Enjoy the many highlights of Costa Rica on this 10-day itinerary, including wonderful rainforests, volcano, cloud forests and the exotic North Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Discover a country of great natural beauty, whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, walking in the canopy of Monteverde's cloud forest, relaxing on the pristine jungle of Tortuguero or enjoying the warm waters of the Pacific Coast. This is the real nature lover's paradise.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
San Jose: Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting great cultural and historical landmarks. Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre and stroll the charming alleys of its historic neighborhoods.
Tortuguero: This park is home to the nesting grounds of the green sea turtles, offering spectacular beaches and fantastic opportunities to spot wild animals and birds.
Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its mesmerizing park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife.
Monteverde: Settled by American Quakers in the 1950s, this primary cloud forest is made out of six unique ‘life zones’, hosting many endangered species, as well as a variety of fascinating plants.
Tamarindo: This busy beach resort is great for a night out, surfing and exploring the bustling restaurant scene.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE
Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your private transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your night in Costa Rica.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Your day begins early with a pick up at the hotel approximately 6.30 am. Embark on the shared bus transfer and travel through the Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and quaint villages. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route at around 8.30 am in a restaurant in Guapiles and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your eco-lodge in time to enjoy a tasty lunch. After lunch, your guide will invite you to go for a hike around Tortuguero town. Visit the Turtles Museum ($1 donation) and come back for dinner at your hotel.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Make most of your stay in Tortuguero! After breakfast, at 9 am join a tour for 2 hours boat trip on the Tortuguero canals, an essential activity while in Costa Rica. Discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through a boat tour guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals.
Rest of day at leisure or possibility to join some optional tours available in the destination. Dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero at approximately 9 am, by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant at around 1 pm. After a tasty meal, you will be picked up by a shared transfer and taken to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal at 5 pm for check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5: ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Today after breakfast, meet your guide at approximately 8.00 am, to start a 4-hour guided walking tour in Arenal Volcano National Park. During the tour, the guide will explain the periods of activity the once very active volcano experienced. Enjoy the verdant landscapes and the backdrop of the now-dormant volcano, as you keep a lookout for the wild animals living in this national park. You will have the chance to spot sloths, howler monkeys, anteaters and many others. Afterwards, return to the hotel at 12.30 pm and spend the afternoon at leisure or participate in an optional activity:
Naturalist Guided Walk at Hanging Bridges of Mistico Park: Enjoy a magical experience visiting the hanging bridges. This is a great combination of suspension bridges and platforms built in the forest that offers you an opportunity to explore the forest canopy in a safe and easy manner. An expert guide will take you through the natural history and open for you the doors of a fascinating and colourful tropical rainforest world. You will not forget the imposing vistas of the Arenal Volcano from the hanging bridges. Duration approx. 2.5 hours.
La Fortuna Waterfall: This tour begins by descending the 500-meter trail to the magnificent Waterfall, renowned for its 60 meter (197 feet) high falls and its crystal-clear waters. Along the trail, you will observe plants, trees and animals which inhabit the area. You can choose to swim in its refreshing waters, take amazing photographs, or simply relax and take in all of the beauty of the La Fortuna Waterfall. When you visit the La Fortuna Waterfall you not only get to enjoy this marvellous natural wonder, you will be helping to Support the Development Association of the community as 100% of the entrance fee goes towards social projects to benefit schools, nutritional centres, the orphanage, roads and more. Duration approx. 3 hours.
Ecotermales Hotsprings with Dinner: Live the experience of Ecotermales Hotsprings which has pools and a river of thermal waters coming from the veins of the majestic Arenal Volcano that predominate in the place. Explore the wonders of the tropical forest surrounding this beautiful resort and enjoy mineral waters with different temperatures, surrounded by warm waterfalls and tropical gardens. Ecotermales Hot Springs are recognized worldwide, and undoubtedly immersing yourself in them will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated due to the mineral presence in volcanic waters. Duration approximately 4 hrs. Start time: 5 pm
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6: ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (60km – 2.5 hrs by road / 45 min by boat)
Begin the day with an early breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and then meet your guide at approximately 7.30 am to head towards Monteverde. Transfer down to Arenal Lake where you will board a boat that will take you across towards Monteverde, where you will arrive at approximately 11.30 am. Once on the other side, a vehicle awaits to take you up to Monteverde. Admire the transition of the rainforest to the cloud forest where you will reach an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level. Located in the Puntarenas province, Monteverde is a place of cloud forests and mist, coffee plantations, monkeys and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with inviting restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity. Enjoy the rest of day at leisure.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 7: MONTEVERDE
After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide between 7 and 7.30 to start the hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is world-famous for its outstanding biodiversity, conservation actions and contributions, as well as scientific research. The reserve is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, and it is one of the most important private reserves, not just in Costa Rica but the world. It hosts hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, as well as a large variety of flora, such as mosses, vines or the autochthonous trees of the cloud forest. The hike lasts for 4 hours and you will be back at the hotel at approximately 12.00 pm. Rest of day at leisure.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 8: MONTEVERDE – TAMARINDO (190km – 4 hrs)
This morning after breakfast, pick up at approximately 8.30 to head towards the stunning beachside destination in the mesmerising area of Guanacaste. After a 4-hour transfer arrive in Guanacaste area and spend the rest of the day to explore the surrounding, to stroll the beautifully arranged streets of Tamarindo, a lovely beach town in Guanacaste or to relax while enjoying hotel facilities.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 9: TAMARINDO
Tamarindo is a lively destination where you can have some fun, enjoy the warm sun and relax on the spectacular beach. If you are feeling adventurous, jump on a board and try your hand at surfing Tamarindo's famous waves. Have the day at leisure to explore the area or relax at the hotel facilities.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 10: TAMARINDO – SAN JOSÉ (250km – 4.5hrs)
Begin your last day in spectacular Costa Rica with a delectable breakfast. Then, at the appropriate time, you will be picked up by shared transfer and taken to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your flight back home or on to your next destination.
Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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