Captivating Costa Rica
New
PRIVATE TOUR: Experience Costa Rica on a 9-day tour that begins and ends in San José. Journey through the remote canals of Tortuguero, continue to the rainforest lowlands near Arenal, and cross into the sun-drenched province of Guanacaste before reaching the coast at Tamarindo. Highlights include a boat expedition through national park waterways, a volcano hike, a visit to a working coffee and chocolate farm, and a catamaran sailing tour on the Pacific.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
San JoseEnds
San JoseMinimum age
15 years oldMaximum age
No max ageArrival Transfer
Yes - day 1Departure Transfer
Yes - day 2Tour Guide
Services of English-speaking local guides for included sightseeing and activitiesCountry
Costa RicaMeals included
Breakfast: 8, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 3Passengers
$2,665.00
$699.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Services of English-speaking local guides for included sightseeing and activitiesGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Private tourTranportation
N/ALanguage
EnglishLanguage
EnglishRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in San Jose
Once you have arrived at Juan Santamaría International Airport, a local representative will be waiting to greet you and hand over your travel documents. From there, your transfer will take you to your hotel in the heart of San José’s metropolitan area. If you’re arriving early, you might like to explore some of the capital’s cultural highlights – the representative will be able to give you a few suggestions to help you make the most of your time
Day 2 - Journey to Tortuguero & Village Visit
San Jose - Tortuguero. Today, you will be picked up from your hotel in San Jose between 6.00 and 6.30 AM, heading for Tortuguero National Park. Along the way, you can admire the scenery as you pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park for an hour and a half. You will then stop to enjoy breakfast.
You will then arrive at the marina and board a comfortable boat to begin your journey into Tortuguero. As you navigate a network of rivers, canals, and lagoons, you’ll be surrounded by the lush scenery and wildlife that make this region so unique.
At approximately 1 PM, you’ll reach your lodge, where a welcome cocktail and a delicious lunch await. At 2.45 PM, you’ll head out to explore the small town of Tortuguero, known for its laid-back Caribbean charm. After you will be transferred back the the accommodation where lunch will be served
Day 3 - Exploring Tortuguero's Wildlife
This morning, you’ll set off on a guided boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions. As you glide through the rainforest waterways, keep your eyes peeled for exotic birdlife, monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife unique to this tropical habitat.
Your expert guide will help you spot and identify various species, sharing insights into the rich ecosystem that surrounds you. Afterwards, you will have the rest of the day at your leisure to relax—take a dip in the lodge’s swimming pool or unwind in the tropical gardens. Your guide will confirm the departure time for the boat tour.
Day 4 - Tortuguero to La Fortuna
Tortuguero - La Fortune. After breakfast, you will depart from Tortuguero heading back to the dock, where you will then take a bus to Guapilies. Once you have arrived, you will enjoy lunch.
You will then continue your journey through the Northern plains of Costa Rica, where you will be able to enjoy views of exotic flowers and plantations en route to the little town of La Fortuna at the foot of the Arenal Volcano.
Day 5 - Farm Traditions, Volcano Views & Natural Springs
Today, you’ll begin with a visit to a family-run farm in La Fortuna, where you’ll learn how coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane are made using traditional techniques. From plant to product, you’ll be guided through each step, with tastings along the way. The farm also features local crops and animals, giving you a richer understanding of rural Costa Rican life.
In the afternoon, you’ll take a guided hike through El Silencio Private Reserve. Following a 1-kilometre volcanic stone path, you’ll reach a viewpoint offering the closest access to Arenal Volcano. Your guide will share insights into its formation and eruptions, including the major event of 1968, while you enjoy sweeping views over Lake Arenal and Laguna Verde.
The hike continues through secondary forest that gradually gives way to pristine primary rainforest. Along this 1.5-kilometre trail on the slopes of the volcano, your guide will help you look for native wildlife, such as toucans, monkeys, and other tropical species, depending on what nature offers.
To finish the day, you’ll visit Ecotermales Hot Springs. Here, you can unwind in a series of natural pools heated by the volcano itself, with temperatures ranging from 32°C to 41°C. Surrounded by forest, this peaceful setting is the ideal place to relax before enjoying an included buffet dinner.
Day 6 - Journey to Tamarindo Beach
La Fortuna - Liberia - Tamarindo. This morning, you’ll depart the Arenal region and head west toward Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. As your transfer winds through the countryside, you’ll notice a shift in landscape from rainforest to the dry tropical forest and wide plains of Guanacaste. After roughly three hours, you’ll arrive in the city of Liberia, the capital of the province.
From Liberia, you’ll continue toward the Nicoya Peninsula. The final stretch takes you along a mix of rural roads before reaching the coastal town of Tamarindo, known for its sunny beaches, surf scene, and lively atmosphere. Once you’ve checked in, enjoy a spectacular sunset from your hotel overlooking Tamarindo Beach.
Day 7 - Morning at Leisure & Catamaran Cruise
Today, you will have the morning at your leisure to enjoy the surroundings and make the most of your hotel’s setting. You might take a gentle walk along the beach or relax in the sun with a fresh fruit juice in hand.
In the afternoon, you’ll head out on a sunset catamaran cruise along the Pacific coast. This relaxed sailing experience includes time for snorkelling and soaking up the coastal scenery, with the chance to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, manta rays, or even whales, depending on the season.
On board, you can enjoy an open bar and a selection of light bites, including fresh fruit, dips, and a signature chicken burrito. It’s a laid-back experience designed for you to unwind, take in the views, and enjoy the beauty of Guanacaste from the water.
Please note: The catamaran sailing tour may take place in the morning, depending on weather conditions.
Day 8 - Tamarindo to San Jose
Tamarindo - San Jose. After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel in Tamarindo heading back to San Jose, where you will be able to enjoy views of the Pacific Coast along the way.
Once you have arrived in San Jose, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to further explore San Jose, grab a coffee, or enjoy the nightlife.
Day 9 - Departurte from San Jose
After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time for some last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxation before your onward transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport, where the tour will conclude. Safe travels!
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Dates for 2027 haven't been released yet.
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Costa Rica to discover even more unforgettable adventures!

On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?














