Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica – San José
Welcome to Costa Rica. A private driver will meet you at Juan Santamaría International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in San José. Take time to settle in and enjoy your first evening in the capital, framed by the mountains of the Central Valley.
Private airport transfer to San José, overnight at Delta Hotels by Marriott San José Aurola (Standard Room), breakfast included.
Delta Hotels by Marriott San José Aurola (1 Night)
Day 2: San José to Boca Tapada
Travel north by private vehicle to Boca Tapada, a remote rainforest region close to the Nicaraguan border. Far from Costa Rica’s busier tourism centres, this is a rewarding destination for travellers interested in birds, wildlife and pristine tropical forest. Check in at Maquenque Eco Lodge, surrounded by wetlands, lagoons and rich lowland rainforest.
Private transfer from San José to Boca Tapada, three-night stay at Maquenque Eco Lodge (Standard Bungalow), breakfast included.
Maquenque Eco Lodge (3 Nights)
Day 3: Guided Rainforest Walk
Explore the forest surrounding Maquenque Eco Lodge with a naturalist guide. The approximately three-kilometre walk introduces you to the remarkable variety of plants and animals found in this lowland rainforest. Your guide will interpret the forest’s ecology and help identify wildlife along the way. The experience also visits the lodge’s botanical and medicinal gardens.
Shared guided rainforest tour, approximate duration 2.5 hours.
Maquenque Eco Lodge
Day 4: Boca Tapada at Leisure
Enjoy a free day immersed in the sounds and colours of the rainforest. Relax at the lodge, watch for birds around the lagoon or choose an optional nature experience. The optional safari float follows the calm Tres Amigos River, where possible sightings include monkeys, iguanas, river turtles, caimans and waterbirds.
Breakfast. Optional safari float by raft: $80 per person (not included; optional tour includes naturalist guide, equipment and transport).
Maquenque Eco Lodge
Day 5: Boca Tapada to Arenal
After breakfast, travel by private vehicle from the northern lowlands to Arenal. The scenery changes as you approach La Fortuna, where rainforest and farmland surround the impressive Arenal Volcano. Check in at Natural Green Lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Private transfer from Boca Tapada to Arenal, three-night stay at Natural Green Lodge (Standard Room), breakfast included.
Natural Green Lodge (3 Nights)
Day 6: Arenal Volcano Expedition
Explore the volcanic landscapes of El Silencio Private Reserve on a guided 1.5-kilometre walk. The trail crosses volcanic rock and regenerating forest before reaching a viewpoint near the base of Arenal Volcano. Your naturalist guide explains the volcano’s formation and history while helping you look for rainforest birds and wildlife. Finish with fresh tropical fruit before returning to the hotel.
Shared guided excursion, transport, bilingual naturalist guide, entrance fee, snack and water.
Natural Green Lodge
Day 7: Arenal at Your Own Pace
Spend the day exactly as you choose. Relax at the lodge, visit La Fortuna, enjoy the area’s hot springs or add one of Arenal’s many nature and adventure experiences. An optional visit to La Fortuna Waterfall is available, although travellers should note that reaching the base requires descending and climbing more than 480 steps.
Breakfast. Optional La Fortuna Waterfall hike: $76 per person (not included; includes transport, guide, entrance fee, snack and drinks).
Natural Green Lodge
Day 8: Across Lake Arenal to Monteverde
Travel from Arenal to Monteverde using the scenic bus–boat–bus route. Cross Lake Arenal by boat, enjoying views of the volcano, surrounding hills and the Tilarán mountain range, before continuing by minibus into the misty highlands. Check in at Sibu Lodge and enjoy the cooler climate of Monteverde.
Shared bus–boat–bus transfer from Arenal to Monteverde, three-night stay at Sibu Lodge (Lantana Room), breakfast included.
Sibu Lodge (3 Nights)
Day 9: Guided Suspension Bridges
Discover the cloud forest from a different perspective on a guided walk across Monteverde’s suspension bridges. The trail extends for approximately 1.9 miles and includes eight bridges positioned at different levels within the forest. Your guide will help identify plants, birds and other wildlife while explaining how life changes from the forest floor to the canopy.
Shared guided suspension-bridge tour, transport and guide.
Sibu Lodge
Day 10: Free Day in Monteverde
Enjoy a full day to explore Monteverde at your own pace. Spend time at the lodge, visit local gardens and artisan attractions, or choose an optional adventure. A canopy tour is available for travellers who would like to zip-line above the forest, including long cables and an optional Tarzan swing.
Breakfast. Optional canopy tour: $103 per person (not included; includes transport, guide and safety equipment).
Sibu Lodge
Day 11: Monteverde to San José
Leave the cloud forest behind and travel by private vehicle to San José. After checking in at your hotel, enjoy a final evening at leisure in the capital.
Private transfer from Monteverde to San José, overnight at Delta Hotels by Marriott San José Aurola (Standard Room), breakfast included.
Delta Hotels by Marriott San José Aurola (1 Night)
Day 12: Departure
At the appropriate time, a private driver will transfer you from the hotel to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your onward flight. Your Costa Rica nature and wildlife journey comes to an end.
Private transfer from San José to the international airport.
