Discover the very best of Costa Rica on this 13-day adventure starting and ending in San Jose. Travel from the capital into the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero National Park, where you’ll spot monkeys, birds and maybe even nesting turtles. Continue to Arenal to explore rainforest trails beneath the iconic volcano and unwind in optional hot springs, before heading into the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest for unforgettable nature walks. Finish with several relaxed days on the golden beaches of Tamarindo, perfect for swimming, surfing or simply slowing down. This journey blends wildlife, volcanoes, cloud forest and coast at an easy, well-balanced pace.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Arrival in San Jose
On arrival at San Jose International Airport, after completing customs formalities, you will proceed independently to your hotel.
Overnight: San Jose
Journey to Tortuguero and Canal Exploration
San Jose - Tortuguero. We depart early this morning, travelling by road through Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean lowlands. Along the way, we pass verdant mountain scenery and rural villages before stopping for breakfast. We then continue by boat, cruising through the winding rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park, an area renowned for its rich biodiversity.
Arriving at the eco-lodge in time for lunch, we later explore the surrounding canals by boat and visit the village of Tortuguero. There is time to stroll along the beach and observe daily life in this remote community. During turtle hatching season, it is sometimes possible to see baby turtles making their way to the ocean. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing at the lodge, immersed in tropical forest and wildlife.
Overnight: Tortuguero | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wildlife Discovery in Tortuguero National Park
We spend the day surrounded by the natural beauty of Tortuguero. A three-hour boat excursion takes us deep into the national park, where we observe an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including monkeys, crocodiles, sloths and an impressive range of birdlife. With over 350 protected species, this region is one of Costa Rica’s most important conservation areas.
The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the lodge facilities and the peaceful rainforest setting.
Overnight: Tortuguero | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Tortuguero to Arenal
Tortuguero - Arenal. We begin the day with an early morning boat journey to Guapiles. On arrival, we stop at a local restaurant for lunch before continuing onwards to the Arenal region.
The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may choose to relax at the hotel or explore the area independently.
Overnight: Arenal Volcano National Park | Breakfast, Lunch
Arenal Volcano National Park Experience
After breakfast, we enjoy a guided walking tour in Arenal Volcano National Park. During the walk, our guide explains the volcanic history of Arenal, once one of the most active volcanoes in the region. We walk through lush landscapes formed by past lava flows, keeping an eye out for local wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys and anteaters.
We return to the hotel later in the day, leaving you with free time to relax or explore at your own pace.
Optional: Sky Walk Guided Tour
Discover the rainforest from above on a guided walk across a series of suspension bridges. Elevated trails and bridges provide panoramic views of the forest canopy, offering excellent opportunities to observe wildlife and tropical vegetation from a unique perspective.
Optional: Zipline Adventure
Experience an adrenaline-filled adventure as you zip through the rainforest canopy. This tour features multiple zip lines and platforms high in the trees, allowing close contact with the surrounding nature. The experience also includes a Tarzan-style swing for an extra thrill.
Includes transportation, entrance fees, safety equipment and the services of a bilingual guide.
Optional: La Fortuna Waterfall
Walk down a forested trail to the base of the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall, where water cascades into a clear natural pool. You may choose to swim, relax or simply enjoy the surrounding scenery. Your visit also supports local community development projects.
Overnight: Arenal Volcano National Park | Breakfast
Scenic Transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest
Arenal - Monteverde. After an early breakfast, we travel to Lake Arenal and board a boat for a scenic crossing to the Monteverde region. On the far side of the lake, we continue by road, ascending into the cooler cloud forest at approximately 1,200 meters above sea level.
Monteverde, located in the province of Puntarenas, is famous for its misty forests, coffee plantations and remarkable biodiversity. The nearby town of Santa Elena offers a relaxed atmosphere with small restaurants and artisan shops. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore or simply enjoy the surroundings.
Overnight: Monteverde | Breakfast
Monteverde Cloud Forest Exploration
Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is internationally recognized for its conservation efforts and scientific research. Home to around 2.5 percent of the world’s biodiversity, the reserve protects an extraordinary range of plant and animal life, from orchids and mosses to mammals, birds and amphibians.
We head out on a hike through the cloud forest to experience this unique ecozystem first-hand. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Monteverde at your own pace.
