NB: Prices correct on 31-Mar-2025 but subject to change.
This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Explore Costa Rica´s spectacular nature, imposing volcanoes, and the pristine Caribbean beaches in this round-trip adventure that begins and ends in the capital city, San Jose. Enjoy nine days of memorable experiences, walking around Arenal Volcano National Park, discovering Tortuguero National Park, and relaxing on the Southern Caribbean Coast. Get to know a different side of Costa Rica, whose local population boasts Afro-Caribbean heritage. Explore the pristine beaches, hike through the emblematic rainforests, and admire the reef system during an unforgettable snorkelling tour. This journey is sure to impress, offering you memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and it’s beautiful park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife
Tortuguero: This park is home to the nesting grounds of green sea turtles, offering also spectacular beaches and opportunities to spot wild animals and birds
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: A Caribbean seaside town famous for its surfing scene, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere
Cahuita National Park: This natural park will amaze you with its pristine beaches, beautiful coral reefs, and coastal rainforest
San Jose: Costa Rica’s capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting history and culture
Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and stroll through its charming historic neighbourhoods
Itinerary
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Upon arrival to San Jose, meet and greet services at Juan Santamaria International Airport will direct you to your transport. Enjoy a relaxing drive before your drop off at your hotel in San Jose for the first night in Costa Rica.
Overnight in San Jose
Day 2
:
SAN JOSE – ARENAL (130km – 4 hrs)
Start the day with an early breakfast at the hotel and then head to the scenic region of La Fortuna, northwest of San Jose, home of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Have the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy this magnificent place and the relaxing hotel facilities or join one of the optional activities available. A great choice is spending great moments of relaxation at the captivating Tabacon Hot Springs. Take time to relax your mind and body as you enjoy these therapeutic volcanic hot water springs, surrounded by the natural beauty of the rainforest and the imposing volcano. The magnificent infrastructure of the pools, the stunning waterfalls and inviting wet bars will make your visit unforgettable. The visit to Tabacon Hot Springs is not included.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 3
:
ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
After a tasty breakfast, take a 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 animals that live in this spectacular national park. If you are lucky you might spot sloths, howler monkeys, and even anteaters. Afterwards, return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure or participate in one of the optional activities available. The exciting Arenal Nature Night Hike is a fantastic choice. This experience will take you to explore the depths of nature in its most spectacular moment – nightfall. Your night will be full of amphibians, reptiles, insects and excitement for all those brave enough to enter the rainforest with nothing more than the natural lighting and a flashlight. The mysteries of the tropical rainforest will be yours to discover, together with one of our experienced naturalist guides. The Arenal Natura Night Hike is not included.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 4
:
ARENAL – GUAPILES – TORTUGUERO (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Our day begins early with a morning departure, travelling by road to the town of Guapiles. Indulge in a delectable breakfast en route and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the breathtaking rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive, check in, and enjoy a delicious lunch at your eco-lodge. Board the boat again for a visit to the stunning Tortuguero village. Stroll its beautifully arranged streets, explore its laid-back beaches and get closer to the locals. During the turtle hatching season, we will look for the baby turtles trying to find their way down to the ocean. Nesting is from July to September, hatching from September to December. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, surrounded by the beautiful tropical forest and wildlife.
Overnight in Tortuguero
Day 5
:
TORTUGERO NATIONAL PARK
Today you will have some free time to relax by the pool and also experience the Tortuguero National Park on a three-hour trip, where you can observe over 350 protected species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths while admiring its lush vegetation. During the July to September season, you can join an optional Late Night Turtle Nesting Tour purchasable directly at the lodge or enjoy an exciting Tortuguero Canopy Tour. The Canopy tour is a unique experience in Tortuguero, offering visitors 11 platforms, 4 suspension bridges, 7 cables, 1 scaling wall and the fantastic Tarzan swing. This is an ideal tour for adventure seekers! The Late Night Turtle Nesting and Tortuguero Canopy tours are not included.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 6
:
TORTUGERO – GUAPILES – PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA (220km – 2 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Wake up early and depart by boat back to Guapiles. Here, catch your ground transportation to a local restaurant for a delicious lunch. Then, take a shared transfer to the charming Puerto Viejo area and have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the fabulous Caribbean atmosphere and the captivating local Afro-Caribbean culture of the region.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 7
:
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK
Luxuriate in a tasty breakfast and prepare yourself for an active day of snorkelling and hiking through the nearby Cahuita National Park. First, venture out on a snorkelling tour. Hop on a 12-person boat with captain and guide to explore the coast of Cahuita National Park and snorkel for about two hours in the most important coral reef of Costa Rica. Be prepared to see many different species of coral, an abundance of tropical fish, sharks, eels, sea urchins, and more. The snorkelling equipment is included (mask, fins and snorkel tube). After discovering the beauty of the underwater world, savour a tropical fruit snack and some water to reenergize. Then, begin the second part of the adventure, a memorable hike through Cahuita National Park with a naturalist guide. The guide will take you to different points of interest between Cahuita Point and the small town of Cahuita on a 3.5-kilometre stretch, with the possibility of observing various types of snakes, sloths, white-faced and howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and much more. At the end of the tour, delight in a delicious Caribbean lunch. After lunch, return to your hotel with the rest of day at leisure to relax and indulge in the Southern Caribbean coastal experience.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 8
:
PUERTO VIEJO – SAN JOSE (215km – 5 hrs)
Begin your day with a mouth-watering breakfast and, in the early afternoon, transfer back to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica. Spend your last evening relaxing and enjoying the hotel facilities or wander around beautiful San Jose.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 9
:
DEPART SAN JOSE (25km – 30 min)
Wake up and celebrate your last day in mesmerising Costa Rica with a delectable breakfast. Then, at the appropriate time, take a private transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your flight back home or on to your next destination.
