Countries visited:
Costa Rica

Tour Highlights:
San José
Tortuguero National Park
Arenal
Manuel Antonio
Monteverde

 

 

 

Day 1 Arrive San José, Costa Rica
Arrive at the San José Airport and have transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 San José -Tortuguero National Park (boat) - Tortuguero
Start your stay in Costa Rica with the visit of the Tortuguero National Park. Travel east to the northern Caribbean’s lowlands and admire beautiful evergreen mountains until you reach the Caribbean side and Caño Blanco Dock, where you will board a boat to take you to Tortuguero National Park. A 2.5-hour boat ride will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rainforest. From the boat you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this area. In the afternoon, visit the authentic village of Tortuguero, where you can meet local residents and learn how sea turtles come to spawn each year along the 22 miles of nearby protected coastline. Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 3 Tortuguero National Park
Enjoy a day on a leisurely boat ride with local guide along the park’s waterways, where you are likely to see turtles, caimans, monkeys, and many tropical birds thriving in the wild. Stroll through an accessible portion of the nearby rainforest and learn how the different animals, insects, and birds interact with forest plants, thus achieving a perfect balance of each species. During the peak nesting season (mid-July to mid-October) you may be lucky enough to observe an endangered green turtle laying her eggs under the starlight.

Day 4 Tortuguero - Arenal (boat)
Have a morning transfer by boat and car to the Arenal area. On the way, stop for a visit of the artisan town of Sarchi and have a typical Costa Rican lunch in La Fortuna. In the afternoon, reach the Arenal Volcano area, famous for its volcano, lake and hot springs. You may choose to visit one of the many hot springs facilities that offer visitors an ideal way to relax.. Enjoy dinner at the Hot Springs and overnight in the area.

Day 5 Arenal
Today have a full day at your leisure to explore on your own. You can choose to visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a network of suspension bridges, platforms, and trails built in the cloud forest or spend half the day hiking to Arenal National Park, enjoying the natural hot springs throughout the area. Alternatively, you may choose a rafting adventure or spelunking in nearby Venado Caves.

Day 6 Arenal - Monteverde
This morning, begin with a short boat ride across Arenal Lake and admire different species of birds that visit and call the area home. Continue through incredible mountain scenery and Monteverde cloud forest, which is dedicated to the conservation of many species of flora and fauna, and has over 8 miles of trails available to explore. In the afternoon, visit the Sky walk Hanging Bridges and take a walk on the network of suspension bridges through the cloud forest canopy.

Day 7 Monteverde
Enjoy a day at leisure in the Monteverde cloud forest, home of 120 reptile and amphibian species, 130 mammal species, and 500 bird species, an outstanding example of biodiversity. Perhaps visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest, a wildlife sanctuary full of mosses, ferns, flowers, and other indigenous plant life. Alternatively, you may choose discover the trails around Monteverde on horseback or learn about coffee production and Costa Rican folklore.

Day 8 Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
Today, transfer to one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio. Located on the majestic shores of the Pacific Ocean, you will find one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica due to its beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, and endless list of activities. Have the afternoon at leisure or visit the local sustainable organic Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation which grows a variety of spices and essential oil plants, including vanilla, cocoa, pepper and cinnamon.

Day 9 Manuel Antonio
Have a guided visit of the Manuel Antonio Natural Park, considered one of the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica. It combines a beach of crystal-clear waters with coral reefs bordered by exuberant tropical vegetation and rainforest. During the visit, observe the abundant flora and fauna of the tropical forest or choose one of the common activities in the park like hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, and swimming at the beautiful beaches.

Day 10 Manuel Antonio
Spend today exploring at your leisure. Take a trip to Jaco to visit Jaco Beach, which is the most visited vacation destination in all of Costa Rica and is only about an hour away from Manuel Antonio, or try some more activities in the Natural Park.

Day 11 Manuel Antonio - San José
Drive to San José today. After arriving, you will have time to explore the city by yourself. You can visit one of the museums or head to Mercado Central, a very old and unique bustling food market.

Day 12 San José
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.