Coast to Coast, Highlights of Costa Rica - 13 Days

WELCOME TO COSTA RICA!

We’re so happy you’ve chosen our country for your adventure. You’ve arrived in a land full of nature, culture, and Pura Vida, where every moment can become an unforgettable experience.

When you arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport, our professional driver will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name, making it easy to find us. They will assist you with your luggage and take you comfortably to your hotel in San José. This private service is designed to ensure a smooth journey and a warm welcome to our beautiful country. The drive typically takes between 25 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you don’t see your driver upon exiting the airport, don’t worry—please wait a moment and call the agency’s emergency number. Please, do not go with another driver, your safety is our top priority!

Pura Vida, and enjoy every moment of your trip!

Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton, Sabana San Jose Hotel or similar (3 star)

Meals: None

Activities: Private airport transfer to hotel

Rise early and travel toward the Caribbean coast, where you’ll transfer by boat through winding canals and lush jungle waterways to reach Tortuguero — one of Costa Rica’s most secluded and biodiverse paradises. Arrive at your jungle lodge to the chorus of tropical sounds: birds calling, water rippling, leaves rustling. In the afternoon, explore a village, paddle through mangroves, or simply rest in the hammock as the sun sets. Nights here are magical under a blanket of stars, punctuated by the occasional call of wildlife.

Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or similar (3 star).

Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Activities: Boat transfer; canal boat ride; village walk; wildlife encounters

At dawn, slip into a boat and glide silently along the canals, where mist hovers above water and wildlife awakens. Spot toucans, monkeys swinging through branches, caimans lounging near riverbanks, and perhaps turtles nesting on the beach (season permitting). Later, hike jungle trails under towering trees, discover hidden lagoons, learn about local ecosystems from expert naturalists, and absorb nature’s rhythms. It’s a day to disconnect and feel the pulse of the wild.

Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or similar (3 star).

Meals: Full board

Activities: Early-morning canal tour; guided jungle walk.

Leave the canals behind and journey south to the laid-back Caribbean shores of Puerto Viejo. The landscape shifts — jungle meets beach, reggae beats drift in the air, and Afro-Caribbean flavors tempt your palate. Spend the afternoon with toes in the sand, perhaps snorkel in vibrant reefs, sample coconut-laced dishes, or wander along the beach collecting shells. By twilight, watch the horizon glow, the sound of waves lapping, and the sky deepening in color.

Accommodation: Namuwoki Lodge or similar (3 stars)

Meals: Breakfast included

Activities: Shuttle Transfer; beach time

This tour takes place in one of the jewels of the Amistad Caribbean Conservation Area, the "Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge." This area is characterized by being a mixed protected area, meaning it is protected both by the state and civil society, where part of the reserve is government-owned and part is privately owned by local residents. The route is a 10km (5km each way) walking trail on the Manzanillo side. Historically, this trail has been the path used by locals to reach various farms and properties within the refuge.

This trail has an amazing biodiversity, every corner is full of life in this tropical rainforest, tourists can also enjoy viewpoints overlooking the sea with a scenic beauty that only in the South Caribbean of Costa Rica can be found.

During the tour the trail crosses between beautiful beaches and forests, through giant trees such as fig trees, ceiba trees and sandboxes. It is also possible to see different species of animals such as white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, tayras, iguanas, basilisks, eyelash vipers, woodpeckers, toucans, common black hawks and more, depending on what mother nature wants to show us.

During the activity the tourist will always be with one of our naturalist guides who will interpret the trails, explaining to people about the dynamics of the ecosystem present in the refuge, and a little about the history and culture of the South Caribbean of Costa Rica.

Accommodation: Namuwoki Lodge or similar (3 star)

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Activities: Nature walks cultural immersion at Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

The Pacuare River is the top rafting destination in Costa Rica, offering the perfect mix of adventure and nature in just one day. Surrounded by lush green canyon walls and

cascading waterfalls, it immerses you in the heart of the rainforest. Wildlife such as sloths, toucans, parrots, and colorful frogs are commonly seen. The rapids are exciting yet manageable, making the experience fun and accessible. After the adventure, enjoy a delicious lunch, freshen up, and continue your journey to Arenal.