Breakfast included.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
Operated with Bilingual Spanish and English-speaking licensed local guides on a shared basis. Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.
ACCOMMODATION:
8 nights' accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,8 San Jose
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton San Jose La Sabana or similar 5*
Day 2-3 Arenal
Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Springs or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 4-5 Tortuguero
Standard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Superior Category = Laguna Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Deluxe Category = Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 6-7 Puerto Viejo
Standard Hotel Category = Villas del Caribe or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Cariblue or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Le Cameleon or similar 5*
MEALS:
8 breakfasts
4 lunches on days 4, 5, 6, 7
2 dinners on days 4, 5
TRANSPORT:
Private transfer from/ to the airport
Air-conditioned transportation as indicated in the itinerary on a shared basis
Tour guides do not accompany guests during transport
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
All monuments and visits as indicated: Guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, Guided visit to Tortuguero village plus entrance fee and guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park, snorkeling and hiking in Cahuita National Park
OTHER:
Meet and greet on Day 1
Hotel taxes
What's Not Included
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
Airport taxes
Airport porterage
Optional tours
International / domestic flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes
Gratuities for drivers and guides
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. 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.
Please Note
No refund for unused services. Splitting of package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,8 San Jose
Category Standard = Sleep Inn or similar 3*
Category Superior = Park Inn or similar 4*
Category Deluxe = Hilton San Jose La Sabana or similar 5*
Day 2-3 Arenal
Category Standard = Arenal Montechiari or similar 3*
Category Superior = Arenal Springs or similar 4*
Category Deluxe = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 4-5 Tortuguero
Category Standard = Pachira Lodge or similar Lodge Standard
Category Superior = Evergreen Lodge or similar Lodge Standard
Category Deluxe = Aninga Lodge or similar Lodge Standard
Day 6-7 Puerto Viejo
Category Standard = Villas del Caribe or similar 3*
Category Superior = Cariblue or similar 4*
Category Deluxe = Le Cameleon or similar 5*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,8 San Jose
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton San Jose La Sabana or similar 5*
Day 2-3 Arenal
Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Springs or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 4-5 Tortuguero
Standard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Superior Category = Laguna Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Deluxe Category = Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 6-7 Puerto Viejo
Standard Hotel Category = Villas del Caribe or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Cariblue or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Le Cameleon or similar 5*
Check out our Q&As
Is a Meet & Greet Service provided by a company representative included in the tour?
Yes, Meet and greet on Day 1
Meet and greet services at Juan Santamaria International Airport
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, Private transfer from/ to the airport are not included
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Operated with Bilingual Spanish and English-speaking licensed local guides on a shared basis. Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.
Tour guides do not accompany guests during transport
Are flights included in this tour?
No, International / domestic flights are not included
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All monuments and visits as indicated: Guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, Guided visit to Tortuguero village plus entrance fee and guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park, snorkeling and hiking in Cahuita National Park
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. 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.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 10 years and above
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Reviews of this operator
Brian
Exotic Costa Rica
12-Feb-2022
We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.
Peter Herbert
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
11-May-2022
A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....
Jean Walsh
Exotic Costa Rica
17-Mar-2022
This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.
Susan Langton
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
06-Jan-2022
Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.
Marianne Brownell
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
03-Oct-2022
Terrific experience!
Debra R
PURAVIDA CR
26-Jun-2023
Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.
Keith
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
08-Mar-2022
A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.
Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services costa rica charges.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Not what you're looking for?
