Costa Rica Tour

The Ultimate Tropical Paradise Journey

Welcome to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Upon Arrival, meet our representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in San Jose.

Early in the morning, we will take a shared tourist bus to Tortuguero National Park, known for its rich tropical vegetation and wildlife, serving as a nesting ground for sea turtles.

On the way, we will stop for breakfast at a local restaurant. After arriving at the Matina/Caño Blanco port, we will continue by boat through the canals to the reserve.

The area was declared protected in the 1960s and has been a national park since 1975. It is a nesting site for green sea turtles, which make their way to the beaches each year between June and October. The 18,946 hectares of the reserve protect turtle nests, canals, lagoons, and the forests that surround the beaches.

Upon arrival, we will settle into the lodge and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, we will take a tour of the local village. The meeting of the sea and land, combined with the beautiful nature, creates a relaxed and unique atmosphere characteristic of the colorful village’s residents.

Dinner will be served at the lodge.
Overnight in Tortuguero.

**Tours and transfers in Tortuguero are shared
**Total travel time including breakfast stop is approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast, we will enjoy a jungle walking tour. We will return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, we will embark on a safari boat tour through the waterways. The main attraction of Tortuguero is its canals. The area offers a blend of rainforests, coastal vegetation, mangroves, swamps, and lagoons, serving as a refuge for many wildlife species, including 300 bird species, 50 fish species, and approximately 160 mammals, some of which are endangered. The boat ride allows us to observe monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, sloths, and more.

Dinner will be served at the lodge.
Overnight in Tortuguero.

**Tours and transfers in Tortuguero are shared

After breakfast, we will depart together on a tourist bus from the Caribbean coast towards Guápiles, where we will enjoy lunch.

Following lunch, we will continue our journey (transportation options based on your choice) to the Arenal area and the town of La Fortuna (approximately 3 hours, 130 km) in the northern Alajuela province, near the Nicaragua border. The region boasts lush green landscapes, with tropical rains maintaining its freshness throughout the year, rainforests, rushing and calm rivers, hot springs, lagoons, parks, abundant vegetation, and wildlife.

This area is famous for the Arenal Volcano, which has a conical shape and rises to about 1,670 meters, featuring a crater with a diameter of 140 meters. It is also known for its geothermal activity, reflected in the many hot springs available in the area, offering a pampering experience for visitors.

The Arenal Volcano was dormant for hundreds of years, leaving only a single crater at its summit. It was covered with dense vegetation. Unexpectedly, it erupted in 1968, destroying the small town of Tabacón. The eruption created three craters on the western slope, but only one has survived to this day. The last eruption occurred in October 2010, and since then, the volcanic activity of the mountain has been gradually decreasing.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.

There’s no better way to end the day than with a soak in the Tabacón hot springs. These natural hot springs flow from the Arenal Volcano and are located in a luxurious complex featuring 12 pools with varying temperatures. The venue also includes an active bar, buffet, and restaurant.
Overnight in Arenal.

After breakfast, we will enjoy a day of exploration in the Arenal area. We will start with a 3 km hiking trail, where you will walk through hanging bridges surrounded by lush tropical forest, observing the local wildlife, plants, and insects.

Following the hike, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in town, followed by another walk that includes a strenuous descent and ascent via stairs, leading to a refreshing swim at La Fortuna Waterfall.

(We recommend bringing a swimsuit and a light towel if you wish to swim in the waterfall.)

In the afternoon, we will embark on a hike that will take you closer to the volcano.
Overnight in Arenal.

Early in the morning, we will depart for Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge (approximately 1.5 hours, 100 km). This refuge is considered one of the richest birdwatching sites on the continent and serves as a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, and bats that inhabit the lush natural vegetation.
Upon arrival, we will enjoy a boat tour through the water channels to observe the wildlife residing in the refuge.

After our tour, we will return to Arenal (approximately 1.5 hours, 100 km). The rest of the day will be free for you to relax or explore.
Overnight in Arenal.

Please bring your passports, as the refuge is located near the Nicaraguan border, and there may be immigration checks along the way.

After breakfast, we will drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park (approximately 1.5 hours, 80 km) and embark on a hiking tour through the tropical rainforest (approximately 7 km). During our hike, we will visit the beautiful Río Celeste lagoon and Los Teñíderos, the famous confluence of the tributaries that create the “Sky Blue River.” This stunning river reflects a heavenly blue color, which gives it its name.

At the end of the trail, we will arrive at the beautiful waterfall of Río Celeste.

After our visit, we will return to the hotel in Arenal (approximately 1.5 hours, 80 km).

Overnight in Arenal.

After breakfast, we will drive approximately 4 hours (around 170 km) to the north to Rincon de la Vieja, one of the most beautiful and unique reserves in Costa Rica. This national park features an active volcano standing at 1,900 meters high. The park is located in the northwestern part of the country, about 4-5 hours’ drive from San José, towards the Nicaragua border.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Rincon de la Vieja.

