COSTA RICA
Costa Rica: The Nature Adventure
Letter Codes: LG= Local Guide. B=Breakfast L= Lunch D=Dinner
Day 01: San José (B) (SD,LG)
Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, welcomed by our guide. Following a brief orientation, they meet the private driver and begin the approximately 30 minutes to your hotel in downtown San José.
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Overnight: Hotel Presidente. Standard Room
Number of nights: 1
Day 02: Journey to Tortuguero National Park (BLD) (SD,LG)
Early this morning, you’ll embark on a scenic journey toward the Caribbean lowlands. Enjoy a drive through lush banana plantations and board a boat for a picturesque cruise along the canals of Tortuguero National Park, a sanctuary for monkeys, toucans, and caimans.
Approximate transfer time: 4 hours (including land and boat rides).
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Overnight: Pachira Lodge. Standard Room
Number of nights: 2
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Day 03: Exploring Tortuguero (BLD) (SD,LG)
Spend a full day immersed in nature. Join guided boat tours through the intricate waterways, visit the local village, and observe incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. Between activities, relax by the pool or enjoy the lodge’s tropical gardens and cuisine.
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Day 04: From the Tortuguero Canals to the Arenal Volcano (BL) (SD)
After breakfast, you’ll travel by boat and road toward the Arenal Volcano region. The landscape transforms from rainforest to lush hills dotted with cattle farms and small towns.
Approximate transfer time: 5 hours (boat and land).
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Arenal’s dramatic volcanic silhouette anchors a region of hot springs, rainforest, waterfalls and active outdoor adventures near the lake. The area’s mix of slopes, secondary forest and lakeshore creates a playground for hiking, canopy tours, horseback riding and waterfalls framed by tropical greenery. Thermal spring-fed spas and family-friendly attractions are interwoven with birding pockets and photographic viewpoints. Arenal’s convenient services, varied day-tour options and approachable accommodations make it an excellent base for combining adventure with comfortable relaxation in a verdant, volcano-framed setting.
Overnight: Hotel Arenal Manoa. Junior Suite
Number of nights: 3
Day 05: Volcano, Falls & Floating Experience (BL) (SD,LG)
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This adventure starts with the Safari Float where we navigate a raft boat. Its material allows it to be light, highly buoyant, and stable without affecting the river floor as it passes or disturbing the animals that inhabit it. This way to explore the forest allows observing many species of arboreal and aquatic animals such as monkeys, sloths, iguanas, turtles, caimans, and different types of birds, along with the possibility of observing a reptile species called the basilisk lizard, which is capable of walking on water. The interesting vegetation includes dense branches of ficus, luehea, and kapok trees full of lianas and epiphytic plants, which intersect from both sides of the river forming tunnels full of various shapes and exuberant green colors where very little sunlight gets through.
After enjoying local snacks, the next sightseeing attraction is La Fortuna Waterfall. This spectacular waterfall is over 70 meters (230 ft.) high. To get there, a challenging trail of 530 steps must be walked, allowing observation down.
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Next, will be the favorite part for those seeking local gastronomy, the tour includes a delicious lunch. At La Finquita Farm you can taste and smell authentic Costa Rican food, prepared with local ingredients and home-grown.
As a perfect closing, the last activity involves a hike at a private trail and viewpoint, right at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Once there, we start a walk on the trails that crosses the regenerating forest area and crosses over a large block of petrified lava, produced by past eruptions, steep slopes, and sandy soils. It is possible to observe a great variety of plants, wildlife, and magnificent rock formations, in addition to the volcanic landscape, the place offers a wonderful view of Lake Arenal. During the tour, our experienced guides will provide you with interesting and educational information regarding the history of the Volcano, lithological cycles, forest formation processes, and general volcanology.
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Day 06: Arenal Lake & Peninsula Trail Excursion (BD) (SD,LG)
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This boat trip will take you to the bays and peninsulas of Lake Arenal. You will enjoy the coasts surrounded by lush vegetation and fauna and the surrounding landscapes of blue mountains, volcanoes, and islands. Along the way, your guide will share interesting information about the history of the lake, the volcano, and the surrounding tourist development. Once we reach the Arenal National Park peninsula, we will leave the boat to begin a walk through easily accessible trails. The site is excellent for bird watching, where you can view toucans, motmots, trogons, and oropendolas. You can also hear or maybe even see howler monkeys, spider monkeys, or capuchin monkeys, as well as many other species. It is a roughly 2-mile trail with no steps and little incline, completely apt for wheelchairs and those with physical limitations.
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The day concludes with a visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs, a tranquil retreat nestled within lush forest surroundings. Guests can soak for approximately two hours in naturally heated thermal pools, enjoying the soothing mineral waters while listening to the sounds of the rainforest. Dinner is included at the site, allowing the group to dine comfortably amid the serene environment. This evening experience combines relaxation, fine cuisine, and a unique connection to the region’s geothermal beauty.
Day 07: Arenal Volcano – Monteverde Cloud Forest (B) (SD)
Boat crossing from Arenal to Monteverde This crossing begins with a morning boat across Arenal Lake followed by a drive up winding mountain roads to Monteverde. Expect open lake panoramas transitioning to steep, forested slopes and narrow paved or gravel roads, with travel time roughly 3.5–4 hours including boat and road segments. The route is scenically varied—volcanic lake views give way to rolling cattle pastures then cloud forest foothills—offering a memorable transition from lowland rainforest to high-elevation misty forest.
