Enjoy the many highlights of Costa Rica on this 8-day itinerary, including wonderful rainforests, volcano, cloud forests. Discover a country of great natural beauty, whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, walking in the canopy of Monteverde's cloud forest, relaxing on the pristine jungle of Tortuguero. This is the real nature lover's paradise.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
San Jose: Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting great cultural and historical landmarks. Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre and stroll the charming alleys of its historic neighborhoods.
Tortuguero: This park is home to the nesting grounds of the green sea turtles, offering spectacular beaches and fantastic opportunities to spot wild animals and birds.
Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its mesmerizing park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife.
Monteverde: Settled by American Quakers in the 1950s, this primary cloud forest is made out of six unique ‘life zones’, hosting many endangered species, as well as a variety of fascinating plants.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE
Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your shared transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your night in Costa Rica.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Your day begins early with a pick up at the hotel approximately 6.30 am. Embark on the shared bus transfer and travel through the Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and quaint villages. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route at around 8.30 am in a restaurant in Guapiles and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your eco-lodge in time to enjoy a tasty lunch. After lunch, your guide will invite you to go for a hike around Tortuguero town. Visit the Turtles Museum ($1 donation) and come back for dinner at your hotel.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Make most of your stay in Tortuguero. After breakfast, at 9 am join a tour for 2 hours boat trip on the Tortuguero canals, an essential activity while in Costa Rica. Discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through a boat tour guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals.
Rest of day at leisure or possibility to join some optional tours available in destination. Dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight in hotel in Tortuguero.
Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero at approximately 9 am, by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant at around 1 pm. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up by a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal at 5 pm for check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5: ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast you will be picked up at your hotel to start Hikking Lava Trails. Explore the Arenal Volcano on a hike along the lava trails of this giant. During the hike, the expert guide will explain you all about the volcano: its activity periods, a little bit of history related to it and will show you some landmarks that were left over the years. Admire its particular vegetation and watch some wildlife.
Return to the hotel and relax in the hotsrpings. Escape to a natural paradise at the hotel with all the necessary services to make you feel relaxed surrounded by the peace and serenity of the rainforest. Sheltered by the impressive Arenal Volcano, enjoy the natural hot springs thanks to the geothermal activity of the volcano. Immerse yourself in the rainforest and live an experience of a sanctuary of relaxation, privacy and tranquility.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6: ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (60km – 2.5 hrs by road / 45 min by boat)
Begin the day with an early breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and then meet your guide at approximately 7.30 am to head towards Monteverde. Transfer down to Arenal Lake where you will board a boat that will take you across towards Monteverde, where you will arrive at approximately 11.30 am. Once on the other side, a vehicle awaits to take you up to Monteverde. Admire the transition of the rainforest to the cloud forest where you will reach an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level. Located in the Puntarenas province, Monteverde is a place of cloud forests and mist, coffee plantations, monkeys and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with inviting restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity. Enjoy the rest of day at leisure.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 7: MONTEVERDE
Breakfast at the hotel, and rest of day at leisure torelax or discover on your own the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 8: MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE (140 km – 4 hrs)
Begin your last day in spectacular Costa Rica with a delectable breakfast. Then, at the appropriate time, you will be picked up by shared transfer and taken to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your flight back home or on to your next destination.
Day 8: OPTIONAL EXTRA| GUANACASTE EXTENSION 4 Days / 3 Nights: Monteverde - Guanacaste -San José
Transfer to an impressive destination next to the beach, in the fascinating area of Guanacaste. Enjoy 4 days to explore the surroundings, stroll through the beautiful streets of Tamarindo, a beautiful coastal city in Guanacaste or relax while enjoying the hotel facilities. On day 4 of the extension, at the indicated time you will be transferred to the San José airport.
Overnight in Guanacaste.
Day 8: OPTIONAL EXTRA| MANUEL ANTONIO EXTENSION 4 days / 3 nights - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio- San José
Transfer to a stunning beachside destination, descending to Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy 4 days to explore the surroundings, visit Manuel Antonio Park or relax while enjoying the hotel facilities. On day 4 of the extension and at the indicated time you will be transferred to the San José airport.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
