerse yourself in the lush rainforests of Tortuguero, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and home to nesting sea turtles. Traverse its intricate network of canals by boat, witnessing exotic flora and fauna amidst the tranquil waterways. Then, venture to the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo, where you'll experience a laid back beach vibe as you explore pristine beaches and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. Experience a different side of Costa Rica that will leave you wanting more! *Please note that the hotels in Tortuguero National Park do not have air conditioning. In Puerto Viejo, your hotel may or may not have air conditioning.
$2,099USD
$2,299USD
Sep 16–22, 2024
7 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Stef Dag
Stef Dag

Comedian and writer with an affinity for solo travel! host of the series "hot and single" online.

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Trip Activities

  • Tortuguero Town Walking Tour

  • Boat Tour of Tortuguero National Park

  • Kayaking in Tortuguero National Park

  • Guided Jungle Walk

  • Snorkeling in Cahuita National Park

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (limited single rooms available)

  • Local Guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas and travel insurance

  • Airport transfers

  • Tips for Guides

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30 pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into SJO airport

dinner

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will typically be a 3-course set menu with 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change. To get to dinner you will take a short 20 minute transfer.

Country Inn & Suites (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in San Jose

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Day 2

Info

This morning will be an early one as you’ll begin your transfer to Tortuguero before breakfast. You’ll transfer to Guapiles Town where you will get some breakfast, before continuing to the dock to enter Tortuguero by boat. After you arrive at your hotel, you’ll check in and have lunch before taking a quick boat transfer to Tortuguero town for a walking tour. After your walking tour, you’ll head back to the hotel for dinner and wind down for the evening. Today you’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera and insect repellent. All boat transfers within Tortuguero are on boats that fit about 18 people. Depending on the size of your group, you may need to split into two groups and boats for the transfers inside the park.

Transfer to Guapiles Town

2 Hours

Take a private transfer to Guapiles Town where you will stop for breakfast. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

breakfast

You will stop for breakfast at a local restaurant in Guapiles town. The breakfast will typically be a buffet breakfast with coffee and water included, subject to change.

Transfer to Tortuguero

3 Hours

Continue your transfer another 1.5 hours to La Pavona Dock. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed. From La Pavona you will take a public boat (fits roughly 50 people) transfer for 1.5 hours (depending on the river’s water level) to enter Tortuguero. Life jackets are provided on the boat transfer.

lunch

Lunch at the hotel is included. Your meal will typically be a buffet with 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.

Tortuguero Town Walking Tour

1 Hour

After a short 10 minute boat transfer from your hotel to Tortuguero town, you’ll set off on foot to explore this unique community. Learn about Tortuguero, its habitat and its people. This village is part of Tortuguero National Park and is on a rainforest-covered sandbar whose beaches are a major nesting site for green turtles. A local guide will lead you on foot through the town and teach you about its history, its culture and its relationship with the surrounding ecosystem. You may also see some amazing wildlife as the park’s freshwater canals, wetlands and forests shelter many animals like jaguars, tapirs and manatees. You will also have time to buy some souvenirs to take home. Expect to walk roughly 0.7 miles on concrete paths. After your tour you will return to the hotel for dinner.

dinner

Dinner at the hotel is included. Your meal will typically be a buffet with 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.

Aninga Lodge (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Tortuguero

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Day 3

Info

You’ll start this morning early again to catch as many animals as possible! You will head out on a boat tour of the national park and move along the canals to check out the abundant wildlife that reside within. After, you’ll head back and have breakfast before transferring to the beginning point for your kayak tour. Then you’ll paddle your way through the park as your guide points out the unique fauna and flora of Tortuguero. Return to the hotel for lunch, then after, you’ll take a short jungle walk. Finally you’ll have dinner at the hotel before calling it a day. Today you’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a rain jacket, a hat, insect repellent, and sunglasses. All boat transfers within Tortuguero are on boats that fit about 18 people. Depending on the size of your group, you may need to split into two groups and boats for the transfers inside the park. *Depending on weather or group preference, you may do the guided jungle walk in the morning and kayaking in the afternoon instead.