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Monteverde’s cloud forests are famed for misty canopies, rich birdlife including quetzals and resplendent trogons, and an emphasis on conservation. Trails wind through moss-draped trees and fern-covered understory, creating an otherworldly atmosphere where light filters through persistent mist. The region supports vibrant hanging-bridge circuits, canopy tours and productive hummingbird feeders near lodges. Visitors come for protected reserves, excellent independent and guided birding, and educational visitor centers that explain cloud-forest ecology. Monteverde pairs active nature outings with calming lodge settings and opportunities to learn about reforestation and sustainable tourism practices.
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Overnight: Hotel El Establo. Deluxe Room
Number of nights: 2
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Day 08: Monteverde Cloud Forest (B) (SD,LG)
This combined canopy experience offers an aerial tram, hanging bridges and an exhilarating zipline, revealing Monteverde’s cloud forest from multiple perspectives. Begin with a calm aerial tram ride that lifts guests through layered canopy strata, ideal for photography and introductory orientation to the forest structure. Continue across a series of hanging bridges suspended among ancient trees to appreciate vertical complexity and epiphyte communities. For thrill-seekers, a professionally run zipline course provides an adrenaline mix of speed and forest immersion. Guides emphasize safety and interpretation, ensuring every guest experiences both learning and high-adrenaline fun.
Day 09: Monteverde Cloud Forest – Manuel Antonio (B) (SD)
Transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio Descend from highland cloud forest into coastal lowlands through changing vegetation and panoramic viewpoints. The drive includes winding mountain roads that open into valley farmland and then coastal plains, with expected transit time of about 4–5 hours depending on road and traffic conditions. Travelers will note cooler highland air giving way to humid ocean breezes, and frequent roadside vistas revealing distant Pacific slopes. Private transport and an experienced driver make the journey comfortable and efficient while enabling short stops for photos and refreshments en route.
Manuel Antonio pairs verdant hills and white-sand beaches, offering secluded coves, hiking trails and abundant coastal wildlife encounters. The park’s compact network of trails leads to scenic overlooks and small beaches where sloths, squirrel monkeys and colorful birds are often visible near the path. Beyond the national park, coastal towns provide relaxed dining, sunset viewpoints and options for sea kayaking or snorkeling. Manuel Antonio’s combination of rainforest-meets-beach makes it a versatile base for wildlife watching, easy beach time and casual seaside dining with the Pacific horizon as a backdrop.
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Overnight: Hotel Si Como No. Deluxe Room
Number of nights: 3
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Day 10: Manuel Antonio (B) (SD,LG)
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park’s coastal trails, white sand coves and abundant wildlife with an experienced naturalist. The guided tour follows shaded paths that rise and fall between lookout points and secluded beaches, stopping frequently to observe sloths, three-toed sloths, squirrel monkeys, iguanas and a bright array of tropical birds. Guides explain the park’s ecology, marine-coastal connections and measures to protect vulnerable species. The tour balances movement with observation and beach breaks, allowing time for photos and short swims where permitted. It’s an ideal half-day immersion into one of Costa Rica’s most accessible wildlife-rich parks.
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Day 11: Manuel Antonio (B)
One full day at leisure to enjoy hotel amenities, nearby beaches, optional spa treatments or short walks along the coastline. Use this day to relax by the pool, visit local artisanal shops, or book supplemental activities such as a sunset catamaran cruise, guided snorkeling or a short coastal birding walk. The hotel’s concierge can arrange half-day options and recommend beachside restaurants for a relaxed farewell dinner. This unstructured day is ideal for winding down, taking photographs, and soaking in final coastal vistas before the departure transfer scheduled for the following morning.
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Day 12: Departure (B) (SD)
Coastal and mountain highway back to San José for international departures: expect ocean outlooks giving way to agricultural valleys and then central valley suburbs, with a drive time approximately 3–4 hours depending on traffic and stops. This route returns guests to Juan Santamaría Airport area with comfortable private transport, time for final check-in and coordination for onward flights.
INCLUDED:
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Private guided transfer from the San José Airport to hotel in San José
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One night Hotel Presidente. Standard Room. Breakfast included.
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Two nights Pachira Lodge. Standard Room. All meals and tours included
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Entrance fee to the Tortuguero National Park
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Private transfer from the Tortuguero pier to the Arenal Volcano
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Three nights Hotel Arenal Manoa. Junior Suite. Breakfast included
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Volcano, Falls & Floating Experience. Lunch included
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Arenal Lake by boat & "La Peninsula" trail Experience
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Ecotermales Hot Springs. Dinner included.
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Private lake crossing from Arenal to Monteverde.
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Two nights at Hotel El Establo, Deluxe Room. Breakfast included.
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Cloud forest aerial tram, hanging bridges, and zipline experience.
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Private transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
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Three nights Hotel Si Como No. Deluxe Room. Breakfast included.
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Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Walk.
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Government tax (13%).
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All entrance fees.
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In-country assistance, 24/7.
Costa Rica
The Nature Adventure
NOT INCLUDED:
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Gratuities
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Bottled water, additional drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
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Any other tour or service not indicated in the program
