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Tasty Escapes
Costa Rica: A Taste of Paradise
April 8th, 2026- April 16th, 2026
Pending approval for 10 CEU's for Dietitians
Duration: 9 Days | 8 Nights
At Tasty Escapes, we prioritize showing you the very best of the region — its iconic landscapes, vibrant culture, and once-in-a-lifetime highlights — while seamlessly integrating culinary experiences that deepen your connection to the destination. These food moments aren’t just delicious; they help you understand the culture on a deeper level and give you skills and memories you can take home long after the trip ends.
This journey blends immersive food experiences with rainforest adventures, Caribbean rhythms, and meaningful cultural encounters — all curated exclusively for Tasty Escapes travelers.
Why This Trip Is Unique
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Crafted for travelers who want to experience the highlights while gaining a richer cultural understanding of Costa Rica.
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Hands-on culinary activities with chefs, growers, and Indigenous communities.
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A mix of rainforest, Caribbean coast, and highland landscapes that showcase the best of Costa Rica.
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Authentic cultural immersion beyond typical tourist routes.
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An intimate small-group setting designed for genuine connection and community.
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CEU's are offered for Dietitians
Trip Highlights:
Summary of daily Activities:
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Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica – Welcome and settle in.
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Day 2: Journey through the rainforest to Tortuguero via a scenic drive with a guided walk to see the diverse floral and fauna in the region.
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Day 3: Explore Tortuguero on a guided boat tour through canals to observe the areas natural beauty and wildlife.
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Day 4: Travel to Puerto Viejo, a stunning stretch of the Caribbean coast, and dive into the region’s culture and traditions through a fun, hands-on cooking class.
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Day 5: Enjoy a relaxing day in Puerto Viejo at your own pace, stroll colorful streets, sip fresh coffee, browse artisan shops, or take a refreshing dip at Playa Cocles.
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Day 6: Connect with the ancestral traditions of the Meleruk community through an immersive cacao experience, where you'll learn the spiritual significance of cacao, and see traditional stone-mill preparations.
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Day 7: Set off to Turrialba, a lush region of volcanic landscapes and enjoy a guided coffee tour that is world-renowned for its exceptional coffee, and finish with a tasting—followed by a stop at a beautiful Waterfall.
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Day 8: relaxing morning at Casa Turire gardens before returning to San Jose. You will be back in San Jose right on time to visit souvenir stores in the capital city.
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Day 9: Departure – time to head home with unforgettable memories.
$1000 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot
$3495 Per Person (double occupancy)
Minimum of 10 Travelers
Based on 2 Travelers per room, Max 14 Travelers, Moderate activity level.
If you need a roommate we will do our best to pair you with someone with similar sleep preferences. **There is a $700 supplement for single occupancy rooms.
Itinerary
Relax and enjoy your adventure with our partnered tour experts and local guides so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Day 1: Welcome & Transfer from airport to Hotel in San Jose
Welcome to Costa Rica!l!
Upon your arrival in San Jose. our team will be ready to welcome you at the airport. We will provide assistance and all the information you need to feel well-prepared for your upcoming Costa Rica adventure. Your private guide will be with you throughout the trip, ready to share local insights and make the experience your own.
Today is all about settling in and enjoying a restful start before the experiences ahead.
Accommodation: Radisson San Jose.
Day 2 — Into the Jungle: Journey to Tortuguero
The day begins around 6:30 a.m. with a hotel pick-up in San Jose and a scenic drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Along the way. there's a stop for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast before continuing to the docks. From there. the adventure continues with a boat ride through Tortuguero's rivers, canals, and lagoons.
Upon arrival at the hotel. guests are welcomed with a refreshing cocktail and lunch. In the afternoon. a guided walk along the hotel's private trail offers the chance to explore the local flora and fauna. The day concludes with a delicious dinner at the hotel.
During your time in Tortuguero, you will be joining a larger group for most of the services, while your private guide will also be with you.
*The entrance fee to the national park ($16.95 per person) is not included in the package.
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge
Day 3: Exploring Tortuguero
This morning, you will join a guided boat tour through the Tortuguero canals, offering the chance to admire the region's natural beauty and observe wildlife in their habitat. Back at the hotel. a typical Costa Rican breakfast is served. prepared with fresh local flavors.
At midday. enjoy lunch at the hotel. followed by a visit to the Green Turtle Museum (STC) to learn about these remarkable species. There is also time to walk along the beach and explore the town of Tortuguero. a charming Caribbean village. (Please note: museum entry is not included.) You may opt to skip the museum and meet the boat around 30 minutes later.
The day concludes with dinner at the hotel. a perfect way to relax after a full day of exploration.
Day 4: From Tortuguero to the Beaches of Puerto Viejo.
Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican breakfast at the lodge before continuing your journey to Cahuita, taking in the diverse landscapes along the way.
Approximate morning schedule:
8:45 am - 9:15 Departure from hotel
10:45 - 11:00 arrival to dock
12:30 - 1:00 lunch on route
This afternoon, prepare for a culinary treat as you're welcomed into the home of the lively Carleen, a proud and delightful woman who will enchant you with her stories and expertise in Pakua culture, the heritage of the descendants of the slaves who worked on the plantations here centuries ago.
Thanks to her mother tongue, often playfully referred to as "broken English," Carleen has no trouble communicating with you while you feel the history in every interaction. With her infectious laughter, Carleen will guide you through the art of Caribbean cooking, teaching you how to prepare traditional dishes. Learn to open plantain, prepare crispy "patacones," extract fresh coconut milk (a fun challenge!). and savor the flavors of a delicious local fish meal-don't worry. vegetarian and vegan options are available too!