Boat Tour of Tortuguero National Park

1 Hour

Led by your guide, take to the canals on a public boat tour of the Tortuguero National Park. Typically you will set out on this tour from your hotel before breakfast early in the morning in order to see as much wildlife as possible. These small gas-powered boats go deep into the canals of the park, giving you a different perspective and providing the opportunity to spot rare species of wildlife. At the end of this tour, you’ll return to the hotel for breakfast.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Kayaking in Tortuguero National Park

2 Hours

Transfer 10 minutes by boat to the starting point of this activity. Then paddle your way through the park's freshwater canals on single or double kayaks and enjoy the vibrant rainforest that surrounds you. Watch carefully as your guide points out the abundant wildlife. You will paddle roughly 2 miles and you will NOT have the opportunity to swim in the canals as it is prohibited. This activity is a public activity and life jackets are provided. After you’re done kayaking, you’ll return to the hotel. *Please note that your group may need to split into two groups with staggered start times for this activity.

lunch

Lunch at the hotel is included. Your meal will typically be a buffet with 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.

Guided Jungle Walk

2 Hours

This afternoon, your guide will take you to a private nature trail and lead you on a guided walk while exploring the jungle and the wildlife within. Depending on where you are staying you may or may not need to take a 5 minute boat transfer first. The 0.7 mile walk is relaxed and slow-paced on a flat trail.

dinner

Dinner at your hotel is included. Your meal will typically be a buffet with 1 non- alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.

Aninga Lodge (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Tortuguero

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Day 4

Info

Today you will head south to Puerto Viejo. After breakfast you’ll take a boat transfer to the entrance of the park before continuing by vehicle to Puerto Viejo. You’ll have lunch on the road and arrive in the late afternoon.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Transfer to Puerto Viejo

5 Hours

Take a public boat transfer for 45 minutes to the entrance of the park. Please note that if water levels are low, you will need to take a 1.5 hour public boat transfer to another dock to depart from the park. Life jackets are provided on the boat transfer. Then you will take a private transfer to Puerto Viejo stopping for lunch around noon and for bathroom breaks along the way as needed.

lunch

Lunch at a local restaurant on the way to Puerto Viejo is included. Your meal will typically be a buffet with 1 non- alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.

Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Puerto Viejo

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Day 5

Info

This morning you will snorkel the clear waters of Cahuita National Park! After breakfast you’ll transfer to Cahuita National Park to explore on boats and swim among the vibrant marine life. After returning to land you’ll have lunch and return to the hotel with the afternoon at your leisure. Today you’ll want to wear your bathing suit and bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and a water bottle.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Snorkeling in Cahuita National Park

2 Hours

After a 30 minute transfer (depending on the location of your hotel), you will walk about a half mile in the sand to begin your shared excursion. You’ll then hop into boats and head out to explore some stunning reefs. Cahuita National Park was created to protect the largest coral reef in the country; it has stunning white sand beaches and a plethora of wildlife and hiking trails. You’ll snorkel the area with your Guide, and with luck, spot some sea turtles and tropical fish. Then you’ll return to land and walk back to get lunch. After lunch you’ll return to your hotel. Boats for snorkeling usually carry 12 people therefore depending on the size of the group, you may be split into smaller groups and take two boats.

lunch

Lunch near Cahuita National Park is included as part of the snorkeling tour. Your lunch will typically be a 3-course set menu with 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.

dinner

Dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will typically be a set menu with 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.

Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Puerto Viejo

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Day 6

Info

Enjoy your last breakfast in the beautiful Costa Rican Caribbean before you return to San Jose. Today is a long transfer and you’ll head out after a leisurely breakfast. You’ll stop along the way where you guide can point you to some places to have lunch on your own. Continue to San Jose, and after checking into your hotel, you’ll enjoy a final meal together with your group.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Transfer to San Jose

5 Hours 30 Mins

Take a private transfer from Puerto Viejo to San Jose. Stops for bathrooms/snacks will be made along the way as needed. Around noon you will make a stop where the guide can recommend restaurant options for you to get lunch on your own.

dinner

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will typically be a 3-course set menu with 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.

Country Inn & Suites (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 6/1

Overnight in San Jose

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Day 7

Info

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of SJO

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Show DetailsHide Details

Physical Activity Level:Exploration

These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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Traveling with TrovaTrip

What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?

Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.

What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?

Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:

  • The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
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In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?

First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:

    • Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
    • Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
    • Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
    • Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
    • We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.

We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

Trip Operations & Compliance

Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?

If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

Do I need any documentation to travel?

It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.

Do I need any vaccines?

It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.