We would also recommend experiencing this trip as a self-drive for ultimate flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Please refer to the price example provided above for this option.
Day 1 – We know the way to San José
After a long flight, you’ll be pleased to see a representative from our local office waiting to whisk you away to your modern hotel. The next morning, you’ll visit the office of our local partner, where you’ll be greeted with a Costa Rican coffee. We’ll organise a two-hour walk for you around the city with an English-speaking guide to discover the secret sights of the city.
Day 2 – San José city tour
This morning, you’ll be picked up and taken to our local office, where you’ll be greeted with a steaming cup of Costa Rican coffee. One of our local team members will talk you through your Costa Rica trip and give you some great tips to help make the most out of your time in Costa Rica. San Jose may not be the most beautiful of cities, but there’s still fun to be had!
As some of the areas of interest are not too easy to find, we’ll map out a 2-hour walk for you around the city, with an English-speaking guide. You’ll be able to ask them any questions you might have. You’ll stop by museums, the park and the central market. Here you can learn all about typical food, tropical fruits and perhaps enjoy a delicious ice cream or a coffee. The tour will end at around lunchtime time giving you the rest of the day free.
Day 3 – Through the jungle to Tortuguero
From San Jose, you’ll be picked up by coach for the journey to Tortuguero. You’ll travel in a coach from the city through spectacular landscapes. After about 3 hours, you’ll stop off near Guapiles, where you’ll have a bite to eat. Make sure to keep a lookout for sloths! From here, you’ll continue on to the Pavona docks, where you’ll switch over to a boat for the final 90 minutes of your journey into the rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, toucans and crocodiles along the way.
The amazing landscape of Tortuguero is not accessible by road. Instead, you’ll find rivers meandering through the pristine rainforest to the famous nesting ground of countless turtles. You’ll spend a couple of nights in a jungle lodge, with all of your food and boat trips included. Fill your senses with the sounds of the rainforest, listen to howler monkeys in the distance, smell the tropical hibiscus or spot tiny red frogs in the grass.
Day 4 – Exploring the waterways
You won’t need to set an alarm clock this morning as the howl of the monkeys will definitely be enough to wake you. Bright and early, you’ll leave the rest of the group and embark on a specially organised canoe adventure, with up to 6 people in the boat. As you paddle through the narrow river channels, you’ll need to keep your wits about you and occasionally duck under the branches heading your way.
In the afternoon, you’ll head off on another boat excursion. As you cruise down the river you can feel the calm in the air, interrupted only by a sudden rustling of branches or twittering of birds in the trees. Your Costa Rica guide may seem to have eyes in the back of his head as he notices a lizard or kingfisher sitting motionless on a branch.
Days 5 – Lava flows of Arenal volcano
At the end of your stay in the rainforest, you’ll travel by boat and shuttle bus to La Fortuna. As you head towards La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal volcano, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more mountainous and the winding road becoming more pot-holed. The mighty volcano and beautiful countryside is one of the most iconic images of Costa Rica. We’ll arrange for you to stay in a comfortable wooden cabin hotel, just outside the popular tourist town.
Day 6 – Hiking & hot springs
Today you’ll be collected from your hotel with a small group and a guide. You will hike through lush landscapes, learning about the history and wildlife, with the ever-present volcano as your backdrop. After marvelling at the view over Arenal Lake, you’ll be transferred to the hot springs where you can relax and unwind in the mineral baths, followed by a tasty buffet dinner.
Day 7 – At home with the Tico
Next up, a bumpy ride to the Juanilama community. Today’s journey will take around 1 hour. Today you’ll travel to a lesser-explored area of Costa Rica – one hour north of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. Arriving in a typical Tico village in the Juanilama community, you’ll be immersed in local culture and tradition, learning all about everyday rural life. The initiative was launched by a group of women to introduce travellers to villages and communities off the usual tourist trail and give the women a sense of independence and entrepreneurial spirit.
During your time here, you’ll join one of the women to learn about the produce they grow in this area. She will tell you about the plants and their many uses whilst you collect ingredients for your cooking lesson afterwards at her home. You’ll help whip up a traditional meal, using the local produce, before enjoying your last meal in the community.
Day 8 – Travel to Boca Tapada
Now it’s time to wave goodbye to your friendly hosts and head to Boca Tapada. If you’re travelling by hire car, you’ll hop in and make your own way there. The journey today will take approximately 2 hours. Today you’ll travel to an area well known for its wildlife and, in particular, its bird spotting opportunities. Set along the Rio San Carlos, the lodges we use in this area are perfect for relaxing in. Surrounded by nature and with your food included, there’s no need to worry about leaving this little piece of paradise! During your stay, you’ll have your own bungalow with a private bathroom and porch, perfect for relaxing after your day’s activities.
Day 9 – Nature Calls!
Today, you’ll take part in two guided walks – one in the morning and one at night. This will give you the perfect opportunity to spot some of Costa Rica’s famous wildlife, and the guides here will amaze you with the animals they can spot and their knowledge of them, too. If you fancy something even more special, there is also a wooden treehouse you can sleep in! Just let your Travel Specialist know, and they can check availability for your trip.
Day 10 & 11 – Return to San Jose
Next, you’ll travel back towards San Jose – this will take around 3 hours. You’ll stay the night in a comfortable hotel in the Alajuela district before heading to the airport the following day for your international flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Travel by Hire Car
For a little extra freedom, you can choose to travel by hire car. Aside from the occasional pothole on the rural roads, driving in Costa Rica is pretty easy and stress-free, and we think it’s a really lovely and adventurous way to explore the country. You’ll have a modern SUV car complete with GPS and insurance cover, so you’re all good to go!