Overnight: Monteverde | Breakfast
Pacific Coast Journey to Tamarindo
Monteverde - Tamarindo. After breakfast, we travel to the Pacific coast and the beach town of Tamarindo, located in the province of Guanacaste. On arrival, you check in at your hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to explore the lively streets, relax on the beach or enjoy the facilities at your hotel.
Overnight: Tamarindo | Breakfast
Leisure Time on Tamarindo’s Pacific Coast
We spend three relaxing days in Tamarindo, a vibrant beach town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Tamarindo Beach sits within a wide bay formed by Cabo Velas, with Playa Grande to the north and Playa Langosta to the south. Between Tamarindo and Playa Grande lies the Estero de Tamarindo, the largest mangrove estuary in Central America, while nearby estuaries and beaches form part of Las Baulas National Park, an important protected area for marine life.
These days are at leisure, giving you time to fully embrace the laid-back coastal lifestyle. You may choose to relax on the golden sands, swim in the warm Pacific waters, stroll through town or enjoy the wide variety of local and international restaurants for which Tamarindo is well known.
Overnight: Tamarindo | Breakfast x 3
Return to San Jose
Tamarindo - San Jose. After breakfast, we check out and travel back to San Jose. On arrival, you check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the capital at your own pace, whether visiting local neighborhoods, museums or cafés.
Optional: San Jose City Tour
Discover the highlights of Costa Rica’s capital on a guided city tour. Visit the historic National Theater, explore the Gold Museum and stroll through the Central Market. The tour also passes several important landmarks and historic buildings, offering insight into the city’s cultural and architectural heritage. A visit to an art gallery provides an opportunity to purchase locally made souvenirs.
Overnight: San Jose | Breakfast
Departure from Costa Rica
After breakfast, you make your own way to the airport for your onward flight home, bringing your Costa Rican adventure to an end.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Park Inn by Radisson, San Jose
The high-rise Park Inn Hotel boasts spectacular views of San Jose. The modern rooms are tastefully decorated with bright colours and come complete with a mini-bar, coffee machine and flat-screen TV - all you need to unwind after a day in the capital. The restaurant in the hotel serves up a variety of local and international dishes along with a complimentary breakfast buffet for guests. The hotel is situated just a stone's throw away from La Sabana Metropolitan Park and La Sabana Shopping Centre making it the ideal location for those looking to make the most of their time in San Jose.
Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
Surrounded by towering trees and verdant vegetation, the Evergreen Lodge is an oasis of comfort in the heart of nature. The bright and airy guest rooms are comfortable and the lodge also offers more private jungle bungalows. The hotel's turtle-shaped outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to escape the heat after a day of adventure in the Tortuguero National Park and a range of spa treatments are also available. The Evergreen Lodge is located in the northeastern corner of Tortuguero, 5 minutes by boat from the main entrance to the Tortuguero National Park.
Arenal Springs, Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Springs is set in lush tropical gardens at the foot of Arenal Volcano, close to La Fortuna and its many attractions. The hotel offers direct views of the volcano and easy access to nearby hot springs, rainforest walks and adventure activities. Facilities include several natural thermal pools, a restaurant and spa services. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, each with a terrace, air conditioning and modern amenities, providing a relaxing base after exploring the surrounding national parks and waterfalls.
Poco a Poco Hotel & Spa, Monteverde
Poco a Poco is a stunning mountain retreat ideally situated for exploring the famous cloud forest. Within the hotel lies an idyllic indoor pool complex complete with jacuzzis and a poolside bar. Guests are also invited to spoil themselves with a bit of pampering in the spa, the perfect way to rejuvenate and revitalise after an adventure through the rainforest. The colourful and spacious rooms offer up fabulous views along with a high level of comfort to ensure that the relaxing atmosphere carries on through the night. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of local amenities such as the supermarket, restaurants and bars.
Wyndham Tamarindo, Tamarindo
This elevated hotel in Tamarindo, on Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast, offers sweeping ocean views from its infinity pool, restaurant and many rooms. Perched on a hillside, it’s a short shuttle ride or walk to Tamarindo’s lively beach, boutique shops and surf spots. Facilities include an outdoor pool with bar, beach-club access, on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi throughout. Rooms feature furnished balconies overlooking the sea, air conditioning and modern comforts, ideal for relaxing after exploring nearby beaches, national parks and the vibrant coastal town.
At a Glance
