Take in the best of Costa Rica on this 14-day tour. Explore San Jose and glide along the verdant canals of Tortuguero, spotting incredible rainforest wildlife. Go on a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, with free time in La Fortuna to enjoy the activities of offer. Trek through the remarkable Monteverde Cloud Forest and spend four blissful days in Manuel Antonio, which offers the perfect combination of rainforest and idyllic beaches.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
San Jose
At San Jose international airport you will be met by our tour director, transferred to your hotel and given information about your tour. The rest of the day is free to explore San Jose or just to relax in the hotel.
Spend the next morning at leisure and in the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the capital, taking in the highlights of the city and learning all about life in Costa Rica. Visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the beautiful National Theater lobby, known as 'The jewel of San Jose'. Shop for handicrafts at the bustling Central Market and souvenirs an Art Gallery. As you drive around the city, you will also see important building such as The Costa Rica University, The Old Train Station, The National Liquor Factory, The National Supreme Election Bureau, the Asamblea Legislativa (equivalent to The Congress) and The Metallic Building.
Overnight: San Jose (2) | Breakfast x 1
Tortuguero
San Jose - Tortuguero. After breakfast travel to Tortuguero on Costa Rica's beautiful Caribbean coast. During the journey you will cross the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park and enjoy amazing rainforest views until you reach the Caribbean. Tortuguero is only accessible by air or by water. Drive to La Pavona dock where a boat will be waiting to take you through the amazing canals to your lodge in Tortuguero.
After lunch at the lodge, take a guided nature walk along the trails around the property, looking out for wildlife and learning more about the environment that surrounds the lodge. Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure.
The next morning, enjoy a guided tour of Tortuguero town. It's a 5 minute boat ride from the lodge to town, where a small community of 1300 people live surrounded by water. On the tour, learn about the lifestyle of the inhabitants of Tortuguero, take a stroll down the main road and shops for souvenirs made by the local artisans.
In the afternoon explore Tortuguero National Park on a two-hour guided boat tour along the canals. Known as the Costa Rican “Little Amazon”, Tortuguero is a real paradise for nature lovers, with incredible wildlife including 186 species of birds, three of the four species of monkeys in Costa Rica, crocodiles, caimans, toucans, sloths and much more!
Note: Tortuguero is well known for attracting hordes of sea turtles which come to nest on the beaches. Turtle season typically occurs from July through to October and this is the best time to hopefully spot turtle hatchlings emerge from their nest and scamper across the beach and into the ocean! If you visit during the turtle season, there are turtle nesting tours in the evening, which can be booked locally.
Overnight: Tortuguero (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
La Fortuna
Tortuguero - La Fortuna. After breakfast it's time to bid farewell to Tortuguero and travel on to La Fortuna in Costa Rica’s fertile northern lowlands. Travel by boat to La Pavona dock, from there the hotel transportation will take you to Guapiles city to enjoy lunch. After lunch, continue to La Fortuna, home of the majestic Arenal Volcano. On a clear day, the majestic Arenal Volcano can be seen looming over this picturesque little town.
Overnight: La Fortuna | Breakfast, Lunch
Arenal activities
Explore Arenal Volcano National Park on day 6. Begin the tour by heading to the El Silencio Private Reserve, to get as close to the base of the Arenal volcano as possible by vehicle. Then enjoy a scenic walk for 1km along a volcanic stone path to reach the best volcano view point. Learn all about this remarkable volcano and also enjoy wonderful views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. The walk back will take you through lush rainforest located along the edge of the Arenal Volcano. With a little luck you'll spot some of the wide variety of plants and animals that inhabit the rainforest, such as toucans, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes, and monkeys. At the end of the morning tour enjoy a delicious snack of tropical fruit before returning to your hotel.
The afternoon and day 7 are free to enjoy some of the many activities that are available to book in the Arenal area. From waterfalls, hot springs and hanging bridges, to coffee tours, ziplining and wildlife safaris!
