Celebrity Race Across the World
San Jose - Tortuguero - Pacuare - South Caribbean

BBC's Celebrity Race Across the World

Prices from £4,079pp
Travel 1st May 2026 - 10 nights - Book by 31st December

🎬Are you ready to follow in the footsteps of the stars?🔥Inspired by BBC’s
Celebrity Race Across the World, the teams journey through Costa Rica’s lush landscapes, from the Caribbean heartland to thrilling rivers, before reaching the vibrant country of Panama and now, you can embark on a journey that mirrors theirs.🏃

Costa Rica may be small, but it’s a biodiversity powerhouse, home to an astonishing five percent of the world’s species. Your adventure begins in San José, a lively gateway to the country’s natural wonders, before venturing into the serene Tortuguero National Park. Accessible only by boat, this labyrinth of canals reveals an extraordinary array of wildlife, from tropical birds to elusive reptiles, while the rhythms of Afro-Caribbean culture infuse every village you pass.⛰️

Next comes the heart-pounding thrill of the Pacuare River. More than a river trip, this adventure sweeps you through a spectacular gorge, surrounded by deep green rainforest, cascading waterfalls and natural pools. Navigate world-class rapids, immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, and connect with the traditions of the indigenous Cabécar community, whose ancestral knowledge adds a rich cultural layer to every rapid and river bend.🌲

Your journey then slows to the gentle rhythms of Costa Rica’s South Caribbean coast, from Cahuita to Manzanillo. Here, golden-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs provide the perfect backdrop for snorkeling, relaxation, and reconnecting with nature. Explore lively towns such as Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva, where music, gastronomy, and warm local communities of indigenous Kekoldi and Bribrí heritage meet Afro-Caribbean vibrancy.🏖️

Finally, return to San José for one last night, reflecting on a journey that combines adrenaline, culture, and natural wonder. Step into landscapes that echo the celebrities’ epic race, and discover Costa Rica’s hidden treasures in a way that’s immersive, exhilarating, and unforgettable.

Overview

San Jose • Tortuguero • Pacuare • South Caribbean Coast

Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that blends lush rainforest exploration, serene waterways, and rich Caribbean culture. Journey from the wildlife-packed canals of Tortuguero to the pristine Pacuare region, where deep green forests and rivers create the perfect setting for nature and relaxation. Continue to the South Caribbean coast to enjoy golden beaches, coral reefs, snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and immersive cultural experiences like an Afro-Caribbean cooking class. Conclude your trip in the lively capital, surrounded by museums, local cuisine, and the charm of San José.

Day 1: Costa Rica Expedition

Flights from London Heathrow Airport to San Jose Juan Santamaria Intl via Miami International Airport
Total distance from Juan Santamaria International Airport to San Jose: 17 km / 10.5 miles. Approximate driving time: 40 minutes.

San Jose
The main entryway to the country is the capital city of San Jose in the Central Valley. Founded in1738, its a modern city with bustling commerce and updated services for foreign visitors offering a variety of tourist, cultural and natural attractions, like the Costa Rican Art, Gold, Jade, National and Childrens Contemporary Art and Design Museums. The architectural jewel of the country, its National Theatre, plus examples of historical architecture in buildings and churches close to parks and monuments, worth visiting. Restaurants for fine dining as well as casual cafeterias known as sodas offer international and local dishes. It is not a big city, traffic may be challenging though. There are many boulevards that make it easy to walk to different attractions or there are many options to travel by cab or public transportation. The nightlife is active and there are options for every taste.
Private Transfer (IN) San Jose Airport - San Jose Hotel
Gran Hotel Costa Rica Curio By Hilton - Colonial Room - 1-Night

Day 2: San Jose to Tortuguero

Total distance from San Jose to Tortuguero: 130 km / 81 miles. Approximate driving time: 4:00hours.

Tortuguero
Located in the extreme northeast of Costa Rica, Tortuguero is accessible only by small plane or boat, along the famous Tortuguero Canals. This system of rivers and man-made channels parallels the coast and cuts through beautiful primary forest. The area was turned into a national park in1975. It is one of the areas with the greatest biological diversity of the country. The name Tortuguero relates to the Spanish word for turtle as this is the most important nesting site in the entire western half of the Caribbean for the green turtle. Other species of sea turtles like the leatherback and hawksbill also nest on the wide beaches of the park and refuge where most exploring is done by small boat, although some hiking trails are available. There is a small village and a good offer of hotels and tours to fully enjoy this wondrous place.
Private Transfer San Jose - Cao Blanco (Tortuguero)
Mawamba Lodge - Standard Room - 2-Nights

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is a wilderness area with extraordinary biological variety. Diverse mammals, birds and fish live in eleven different defined habitats. Strong Caribbean currents have provided a straight 22 mile expanse of beach which is a favoured nesting ground for sea turtles like the Hawksbill and loggerheads that nest from July through October. The Leatherback, the largest sea turtle of the world, nests from February to July. Most exploring of the park is done by boat. Guides with an amazingly trained eye astound visitors finding wildlife in veiled corners, pointing at mischievous monkeys and sharing fascinating facts about nature.

