A 10-day journey through Costa Rica combining nature, wildlife, culture, and volcano landscapes. Start in San José and visit Cartago, Irazú Volcano, and the Orosi Valley, then continue to the Tortuguero rainforest canals and Caribbean wildlife. Explore Sarapiquí’s cacao and palm plantations, followed by Arenal Volcano, hanging bridges, hot springs, and a wildlife rescue experience. Continue through Maleku indigenous culture and Rincón de la Vieja National Park, before returning to San José for departure via the artisan village of Sarchí.
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.
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.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSÉ
Upon arrival in San José, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in San José.
Day 2: SAN JOSÉ – CARTAGO – SAN JOSÉ (134km – 3.5hrs)
Departure to the city of Cartago and visit to Irazú Volcano National Park. On the way down to Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica, make a short stop at the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, known for its Byzantine style and stained-glass windows. This basilica is the country’s main pilgrimage site, especially during the Virgin of the Angels celebration on August 2nd. Lunch en route, then continue to Orosi, a lush green area known for its coffee plantations stretching across the valley and mountain slopes. Take the opportunity to visit Ujarrás, located a few kilometers away, home to the oldest colonial church in the country. Return to San José. Dinner at hotel.
Overnight in San José.
Day 3: SAN JOSÉ – TORTUGUERO (110km – 3hrs)
Meals: Full board
Early in the morning, shared transfer to the Caribbean town of Tortuguero and its magnificent national park. Cross the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park. To reach your lodge, enjoy a 2-hour boat ride through canals where you will observe a wide variety of flora and fauna. In the afternoon, visit the small village of Tortuguero, Tortuguero Beach (weather permitting), and the Turtle Museum. This conservation center provides insight into the different species of sea turtles that nest on these beaches, their habitat, and the importance of protecting them.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4: TORTUGERO
Morning boat excursion to discover the park’s rich flora and fauna, including caimans, sloths, monkeys, toucans, and more. Lunch at the lodge. Optional guided walk along lodge trails and a free afternoon. Dinner at the lodge.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 5: TORTUGUERO – SARAPIQUÍ (108km – 2.5hrs)
Departure from the Caribbean region toward Sarapiquí. Lunch in a restaurant in Guápiles. Continue to La Tirimbina Biological Reserve. Accompanied by a guide, cross a suspension bridge and walk through the forest to reach a cacao plantation. During the chocolate tour, learn about the natural and cultural history of cacao. After the visit, you may stop at the shop to purchase traditional chocolate made by a local women’s association. Transfer to the hotel and free time. Dinner at Sarapiqui.
Overnight in Sarapiquí.
Day 6: SARAPIQUÍ – ARENAL (69km – 2hrs)
After breakfast, visit a palm plantation on a local farm in Sarapiquí. Learn from farmers about heart of palm production, from planting to harvesting. Taste products and support the local project. Lunch in rustic facilities featuring natural ingredients. Continue to a unique experience discovering an anthill, where you will learn about the complex social organization of ants, governed by a queen and based on a mutual relationship with fungi. Follow the ants along a 40-meter trail from leaf-cutting to the heart of the colony. You will be guided by Leo Herra, creator of the project. Then continue to Arenal, passing through agricultural and cattle regions with views of Arenal Volcano. Stop along the way to observe iguanas and optionally try exotic ice cream flavors like pitaya (extra cost). Arrival in Arenal and walk on hanging bridges in Mistico Park. Dinner in Arenal.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 7: ARENAL
Visit Arenal Volcano National Park, one of the country’s most iconic sites. Explore marked trails through rainforest, old lava flows, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the volcano and Lake Arenal. Your guide will explain the volcanic history and biodiversity of the region. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, volunteer activity at Proyecto Asís Wildlife Rescue Center. This unique experience allows you to get close to rehabilitating wildlife and assist in daily care, including food preparation and feeding. Return to the hotel to enjoy facilities such as natural pools, waterfalls, and hot springs. If unavailable, a visit to external thermal baths will be arranged. Dinner in Arenal.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 8: ARENAL – RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA (154km – 3hrs)
Continue toward Bijagua with a stop to discover Maleku culture. Walk along an accessible trail to observe diverse flora and fauna. Visit the Maleku Indigenous Cultural House and a garden of medicinal plants and orchids. At Ecocentro Danaus, the Maleku community presents performances and sells handicrafts. They are one of the smallest indigenous groups in Costa Rica, known for balsa wood carvings and traditional tools. Lunch, then continue to Rincón de la Vieja with a stop at “Las Pumas” refuge, which rescues animals such as macaws, monkeys, and toucans. Dinner in Rincon de la Vieja.
Overnight in Rincón de la Vieja.
Day 9: RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA
Breakfast and departure to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Hike through tropical dry forest and, with luck, spot capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and coatis while walking among fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. Lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy optional activities such as horseback riding, volcanic mud baths, zip-lining, or other hotel activities. Dinner in Rincón de la Vieja.
Overnight in Rincón de la Vieja.
Day 10: RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA – SAN JOSE DEPARTURE (154km – 3hrs)
Departure for San José via Route 1 (the Pan-American Highway), crossing the Guanacaste coastal region before returning to the Central Valley. Lunch on your own en route. Continue to San José with a stop in the artisan village of Sarchí, famous for its colorful ox carts historically used to transport coffee and fruit. Arrival at the airport and departure for your home country.
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.
