Day 1: Arrive to San José
Welcome to Costa Rica! For your added comfort, once you have passed immigration and customs and stepped out of the airport doors, you will have one of our representatives waiting for you outside with a sign with your name on it. He will drive you to your hotel in San José.
Grano de Oro Hotel (1 Night)
Day 2: In the Morning travel by bus and boat to Tortuguero
Tortuguero National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most incredible destinations on the Caribbean coast. Its beaches attract thousands of nesting sea turtles, while the surrounding rainforest teems with wildlife. Since there are no roads leading to Tortuguero, reaching this remote paradise is an adventure in itself.
As one of the wettest places in Costa Rica, Tortuguero receives over six meters (20 feet) of rain annually, creating the perfect conditions for a lush, biodiverse ecosystem. Between June and October, tens of thousands of green sea turtles return to the dark sand beaches to lay their eggs—a truly breathtaking spectacle.
But Tortuguero offers much more than just sea turtles. Beyond the beach, a network of winding rivers stretches deep into the jungle, revealing a vibrant wilderness filled with exotic wildlife. You can navigate these waterways by motorboat, kayak, or canoe, spotting monkeys, sloths, parrots, crocodiles, caimans, and countless other species along the way.
In total, Tortuguero is home to 60 mammal species, 57 amphibian species, 111 reptile species, over 300 bird species, more than 400 tree species, and over 2,000 plant species. With such astonishing biodiversity, it’s no surprise that Tortuguero is the Caribbean coast’s top eco-destination and Costa Rica’s third-most visited national park.
Tortuga Lodge & Gardens (3D/2N Full Experience Package)
Day 3: Programmed activities at Tortuguero
Rise and shine early today and enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee or tea before heading out for adventure. Take some time to explore the hotel’s trails on your own or join an optional excursion (not included).
In the afternoon, experience the magic of the canals on a guided tour. As you navigate through rivers and mangroves, you’ll connect with the jungle and its incredible wildlife, while the guide shares valuable insights about the flora and fauna.
Day 4: Private Transfer from Caño Blanco to Guápiles. Once in Guápiles, pick up car and self-drive to Arenal/Fortuna.
The Northern Plains of Costa Rica showcases some very scenic countryside towns. Small agriculture communities and cattle ranches cover rolling hills and deep valleys. The plains, rainforests and rivers make the north central a must-see in any Costa Rica program. The main attraction is the iconic Arenal Volcano.
The Arenal Volcano area is Costa Rica’s premier region of exploration and excitement: Arenal is synonymous to adventure and Eco-discovery, where you can embark in a wide variety of activities. Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting or canyoning, or combine adventure with ecological discovery in a canopy tour. Hike the volcano or explore the rainforest strolling through hanging bridges. Feel transformed by the beauty and variety of our wildlife and tropical jungle. Get ready for a life changing adventure!
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa (2 Nights)
Day 5: Shared Excursion | Arenal Volcano Expedition + La Fortuna Waterfall Tour
The tour begins with a visit to a Private Reserve, getting as close as permitted to the Arenal Volcano. Walk 1.5 km (1 mi) along a volcanic stone path of moderate difficulty until reaching the viewpoint, the nearest accessible point to the volcano.
At the viewpoint, the guide will share insights about the volcano’s formation, activity periods, and its first eruption in 1968, while you take in stunning views of Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. The return journey passes through regenerating forest, where with some luck, you may spot diverse plant and bird species.
Next, head to La Fortuna Waterfall. Descend 500 m (1,640 ft.) along a trail with 480 steps, surrounded by lush rainforest. At the base, admire the 70 m (230 ft.) cascade, take a refreshing swim, or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Keep an eye out for coatis, butterflies, toucans, and orioles along the way.
Transportation, guide and water, snacks and entrance fees
Day 6: Self drive to Río Perdido.
Río Perdido, in Guanacaste, is a natural sanctuary where adventure and relaxation come together. Its thermal river, flowing through a stunning volcanic canyon, offers warm mineral waters perfect for unwinding. Explore hiking and biking trails, glide over cliffs on a canopy circuit, and spot monkeys, deer, and iguanas in the diverse ecosystem. With landscapes blending dry and rainforest, Río Perdido is the perfect place to connect with nature and adrenaline in Costa Rica.
Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River (2 Nights)
Day 7: Free Day at Rio Perdido
Enjoy a day surrounded by nature and adventure. The thermal river, scenic trails, river tubing, mountain biking, and zip-lining tours (additional cost) offer endless excitement. For a more relaxing experience, visit the spa (extra fee), soak in one of the many hot spring pools, or join a yoga session on the platform (extra fee). Or simply unwind and make the most of the hotel’s exceptional facilities.
Day 8: Self drive to Tamarindo
Tamarindo has a status as Costa Rica’s top surf and party destination. The main attraction in town is a nice long, white, sandy beach that stretches for 3.5 km along the main road. Here the beach is great for swimming, especially at high tide, relaxing, sunbathing, and offers plenty of good waves for beginners looking to give surfing a try. Wide and flat, the sand here is packed hard enough for easy walking and jogging. Witch’s Rock Surf Shop has showers, toilets, surfboard rental, a swimming pool, and a restaurant where you can watch the surfers over a cold beer.
Foodies will find some very nice restaurants. Its central location makes it a great base for exploring the northern peninsula with your car. Sport fishing tours are a great way to get out into the blue waters for the chance to catch Sailfish, Yellow Fin Tuna and Dorado. Watch the majestic leatherback turtles come upon shore to nest at Playa Grande or enjoy an early bird watching tour. Enjoy a horseback ride along beautiful beaches, or zip through the canopy of the tropical dry forest. Diving is also very popular, which can be arranged from Tamarindo. Snorkelling tours are often combined with sailing tours, while scuba diving trips take you out to the Catalinas Islands.
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas (3 Nights)
Day 9: Enjoy a Catamaran Sailing Sunset Tour
Set sail on a breathtaking catamaran cruise along the stunning Guanacaste coast, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and kayak in crystal-clear waters. Dive beneath the waves to explore a vibrant coral reef, or paddle along the coastline, spotting brown pelicans and boat-billed herons in their natural habitat.
Back on board, savor delicious snacks as the captain navigates toward Flamingo Beach. Watch the sky transform with the setting sun, sip a refreshing drink, and let the gentle Pacific breeze carry your worries away. This unforgettable Costa Rican catamaran experience is not to be missed!
Snorkeling or Kayak, equipment, lunch and transportation
Day 10: Free Day at Tamarindo
Enjoy your day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings or ask your travel consultant about the many optional activities that are offered in the area.
Day 11: Selfdrive to Alajuela
Enjoy your last night in the country and take some time to relax as you prepare for your departure tomorrow.
Xandari Resort & Spa (1 Night)
Day 12: Departure from Alajuela to the International airport
