Costa Rica Manuel Antonio Extension Journey - 13 Days

Upon arrival in vibrant San José, you will be welcomed by our representative who will assist you to your transport. You will then be transferred to your hotel in the city centre, where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica. This initial evening allows you to settle in and prepare for the adventures ahead. Overnight in San José.

We depart early this morning, travelling by bus through Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains. Along the way, we enjoy striking mountain views and pass through charming villages. A delicious breakfast is served en route. Continuing by boat, we navigate the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park, immersing ourselves in the lush jungle surroundings.

Upon arrival at our eco-lodge, we settle in and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. Later, we take another boat trip to Tortuguero village, where we explore the town on foot, stroll along the beach, and observe local life. During the turtle hatching season—from September to December—we may witness baby turtles making their way to the sea. The remainder of the day is yours to relax at the lodge, surrounded by tropical forest and abundant wildlife. Lunch and dinner are included. We stay overnight in Tortuguero.

Today offers a leisurely start with time to relax by the pool before embarking on a three-hour guided tour of Tortuguero National Park. We will explore the park’s rich biodiversity, spotting over 350 protected species including birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths amid the lush vegetation. 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. Lunch and dinner are included, and you will spend the night once again surrounded by the vibrant tropical forest of Tortuguero.

Early this morning, we depart by boat from Tortuguero back to Guapiles. From there, ground transportation will take you to a restaurant for lunch. After your meal, a shared transfer will bring you to the Arenal area. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore independently.

You may choose to join one of the optional hot springs experiences. The Tabacón hot springs offer a series of mineral-rich pools and warm waterfalls fed by the Arenal Volcano’s natural thermal veins, set within lush tropical gardens. Alternatively, Ecotermales Hot Springs provide a tranquil rainforest setting with thermal pools heated by the volcano, ranging from 37°C to 41°C, complemented by cold-water waterfalls that create a soothing massage effect. Both options include pick-up and drop-off, a bilingual guide, admission, and dinner. Overnight in Arenal.

After breakfast, we take a guided walking tour through Arenal Volcano National Park. Your guide will explain the volcano’s periods of activity while you enjoy the lush landscapes and views of the now-dormant volcano. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and anteaters that inhabit the park.

After the tour, return to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon. You may choose to relax or join one of the optional activities available. The zipline adventure offers an exhilarating experience through the rainforest canopy with 13 cables and 15 platforms, including a Tarzan Swing for an extra thrill. Alternatively, visit La Fortuna Waterfall by descending a 500-metre trail to admire the 60-metre cascade and crystal-clear pool, where you can swim or simply take in the natural beauty. Entrance fees for the waterfall support local community projects. Both activities include shared transfers, guides, and entrance fees. Overnight in Arenal.

After an early breakfast and check-out, we transfer to Arenal Lake for a scenic boat crossing to Monteverde. Upon arrival, a vehicle will take you up to Monteverde, where the landscape shifts from rainforest to cloud forest at around 1,200 metres above sea level. Situated in Puntarenas province, Monteverde is known for its misty cloud forests, coffee plantations, and abundant wildlife, including monkeys. The nearby town of Santa Elena offers a charming atmosphere with artisan shops and inviting restaurants.

You will have the afternoon at leisure to explore independently or join optional activities such as the Selvatura Treetop Walkway—a guided three-hour hike along suspension bridges and trails through the cloud forest, where you can spot birds, monkeys, sloths, and diverse plant life—or the Don Juan Coffee Tour, which provides insight into Costa Rica’s coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane production alongside local folklore. Overnight in Monteverde.

After breakfast, 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, and insects, alongside diverse plant life such as mosses, vines, and native cloud forest trees. You may choose to join the optional Selvatura Treetop Walkway tour, which offers a network of suspension bridges and trails through the canopy, or the Don Juan Coffee Tour, where you can learn about Costa Rica’s coffee culture and production. Both options are available to book separately. Overnight in Monteverde.

After breakfast, we travel to the stunning Manuel Antonio area, descending to the coast near Manuel Antonio National Park. Upon arrival, you have the remainder of the day at your leisure to relax on the beach, explore the local surroundings, or enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Overnight accommodation is in Manuel Antonio.

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel for a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. Your knowledgeable nature guide will lead you along a flat, scenic trail that loops through the park, covering approximately two miles. Along the way, the guide will share insights into the rainforest’s natural history, highlighting the diverse plants and animals you encounter. Manuel Antonio is notable for being home to three of Costa Rica’s four native tropical primate species. Midway through the walk, we will pause at the famous ‘Third Beach’ for around 20 minutes, giving you time to relax on the soft sand or enjoy the waves. Throughout the hike, you may spot sloths, birds, reptiles, wild orchids, butterflies, and other tropical vegetation. Your guides carry Pentax and Swarovski monoculars and telescopes, allowing you to observe wildlife closely and capture unique photographs. After the tour, transport will return you to your hotel for an overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

Spend the day at Manuel Antonio Beach on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast in Puntarenas Province. Enjoy free time to relax on the sand, swim in the waves, or explore the charming beach town and engage with the local community. Manuel Antonio offers a variety of restaurants where you can sample both local and international cuisine at your leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Manuel Antonio.

Spend a full day at leisure in Manuel Antonio, exploring its quiet beaches and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. You may choose to join an optional excursion, available locally, to further discover the area’s natural beauty and wildlife. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

After breakfast, you will transfer to your hotel in San José for check-in. If you wish to explore more of this vibrant city, we recommend joining the optional San José City Tour. This guided tour includes visits to the National Theatre—often called ‘the jewel of San José’—an architectural masterpiece completed in 1897. You will also explore the Museum of Gold, an important archaeological site, and the bustling Central Market, where you can browse local crafts and experience Costa Rican culture firsthand.

The tour continues with stops at the Metropolitan Cathedral and several significant landmarks such as the University of Costa Rica, the Old Train Station, the National Liquor Factory, the Legislative Assembly, the Metallic Building, and various parks. The guide will provide insights into the city’s history, economy, culture, politics, religion, and current affairs. The tour concludes with a visit to an art gallery, offering the chance to purchase unique souvenirs. The shared tour starts at 12:30 and lasts approximately four hours, including pick-up, drop-off, bilingual guide services, and entrance fees. Overnight in San José.

Begin your final day in Costa Rica with a hearty breakfast. If time permits before your departure, you may wish to join the optional Britt Coffee Tour. This experience takes you to a coffee farm in Barva de Heredia, where experts guide you through the entire coffee production process—from the nursery and growing cycle to harvesting and roasting. You’ll learn how Costa Rica’s unique climate shapes the flavour of its gourmet coffee and enjoy a tasting session to appreciate the nuances of different brews. At the appropriate time, transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your onward flight home or to your next destination.