Accommodation: Los Lagos Hotel or similar (3 star).

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Activities: Transfer, whitewater rafting at Pacuare River

Start your day walking across the Arenal Hanging Bridges, enjoying panoramic views of the rainforest and spotting local wildlife from above. Then, explore the scenic trails of Arenal Volcano National Park on a relaxed guided walk, followed by a delicious lunch. Finish the day with a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in its refreshing pools after descending 500 steps to the base—an unforgettable experience in one of Arenal’s most iconic natural spots.

Accommodation: Los Lagos Hotel or similar (3 star).

Meals: Breakfast, snacks and lunch included

Activities: Combo: Hanging Bridges, Volcano Walk, La Fortuna Waterfall

Enjoy a scenic transfer from Arenal to Monteverde, combining a comfortable minivan ride with a peaceful boat cruise across Lake Arenal. Along the way, take in stunning views of the volcano, Tilarán Mountains, and local birdlife. After the lake crossing, continue with a beautiful mountain drive to your hotel in Monteverde.

Later, visit El Trapiche for a cultural farm tour. Walk through plantations of sugar cane, coffee, and cocoa, and learn about traditional production methods. Enjoy hands-on experiences, free tastings, and finish with a fresh cup of farm-grown coffee and a traditional Costa Rican snack.

Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar (3 star)

Meals: Breakfast included

Activities: Scenic transfer, El Trapiche Tour

Today is all about exploration in the dense cloud forest: We invite you to explore the incredible biodiversity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the largest private protected area in the region, spanning over 25,730 acres (10,415 hectares). This unique ecosystem is home to more than 130 species of mammals, 400 species of birds (including the stunning resplendent quetzal), 30 species of hummingbirds, 5,000 species of moths, and over 3,000 plant species. It's truly a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.

Enhance your experience with an exciting canopy tour in a 70-acre private reserve. Begin with a guided walk through both primary and secondary cloud forest. Then, soar through the treetops on 10 zip lines, take an exhilarating rappel from the “Scary Tree”, swing like Tarzan on the Tarzan swing, and climb the unique Hollow Tree. All of this while surrounded by breathtaking scenery and the sounds of the cloud forest’s abundant wildlife.

Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar.- (3 star)

Meals: Breakfast included

Activities: Canopy tour (zipline), guided cloud forest hike

Descend from the cloud forest into sun-kissed Pacific vibes. Travel through changing landscapes — mountain, valley, coastal plains — until you reach Manuel Antonio. Once settled, let the Pacific Ocean set the tempo: soft sand to walk on, palm trees to rest under, warm waters to swim, and wildlife peeking from jungle edges. The contrast to your jungle highs makes the beach’s embrace all the sweeter.

Accommodation: Espadilla Hotel or similar (3 star).

Meals: Breakfast included

Activities: Shuttle Transfer; beach relaxation

Enter the famed Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist guide to hike its vibrant trails where rainforest meets ocean. Spot sloths climbing branches, monkeys leaping among trees, tropical birds flaunting vivid plumage. Then, emerge onto pristine beaches backed by jungle, swim in the Pacific, stroll along the shore, and end the day with a sunset casting coral and gold hues over the sea. It’s a day where nature and relaxation intertwine seamlessly.

Accommodation: Espadilla Hotel or similar (3 star).

Meals: Breakfast included

Activities: Guided national park hike; wildlife watching; beach time

Enjoy one last breakfast at your resort, breathing in the ocean air. Then set out on the journey back to San José. Use this time to explore the city’s museums, shops, or sample its diverse cuisine one last time.

Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton, Sabana San Jose Hotel or similar (3 star)

Meals: Breakfast included

Activities: Shuttle Transfer

See you Soon, Costa Rica!

All good things must come to an end, and it’s time to say goodbye to this magical land and its wonderful people.

Our professional driver will pick you up on time in the lobby of your hotel in San José, assist you with your luggage, and take you comfortably and safely to Juan Santamaría International Airport. We recommend being ready ahead of time, and remember to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to avoid any last-minute stress.

We truly hope to see you again soon so you can continue experiencing the pura vida that only Costa Rica can offer. Thank you for choosing us and see you next time!

Meals: Breakfast

Activities: Private transfer to Airport