People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:
[{"title":"Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE","name":"","description":"<p>Upon arrival to San Jose, meet and greet services at Juan Santamaria International Airport will direct you to your transport. Enjoy a relaxing drive before your drop off at your hotel in San Jose for the first night in Costa Rica. <br /></p><ul><li><b>Overnight in San Jose</b> </li></ul>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 2: SAN JOSE – ARENAL (130km – 4 hrs)","name":"","description":"<p>Start the day with an early breakfast at the hotel and then head to the scenic region of La Fortuna, northwest of San Jose, home of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Have the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy this magnificent place and the relaxing hotel facilities or join one of the optional activities available. A great choice is spending great moments of relaxation at the captivating Tabacon Hot Springs. Take time to relax your mind and body as you enjoy these therapeutic volcanic hot water springs, surrounded by the natural beauty of the rainforest and the imposing volcano. The magnificent infrastructure of the pools, the stunning waterfalls and inviting wet bars will make your visit unforgettable. The visit to Tabacon Hot Springs is not included.</p><div><br /></div><ul><li><b>Overnight in Arenal</b>.</li></ul>","lat":"10.462626","lng":"-84.703179"},{"title":"Day 3: ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK","name":"","description":"<p>After a tasty breakfast, take a 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 animals that live in this spectacular national park. If you are lucky you might spot sloths, howler monkeys, and even anteaters. Afterwards, return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure or participate in one of the optional activities available. The exciting Arenal Nature Night Hike is a fantastic choice. This experience will take you to explore the depths of nature in its most spectacular moment – nightfall. Your night will be full of amphibians, reptiles, insects and excitement for all those brave enough to enter the rainforest with nothing more than the natural lighting and a flashlight. The mysteries of the tropical rainforest will be yours to discover, together with one of our experienced naturalist guides. The Arenal Natura Night Hike is not included.</p><div><br /></div><ul><li><b>Overnight in Arenal.</b></li></ul>","lat":"10.462626","lng":"-84.703179"},{"title":"Day 4: ARENAL – GUAPILES – TORTUGUERO (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat) ","name":"","description":"<p>Our day begins early with a morning departure, travelling by road to the town of Guapiles. Indulge in a delectable breakfast en route and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the breathtaking rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive, check in, and enjoy a delicious lunch at your eco-lodge. Board the boat again for a visit to the stunning Tortuguero village. Stroll its beautifully arranged streets, explore its laid-back beaches and get closer to the locals. During the turtle hatching season, we will look for the baby turtles trying to find their way down to the ocean. Nesting is from July to September, hatching from September to December. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, surrounded by the beautiful tropical forest and wildlife.<br /></p><ul><li><b>Overnight in Tortuguero</b></li></ul>","lat":"10.542484","lng":"-83.502355"},{"title":"Day 5: TORTUGERO NATIONAL PARK","name":"","description":"<p>Today you will have some free time to relax by the pool and also experience the Tortuguero National Park on a three-hour trip, where you can observe over 350 protected species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths while admiring its lush vegetation. During the July to September season, you can join an optional Late Night Turtle Nesting Tour purchasable directly at the lodge or enjoy an exciting Tortuguero Canopy Tour. The Canopy tour is a unique experience in Tortuguero, offering visitors 11 platforms, 4 suspension bridges, 7 cables, 1 scaling wall and the fantastic Tarzan swing. This is an ideal tour for adventure seekers! The Late Night Turtle Nesting and Tortuguero Canopy tours are not included.</p><div><br /></div><ul><li><b>Overnight in Tortuguero.</b></li></ul>","lat":"10.542484","lng":"-83.502355"},{"title":"Day 6: TORTUGERO – GUAPILES – PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA (220km – 2 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)","name":"","description":"<p>Wake up early and depart by boat back to Guapiles. Here, catch your ground transportation to a local restaurant for a delicious lunch. Then, take a shared transfer to the charming <b>Puerto Viejo</b> area and have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the fabulous Caribbean atmosphere and the captivating local Afro-Caribbean culture of the region.</p><ul><li><b>Overnight in Puerto Viejo.</b></li></ul>","lat":"9.654015","lng":"-82.754941"},{"title":"Day 7: CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK","name":"","description":"<p>Luxuriate in a tasty breakfast and prepare yourself for an active day of <b>snorkelling and hiking through the nearby Cahuita National Park.</b> First, venture out on a snorkelling tour. Hop on a 12-person boat with captain and guide to explore the coast of Cahuita National Park and snorkel for about two hours in the most important coral reef of Costa Rica. Be prepared to see many different species of coral, an abundance of tropical fish, sharks, eels, sea urchins, and more. The snorkelling equipment is included (mask, fins and snorkel tube). After discovering the beauty of the underwater world, savour a tropical fruit snack and some water to reenergize. Then, begin the second part of the adventure, a <b>memorable hike through Cahuita National Park with a naturalist guide</b>. The guide will take you to different points of interest between Cahuita Point and the small town of Cahuita on a 3.5-kilometre stretch, with the possibility of observing various types of snakes, sloths, white-faced and howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and much more. At the end of the tour, delight in a delicious <b>Caribbean lunch. </b>After lunch, return to your hotel with the rest of day at leisure to relax and indulge in the Southern Caribbean coastal experience.</p><ul><li><b>Overnight in Puerto Viejo.</b></li></ul>","lat":"9.654015","lng":"-82.754941"},{"title":"Day 8: PUERTO VIEJO – SAN JOSE (215km – 5 hrs)","name":"","description":"<p>Begin your day with a mouth-watering breakfast and, in the early afternoon, transfer back to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica. Spend your last evening relaxing and enjoying the hotel facilities or wander around beautiful San Jose. <br /></p><ul><li> <b>Overnight in San Jose.</b></li></ul>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 9: DEPART SAN JOSE (25km – 30 min)","name":"","description":"<p>Wake up and celebrate your last day in mesmerising Costa Rica with a delectable breakfast. Then, at the appropriate time, take a private transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your flight back home or on to your next destination.<br /></p><ul><li><b>Breakfast included.</b></li></ul>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"}]
