Costa Rica Guanacaste Extension Journey

Upon arrival in vibrant San José, you will be met by our representative who will assist you to your transfer vehicle. You will then be taken directly to your hotel in the city, where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica. This evening is yours to relax and settle in after your journey.

We depart early this morning, travelling by bus through Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains. Along the way, we take in striking mountain views and pass through charming villages. A delicious breakfast is served en route before we continue by boat, navigating the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Upon arrival at our eco-lodge, we enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. Afterwards, we board the boat again for a visit to Tortuguero village, where you can explore the town, stroll along the beach, and observe local life. During the turtle hatching season—from September to December—we will watch for baby turtles making their way to the sea. The afternoon is yours to relax at the lodge, surrounded by tropical forest and abundant wildlife. Lunch and dinner are included. Overnight in Tortuguero.

Today offers a leisurely start with time to relax by the pool before we embark on a three-hour guided tour of Tortuguero National Park. This excursion provides the chance to observe a rich variety of wildlife, including over 350 protected bird species, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, amidst the park’s lush vegetation. During the turtle nesting season from July to September, you may choose to join an optional late-night tour to witness turtles nesting on the beach, available to book directly at the lodge. Lunch and dinner are included, and you will spend a second night at the eco-lodge in Tortuguero.

Early this morning, we depart by boat back to Guápiles, where ground transport will take you to a local restaurant for lunch. After your meal, a shared transfer will bring you to the Arenal area. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore independently. For those interested, there are two optional hot springs experiences available. The Tabacón hot springs feature natural thermal pools and a river heated by the nearby Arenal Volcano, set within tropical gardens and waterfalls—perfect for unwinding in mineral-rich waters. Alternatively, Ecotermales offers a serene rainforest setting with thermal pools ranging from 37°C to 41°C, complemented by cold-water waterfalls that provide a soothing massage effect. Both options include transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance fees, and dinner. The excursion departs around 15:00 and lasts approximately six hours. Overnight accommodation is in the Arenal area.

After breakfast, we take a guided walking tour of Arenal Volcano National Park. Your guide will explain the volcano’s history, including its periods of activity, while you enjoy the lush surroundings and views of the now-dormant volcano. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and anteaters that inhabit the park. After the tour, return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon. You may choose to join an optional activity, whether an adrenaline-filled zipline adventure through the rainforest canopy or a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can explore the trail, swim in the clear waters, and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Both options include transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees. Overnight in Arenal.

Begin the day with an early breakfast before checking out and travelling towards Monteverde. You will transfer down to Lake Arenal, where you board a boat to cross the lake. On the far shore, a vehicle will be waiting to take you up to Monteverde. Along the way, observe the shift from rainforest to cloud forest as you ascend to around 1,200 metres above sea level. Monteverde, located in Puntarenas province, is renowned for its misty cloud forests, coffee plantations, and abundant wildlife, including monkeys. The nearby town of Santa Elena is small and charming, with a selection of inviting restaurants and artisan shops. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore independently or join an optional activity such as the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour. This involves a three-hour hike along trails and suspension bridges through the cloud forest canopy, offering opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, sloths, and diverse plant life. Alternatively, you may prefer the Don Juan Coffee Tour, which provides insight into Costa Rica’s coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane production, with a focus on coffee and local folklore. Optional tours are not included. Overnight in Monteverde.

After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, we take a guided 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. As we explore, you’ll encounter a rich variety of wildlife including mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, alongside diverse plant life such as mosses, vines and native cloud forest trees. You may choose to join the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, which offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy via suspension bridges, or opt for the Don Juan Coffee Tour to learn about Costa Rica’s coffee production and cultural heritage. Both tours are available as optional extras. We spend the night in Monteverde.

After breakfast, we travel to the stunning Pacific coast region of Guanacaste. Upon arrival, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore the charming streets of Tamarindo, a vibrant beach town known for its relaxed atmosphere and inviting seaside setting. Alternatively, you may choose to unwind and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Overnight accommodation is on the Pacific Coast.

Tamarindo offers a lively atmosphere where you can enjoy the warm sun and relax on its stunning beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at surfing the well-known waves. Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the area or unwinding with the hotel’s facilities. Overnight on the Pacific Coast.

Spend the day getting to know Tamarindo, located on the Central Pacific Coast in Puntarenas Province. Enjoy free time to relax on the beach, swim in the waves, or explore the town at your own pace. Tamarindo is known for its vibrant atmosphere and offers a variety of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine, providing plenty of options for dining. Overnight in Tamarindo.

Spend a full day at leisure in Tamarindo, with the opportunity to explore the town and nearby beaches at your own pace. You may choose to relax on the sand, enjoy the local atmosphere, or take part in optional excursions available locally. Breakfast is included. Overnight in Tamarindo.

After breakfast, transfer to your hotel in San José for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. We suggest exploring Costa Rica’s rich culture with an optional city tour. This includes visits to the National Theatre—known as the jewel of San José and completed in 1897—the Museum of Gold, and the bustling Central Market, where you can browse local crafts. You will also see the Metropolitan Cathedral and pass by significant landmarks such as the University of Costa Rica, the Old Train Station, the National Liquor Factory, the Legislative Assembly, and the iconic Metallic Building. The tour offers insight into the city’s history, culture, politics, and economy, concluding with a visit to an art gallery where you can purchase souvenirs. The tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees, departing around 12:30 and lasting approximately four hours. Overnight in San José with breakfast included.

Begin your final day in Costa Rica with a delicious breakfast. If your flight schedule permits, you may choose to join the optional Britt Coffee Tour. This experience takes you to a coffee farm in Barva de Heredia, where experts guide you through the entire coffee production process—from the nursery and growing cycle to bean selection and roasting. Learn how Costa Rica’s unique climate shapes the flavour of its gourmet coffee, and enjoy a tasting session that reveals the art of evaluating coffee quality. When the time comes, we will transfer you to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your onward flight. Breakfast is included.