Day 1 – Arrive in San José
Arrive in San José, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica and the gateway to one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. After checking into your hotel, explore the city’s historic center, including the National Theatre, Plaza de la Cultura, and bustling Central Market. Browse artisan shops featuring locally crafted souvenirs and enjoy your first taste of authentic Costa Rican cuisine while learning about the country’s famous “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
Day 2 – San José to Tortuguero National Park
Depart early for Tortuguero National Park, traveling through lush countryside and banana plantations before boarding a scenic boat through winding rainforest canals. Arrive at your eco-lodge surrounded by tropical forest and waterways. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby trails in search of monkeys, sloths, colorful frogs, toucans, and exotic butterflies before relaxing to the sounds of the rainforest.
Day 3 – Explore Tortuguero National Park
Spend the day discovering Tortuguero’s remarkable network of canals by boat. Glide through peaceful waterways while spotting crocodiles, caimans, river turtles, monkeys, iguanas, and hundreds of bird species. Depending on the season, witness sea turtles nesting on the beaches or hatchlings making their way toward the ocean. Learn about the park’s vital conservation efforts before returning to your lodge.
Day 4 – Tortuguero to Arenal Volcano
Travel inland to the Arenal Volcano region, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations. Surrounded by lush rainforest and scenic mountains, Arenal offers spectacular views of its perfectly shaped volcanic peak. Spend the afternoon exploring hanging bridges through the forest canopy before relaxing in the area’s famous natural hot springs, heated by geothermal activity beneath the volcano.
Day 5 – Arenal Adventure Experience
Enjoy a full day of adventure around Arenal Volcano. Choose from activities such as zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, white-water rafting, horseback riding, or hiking across ancient lava fields. Visit the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in the refreshing natural pool surrounded by tropical vegetation. End the day with another relaxing soak in the thermal hot springs.
Day 6 – Arenal to Monteverde Cloud Forest
Journey through scenic countryside to the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Upon arrival, explore one of the world’s most unique ecosystems filled with mist-covered forests, orchids, giant ferns, and extraordinary wildlife. Walk across suspended bridges high above the forest floor while enjoying spectacular views of the lush canopy and surrounding mountains.
Day 7 – Discover Monteverde
Spend the day exploring the cloud forest’s incredible biodiversity with guided nature walks. Search for resplendent quetzals, hummingbirds, monkeys, sloths, and colorful insects while learning about this fragile ecosystem. Visit a butterfly garden and hummingbird sanctuary before touring a local coffee and chocolate plantation to discover two of Costa Rica’s most famous exports.
Day 8 – Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park
Travel to the Pacific Coast and arrive at Manuel Antonio National Park, where lush rainforest meets beautiful white-sand beaches. After checking into your resort, enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the ocean or take a short nature walk through the park in search of sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from one of the park’s scenic viewpoints.
Day 9 – Explore Manuel Antonio National Park
Spend the day exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated natural attractions. Hike rainforest trails while spotting white-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, toucans, and colorful reptiles. Relax on pristine beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, or enjoy optional activities such as paddleboarding and snorkeling along the coastline.
Day 10 – Marino Ballena National Park & Whale Coast
Take a scenic excursion to Marino Ballena National Park, famous for its unique whale-tail-shaped sandbar and rich marine biodiversity. Depending on the season, embark on a boat tour to observe humpback whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Explore mangroves, relax on uncrowded beaches, or snorkel in the warm Pacific waters before returning to Manuel Antonio.
Day 11 – Return to San José via Poás Volcano
Travel back toward San José, stopping at Poás Volcano National Park to admire one of the world’s largest active volcanic craters (subject to volcanic activity and park conditions). Continue to nearby coffee plantations where you’ll learn about Costa Rica’s world-famous coffee production, from cultivation to roasting, while enjoying freshly brewed local coffee. Celebrate your final evening with a traditional Costa Rican farewell dinner.
Day 12 – Departure from Costa Rica
After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Costa Rica before transferring to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your onward journey. Depending on your departure time, shop for locally produced coffee, chocolate, handmade crafts, wooden carvings, and traditional souvenirs. Depart with unforgettable memories of Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, majestic volcanoes, remarkable wildlife, pristine beaches, and the warm spirit of “Pura Vida.”