Captivating Costa Rica - 9 Days

Once you have arrived at Juan Santamaría International Airport, a local representative will be waiting to greet you and hand over your travel documents. From there, your transfer will take you to your hotel in the heart of San José’s metropolitan area. If you’re arriving early, you might like to explore some of the capital’s cultural highlights – the representative will be able to give you a few suggestions to help you make the most of your time

San Jose - Tortuguero. Today, you will be picked up from your hotel in San Jose between 6.00 and 6.30 AM, heading for Tortuguero National Park. Along the way, you can admire the scenery as you pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park for an hour and a half. You will then stop to enjoy breakfast.

You will then arrive at the marina and board a comfortable boat to begin your journey into Tortuguero. As you navigate a network of rivers, canals, and lagoons, you’ll be surrounded by the lush scenery and wildlife that make this region so unique.

At approximately 1 PM, you’ll reach your lodge, where a welcome cocktail and a delicious lunch await. At 2.45 PM, you’ll head out to explore the small town of Tortuguero, known for its laid-back Caribbean charm. After you will be transferred back the the accommodation where lunch will be served

This morning, you’ll set off on a guided boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions. As you glide through the rainforest waterways, keep your eyes peeled for exotic birdlife, monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife unique to this tropical habitat.

Your expert guide will help you spot and identify various species, sharing insights into the rich ecosystem that surrounds you. Afterwards, you will have the rest of the day at your leisure to relax—take a dip in the lodge’s swimming pool or unwind in the tropical gardens. Your guide will confirm the departure time for the boat tour.

Tortuguero - La Fortune. After breakfast, you will depart from Tortuguero heading back to the dock, where you will then take a bus to Guapilies. Once you have arrived, you will enjoy lunch.

You will then continue your journey through the Northern plains of Costa Rica, where you will be able to enjoy views of exotic flowers and plantations en route to the little town of La Fortuna at the foot of the Arenal Volcano.

Today, you’ll begin with a visit to a family-run farm in La Fortuna, where you’ll learn how coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane are made using traditional techniques. From plant to product, you’ll be guided through each step, with tastings along the way. The farm also features local crops and animals, giving you a richer understanding of rural Costa Rican life.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a guided hike through El Silencio Private Reserve. Following a 1-kilometre volcanic stone path, you’ll reach a viewpoint offering the closest access to Arenal Volcano. Your guide will share insights into its formation and eruptions, including the major event of 1968, while you enjoy sweeping views over Lake Arenal and Laguna Verde.

The hike continues through secondary forest that gradually gives way to pristine primary rainforest. Along this 1.5-kilometre trail on the slopes of the volcano, your guide will help you look for native wildlife, such as toucans, monkeys, and other tropical species, depending on what nature offers.

To finish the day, you’ll visit Ecotermales Hot Springs. Here, you can unwind in a series of natural pools heated by the volcano itself, with temperatures ranging from 32°C to 41°C. Surrounded by forest, this peaceful setting is the ideal place to relax before enjoying an included buffet dinner.

La Fortuna - Liberia - Tamarindo. This morning, you’ll depart the Arenal region and head west toward Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. As your transfer winds through the countryside, you’ll notice a shift in landscape from rainforest to the dry tropical forest and wide plains of Guanacaste. After roughly three hours, you’ll arrive in the city of Liberia, the capital of the province.

From Liberia, you’ll continue toward the Nicoya Peninsula. The final stretch takes you along a mix of rural roads before reaching the coastal town of Tamarindo, known for its sunny beaches, surf scene, and lively atmosphere. Once you’ve checked in, enjoy a spectacular sunset from your hotel overlooking Tamarindo Beach.

Today, you will have the morning at your leisure to enjoy the surroundings and make the most of your hotel’s setting. You might take a gentle walk along the beach or relax in the sun with a fresh fruit juice in hand.

In the afternoon, you’ll head out on a sunset catamaran cruise along the Pacific coast. This relaxed sailing experience includes time for snorkelling and soaking up the coastal scenery, with the chance to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, manta rays, or even whales, depending on the season.

On board, you can enjoy an open bar and a selection of light bites, including fresh fruit, dips, and a signature chicken burrito. It’s a laid-back experience designed for you to unwind, take in the views, and enjoy the beauty of Guanacaste from the water.

Please note: The catamaran sailing tour may take place in the morning, depending on weather conditions.

Tamarindo - San Jose. After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel in Tamarindo heading back to San Jose, where you will be able to enjoy views of the Pacific Coast along the way.

Once you have arrived in San Jose, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to further explore San Jose, grab a coffee, or enjoy the nightlife.

After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time for some last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxation before your onward transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport, where the tour will conclude. Safe travels!