Classic Costa Rica

Tailor made tours

SUMMARY

11 Days

Costa Rica

This ideal tour for first-time visitors to Costa Rica includes the ‘must-see’ regions of Tortuguero, Arenal and Monteverde. So, if you’re just starting to research your dream holiday to Costa Rica, this is a great place to start! Highlights include wildlife spotting in Tortuguero National Park, hiking through the lush cloud forest in Monteverde and seeing the magnificent Arenal Volcano. And because we love gorgeous beaches and spectacular snorkelling, we’ve added a stay in the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park!

This is a great introduction to Costa Rica’s incredible diversity and enviable ecotourism credentials. You’ll visit both the Caribbean and Pacific coast, explore the highlands and encounter plenty of wildlife along the way.

HIGHLIGHTS

Navigate the picturesque waterways of Tortuguero National Park
Soak in the famous Tabacon Hot Springs
See the spectacular Arenal Volcano
Enjoy a rainforest canopy tour in Arenal
Explore the cloud forest of Monteverde
Snorkel the coral reef off the coast Manuel Antonio National Park
See both the Caribbean and Pacific coast of beautiful Costa Rica

ITINERARY

Day 1 San Jose

Arrive at San Jose Airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 San Jose/Tortuguero

Depart San Jose, travelling through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park to Guapiles. From here, take a longboat for two hours through jungle-fringed canals to Tortuguero National Park. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of this tiny village.

Day 3 Tortuguero

Take an early-morning canoe ride along the extensive networks of canals and lagoons to spot wildlife such as monkeys, turtles and caimans. Later this afternoon, enjoy a guided hike through the national park.

Day 4 Tortuguero/Arenal Volcano

Transfer by boat back to Guapiles and have lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, a shuttle transfer will take you La Fortuna village, dominated by the mighty Arenal Volcano.

Day 5 Arenal Volcano

A full-day tour will show you the best of this action-packed region. Start with a visit to Arenal’s Hanging Bridges for a 3km walk through the rainforest canopy. Next, head to La Fortuna Waterfall for an inviting dip in the cool waters. Lunch is included before heading to Arenal Volcano for a walk through the rainforest to reach a lava lookout point. Finally, drive to Tabacon Hot Springs to soak in the natural pools and enjoy dinner in this beautiful setting.

Day 6 Arenal Volcano/Monteverde

Transfer to the shores of Lake Arenal for a scenic 30-minute boat ride, with fantastic
views of the Costa Rican highlands along the way. Continue by road for another hour and a half up a steep mountain road before arriving into Monteverde in time for lunch.

Day 7 Monteverde

Today’s tour will take you to one of Costa Rica’s most famous ecotourism destinations, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Orchids, bromeliads and strangler figs line the trail, and if you’re very lucky you may spot the beautiful quetzal.

Day 8 Monteverde/Manuel Antonio

Take a shuttle transfer to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, considered to be Costa Rica’s most beautiful park, with enchanting white-sand beaches ideal for swimming, and tropical rainforest alive with wildlife.

Day 9 Manuel Antonio

Experience Costa Rica’s striking coastline and abundant marine life on a kayak and snorkel tour. Paddle Biesanz for a refreshing swim and local snacks. Your guide will show you where to snorkel to explore the coral reef. After time to relax, you can paddle back and enjoy a hearty lunch

Day 10 Manuel Antonio/San Jose

A guided hike through the national park provides the chance to see sloths, monkeys
and tropical bird species. Later this afternoon, transfer to San Jose.