Costa Rica Guanacaste Journey - 10 Days

Upon arrival in San Jose, you will be met by our representative who will assist you to your transport. You will then be transferred to your hotel in the city, where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica. This allows you to settle in comfortably after your journey and prepare for the adventures ahead.

You'll start early, travelling by bus through Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains, taking in impressive mountain views and charming villages along the way. Enjoy a delicious breakfast en route before continuing by boat through the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park.

Upon arrival at your eco-lodge, we'll serve a fresh lunch. Afterwards, we'll take a boat trip to Tortuguero village, where you can explore the town, stroll along the beach, and observe local life. If travelling between September and December, you may witness baby turtles making their way to the sea during hatching season. The remainder of the day is yours to relax at the lodge, surrounded by tropical forest and abundant wildlife.

Today offers a leisurely start with free time to relax by the pool before we embark on a three-hour guided tour of Tortuguero National Park. You will have the chance to observe over 350 protected species, including a variety of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, amid the park's lush vegetation.

Optional Activity: During the turtle nesting season from July to September, you may choose to join an optional late-night turtle nesting tour, available to purchase directly at the lodge.

Early this morning, we depart by boat from Tortuguero to Guapiles. From there, we transfer by road to a local restaurant for lunch. After your meal, a shared transfer will take you to the Arenal area. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore independently, with the option to join one of two renowned hot springs experiences.

Optional Activity 1: You can visit the famous Tabacon hot springs, where naturally heated mineral waters flow from the base of Arenal Volcano. Surrounded by tropical gardens and cascading waterfalls, the pools offer a relaxing setting to unwind in the volcanic waters.

Optional Activity 2: Alternatively, you may choose Ecotermales, a smaller and more intimate hot spring experience set within the rainforest. The naturally heated pools range from 37°C to 41°C and are complemented by cool waterfalls and peaceful jungle surroundings.

Both options include transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance fees, and dinner. Both depart at approximately 15:00 and lasts around six hours.

After breakfast, we take a guided walking tour through Arenal Volcano National Park. Your guide will explain the volcano's history of activity as you explore the lush surroundings and keep an eye out for wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and anteaters. Following the tour, return to the hotel where the afternoon is yours to relax or join an optional excursion.

Optional Activity 1: You can soar above the rainforest canopy on a thrilling zipline tour at Ecoglide Arenal Park. The circuit includes 13 cables and 15 platforms - many set high in the trees - offering impressive views of the surrounding forest. The experience also includes the Tarzan Swing for an extra adrenaline rush. Departure times include 07:40, 09:40, 11:40, 13:40 or 15:20, and the tour lasts approximately three hours.

Optional Activity 2: Alternatively, visit the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall. A trail leads down to the base of the 60 metre waterfall, where you can admire the powerful cascade, swim in the refreshing waters, or simply enjoy the scenery. Entrance fees support local community projects including schools and social programmes. The tour departs at approximately 08:00 or 13:00 and lasts around three hours.

Both options include transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees.

Begin the day with an early breakfast before checking out and travelling towards Monteverde. You will transfer down to Lake Arenal, where you board a boat to cross the lake. On the far shore, a vehicle will be waiting to take you up to Monteverde, ascending to around 1,200 metres above sea level. Here, the rainforest transitions into cloud forest, set within Puntarenas province. The nearby town of Santa Elena is small and charming, with a selection of restaurants and artisan shops. Spend the day at leisure to explore independently or join one of the following optional activities.

Optional Activity 1: Join a Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour. This involves a three-hour hike along trails and suspension bridges through the cloud forest canopy, offering opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, sloths, insects and diverse plant life.

Optional Activity 2: Alternatively, you may prefer the Don Juan Coffee Tour, which provides insight into Costa Rica's coffee, chocolate and sugar cane production, with a focus on coffee and local traditions.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we take a guided hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Established in 1972, this renowned reserve protects 2.5% of the world's biodiversity and is a vital site for conservation and scientific research. As we explore, you'll encounter a rich variety of wildlife including mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, alongside diverse plant life such as mosses, vines and native cloud forest trees.

If you wish, you can enhance your day by joining one of the optional tours you may have missed yesterday - the Selvatura Treetop Walkway, offering an elevated view of the forest canopy via suspension bridges, or the Don Juan Coffee Tour, which provides insight into Costa Rica's coffee culture and production.

After breakfast, we travel to the stunning Pacific Coast region of Guanacaste. Upon arrival, you have the rest of the day at your leisure to relax or explore the charming beach town of Tamarindo. Known for its golden sands and laid-back atmosphere, Tamarindo offers inviting cafes, restaurants and boutique shops, along with excellent beaches for swimming and sunset walks.

Spend the day at leisure in Tamarindo, a vibrant beach town known for its warm sunshine and stunning coastline. You can relax on the spectacular beach or, if you're feeling adventurous, try surfing the famous local waves. There's plenty of opportunity to explore the town's lively streets or simply enjoy the hotel's facilities.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Costa Rica before your transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport. Here, you will board your flight home or continue onwards to your next destination.