Trip Duration:
17 days
Recommended season:
November - May
Costa Rica - Trip Summary
A customized 17-day tour of Costa Rica offers an in-depth journey through its lush and varied landscapes. Begin with Tortuguero National Park, known for its dense tropical vegetation, waterways, and mangrove forests. Travel along the Caribbean coast to Puerto Viejo to explore Cahuita National Park, home to Costa Rica’s largest coral reef. Head to Arenal, an area abundant with vibrant greenery year-round, where you can relax in natural hot springs sourced from Arenal Volcano.
Continue to Monteverde Cloud Forest for a tour of hanging bridges, a cable car ride, and ziplining through the treetops. Next, venture to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast, a picturesque area perfect for a mix of activities and relaxation by the ocean. Conclude your journey with a visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poás Volcano, marveling at the impressive volcanic crater and its surroundings.
Our custom Costa Rica tours offer an extraordinary experience, from its rich biodiversity and white-sand beaches to its cloud forests and ecotourism opportunities. Activities range from adrenaline-filled adventures to serene nature tours, all in breathtaking reserves. Choose from various travel options, including a private guide, dedicated driver, private or shared transfers, or a self-driven 4×4 rental, ensuring an unforgettable trip at your desired pace and style.
Reserves • Activities • Tropical Beaches
Day 1: Arrival - San Jose
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.
Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero
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.
Day 3: Tortuguero
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
Day 4: Tortuguero - To the Caribbean Coast in Puerto Viejo
After breakfast, we will depart together on a tourist bus from the Caribbean coast towards Guapiles, where we will stop for lunch.
Following this, we will continue our journey (transportation according to your choice) for approximately 5 hours south along the Caribbean coast to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a vibrant coastal town known for its stunning beaches and lush jungles, offering a laid-back atmosphere influenced by Afro-Caribbean culture. Visitors can enjoy surfing, relaxing on beautiful beaches, and exploring nearby national parks, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 5: Puerto Viejo - Cahuita National Park
After breakfast, we will embark on a day trip to Cahuita National Park. This is the largest coral reef park in Costa Rica. Upon arrival at the park, we will enjoy a 20-minute boat ride before snorkeling in the waters, where we will explore a diverse range of corals and the colorful fish that inhabit them.
After our snorkeling adventure, we will return to the beach for a brief hike through the park, where we can observe various wildlife, including iguanas, monkeys, raccoons, and more.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 6: Puerto Viejo - Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Puerto Viejo on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 7: Puerto Viejo - Arenal - Tabacón Hot Springs
After breakfast, we will drive approximately 5.5 hours to the Arenal area and the town of La Fortuna in the northern province of Alajuela, near the Nicaraguan border. The region features lush greenery, tropical rains that keep the area fresh year-round, rainforests, rushing and calm rivers, hot springs, lagoons, parks, and a wealth of flora and fauna.
This area is famous for the cone-shaped Arenal Volcano, which stands at 1,670 meters with a crater measuring 140 meters in diameter. The geothermal activity is also evident in the abundance of hot springs that offer a pampering experience for visitors.
Arenal Volcano was dormant for hundreds of years, and only a single crater remains at its summit, previously covered in 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 of them has survived to this day. The last eruption occurred in October 2010, and since then, the volcanic activity of the mountain has been decreasing.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
There’s nothing like ending the day with a soak in the Tabacón hot springs. These natural hot springs flow from the Arenal Volcano and are located in a luxurious setting featuring 12 pools with varying temperatures. The site includes an active bar, buffet, and restaurant.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 8: Arenal - Hanging Bridges - La Fortuna - Arenal Nature Reserve
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.
Day 9: Arenal - Monteverde - Night Tour
After breakfast, we will embark on a 4-hour drive to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
This stunning area is known for its cloud forest, also referred to as a “fog forest.” It is a unique phenomenon of evergreen rainforests that receive moisture in the form of clouds. The forest is a warm habitat for sloths, snakes, monkeys, various butterfly species, and a colorful 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.
Day 10: Monteverde - Hanging Bridges - Canopy - Cable Car - Frog Pond - Butterfly Garden
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.
Day 11: Monteverde - Jaco
After breakfast, we will drive approximately 4 hours to Jaco, a popular surf resort town surrounded by golden beaches. Jaco is a vibrant destination known for its lively atmosphere, attracting surfers and beachgoers from around the world. The town offers a variety of activities, including surfing lessons, horseback riding, and eco-tours, making it a perfect spot for adventure seekers.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Jaco.
Overnight in Jaco.
Day 12: Jaco - Carara National Park
After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of Carara National Park, which was established as a reserve in 1978 and serves as a transition point between dry tropical forest and wet tropical forest. During the tour, we may encounter various wildlife, including unique macaws, wild boars, monkeys, and more.
