Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this ten-day itinerary, including wonderful rainforests, volcano, cloud forests, tropical jungles and a secluded Island. This is a country of great natural beauty and every destination has something unique to offer. Whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, walking in the canopy of Monteverde’s cloud forest or relaxing on the pristine jungle of Tortuguero, Costa Rica really is a nature lover's paradise.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Tortuguero: Tortuguero, is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism destinations. This destination is you "must stop" while in Costa Rica. Discover its Network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests and had the chance to see the turtles hatch.
Arenal: Prior to December 2010 the Arenal Volcano was one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world and it was a truly majestic sight. Today there are no lava eruptions, but you can still see smoke/ash spew out of the top of the volcano. Find the balance between mind, body and spirit surrounded by nature thanks to the lush jungle and the imposing Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna area is recognized worldwide for being one of the most prominent wellness tourism destinations in the world.
Monteverde: A true nature lovers paradise with a marvellous diversity of wildlife and plant life. Monteverde Cloud Forest is unique from Costa Rica’s other forests, with a constant mist that looks like clouds and gives the forest its name. Monteverde is a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquillity combined with adventure and adrenaline activities, cultural and culinary experiences to discover the secrets of the forest!
Tortuga Island: Relax on a paradise accessible only by boat, its beauty consists of white sand beach, clear turquoise water and incredible views. A Tortuga Island day cruise is one of the best day trips from San Jose city.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
Welcome to Costa Rica. A local representative will greet you and assist you at the airport. Shared transfer from airport to the hotel in San Jose. Check-in at the hotel and then enjoy leisure time to refresh, relax and get comfortable at your hotel room. Explore by your own the city and its surroundings.
Overnight at San Jose.
Day 2: SAN JOSÉ – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)
Early check-out from the hotel. Around 6:00 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: Tortuguero National Park, located in the North Caribbean Coast. On the way, around 8:30 am there will be a stop for breakfast in Guápiles city and then continue to La Pavona dock, where you will board a boat shared with others guests, that will take you to the lodge where you will immerse yourself in a perfectly quiet, laid back and tranquil stay. Around 1:00 pm, check-in and enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for an expedition through the Tortuguero Canals, a must activity while you are in Costa Rica. Explore the lagoons and hidden canals; as you go deeper into the forest the canals become smaller and the surrounding wildlife gets closer. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3: TORTUGUERO
Breakfast at the hotel. Around 9:00 am meet your guide to discovering nature by taking a walk through the Lodge’s private trails. Enjoy free time in the morning to cool off in the pool and simply relax. Later this day, around 2:30 pm join to the guide and visit the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Lunch and dinner included at the Lodge.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (174km – 3.5hrs / 1.5hr by boat)
Breakfast at the lodge and check-out. Around 9:30 am be ready to depart on a shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the Restaurant located in Guápiles city, where you will enjoy the lunch (included). After lunch, around 1:30 pm, meet a local representative that will take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, around 4:00 pm, check-in at the hotel in La Fortuna and free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5: ARENAL
Breakfast included at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore the Arenal region on your own.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6: ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (80km – 1.5 by land / 1.5hr by boat)
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Around 7:30 am a local representative will meet you up at the hotel lobby and take you to your next destination: Monteverde Cloudforest Region. This transfer will be by boat crossing the Lake Arenal until reaching Rio Chiquito and then continue by land to the hotel in Monteverde area. Upon arrival, around noon, check-in at the hotel in Monteverde, enjoy free time to relax and discover the natural beauty of this destination on your own.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 7: MONTEVERDE
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore the wonders of Monteverde, such as its biological reserves, experience a Zipline adventure flying over the treetop forest canopy, walk through the suspension bridges or enjoy some cultural experience like a coffee tour or a Costa Rican cooking class.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 8: MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE (145km – 3.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Around 8:00 am meet a local representative at the hotel lobby for the shared transfer to San Jose. Upon arrival, around noon, check-in at the hotel in San Jose and enjoy free time to relax or go to explore the capital city on your own.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 9: SAN JOSE – TORTUGA ISLAND – SAN JOSE (98km – 2hrs / 2 HOURS – 1.5hr by catamaran)
Around 6:00 am meet a local representative at the hotel lobby for a one day experience to Tortuga Island, located in the Nicoya Peninsula in Puntarenas Province (available only on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Breakfast on the way. You will arrive at Puntarenas city where you will board a catamaran that will take you through the ocean admiring incredible landscapes while enjoying music and some tropical snacks on board. Arrive at the charming Tortuga Island. Once there, enjoy the beach, its turquoise waters, sunbathe and relax! Lunch is served on the beach. Around 3:00 pm, get ready to return to San Jose enjoying the sunset aboard the catamaran and then continue by land.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 10: DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At the agreed time, a local representative will pick you up at the lobby and take you on shared transportation to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home.
Comfortable and light and quick dry clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, sweater, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