Pacuare
This area is formed by the forests of the Atlantic and it protects the rich biodiversity on the sides of the Pacuare River which begins at about two thousand meters in the Talamanca Mountain Range and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The reserve is home to the indigenous cabecar community, as well as for abundant flora and fauna. The powerful waters and topography of the river make this area a fantastic tourist attraction providing a dream scenario for adventure sports surrounded by the beauty of deep green forests, waterfalls and natural pools.
Pacuare Lodge - Garden Suite - 2-Nights

Day 5: Free Day
Day at leisure for optional activities to explore the area or just to relax and enjoy hotel`s premises.

South Caribe
The south Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, from Cahuita to Manzanillo is a constant pleasing sight of golden sand, palm tree lined beaches, turquoise water and gorgeous coral reefs. Enjoy the South Caribbean with its culture rich colours, music and gastronomy, and its local people including Kekoldi, Yorkin or Bribr indigenous and Afro Caribbean descents. Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva and Manzanillo with the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge, are beach towns with great attractions to explore, enjoy snorkelling and experience its wildlife. Cahuita is best known for its beautiful National Park, white sand beaches, vibrant wildlife and the largest coral reef in Costa Rica! It is located about 4 hours from San Jos. 40 minutes south from the port city of Limn or 20minutes north of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a laid-back beach town with welcoming bars and restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood and tropical cocktails. It is a popular destination with stunning beaches like Playa Negra, ideal for swimming and surfing. Nearby, Playa Cocles is another favourite surfing spot and Punta Uva is ideal to relax on the beach, surrounded by lush vegetation that touches the waves.

Day 6:
Private Transfer Siquirres - South Caribbean
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel - Deluxe Room - 4-Nights

Day 7:
Shared Cahuita Snorkeling & Hike & Sloth Sanctuary
This great family adventure tour includes visiting the Cahuita National Park which has the largestsystem of Coral Reefs in Costa Rica, including 6 species of coral, a wide range of colorful tropicalfishes and the occasional encounter of a harmless reef shark or sting ray. This beach has a horseshoe shape, with the entrance of the park at one end and beautiful Punta Cahuita at the other end. We start with a scenic 20-minutes boat ride to have two snorkeling sessions. Then we get drop offat the Punta to enjoy a nicely presented fruit and snacks break at the beach followed by a 1.5hour/3.5 kms guided hike in this wonderful coastal forest: monkeys, sloths, birds, iguanas and otherinteresting encounters are common and complemented with great info from your guide. After thisincredible education hike, we will proceed to have a delicious Caribbean style lunch follow by a visitto the Sloth Sanctuary where you ll meet the famous Buttercop, visit the nursery, take a guidedcanoe ride and learn about the sloth s natural habitat.
Private Cooking Class Afro Caribbean
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Caribbean by visiting a local family home. This uniqueexperience offers the opportunity to learn about the different types of coconuts, their uses, and thetraditional methods for making coconut milk. Under the guidance of your hosts, you'll prepare atraditional Caribbean meal, choosing from options such as fish, chicken, or vegetarian curry, servedwith rice and beans. Enjoy the meal together with the family, savoring both the delicious food andthe rich cultural exchange.

Day 8 - 9: Free Day

Day at leisure for optional activities to explore the area or just to relax and enjoy hotel`s premises.

Day 10: South Caribbean to San Jose

Total distance from Puerto Viejo to San Jose: 218 Km/135 miles. Approximate driving time: 4hours 30 minutes
San Jose
The main entryway to the country is the capital city of San Jose in the Central Valley. Founded in1738, its a modern city with bustling commerce and updated services for foreign visitors offering a variety of tourist, cultural and natural attractions, like the Costa Rican Art, Gold, Jade, National and Childrens Contemporary Art and Design Museums. The architectural jewel of the country, its National Theatre, plus examples of historical architecture in buildings and churches close to parks and monuments, worth visiting. Restaurants for fine dining as well as casual cafeterias known as sodas offer international and local dishes. It is not a big city, traffic may be challenging though.
There are many boulevards that make it easy to walk to different attractions or there are many options to travel by cab or public transportation. The nightlife is active and there are options for every taste.
Private Transfer South Caribbean - San Jose Hotel
Courtyard Marriott Alajuela Airport - Standard Room - 1-Night

Day 11 - Departure

Private Transfer San Jose Hotel - San Jose Airport
Deposit £550pp

What is included in the offer

• International flights with 23kgs baggage
• 1 night Gran Hotel Costa Rica Curio By Hilton in a Standard room with breakfast
• 2 nights Mawamba Lodge in a Standard room with full board
• 2 nights at Pacuare Lodge in a Standard room with full board
• 4 nights at Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel in a Standard room with breakfast
• Cahuita Snorkeling & Hike
• Sloth Sanctuary
• Private cooking class Afro Caribbean
• 1 night at Courtyard Marriott Alajuela Airport in a Standard room with breakfast
• Private transfers throughout
Based on 2 adults sharing

Price Breakdown

Flying From
LONDON Heathrow - £4,079pp
MANCHESTER - £4,079pp
Deposit £600pp

This offer wont last long!

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