Overnight: La Fortuna (2) | Breakfast x 2
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Arenal - Monteverde. After breakfast on day 6 transfer to Arenal Lake and take a scenic boat ride across the lake, enjoying panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano, Chato Hill, Arenal Lake and the Tilaran mountain range en route. When you reach the other side, another vehicle will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Monteverde.
The following day discover the natural wonders of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a two-hour guided walk. Walk along the reserve trails with your guide and learn all about one the most researched and protected private reserves in the world. This spectacular reserve cannot fail to impress with its beauty and incredible biodiversity. Wind-sculpted elfin woodlands give way to rainforests where tall trees, festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and vines, rise high into the sky. Also look out for wonderful birdlife, including the Resplendent Quetzal, Emerald Toucanet, Costa Rican Warbler and Black Faced Solitaire. After the walk return back to your hotel to enjoy leisure the rest of the day.
Overnight: Monteverde (2) | Breakfast x 2
Manuel Antonio National Park
Monteverde - Manuel Antonio. On day 10 transfer to beautiful Manuel Antonio, one of the country's most popular national parks, located on Costa's Rica tropical Pacific Coast. Offering the ideal blend of beach and rainforest, it's the perfect place to relax for a few days at the end of your holiday. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying your exquisite new surroundings.
The following morning explore the tropical rainforest on a 2.5 hour nature walk. Your naturalist guide will point out many of the different species living in the park, such as sloths, Capuchin, Howler, and Squirrel monkeys. You will also be able to see several types of reptiles resting in the tropical rainforest and birds overhead. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Manuel Antonio (2) | Breakfast x 2
Manuel Antonio free time
The next two days are free for you to enjoy some of the activities available in the area or simply relax on the beach or by the pool! You can following hiking trails through the beautiful coastal jungles, looking out for the abundance of wildlife that resides there. Perhaps go kayaking in the Isla Damas Mangroves, or learn to surf.
Overnight: Manuel Antonio (2) | Breakfast x 2
San Jose
Manuel Antonio - San Jose. Today a private transfer takes you to San Jose airport for your flight home. Please consider a late departure flight, as the transfer time is approx. 3.5 hours.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Park Inn by Radisson, San Jose
The high-rise Park Inn Hotel boasts spectacular views of San Jose. The modern rooms are tastefully decorated with bright colours and come complete with a mini-bar, coffee machine and flat-screen TV - all you need to unwind after a day in the capital. The restaurant in the hotel serves up a variety of local and international dishes along with a complimentary breakfast buffet for guests. The hotel is situated just a stone's throw away from La Sabana Metropolitan Park and La Sabana Shopping Centre making it the ideal location for those looking to make the most of their time in San Jose.
Hotel Presidente, San Jose
Nestled in the very heart of Costa Rica's thriving capital, Hotel Presidente stuns visitors with its beautiful lobby, which features rich wooden flooring and furniture combined with exposed brick walls and decorated with antique sewing machines. Rooms are both modern and chic with neutral colour schemes giving the entire complex an air of sophistication and elegance. Guests are provided with free WiFi and breakfast buffets as well as a gym and computer area. Located a mere 2 minute walk from the Plaza de la Cultura, the National Theatre and some of the city's best Museums, the Hotel Presidente ideally positions guests right in the centre of the action.
Mawamba Lodge , Tortuguero
The Mawamba Lodge is far more than just a hotel. With the Tortuguero canals snaking in front of it and the Caribbean Ocean lapping at the shore out back, this resort is the ultimate when it comes to tropical paradise. Guests are invited to visit the hotel's exclusive butterfly and frog gardens before retiring to their beautiful wooden lodge complete with a private balcony and hammock. Further features include a games room, poolside restaurant and hiking trails. Nothing beats the water-lined location of Mawamba Lodge. The beach and the nearest town are just a few steps away and tours operate daily from the hotel.
Laguna Lodge, Tortuguero
Combining style, comfort and personalised service, the Laguna Lodge invites guests to experience ecotourism at its best. The charming guest rooms offer views to the gardens and forest that surrounds the lodge with comfortable chairs out on the balcony for those who enjoy fresh air. Featuring drift wood that has been collected from the local beach and treated in the lodge's very own workshop, the open air restaurant is the ideal place to dine whilst soaking up the exotic views. The Laguna Lodge is located on a narrow strip of land between the sea and the Tortuguero Channel.
