Table of Contents

🌿 Part 1: San José, Doka Coffee Estate, Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Tortuguero

📌 This article is part of my 25-Day Costa Rica Travel Series.

Explore the full journey:
→ Part 2: Puerto Viejo – The Relaxed Caribbean Coast
→ Part 3: La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano Adventure
→ Part 4: Tamarindo – Pacific Coast Relaxation

A Perfect Start to a 25-Day Costa Rica Adventure

San José to Poás Volcano itinerary

Costa Rica welcomed me with a mix of warm hospitality, lush scenery, and immediate adventure. My first days in the country were filled with unforgettable landscapes — steaming volcanoes, cloud-forest waterfalls, wildlife encounters, and peaceful moments sipping some of the best coffee in the world. This first leg of my journey took me from the busy capital of San José to the tropical canals of Tortuguero, and it set the tone for the entire 25-day experience.

In this chapter, I’ll walk you through everything I did in the first few days — from touring the Doka Coffee Estate and standing at the crater rim of Poás Volcano to exploring the famous La Paz Waterfall Gardens and joining a 2-day guided trip into the Caribbean rainforest.

🛬 Arriving in San José: A Smooth Start to the Journey

I landed in San José, the cultural and transportation hub of Costa Rica. The airport experience was surprisingly smooth, and shortly after arrival, I was picked up by a young lady from the doctor’s office who coordinated my medical appointment. Despite speaking minimal English, she was kind, warm, and highly accommodating — a small reminder of how friendly Costa Ricans (or Ticos, as they call themselves) truly are.

📍 Where I Stayed:

Holiday Inn San Rafael de Escazú
Located near Hospital CIMA, the hotel became my base for the first portion of the trip. Clean rooms, a safe location, and easy access to restaurants made it the perfect place to settle in before exploring the country.

My 25-day journey through Costa Rica began in the bustling capital of San José and quickly took me deep into one of the country’s most iconic natural regions: Tortuguero. This first chapter sets the stage for the adventure—landing in San José, settling into Escazú for medical recovery, and then heading out on a 2-day guided excursion through canals, wildlife-rich jungles, and remote Caribbean communities.
If you’re considering a mix of city comfort and real jungle exploration, this first part will show you exactly what to expect and how to plan it.

A Journey to Tortuguero: Costa Rica’s Amazon

One of my first major adventures was a 2-day, 1-night trip to Tortuguero, a stunning region often referred to as the “Amazon of Costa Rica.” This biodiverse paradise is accessible only by boat or plane, making the journey itself part of the adventure.

The trip began with an early morning pickup and a scenic drive through the Braulio Carrillo National Park, where misty mountains and dense rainforest set the tone for what was to come. A traditional Costa Rican breakfast (gallo pinto, fresh fruit, and strong coffee) fueled me for the boat ride through winding canals lined with lush jungle.

Upon arrival in Tortuguero, we took a boat over to where I checked into a quaint eco-lodge, a very relaxing place where howler monkeys greeted the dawn and exotic birds filled the air with song.

Tortuguero is a stunningly remote region characterized by dense rainforests, winding canals, and rich wildlife, accessible only by boat or small plane. The journey through its lush waterways is an adventure in itself, leading to a paradise filled with howler monkeys, vibrant toucans, and lurking caimans. A guided boat tour reveals sloths, iguanas, and playful river otters, showcasing the area’s natural beauty, even though I missed the famous sea turtle nesting season, with the pristine beaches adding to Tortuguero’s charm.

Tortuguero town is a small, colorful village nestled between the Caribbean Sea and a network of winding canals, giving it a unique, island-like charm. With no roads or cars, the town is accessible only by boat or small plane, reinforcing its off-the-grid appeal. Despite its remoteness, Tortuguero has a lively yet laid-back vibe, with local shops, small restaurants, and eco-lodges catering to adventurous travelers.

The town is best known for its deep connection to sea turtle conservation, particularly the green sea turtles that nest on its beaches. Walking through its sandy paths, I felt the warmth of the friendly locals, many of whom are passionate about preserving the area’s rich biodiversity. Whether savoring fresh seafood at a local soda (a small Costa Rican eatery), chatting with guides about the region’s wildlife, or simply strolling along the shoreline, Tortuguero felt like a hidden gem where nature and culture seamlessly blend.

Coffee, Volcanoes, and Waterfalls: A Classic Costa Rica Experience

For my second excursion, I opted for a full-day tour covering three of Costa Rica’s iconic attractions: The Doka coffee farm, Poás Volcano, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Doka Coffee Estate

The Doka coffee tour offered an immersive experience into Costa Rica’s coffee culture at Doka Coffee Farm, a historic plantation known for its high-quality Arabica beans. Visitors learn about the coffee-making process, including hand-picking cherries and traditional drying and roasting methods, while observing the functioning century-old water-powered mill. Highlighting Costa Rica’s dedication to sustainable coffee production, the tour culminates in tasting Doka’s signature brew with stunning views of the lush landscape, enhancing appreciation for the craft of coffee making.

San José to Poás Volcano itinerary

Poás Volcano, a renowned and active volcano in Costa Rica, features a stunning crater with a milky-blue acidic lake. The journey to the summit passes through picturesque coffee farms and cloud forests, enhancing the experience. Upon arrival, the cool mist and sulfuric steam create a surreal ambiance, and once the clouds dissipate, the expansive crater reveals fumaroles emitting gas. The surrounding national park offers short trails through dwarf cloud forest, showcasing the area’s volcanic history. The visit to Poás Volcano left a lasting impression of nature’s immense power.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a stunning nature reserve in Costa Rica, featuring five beautiful waterfalls and a wildlife rescue center with jaguars, sloths, and toucans. Nestled in the cloud forests near Poás Volcano, it offers well-maintained trails surrounded by vibrant butterflies and tropical bird calls. A highlight is the butterfly observatory, where hundreds of butterflies create a magical atmosphere, making it an unforgettable destination for nature lovers and photographers.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens was a breathtaking finale, with lush rainforest trails leading to five cascading waterfalls, an aviary, a butterfly observatory, and a wildlife rescue center. It was the perfect way to wrap up my time in the San José region before venturing to the Caribbean coast.

🌿 Final Thoughts on Part 1

My first days in Costa Rica were the perfect introduction to this beautiful country. This stage of the trip reflected exactly what Costa Rica is famous for: warm people, incredible biodiversity, active volcanoes, and immersive nature experiences.

From sipping freshly roasted coffee in the mountains to gliding along river canals surrounded by rainforest, Part 1 set the tone for the rest of the journey — unforgettable, inspiring, and full of natural wonders. This San José to Poás Volcano itinerary was perfect.