Like an Island: Beaches and Adventure in Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Your driver will be waiting for you at Juan Santamaria International Airport, near San José, at an elevation of 1,150 meters in the heart of the Central Valley, to take you to your hotel.

Overnight stay at a beautiful hotel in San José

Off to Costa Rica’s “Little Amazon”!

Early in the morning, we’ll depart on a shared shuttle service bound for themust-see Tortuguero region on the Caribbean coast.

Along the way, you’ll first pass through the lush Braulio Carrillo Park, covered in dense tropical rainforest drenched by torrential rains, before traveling alongside banana plantations —Costa Rica is one of the world’s leading exporters of bananas.

Depending on the water level, you’ll board a motorboat at either Caño Blanco or La Pavona to navigate through the tropical flora and fauna to the lodge.

Approximate travel time: 4–5 hours

In the afternoon, you can visit the Caribbean village of Tortuguero.

Overnight stay with full board at a magnificent lodge in Tortuguero.

Today, you’ll visit the famous Tortuguero National Park.

In the morning, you’ll depart for Tortuguero National Park. This vast wetland park consists entirely of canals and lagoons nestled in the heart of an impressive jungle, which is why it’s nicknamed the “Amazon of Costa Rica.”

So, it is through this unique and extraordinary network of canals, rivers, and marshes in the heart of the jungle that you’ll set out with your guide to discover caimans, toucans, turtles, howler monkeys, parrots, sloths, iguanas, and multicolored birds.

Note: You may have the opportunity to observe turtles laying their eggs at night (from July to October).

Overnight stay with full board at a magnificent lodge in Tortuguero.

Transportation from Tortuguero to Guápiles, then by road to Arenal.

In the morning after breakfast, you’ll sail to the Caño Blanco or La Pavona landing, before continuing by road to Guápiles.

You’ll have lunch in Guápiles, then pick up your rental car and head towardArenal.

Approximate driving time: 2.5 hours

At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a relaxing break at the Ecotermales hot springs resort, in an intimate setting.

The hot water comes directly from the hot springs of the Arenal Volcano, without ever coming into contact with the magma.

Overnight stay at a wonderful eco-lodgein Arenal.

Today, let’s go for a walk on the suspension bridges!

You’ll go on a short hike along a trail of about 3 kilometers through the primary forest and across about fifteen suspension bridges high above the canopy, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the tropical vegetation and Arenal Volcano!

Afterward, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the region.

Overnight stay at a wonderful eco-lodge inArenal.

Route from Arenal to Tenorio.

After breakfast, you’ll set out on the road toward Tenorio.

Approximate travel time: 2 hours

Once there, you can enjoy one of the following activities: guided hiking and horseback riding tours, a visit with the Maleku Indigenous people, an excursion to Caño Negro, a canopy tour, and wildlife viewing ( including numerous birds and mammals) and exploration of the local flora.

Overnight stay at a charming eco-lodge in the Tenorioregion, which specializesin cacao cultivation. 

The morning will be spent visiting Tenorio National Park, followed by a drive to Monteverde.

You’ll explore one of the country’s most beautiful trails , winding through the jungle past waterfalls and natural hot springs. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the Rio Celeste, renowned for its surreal turquoise-blue color (which intensifies as light reflects off the water) due to the minerals in its waters, which contrast with the intense green of the tropical vegetation.

Stretching 36 km, the Rio Celeste originates at the confluence of two rivers, flows through volcanic hot springs and sulfur springs, and eventually forms a magnificent waterfall.

In the afternoon, you’ll head toward the Monteverde region.

Approximate travel time: 3 hours

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in the Monteverde region.

Today, you’ll visit the famous Curi Cancha Reserve in Monteverde.

You’ll explore the various trails on your own and immerse yourself in this unique cloud forest ecosystem. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot the legendary quetzal, whose tail feathers were long used as adornments by the Aztecs.

In the afternoon, you can also visit the following nature reserves: Santa Elena, Bosque de los Niños, or the orchid garden.

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in the Monteverde region.

Drive from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio.

After breakfast, you’ll set out for the beautiful Manuel Antonio region.

Approximate travel time: 4 hours

Once there, you can enjoy the beaches, take a stroll, and watch the magnificent sunset.

Overnight stay at a boutique hotel in Manuel Antonio.

A day dedicated to exploring Manuel Antonio National Park.

Enjoy a day of swimming in crystal-clear waters, relaxing on fine-sand beaches, and strolling through the tropical vegetation…

The area is ideal for spotting many animals, such as sloths and squirrel monkeys.

Overnight stay at a boutique hotel in Manuel Antonio.

Departure for the Turrialba Valley.

After breakfast, you’ll set out for the Turrialba Valley.

You’ll cross the Cerro de la Muerte (3,400 meters above sea level), named in memory of the farmers who froze to death while transporting their harvest to San José before the Pan-American Highway was built.

Approximate driving time: 4.5 hours

Along the way, you can stop in Cartago, Costa Rica’s first city and colonial capital, founded in 1563 by the Spanish conquistador Juan Vásquez de Coronado, who named it Carthage.

You can visit the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles, named in honor of La Negrita, the country’s patron saint.

Overnight stay at a superb eco-lodge in the Turrialba region.

Free day in the Turrialba Valley.

You can explore a coffee plantation, observe a wide variety of birds, and bike through the heart of nature…

The more adventurous can hike to the crater of the Turrialba Volcano or tackle the rapids of the Pacuare River.

You can also go horseback riding or visit the Biodiversity Gardens (CATIE).

Overnight stay at a superb eco-lodge in the Turrialba region.

Today, you’ll head to the Caribbean coast.

Drive fromTurrialba toPuerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Approximate driving time: 3.5 hours

Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a colorful village nestled between the sea and the mountains, which owes its charm to its residents who live in brightly painted wooden houses, some of which are perched on stilts.

This village is very lively—feel free to go for a stroll.

Spend the night in a luxurious safari tent, surrounded by nature, at a boutique hotel near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

A day dedicated to visiting Cahuita National Park.

Today you’ll head to Cahuita, very close to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. You’ll alternate between walks through lush tropical vegetation and moments of relaxation and swimming in the Caribbean Sea.

In addition to observing medicinal plants and orchids, you’re sure to encounter snakes, sloths, various types of monkeys, agoutis, and coatis, as well as toucans along the way.

Spend the night in a luxurious safari tent, surrounded by nature, at a boutique hotel near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

A free day to explore the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca area.

There are many activities to enjoy. Whether you want to relax on the beach or trysomething more active, you’ll find something to delight you.

Spend the night in a luxurious safari tent, surrounded by nature, at a boutique hotel near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Return to the capital, San José.

After enjoying your morning here, you’ll head to San José.

Approximate driving time: 5 hours

Three hours before departure, return your rental car at Juan Santamaria Airport, then board your international return flight.

This will bring your exceptional trip to Costa Rica—featuring the Pacific Coast, volcanoes, jungles, and the Caribbean Coast—to a close.