After breakfast, we will embark on a guided tour of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The park is renowned for its geothermal activity, featuring bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and hot springs, which are a testament to the volcanic nature of the area.
During our exploration, we will encounter numerous volcanic craters, showcasing the dynamic geological processes that shape this beautiful landscape. As we walk along the designated trails, we’ll have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of exotic wildlife, including colorful birds, monkeys, and perhaps even some unique reptiles native to this region.

The tour will include visits to the stunning waterfalls in the park, where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural pools surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The vibrant flora and fauna create a breathtaking backdrop for photography and relaxation.

Free time for the rest of the day.
Overnight in Rincon de la Vieja.

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey of approximately 4 hours to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.

Monteverde is renowned for its breathtaking cloud forests, also referred to as “fog forests.” This unique phenomenon features evergreen rainforests that receive moisture in the form of clouds, creating a lush environment rich in biodiversity. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including sloths, snakes, monkeys, numerous butterfly species, and a vibrant array of birds.

In the afternoon, we will set out for a night tour in the reserve. We will walk along the trails of the cloud forest, observing a variety of nocturnal animals such as tarantulas, other spiders, frogs, snakes, and other unique reptiles in their nighttime activity.
Overnight in Monteverde.

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of the hanging bridges. This tour takes you across a system of treetop bridges, allowing you to experience the rainforest from above.

Next, enjoy a ride on the cable car and an exhilarating canopy tour (ziplining) among the treetops. The canopy experience includes about 8 cables, connected to platforms mostly situated in the tree canopy.

Following this, we will visit the Frog Pond and Butterfly Garden, where you can see dozens of different species of frogs and butterflies.
Overnight in Monteverde.

The weather in Monteverde is usually cool, so please dress warmly in layers for this day.

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey of approximately 4 hours to the coastal town of Quepos, near Manuel Antonio National Park, which is located along the Pacific Ocean. This beautiful national park features white sandy beaches, picturesque coves, rich tropical vegetation, and an abundance of wildlife and birds.

On our way, we will stop at the mangrove forest of the Tarcoles River. Here, we will enjoy a guided boat tour along the river to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat. This is a unique opportunity to see various species of crocodiles up close, including the impressive American crocodile, which can grow up to 5 meters in length.
During the boat ride, we will appreciate the wonders of Costa Rica’s nature, featuring lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for various bird species, iguanas, and other inhabitants of the mangrove ecosystem. The knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the ecosystem and the importance of these mangroves.

After our exciting river adventure, we will continue our journey to Manuel Antonio. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

After breakfast, we will enjoy a catamaran cruise departing from Quepos, sailing on the blue waters off the coast of Manuel Antonio. Depending on luck, we may spot dolphins, whales, sea turtles, manta rays, and various seabirds such as pelicans and ibises.
We will anchor in one of the sheltered coves in the Bay of Biesanz for swimming and snorkeling. A delicious lunch will be served on board the catamaran.

Please note that snorkeling will not take place if weather conditions do not allow for it.

After our exciting boat trip, we will head out for a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. During the hike, we will encounter abundant wildlife, including over a hundred species of animals and more than two hundred species of birds.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Manuel Antonio.

You can choose from the following activities in the area : white-water rafting, guided tours in the national park, sea kayaking, horseback riding, biking along the beaches, and hiking tours in the rainforest.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

After breakfast, we will embark on a combined drive and boat ride of approximately 3.5 hours to Drake Bay, passing through the town of Sierpe. This area is renowned as one of the most beautiful spots for diving in Costa Rica.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon, you will have free time to enjoy the pristine and untouched beaches and landscapes of Costa Rica.
Overnight in Drake Bay.

After breakfast, we will embark on a day trip to the nearby Corcovado National Park. The park covers an area of approximately 424 square kilometers and was declared a national park in 1975. It is considered the largest national park in Costa Rica, where you can see a vast population of birds along with countless species of plants and various animals.
Overnight in Drake Bay.

After breakfast, we will set out on a shared boat trip to Isla del Caño, a beautiful island renowned as one of the best diving spots in the country. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a day of snorkeling and diving along the island’s beaches. Lunch is included.

Afterward, we will return to Drake Bay via a shared boat.
Dinner and overnight in Drake Bay.

After breakfast and depending on the flight time, we will transfer to the airport for a small plane flight to San José.

Upon arrival, we will embark on a tour to Poás Volcano National Park, located about an hour away. We will pass through green, mountainous pastures, tropical vegetation, and especially coffee plantations.

We will arrive at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where we will descend a well-maintained trail to the base of the waterfalls. Before us will be a series of six cascading waterfalls, surrounded by lush tropical flora, an abundance of butterflies, and various winged creatures.
(Note: It is usually cooler in La Paz; please bring warm clothing for this section.)

Afterward, we will continue our tour at Poás Volcano National Park, where we will see the crater, which has been left with a scar from the last lava eruption that occasionally emits gas and ash. We will observe the turquoise lake located at the bottom of the crater and the clear waterfalls creating a stunning sight.

Following the visit, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in San José.

After breakfast and depending on the flight time, we will transfer to the airport for the flight back home.