Costa Rica Tropical Experience
This 5-day tour starts and ends in San Jose, offering a fantastic blend of culture, nature and relaxation. You'll explore the artisan town of Sarchi and enjoy stunning views of the iconic Arenal Volcano, complete with a soothing soak in natural hot springs. Then it's off to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, where you'll cruise peaceful canals at dawn and visit a charming village. The pace is just right, packed with memorable experiences but plenty of time to unwind. Expect lush landscapes, wildlife encounters and authentic local flavours throughout this unforgettable Costa Rican adventure.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
5 daysHotel Rating
3 star hotelsStarts
San JoseEnds
San JoseMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Costa Rica that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - Services of a bi-lingual English-speaking guide for included sightseeingCountry
Costa RicaPassengers
$2,032.50
$1,016.25
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 30
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
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
Yes - Services of a bi-lingual English-speaking guide for included sightseeingGroup Size
Min 1 / Max 30Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
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
Group ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to San Jose
Welcome to Costa Rica. Upon arrival at the airport, a local representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel in San Jose. After checking in, you will have free time to relax and settle into your room. You may explore the city and its surroundings at your leisure this afternoon.
Day 2 - Stop in Sarchi & Experience Arenal Volcano Hot Springs
After breakfast at the hotel, we will collect you from the lobby around 7:30 am for a shared transfer to La Fortuna de San Carlos, home to the striking Arenal Volcano. En route, we will stop in the town of Sarchi, renowned as the birthplace of Costa Rica's artisans. Here, you can admire a variety of handcrafted souvenirs and see the world's largest ox cart, recognised by the Guinness Book of Records. Continuing to La Fortuna, we will pause for lunch at a cosy restaurant offering impressive views of the volcano.
Following lunch, we will unwind at Baldi Hot Springs Resort, where 25 natural mineral pools fed by the volcano's thermal waters provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. To conclude the day, a delicious dinner will be served with stunning views of Arenal Volcano before we return to San Jose for the night.
Day 3 - Explore Tortuguero
We begin early with check-out from the hotel before a shared transfer at 6:00 am to Tortuguero National Park on the North Caribbean Coast. Around 8:30 am, we pause for breakfast in Guapiles city, then continue to La Pavona dock. Here, we board a shared boat to the lodge, where you can settle into a peaceful and tranquil environment. We arrive at the lodge around 1:00 pm for check-in followed by a included lunch. At 2:30 pm, we meet our guide for a visit to the charming village of Tortuguero. After the excursion, return to the lodge to relax. Dinner is included this evening.
Day 4 - Discover Tortuguero’s Beauty & Return to San Jose
Rise early to meet your guide at 5:45 am for a serene boat journey through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, witnessing the Caribbean sunrise in its natural splendour. Return to the lodge by 7:00 am for breakfast before preparing for departure. At 9:30 am, we begin a shared transfer combining boat and road travel to a restaurant in Guapiles city, where lunch is served. After lunch at around 1:30 pm, we continue by shared transfer back to San Jose for your overnight stay.
Day 5 - Farewell Costa Rica
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and prepare for your departure. At the arranged time, a local representative will collect you from the lobby for a shared transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport, ensuring a smooth journey as you catch your flight home.
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
'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 (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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