Costa Rica Uncovered: Nature, Wildlife & Beaches – 14 Nights

Upon arrival in San José, Costa Rica, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to relax and settle in after your journey. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city or unwind at the hotel.

Overnight stay in San José.

Hotel: Barceló San José    

Start your day with a hearty breakfast included at your hotel, fueling up for an enriching exploration of Costa Rica’s capital. Embark on the San José VIP City Bus Tour, a guided panoramic experience aboard a comfortable double-decker bus. Discover the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the National Theater, Metropolitan Cathedral, and charming historic neighborhoods, all brought to life by a knowledgeable bilingual guide. Entrance fees are included, along with a typical Costa Rican lunch that offers a taste of local flavor. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to explore more at your own pace or simply relax and soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Overnight stay in San José.

Hotel: Barceló San José    

Begin the day with an early morning departure from San José, journeying through scenic mountain landscapes and rural countryside en route to the enchanting Tortuguero region. Later, step into the heart of Tortuguero with a guided walking tour of its colorful village. Nestled between the canals and the Caribbean Sea, this charming community offers a unique window into local life, culture, and traditions. As you stroll through its lively streets, learn about the region’s rich history, the significance of sea turtle conservation, and the daily realities of living in a remote town embraced by protected nature. You’ll have the opportunity to visit local shops, interact with residents, and optionally explore the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum (donation not included) to gain deeper insight into ongoing environmental efforts.

Includes:

• Guided walking tour of the village. 
• Optional: Visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum (donation required).

Overnight stay in Tortuguero.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse treasures. Glide silently along a maze of serene freshwater canals, surrounded by the sights and sounds of untouched tropical rainforest. With each bend in the waterway, you’ll encounter a world teeming with life—playful monkeys swinging through the trees, slow-moving sloths nestled in the canopy, and stealthy caimans lurking along the banks. Keep your eyes peeled for river turtles basking in the sun and vibrant toucans and herons perched overhead. Guided by an expert naturalist, you’ll gain fascinating insight into the park’s unique ecosystem and the remarkable wildlife that calls it home. This peaceful, slow-paced boat safari is a dream for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers alike.

Includes: 

• Boat tour, bilingual naturalist guide. 
• Not included: National Park entrance fee ($16.95 per person, tax included).

Overnight stay in Tortuguero.

After breakfast, begin your journey from Tortuguero to the majestic Arenal region. Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the lush canals, followed by a comfortable ground transfer through the heart of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes. Along the way, stop for a delicious lunch before continuing to Arenal, home to the iconic volcano and natural hot springs. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take the evening to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding rainforest and volcano.

Overnight stay in Arenal.

Hotel: Arenal Country Inn   

After breakfast, set out on an unforgettable guided tour of Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural landmarks. Hike along ancient lava flows left behind by past eruptions, including the powerful 1968 event that reshaped the region. As you explore the trails surrounding the volcano’s nearly perfect 1,633-meter cone, your guide will share fascinating insights into its geological history and the regeneration of the surrounding forest. Keep your eyes open for local wildlife—toucan calls echo through the trees, and with a bit of luck, you may spot oropendolas, peccaries, snakes, monkeys, and more amidst the lush vegetation. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to relax at your hotel, explore the town of La Fortuna, or soak in the area’s famous hot springs.

Includes: 

• Transportation
• Guide
• Entrance fee
• Thermal hot springs visit is recommended after the tour (not included).

Overnight stay in Arenal.

Hotel: Arenal Country Inn   

After breakfast, set off on a serene safari float along the Peñas Blancas River, a gentle and family-friendly adventure ideal for nature lovers. As you glide through the calm waters surrounded by lush rainforest, enjoy exceptional opportunities to observe Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife—keep an eye out for sloths, monkeys, iguanas, caimans, and an array of tropical birds. With a naturalist guide rowing the raft, you can sit back, relax, and fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the jungle while learning about the region’s flora and fauna. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to unwind or choose from a variety of optional activities such as zip-lining, exploring hanging bridges, soaking in thermal hot springs, horseback riding, and more.

Includes: 

• Transportation
• Guide
• Entrance fee
• Refreshments

Overnight stay in Arenal.

Hotel: Arenal Country Inn   

After breakfast, depart Arenal and enjoy a scenic boat transfer across Lake Arenal, followed by a picturesque drive up into the misty highlands of Monteverde. Take in breathtaking views as you journey through rolling hills and cloud-draped forests before arriving and checking in to your hotel.

In the evening, experience the magic of the cloud forest after dark with a guided night walk. As the forest transforms under the cover of night, witness a different side of nature—spot elusive nocturnal creatures such as frogs, insects, tarantulas, kinkajous, and night-active birds. Guided by flashlight and the sharp eyes of a local naturalist, you’ll uncover the fascinating behaviors of wildlife that only emerge after sunset, making for an unforgettable and immersive experience.

Overnight stay in Monteverde.

Hotel: Los Cipreses   

After breakfast, set out on a guided visit to the renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic and ecologically significant destinations. Shrouded in mist and alive with biodiversity, this enchanting reserve is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, including the elusive resplendent quetzal, as well as various mammals, reptiles, and thousands of plant species. Accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist guide, you’ll walk along well-maintained trails through the lush canopy, learning about the unique cloud forest ecosystem, its conservation efforts, and the wildlife that thrives within it. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax at your hotel or explore more of Monteverde at your own pace.

Overnight stay in Monteverde.

Hotel: Los Cipreses   

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at your leisure to relax or explore Monteverde at your own pace. Whether you choose to unwind at your hotel, visit local cafes and artisan shops, or opt for additional adventures such as zip-lining, butterfly gardens, or coffee tours, the day is yours to enjoy exactly as you wish.

Overnight stay in Monteverde.

Hotel: Los Cipreses   

After breakfast, depart Monteverde and enjoy a scenic transfer to the vibrant beach town of Tamarindo, located on Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take the rest of the day to unwind by the ocean. Whether you choose to relax on the golden sands, take a dip in the warm waters, or explore the laid-back town, this free day is yours to enjoy the best of Tamarindo’s coastal charm.

Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

Hotel: Wyndham Tamarindo    

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Tamarindo. Spend your time soaking up the sun on the beach, swimming in the warm Pacific waters, or simply relaxing with a good book under a palm tree. The day is yours to unwind and take in the laid-back coastal vibes.

Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

Hotel: Wyndham Tamarindo    

Following breakfast, enjoy a free day to experience Tamarindo at your own pace. Relax on the beach, try your hand at surfing, or join an optional catamaran cruise along the coast. With its golden shores and endless sunshine, Tamarindo offers something for everyone.

Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

Hotel: Wyndham Tamarindo    

Enjoy breakfast included at your hotel before your transfer back to San José. Spend the day at your own pace, making the most of your final night in Costa Rica with leisure time to relax or explore the city one last time.

Overnight stay in San Jose.

Hotel: Barceló San José    

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your international departure. Take with you unforgettable memories of Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and warm hospitality.

Meal: Breakfast