- ✓ Snorkel over colourful coral reefs and hike jungle trails in Cahuita National Park
- ✓ Hike around the iconic Arenal Volcano and soak in natural thermal springs
- ✓ Walk high above the misty canopy in Monteverde’s magical cloud forest
- ✓ Discover tropical wildlife and pristine beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park
This itinerary will take you on a whirlwind trip through the cultural and natural highlights of the country. Your journey will begin in the cosmopolitan city of San Jose before heading off to the relaxed Caribbean coast to whip up some tasty treats.
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. Bustling markets, shopping districts, numerous museums and galleries are within easy reach.
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 – Reefs & reggae of the Caribbean
From your hotel in San Jose, you’ll be picked up by shuttle bus for your journey down the coast to Puerto Viejo (which takes approximately 4-5 hours). After all that travelling, you’re probably ready for a long stretch of sandy beach and a tasty Caribbean stew; well, Puerto Viejo is the place for both. The distinctly Caribbean feel means that you’re never too far from an intoxicating reggae beat or a tropical cocktail.
Day 4 – Cahuita National Park
Today you’ll travel about 30 mins along the coast to the beautiful Cahuita National Park, where you’ll meet a local guide for a walk through the tropical forest – home to monkeys, sloths, coatis, and a whole host of other creatures! Before heading back to Puerto Viejo, you’ll also have time for a spot of snorkelling around the colourful reef which lies just off the shore of the park.
Day 5 – Free time in Puerto Viejo
We have not arranged anything today, so you can do as much or as little as you wish – relax with a good book, swim in the warm Caribbean sea, or try to find the best cocktail bar in town. Life here is pretty easy.
Day 6 – Lava flows of Arenal volcano
At the end of your stay at the beach, you will take the shuttle bus or hire car up into the hills to La Fortuna, home to the Arenal volcano. Your driving time today is between 4 to 5 hours. 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 7 – 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 8- Into the cloud forests of Monteverde
Next, we’ll arrange for a jeep and boat transfer to take you from your hotel in La Fortuna to your hotel in Monteverde, which should take about 3 hours. If you’re driving, you’ll take a bumpy road and perhaps along the way stop off at a cafe. Driving time is usually about 4 hours. Feel the magic of the dense cloud forest of Monteverde. You’ll stay in a comfortable Swiss-style chalet, set amongst wooded surroundings.
Day 9 – Guided treetop walk
Take a guided canopy walk through the forest where ferns, mosses and orchids bloom amongst the hanging tree branches and beautiful birds dart through the trees. Due to the humid climate, the forest gives off a fairytale-like atmosphere, especially in the often-present mist.
Day 10 – Ocean waves & jungle days
Next, you’ll make the journey to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast. Your driving time today roughly takes 4.5 hours. Manuel Antonio, located on the Pacific Coast, boasts crescent-shaped bays, jungles bursting with wildlife and an excellent bar and restaurant scene. You’ll stay in a hill-top villa resort with a pool for refreshing dips and serene views across the ocean.
Day 11 – Manuel Antonio National Park tour
Today, you’ll make your way to the park gates, where you’ll meet your eagle-eyed guide and begin your walk. Manuel Antonio National Park is fairly small and easy to explore on foot. Within a couple of hours, you’ll be able to spot plenty of wildlife inhabiting the rainforest and learn about different species and their habitat. You might hear howler monkeys communicating, and with the help of your guide, spot smaller and well-camouflaged animals too!
The rest of the day is free for you to do as you please. Take a stroll through the National Park or kick back on one of the many sandy beaches.
Day 12 & 13 – Return to San José and departure
Next, you’ll make the 4-hour journey back to San Jose, where you’ll spend the night. The next day, we’ll arrange for a transfer to collect you from your hotel and take you to the airport. If you’re driving, you can drop your car off on the way to the airport and jump in the free transfer to the terminal.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
A Taste of Costa Rica - 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!