Costa Rica Highlights Journey

Upon arrival in vibrant San José, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative who will assist you to your private transfer. This will take you directly to your hotel in the city, where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica. Take this opportunity to settle in and prepare for the adventures ahead. Overnight in San José.

We collect you from your hotel at around 6.30 am to begin the journey to Tortuguero. Travel by shared bus through Braulio Carrillo National Park, taking in the impressive mountain scenery and passing through 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, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. In the afternoon, join a guided walk around Tortuguero village, including a visit to the Turtles Museum, which supports local conservation efforts with a small donation. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we set off at 9 am for a two-hour boat tour through the Tortuguero canals—an essential experience in this 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 57 amphibian species, 111 reptiles and 60 mammals. The rest of the day is at your leisure, with optional tours available should you wish to further explore the area. Dinner is served at the hotel, where you will spend the night in Tortuguero.

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 before continuing by shared transfer to the Arenal area. Expect to arrive in Arenal by 5 pm for check-in, after which you can enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Arenal.

After breakfast, meet your guide at around 8.00 am for a four-hour walking tour of Arenal Volcano National Park. Learn about the volcano’s active periods while exploring lush landscapes and keeping an eye out for wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and anteaters. Return to the hotel by 12.30 pm and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. You may choose to join an optional naturalist-guided walk at the hanging bridges of Mistico Park, where suspension bridges and platforms offer a safe way to explore the forest canopy and take in views of Arenal Volcano. Alternatively, visit La Fortuna Waterfall by descending a 500-metre trail to admire the 60-metre falls and crystal-clear pool, with the option to swim or relax. Entrance fees support local community projects. Another option is to unwind at Ecotermales Hot Springs from 5 pm, soaking in thermal pools and warm waterfalls set within tropical gardens, renowned for their mineral-rich volcanic waters. Overnight in Arenal.

Start 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 to Monteverde. Arrive at approximately 11.30 am, then continue by vehicle up to Monteverde, ascending to 1,200 metres above sea level. Here, the rainforest gradually gives way to cloud forest, a unique ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity. Monteverde, located in Puntarenas province, is renowned for its misty forests, coffee plantations, and abundant wildlife. The nearby town of Santa Elena offers a charming atmosphere with artisan shops and inviting restaurants. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, taking in the tranquil surroundings. Overnight in Monteverde.

After breakfast, meet your guide between 7 and 7.30 am to begin a four-hour hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Established in 1972, this renowned reserve protects 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity and is a vital site for conservation and scientific research. You will encounter a rich variety of wildlife, including numerous species of mammals, birds, amphibians and insects, alongside diverse flora such as mosses, vines and native cloud forest trees. The hike concludes around midday, leaving the afternoon free to relax or explore at your leisure. Overnight in Monteverde.

After breakfast, we collect you at around 8.30 am for the transfer to the beautiful Guanacaste region on the Pacific coast. The journey takes approximately four hours, bringing you to the vibrant beach town of Tamarindo. Upon arrival, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the charming streets, enjoying the local atmosphere, or simply relaxing with the hotel’s facilities. Overnight in Tamarindo.

Spend the day at leisure in Tamarindo, a vibrant beach town known for its lively atmosphere and stunning coastline. You can relax on the golden sands, soak up the warm sun, or explore the town’s charming streets. For those seeking adventure, there’s the option to try surfing on Tamarindo’s well-known waves. Enjoy the freedom to tailor the day to your interests before returning to your hotel for the night.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Costa Rica before a shared transfer collects you at the arranged time to take you to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your onward flight or journey home.