Accommodation: Cariblue
Day 5: Puerto Viejo Free day
Day 5: Puerto Viejo Relax
Enjoy a relaxed free morning in Puerto Viejo, Limon - stroll along the colorful streets, sip fresh coffee at a local cafe, browse artisan shops, or take a refreshing dip at Playa Cocles before the day's adventures begin.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy in Cahuita or Puerto Viejo. Spend the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the village. You can swim. try local food. or just unwind and take it easy.
Accommodation: Cariblue
Day 6: Meleruk Community and Cacao Experience
After breakfast. embark on a journey to connect with the indigenous traditions of the Meleruk community through a unique cacao cultural experience.
This immersive tour offers insight into the ancestral knowledge and spiritual significance of cacao for the Meleruk people. You'll discover their deep connection with the sacred seed, learn about the traditional use of the stone mill-an essential tool for preparing medicines. food, and cacao-and explore its role in daily life and rituals.
Guided by a local host. you'll visit a traditional ranch where the ancestral preparation of cacao is demonstrated. Here. you'll savor a rich cacao drink while listening to stories that reveal why cacao is regarded as both an ancestral medicine and a sacred element in Meleruk cosmology and history. The village is located 30 minutes away from your hotel. The full activity takes between 2-2.5 hours.
Accommodation: Cariblue
Day 7: Mountainous landscape of Turrialba and the Ultimate Coffee Experience
Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Cahuita to Turrialba, a lush, green region known for its fertile farmlands, scenic rivers, and authentic rural charm. Home to volcanic landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and world-class rafting, it offers travelers a peaceful escape surrounded by nature and local life.
Once in Turrialba, we will visit a stunning estate and coffee plantation for a delicious lunch. After eating, you will learn about coffee production at one of Costa Rica's largest coffee farms on this guided tour. At the Estate, you'll see the process from seed to cup after visiting the local community and hearing about coffee agronomy and its importance to Costa Rica. Then, learn about coffee roasting and cupping and get a taste. You will also have a short visit to a Waterfall, a serene, hidden cascade surrounded by lush coffee fields, offering a refreshing and peaceful natural stop.
A special exotic menu dinner will be served at Casa Turire hotel.
Accommodation: Casa Turire
Day 8: San Jose and Farewell Dinner
Have a relaxing morning at Casa Turire gardens before returning to San Jose. On the way back to San Jose, you may stop for lunch at various points and enjoy the slow pace of the day. You will be back in San Jose right on time to visit souvenir stores in the capital city.
A farewell five-course dinner at the renowned Restaurant Silvestre is included this evening (drinks not included).
Overnight stay at Radisson San Jose.
Day 9: Return Home
Fly home with new friendships, recipes, and memories that will stay with you long after the trip ends. Today, you will be taken to the airport with the necessary time to check in for your international flight back home.
Inclusions
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8x Nights at selected hotels
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8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches , and 5 Dinners
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Welcome & Departure Transfers according to Itinerary
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Private Transfers to and from various areas in Costa Rica
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Boat rides to and from Tortuguero
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Chef led Caribbean cooking class
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Tour exploring the floral and fauna of Costa Rica
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Indigenous cacao traditions
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Tour a top-rated coffee estate in the highlands
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Cahuita National Park
Exclusions
X Airfare to and from Costa Rica
X Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)
X Tips for driver and guides
X Transportation & lodging outside of the retreat dates, should you choose to arrive early or stay later
X Tortuguero National Park Entrance Fee ($15pp)
X Meals not listed above
X Any extra tours, meals, or excursions that you choose during your free time.
$3495 Per Person (double occupancy)
$1000 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot
Terms & Conditions
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Deposit : A non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot. Deposit amounts are listed on each individual trip page and in the Client Agreement & Waiver form we send you upon signing up.
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Final Payments: are required by the due date listed on the trip's page and in the Client Agreement & Waiver form we send you upon signing up. We send final payment reminders 30 days before they are due with a link to pay.
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*If you fail to pay any amounts due as and when called for, we reserve the right to revoke your place on the trip. In such an event, your spot will be canceled and all payments previously made shall be forfeited.
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Cancellation Policy : Due to the planning, involved logistics, and upfront costs of these events we have a strict refund policy regardless of circumstance within 60 days of the trip. By canceling your trip 61 days or more before arrival: Tasty Escapes charges 50% of the total amount (excluding flight(s)). This is out of our control. Please note: in case of a refund, an administrative fee for bank costs will apply. In all circumstances, we will retain your non-refundable booking deposit, and any additional funds paid towards your balance. This is why getting travel insurance prior to your trip start date is so important!
Release of Liability & Trip Insurance:
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Participants are strongly encouraged to have trip insurance and must sign a release of liability waiver form. I am happy to provide some suggestions for which companies I'd recommend for travel insurance.
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In case of force majeure or unexpected events: before or during the trip (accidents, strikes, climatological circumstances. earthquakes or other natural phenomena. safety conditions. political factors. denial of entry permits or visas. legal affairs of the traveler. health matters. etc.). or simply for the purpose of guaranteeing the success of the plan. Tasty Escapes may modify, replace or cancel itineraries, dates, hotels, optional services. Tasty Escapes will try its best to have your trip continue as planned. We will refund you within our possibilities and policies of providers involved in the organization of your trip. In case those circumstances lead to additional costs, those have to be covered by you or your travel insurance. We will obviously do our best to keep additional costs to a minimum.
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As a traveler. you also have the obligation to inform us previously about any medical condition that might affect a correct implementation of your itinerary. If anything happens along the way, Tasty Escapes will not be held liable or responsible. We will assist where possible, of course.