Excellent
Costa Rica Coast to Coast
From San Jose, spend 10 exciting days taking in the best of Costa Rica, coast to coast. Explore the enchanting canals and rainforest of Tortuguero National Park on a boat tour. Marvel at Arenal volcano and spot wildlife in the rainforest at its base. Discover the natural wonders of Monteverde Cloud Forest on a nature walk and relax on Manuel Antonio's idyllic beaches.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysStarts
San JoseEnds
San JoseRange
PrivateTour Guide
Yes - for all included sightseeingGroup Size
Minimum age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Any day of the yearHotel Rating
3 - 4 starCountries
Costa RicaArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 2Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - San Jose
Day 1 - San Jose
At San Jose international airport you will be met by our tour director, transferred to your hotel and given information about your tour. The rest of the day is free to explore San Jose or just to relax in the hotel. If you'd like a guided tour of the capital, this can be arranged upon request.
Days 2-3 - Tortuguero
Days 2-3 - Tortuguero
San Jose - Tortuguero. After breakfast travel to Tortuguero on Costa Rica's beautiful Caribbean coast. During the journey you will cross the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park and enjoy amazing rainforest views until you reach the Caribbean. Tortuguero is only accessible by air or by water. Drive to La Pavona dock where a boat will be waiting to take you through the amazing canals to your lodge in Tortuguero.
After lunch at the lodge, take a guided nature walk along the trails around the property, looking out for wildlife and learning more about the environment that surrounds the lodge. Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure.
The next morning, enjoy a guided tour of Tortuguero town. It's a 5 minute boat ride from the lodge to town, where a small community of 1300 people live surrounded by water. On the tour, learn about the lifestyle of the inhabitants of Tortuguero, take a stroll down the main road and shops for souvenirs made by the local artisans.
In the afternoon explore Tortuguero National Park on a two-hour guided boat tour along the canals. Known as the Costa Rican “Little Amazon”, Tortuguero is a real paradise for nature lovers, with incredible wildlife including 186 species of birds, three of the four species of monkeys in Costa Rica, crocodiles, caimans, toucans, sloths and much more!
Note: Tortuguero is well known for attracting hordes of sea turtles which come to nest on the beaches. Turtle season typically occurs from July through to October and this is the best time to hopefully spot turtle hatchlings emerge from their nest and scamper across the beach and into the ocean! If you visit during the turtle season, there are turtle nesting tours in the evening, which can be booked locally.
Days 4-5 - Arenal Volcano National Park
Days 4-5 - Arenal Volcano National Park
Tortuguero - La Fortuna. After breakfast it's time to bid farewell to Tortuguero and travel on to La Fortuna in Costa Rica’s fertile northern lowlands. Travel by boat to La Pavona dock, from there the hotel transportation will take you to Guapiles city to enjoy lunch. After lunch, continue to La Fortuna, home of the majestic Arenal Volcano. On a clear day, the majestic Arenal Volcano can be seen looming over this picturesque little town.
The following morning embark on a guided Arenal excursion. Begin the tour by heading to the El Silencio Private Reserve, to get as close to the base of the Arenal volcano as possible by vehicle. Then enjoy a scenic walk for 1km along a volcanic stone path to reach the best volcano view point. Learn all about this remarkable volcano and also enjoy wonderful views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. The walk back will take you through lush rainforest located along the edge of the Arenal Volcano. With a little luck you'll spot some of the wide variety of plants and animals that inhabit the rainforest, such as toucans, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes, and monkeys. At the end of the morning tour enjoy a delicious snack of tropical fruit before returning to your hotel.
The afternoon is free to spend at leisure or perhaps enjoy some of the optional activities available on the area. We recommend an evening visit to Eco Termales hot springs which can be booked on request.
Days 6-7 - Monteverde Cloud Forest
Days 6-7 - Monteverde Cloud Forest
Arenal - Monteverde. After breakfast on day 6 transfer to Arenal Lake and take a scenic boat ride across the lake, enjoying panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano, Chato Hill, Arenal Lake and the Tilaran mountain range en route. When you reach the other side, another vehicle will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Monteverde.
The following day discover the natural wonders of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a two-hour guided walk. Walk along the reserve trails with your guide and learn all about one the most researched and protected private reserves in the world. This spectacular reserve cannot fail to impress with its beauty and incredible biodiversity. Wind-sculpted elfin woodlands give way to rainforests where tall trees, festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and vines, rise high into the sky. Also look out for wonderful birdlife, including the Resplendent Quetzal, Emerald Toucanet, Costa Rican Warbler and Black Faced Solitaire. After the walk return back to your hotel to enjoy leisure the rest of the day.
Days 8-9 - Manuel Antonio
Days 8-9 - Manuel Antonio
Monteverde - Manuel Antonio. On day 8 transfer to Manuel Antonio where you’ll enjoy two days at leisure to relax on the pristine Pacific coast beaches and enjoy scenic hikes along the trails in the national park, looking out for rainforest animals. There's plenty to see and do in this popular park so if you'd like to extend your stay we can book additional nights on request.
Day 10 - San Jose
Day 10 - San Jose
Manuel Antonio - San Jose. Today a private transfer takes you to San Jose airport for your flight home. Please consider a late departure flight, as the transfer time is approx. 3.5 hours.
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.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre Accommodation San Jose
Double
Twin
Single
Post Accommodation San Jose
Double
Twin
Single
Post Tour Accommodation - Manuel Antonio
Twin
Double
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
San Jose Hotel to Airport Departure Transfer
Only book this airport departure transfer in conjunction with San Jose post tour accommodation.
R 3,225
per passengerHotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply, contact us for details.
Prices may vary depending on hotel availability. If you wish to travel on a date not listed please contact us for pricing. High season supplements will apply for travel during local festivals, Easter, Christmas and New Year dates.
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4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews