Essential Costa Rica

On arrival in vibrant San José, you will be met by our representative who will assist you to your shared transfer. This will take you directly to your hotel in the city, where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica.

We collect you from your hotel at around 6.30 am to begin the shared bus transfer through Braulio Carrillo National Park, travelling towards the Caribbean plains. Along the way, enjoy impressive mountain views and pass through charming villages. Around 8.30 am, we stop for a delicious breakfast at a restaurant in Guapiles before continuing by boat through the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Upon arrival at your eco-lodge, you can settle in and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we take a guided walk around Tortuguero village, including a visit to the Turtles Museum (a small donation of $1 is requested). Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay in Tortuguero.

After breakfast, we set off at 9 am for a two-hour boat tour through the Tortuguero canals, a highlight of the region. Guided by an expert naturalist, we explore the intricate network of waterways, lagoons and dense rainforest, home to a remarkable variety of wildlife including numerous species of amphibians, reptiles and mammals. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, with the option to join additional tours available locally. Dinner is served at the hotel, where you will spend the night.

After breakfast, we leave Tortuguero at around 9 am, travelling by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles. We pause for lunch at a local restaurant at approximately 1 pm. Following the meal, a shared transfer will take you to the Arenal area, where you will arrive around 5 pm for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. Overnight in Arenal.

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel to begin the Lava Trails hike around Arenal Volcano. Your expert guide will share insights into the volcano’s history, periods of activity, and point out notable landmarks formed by past eruptions. Along the way, you’ll observe the unique vegetation and local wildlife that thrive in this volcanic landscape. After the hike, return to the hotel to unwind in the natural hot springs. Nestled beneath the impressive Arenal Volcano, these geothermal pools offer a peaceful setting to relax and soak in the rainforest atmosphere. Enjoy the tranquility and comfort of the hotel’s facilities as you recharge for the evening. Overnight in Arenal.

After an early breakfast and check-out, meet your guide at around 7.30 am to begin the transfer to Monteverde. You will travel down to Lake Arenal, where you board a boat to cross the lake towards Monteverde, arriving at approximately 11.30 am. From there, a vehicle will take you up to Monteverde, ascending to 1,200 metres above sea level. This journey reveals the shift from rainforest to cloud forest in the Puntarenas province. Monteverde is known for its misty cloud forests, coffee plantations, and abundant wildlife. The nearby town of Santa Elena offers a charming atmosphere with artisan shops and local eateries. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure. Overnight in Monteverde.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at leisure to relax or explore the remarkable Monteverde Cloud Forest at your own pace. This area is renowned for its unique cloud forest ecosystem, rich biodiversity and tranquil atmosphere. You may choose to visit local trails, wildlife reserves or the charming town of Santa Elena. Overnight in Monteverde.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your shared transfer collects you from the hotel. We then take you to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Costa Rican adventure.

Please Note: Your departure flight should be after 15:30, if the flight is earlier, there will be a supplement charge for an earlier transfer.