
Costa Rica Discovery
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PRIVATE TOUR: 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.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
13 daysHotel Rating
4-5 star hotelsStarts
San JoseEnds
San JoseMinimum Age
8 years oldMaximum 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
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Services of English-speaking local guides for included sightseeing and activitiesCountry
Costa RicaMeals Included
Breakfast: 12, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 2Passengers
€2,310.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
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
Services of English-speaking local guides for included sightseeing and activitiesGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
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
Private ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in San Jose
On arrival at San Jose International Airport, after completing customs formalities, you will proceed independently to your hotel.
Day 2 - Journey to Tortuguero and Canal Exploration

San Jose - Tortuguero. You depart early this morning, travelling by road through Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean lowlands. Along the way, pass verdant mountain scenery and rural villages before stopping for breakfast. You 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, you 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.
Day 3 - Wildlife Discovery in Tortuguero National Park

You spend the day surrounded by the natural beauty of Tortuguero. A three-hour boat excursion takes you deep into the national park, where you can 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.
Day 4 - From Tortuguero to Arenal

Tortuguero - Arenal. Begin the day with an early morning boat journey to Guapiles. On arrival, 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.
Optional: Termas de Tabacon
Enjoy time at one of Costa Rica’s most famous hot spring resorts, set at the base of Arenal Volcano. Relax in a series of thermal pools and flowing rivers surrounded by tropical forest and waterfalls. The naturally heated mineral waters vary in temperature, creating a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Includes transportation, entrance fees, dinner and the services of a bilingual guide.
Optional: Ecotermales Hot Springs
Escape into a peaceful rainforest setting and unwind in naturally heated thermal pools fed by the geothermal energy of Arenal Volcano. The pools range in temperature and are complemented by a cold-water waterfall, offering a soothing and refreshing contrast.
Day 5 - Arenal Volcano National Park Experience

After breakfast, 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. You walk through lush landscapes formed by past lava flows, keeping an eye out for local wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys and anteaters.
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.
Day 6 - Scenic Transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest

Arenal - Monteverde. After an early breakfast, travel to Lake Arenal and board a boat for a scenic crossing to the Monteverde region. On the far side of the lake, you continue by road, ascending into the cooler cloud forest at approximately 1,200 metres 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.
Day 7 - Monteverde Cloud Forest Exploration

Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is internationally recognised 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.
You head out on a hike through the cloud forest to experience this unique ecosystem first-hand. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Monteverde at your own pace.
Day 8 - Pacific Coast Journey to Tamarindo
Monteverde - Tamarindo. After breakfast, 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.
Days 9-11 - Leisure Time on Tamarindo’s Pacific Coast

You 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.
Day 12 - Return to San Jose
Tamarindo - San Jose. After breakfast, 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 neighbourhoods, 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 Theatre, 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.
Day 13 - San Jose
After breakfast, you make your own way to the airport for your onward flight home, bringing your Costa Rican adventure to an end.
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
'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.
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