An 8-day journey through Costa Rica combining rainforest, volcanoes, and wildlife. Start in San José and travel to Tortuguero National Park to explore its canals and rich biodiversity. Continue to Arenal Volcano, with hot springs, rainforest trails, and local culture. Discover the cloud forest of Monteverde and its unique wildlife, then explore the geothermal landscapes of Rincón de la Vieja before returning to San José for departure.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Tortugero: Accessible only by boat or small aircraft, Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic rainforest and wetland regions. Often called the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” it is a biodiversity hotspot of canals, lagoons, and tropical jungle. The area is internationally known for its rich wildlife, including monkeys, birds, reptiles, and sea turtles, as well as its unique Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage.
Sarapiqui: Located on the edge of Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands, Sarapiquí is a lush region of tropical rainforest, rivers, and agricultural plantations. Known for its rich biodiversity, it offers excellent opportunities to observe wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, toucans, and frogs, while also showcasing the country’s agricultural heritage, including cocoa, pineapple, and tropical fruit production.
Arenal: Dominated by the iconic Arenal Volcano, this region is one of Costa Rica’s most impressive natural landscapes. It combines rainforest, volcanic terrain, and fertile farmland, offering a wide variety of flora and fauna. The area is also known for its rural traditions, hot springs, and panoramic views of the volcano and surrounding lake.
Monteverde: Perched high in Costa Rica’s central mountains, Monteverde is one of the country’s most famous cloud forest regions, celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity and mist-covered landscapes. The area is home to unique ecosystems where tropical rainforest and mountain climate combine to create a rich habitat for rare birds, mammals, orchids, and butterflies. Monteverde is also known for its strong ecological conservation efforts, hanging bridges, and immersive nature experiences surrounded by lush forest scenery.
Rincon de la Vieja: A dramatic volcanic region in northwestern Costa Rica, Rincón de la Vieja is known for its geothermal activity, dry tropical forest, and rugged landscapes. The national park features volcanic formations, fumaroles, hot springs, and rich wildlife, making it one of the country’s most diverse and geologically active natural areas.
1 giorno: ARRIVAL SAN JOSÉ
Upon arrival in San José, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in San José.
2 giorno: SAN JOSÉ – TORTUGUERO (110km – 3hrs)
Early morning departure heading to Tortuguero, where sea turtles nest. You will cross Braulio Carrillo National Park, showcasing Costa Rica’s lush cloud forest. Breakfast en route and arrival at the dock. A 2-hour boat navigation through the jungle-lined canals of Tortuguero to reach your hotel and check in. Lunch at the lodge. Visit to the village of Tortuguero, influenced by Afro-Caribbean culture. The long beach hosts thousands of turtles that come to nest every year (July to September) (possible optional excursion during this period). Dinner at the lodge.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
3 giorno: TORTUGERO
Morning boat excursion to discover the lush flora and fauna of the park, including caimans, sloths, monkeys, toucans, and more. Lunch at the lodge. Optional walk with your guide on the lodge trails and free afternoon. Dinner in Tortuguero.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
4 giorno: TORTUGUERO – SARAPIQUÍ – ARENAL (300km – 5.5hrs)
Return by boat to the dock where your minibus will continue toward the Sarapiquí region. Lunch. Stop at the La Tirimbina Biological Reserve to discover the secrets of chocolate, including a short suspension bridge crossing. Continue to Arenal, where the majestic volcano rises with its perfect cone shape. End of the day at the hotel. Dinner at a typical restaurant.
Overnight in Arenal.
5 giorno: ARENAL
In the morning, visit the town of La Fortuna. This charming village was created after the eruption of the Arenal Volcano, which destroyed the small villages of Tabacón, Pueblo Nuevo, and San Luis. Today it is the main town in the Arenal volcano area. You can walk through the central park, visit its church, and explore small shops while enjoying an impressive view of the perfect cone-shaped volcano. Lunch followed by a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park. Walk along trails crossing old lava flows while your guide explains the volcano’s past activity, and observe beautiful landscapes and possibly local wildlife. At the end of the day, relax in mineral-rich thermal waters in tropical gardens at the hotel or nearby thermal springs if the hotel does not have its own.
Overnight in Arenal.
6 giorno: ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (120km – 1hr)
Departure to Monteverde. Visit a coffee plantation where you will learn everything about coffee production: harvesting, washing, drying, roasting, and tasting different roasts. Lunch. Visit the Monteverde Biological Reserve, located between 800 and 1,800 meters above sea level, known for its rich vegetation and as a refuge for the quetzal bird. Dinner in Monteverde.
Overnight in Monteverde.
7 giorno: MONTEVERDE – RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA (110km – 2.5hrs)
Early departure toward the Guanacaste region, known for its large ranches and haciendas. Lunch en route. Discovery of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, named after the volcano with strong geothermal activity. Hike among mud pools, fumaroles, and trees such as the Guanacaste, the national symbol of Costa Rica. The park also contains hot springs that are not open to the public. Dinner in Rincón de la Vieja.
Overnight in Rincón de la Vieja.
8 giorno: RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA – SAN JOSE DEPARTURE (250km – 4.5hrs)
After breakfast, transfer to San José for your return flight at the airport. Lunch en route on own.
Pack light, breathable clothing for warm and humid conditions, plus a light jacket for cooler highland areas and early mornings. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential for hikes, volcano trails, and suspension bridges. Bring rain protection (rain jacket or poncho), insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. Don’t forget swimwear for hot springs and waterfalls, a reusable water bottle, and a small daypack for excursions.