After the tour, we will return to Jaco.
You will then have free time to explore the area or relax on the beach.
Overnight in Jaco.
Day 13: Jaco - Manuel Antonio National Park
After breakfast, we will drive approximately 1.5 hours to the town of Quepos and the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, located along the Pacific Ocean. This beautiful national park features white sandy beaches, picturesque coves, lush tropical vegetation, and an abundance of wildlife and bird species.
It is one of the most stunning nature reserves in Costa Rica, where mesmerizing beaches blend with rainforests. You will encounter a variety of wildlife, including iguanas, colorful birds, howler monkeys, and vibrant crabs, along with diverse flora and fauna.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
In the afternoon, we will go on a guided tour of the Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve. During the hike, we will encounter rich wildlife, including over a hundred species of animals and more than two hundred species of birds.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 14: Manuel Antonio - Catamaran Cruise on the Blue Ocean Including Snorkeling
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.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 15: Manuel Antonio - Free Day
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.
Day 16: Manuel Antonio - Poás and La Paz - San José
After breakfast, we will drive approximately 3.5 hours to San José.
On the way, we will stop for a tour of Poás Volcano National Park (about a 1-hour drive). We will pass through mountainous, green pastures, tropical vegetation, and mainly coffee plantations.
Upon arrival at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, we will take a well-maintained trail down to the base of the waterfalls. We will be greeted by a series of six rushing waterfalls, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and an abundance of butterflies and birds. (It tends to be cool in La Paz, so please bring warm clothing for this segment.)
Next, we will continue our tour of Poás Volcano, which has a crater that occasionally emits gas and ash since its last eruption. We will observe the turquoise lake located at the bottom of the crater and the clear waterfalls creating a stunning spectacle.
Afterward, we will continue our journey for about an hour to San José. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in San José.
Day 17: San José - Airport
After breakfast and depending on the flight time, we will transfer to the airport for the flight back home.
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Travelers Testimonials
In Great Hands from Start to Finish
From start to finish, we felt in great hands. Every detail was well-organized, and service was professional and patient. The trip ran seamlessly, the activities were unique, and even the weather cooperated! Looking forward to planning another adventure with you. Highly recommended!Ronit, on behalf of all of us
“Everything Was Exceptionally Well-Planned”
From perfect timing to exceptional lodges and thoughtful tips, our Costa Rica trip with Muscat was flawless. Every detail was handled with care, allowing us to fully enjoy the beauty of the destination. We're already dreaming of the next one!Moshe & Ayala
“Two weeks, endless wonder “
Our Costa Rica trip was beautifully planned and expertly handled. The hotels were excellent, and the team was flexible and responsive throughout. Juan, our guide for two weeks, was knowledgeable, warm, and adaptable -showing us the best of Costa Rica with real heart.Recommended by Nimrod Leo & Nimrod Geva
“Nature, Culture and Pure Ease”
We returned from a wonderful journey through Costa Rica and Guatemala. The hotels were excellent (especially Arenal Springs), and the guides - especially Carlos - were professional and warm. Every detail was well planned, and the whole trip felt smooth and enriching.Recommended by the Heymanns
“A Wow Trip to Costa Rica”
The trip to Costa Rica was incredible, one of the best trips we've ever had. Every detail was well-organized, and we visited stunning places. Costa Rica itself is fantastic, and the planning was perfect. We highly recommend this service to all our friends, and our next trip will definitely be with them!Yonit and Yuval Daphne
“A Perfect Costa Rica Trip”
Our Costa Rica trip was incredible! Everything was flawlessly planned, allowing us to explore stunning landscapes with ease. The country’s beauty, friendly people, and seamless logistics made it an unforgettable experience. Working with you was a pleasure—your patience and kindness made all the difference. Th"Moriah & Eitan Valish Kfar Vradim"
“Exceptional Costa Rica Experience “
Fantastic service and smooth trip. Excellent guides, on-time transfers, and amazing hotels. Highly recommended! Special thanks to Rona.Ellie and Kobi Poltork
Well-Planned & Seamless Trip
Our trip was seamless, with a well-balanced itinerary, excellent hotels, and modern vehicles. The guiding was top-notch, and Juan in Costa Rica was exceptional—professional, knowledgeable, and kind. Despite some rain concerns, everything ran smoothly. Thank you for an outstanding experience!Cynthia & Ryan Silverman
A Perfect Blend of Experiences
Our trip was a perfect mix of culture, nature, and seamless logistics. The guides were excellent, with Luis in Tortuguero standing out. The hotel selection was great, with Manuel Antonio as the perfect finale. Combining Cuba and Costa Rica made for an incredible experience. Highly recommended!David Gilboa