How many days do you need?
- Most travelers spend 10-11 days in Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, and Río Pacuare combined
- Visiting Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, and Río Pacuare in 8 or 9 days is possible but will feel rushed
- With 12 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
How Many Days Should You Spend in Costa Rica?
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Recommended Itineraries for Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, and Río Pacuare
Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José | San José |
| Day 2 | San Jose to Río Pacuare - Whitewater Rafting | Río Pacuare |
| Day 3 | Río Pacuare Whitewater Rafting Day 2, Transfer to Tortuguero | Tortuguero |
| Day 4 | Turtle Tour in Tortuguero | Tortuguero |
| Day 5 | Tortuguero -> Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 6 | Sloths, Monkeys & Chocolate | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 7 | Hiking and Snorkeling in Cahuita National Park | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 8 | Puerto Viejo Free Day | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 9 | Puerto Viejo Free Day Transfer back to San Jose | San José |
| Day 10 | Depart San José |
Experience the best of Costa Rica's tropical flora and fauna on this 10-day trip. Spend a fun-filled week hiking in the rainforest, snorkeling in coral reefs, rafting the world-class rapids of Río Pacuare, and more. This itinerary is ideal for travelers heading to Costa Rica during the "green season" (May - November), as the Caribbean coast stays relatively dry during rainy months—and it's also the best time to see turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José | San José |
| Day 2 | San Jose to Río Pacuare - Whitewater Rafting | Río Pacuare |
| Day 3 | Pacuare Adventure - Free Day in Pacuare Valley | Río Pacuare |
| Day 4 | Río Pacuare Whitewater Rafting Day 2, Transfer to Tortuguero | Tortuguero |
| Day 5 | Turtle Tour in Tortuguero | Tortuguero |
| Day 6 | Tortuguero -> Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 7 | Sloths, Monkeys & Chocolate | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 8 | Hiking and Snorkeling in Cahuita National Park | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 9 | Puerto Viejo Free Day | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 10 | Puerto Viejo Free Day Transfer back to San Jose | San José |
| Day 11 | Depart San José |
On this 11-day trip, you will experience the best of the country's tropical flora and fauna. From rainforest hikes to snorkeling in coral reefs. This itinerary is ideal for travelers going to Costa Rica during the "green season" (May - November), as the Caribbean coast stays relatively dry during these rainy months. It's also the best time to see turtles nesting on the beaches in Tortuguero National Park (July-October). Read more
How to travel between Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, and Río Pacuare
Because they're both on the Caribean coast, the 129-mile (208 km) trip between Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a bit more challenging than you might expect. Since there are no roads or airports in Tortuguero, you'll have to take a boat out. Read more
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