Lomas del Volcan Hotel, La Fortuna
Nestled amidst the lush greenery and captivating landscapes of La Fortuna, Lomas del Volcan Hotel offers a serene retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Guests are accommodated in spacious wooden bungalows, with modern amenities, complimentary WiFi and two terraces to enjoy a good book or a coffee, while taking in wonderful views of Arenal volcano or the rainforest. Savour the flavours of Costa Rica at the on-site restaurant, which serves a delectable array of local and international cuisine. You can order room service and enjoy a delicious private dinner on the deck, with magical views. The hotel can assist with booking tours and you can embark on unforgettable adventures right from the doorstep. Explore the nearby Arenal Volcano National Park or indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities such as zip-lining or canopy tours. After a busy day of exploration, unwind with a drink at the bar or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool.
Arenal Manoa Hotel, La Fortuna
Arenal Manoa Hotel is surrounded by stunning gardens filled with verdant foliage and sparkling ponds, presided over by the Arenal Volcano looming in the distance. Guests are well catered for by the poolside bars and the restaurant, which offers culinary delights from around the world along with dazzling views of the volcano. The hotel also offers a range of relaxing spa treatments and a dairy tour for those looking for a bit of cultural education. The hotel's proximity to the Arenal Volcano National Park makes it the perfect base for exploring the area. It is also a short drive from the centre of La Fortuna.
Poco a Poco Hotel & Spa, Monteverde
Poco a Poco is a stunning mountain retreat ideally situated for exploring the famous cloud forest. Within the hotel lies an idyllic indoor pool complex complete with jacuzzis and a poolside bar. Guests are also invited to spoil themselves with a bit of pampering in the spa, the perfect way to rejuvenate and revitalise after an adventure through the rainforest. The colourful and spacious rooms offer up fabulous views along with a high level of comfort to ensure that the relaxing atmosphere carries on through the night. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of local amenities such as the supermarket, restaurants and bars.
El Establo Mountain Hotel , Monteverde
El Establo is a friendly family-owned hotel that offers guests luxury accommodation in the heart of the misty cloud forest of Monteverde. The 155 well-appointed guest rooms and suites are fitted with modern amenities and many have balconies with views of the incredible surroundings. Within the hotel grounds guests can dine at the two restaurants or get a drink at the bar; they can also make use of the two indoor swimming pools, gym and spa. For adventure seekers a canopy tour or mountain bike ride can easily be arranged, or for culture vultures a visit to a local coffee plantation or the Monteverde Cheese Factory.
Parador Resort and Spa, Manuel Antonio Village
Sitting high above the Central Pacific coastline with access to some of Costa Rica's best beaches, the Parador is the premier eco-luxury resort in Manuel Antonio. Surrounded by 12 acres of beautiful rainforest the resort boasts a great selection of beautifully decorated, comfortable rooms and suites with views of the lush gardens, jungle or the ocean. Let your stress dissolve away in the hotel's luxury spa with wide open windows facing the tropical rainforest. The Parador is located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in Manuel Antonio near the town of Quepos. It's a 2.5 hour scenic drive from San Jose.
Si Como No Resort, Manuel Antonio Village
Nestled amidst the lush tropical rainforests of Manuel Antonio, Si Como No hotel offers an enchanting escape, where eco-luxury meets sustainability. Perched on a hillside overlooking the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, this first-class resort provides a serene sanctuary where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Costa Rica, while enjoying unparalleled comfort and service. The elegant guest rooms offer modern amenities (no televisions), free Wi-Fi and private balconies with stunning views of the surrounding jungle canopy or sparkling Pacific Ocean. Indulge in tasty Costa Rican dishes and classic tropical specialties at the restaurant, enjoy cocktails in the pool at the swim-up bar, or unwind with a rejuvenating spa treatment after a day of exploring the wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park. The hotel is conveniently located, 5 minutes away from the beach and 10 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park, by car.
At a Glance
