Costa Rica Essentials Plus Guanacaste Experience
This 10-day tour starts in lively San José and finishes at Juan Santamaría Airport, offering a fantastic mix of nature and relaxation. You’ll explore the lush canals of Tortuguero National Park, spot abundant wildlife on guided boat trips, and hike around the impressive Arenal Volcano with time to unwind in natural hot springs. The journey continues to the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you can soak up the unique atmosphere and local culture. Finally, you’ll head to Samara Beach on the Pacific coast to enjoy water activities and possibly spot dolphins and whales. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and chill time.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
-5 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 - English speaking guide.Country
Costa RicaPassengers
$9,675.00
$4,837.50
Accommodation Standard
Prices
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 - English speaking guide.Group 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 ToursAccommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - San Jose
Upon arrival in vibrant San José, you will be welcomed 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.
Day 2 - San Jose - Tortuguero
We collect you from your hotel at around 6:30 am to begin a shared bus transfer through Braulio Carrillo National Park, crossing the Caribbean plains while enjoying views of mountains and charming villages. Around 8:30 am, we stop for 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 enjoy a included 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 suggested). We return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay in Tortuguero.
Day 3 - Roxana
After breakfast, we set out at 9:00 am for a two-hour boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park. Guided by an expert naturalist, we explore the intricate waterways, lagoons and dense rainforest, home to a remarkable variety of wildlife including numerous species of amphibians, reptiles and mammals. The rest of the day is at your leisure, with the option to join additional tours available locally. Lunch and dinner are included, both served at the hotel where you will stay overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4 - Tortuguero - Arenal - San Carlos
After breakfast, we leave Tortuguero at around 9:00 am, travelling by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant at approximately 1:00 pm, which is included. Following the meal, a shared transfer will take you to the Arenal area. You will arrive in Arenal at about 5:00 pm for check-in, with the remainder of the day free to relax and explore at your leisure. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5 - San Carlos
After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel to begin the Hiking Lava Trails tour. Explore the impressive Arenal Volcano on foot, following the paths formed by past lava flows. Your expert guide will share insights into the volcano’s history, its periods of activity, and point out notable landmarks left behind over the years. Along the way, observe the unique vegetation and keep an eye out for local wildlife. After the hike, return to the hotel to unwind in the natural hot springs. Nestled in the rainforest and warmed by the volcano’s geothermal activity, these springs offer a peaceful setting to relax and enjoy the surrounding tranquillity. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6 - Arenal - Monteverde
Begin the day with an early breakfast before checking out of your hotel. Meet your guide at around 7:30 am and transfer to Arenal Lake, where you will board a boat to cross the lake towards Monteverde. Arrive at the opposite shore at approximately 11:30 am, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you up to Monteverde. As you ascend to 1,200 metres above sea level, observe the shift from rainforest to cloud forest. Monteverde, located in Puntarenas province, 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 inviting restaurants. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 7 - 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 unique ecosystem is renowned for its rich biodiversity and mist-covered canopy, offering plenty of opportunities for independent discovery. Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 8 - Samara
Begin your final morning in Monteverde with a hearty breakfast before your shared transfer collects you for the journey to Samara Beach on the North Pacific Coast of Guanacaste Province. You will arrive around 3:00 pm and check in to your accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure in Samara, a relaxed coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and a variety of outdoor activities. You may choose to try horseback riding, stand-up paddleboarding, sport fishing, surfing, canopy tours, yoga or kayaking—all available locally at your own expense. Overnight in Samara.
Day 9 - Samara
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out for a boat excursion ranging from 2 to 10 miles offshore from Samara Beach. Feel the ocean breeze as we scan the waters for playful marine life, including spotted dolphins, Central American spinner dolphins, common bottlenose dolphins, and, seasonally from August to November, humpback whales. On the return journey, we anchor near Isla Chora, a charming white-sand beach inhabited by hermit crabs and iguanas. You can take a refreshing swim in the clear blue sea while continuing to observe the vibrant underwater world. Enjoy some fresh fruit before we head back to shore and return you to your hotel for the night in Samara.
Day 10 - Samara - San Jose
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel in Samara at the arranged time and transferred to Juan Santamaría Airport for your onward journey.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Prices
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.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
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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