Itinerary
- Day 1
San José
When you land at San José airport, your local guide will be waiting to pick you up and drive you to your hotel. Take the evening to settle in and rest before your adventure starts.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Day 2
San José to Manuel Antonio
Drive up to Poás volcano at 2,700 m (8,860 ft) and do a short hike to the active crater where you'll see the steaming, sulfurous base. After spending about 40 minutes exploring the national park, head toward Manuel Antonio for your 2-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Guided hike to Poás volcano crater
- Visit to Poás National Park
Landmarks Poás Volcano Poás National Park - Day 3
Manuel Antonio
Take a guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse spots. You'll have chances to see over 100 mammal species including endangered squirrel monkeys, various birds, and marine animals. Later, spend time relaxing on the park's beaches.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park
- Beach time in Manuel Antonio National Park
Landmarks Manuel Antonio National Park - Day 4
Manuel Antonio to Golfito
After breakfast, drive south along the coast and stop at Hacienda Barú rainforest reserve to walk trails through different vegetation zones. Check out Playa Uvita beach at Bahía Ballena Marine National Park, then visit Palmar Sur to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its mysterious circular stone balls. End the day in Golfito.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit to Hacienda Barú rainforest reserve with hiking
- Exploration of Bahía Ballena Marine National Park and Playa Uvita beach
- Visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site stone spheres at Palmar Sur
Landmarks Hacienda Barú Rainforest Reserve Bahía Ballena Marine National Park Playa Uvita Stone Spheres of Palmar Sur 
- Day 5
Golfito
Start early for a full day at Corcovado National Park, the second largest park in Costa Rica. You'll travel by boat through mangrove forests and hike through primary rainforest, with lunch provided partway through. Return by boat and bus in the afternoon, and depending on the season, you might spot whales.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch)
Included Activities
- Full-day excursion to Corcovado National Park
- Boat travel through mangrove forests
- Guided hike through primary forest in Corcovado National Park
- Picnic lunch
Landmarks Corcovado National Park - Day 6
Golfito to San Vito
Drive south on the Panamericana through oil palm plantations along a winding road at around 1,000 m (3,280 ft) toward San Vito. This route offers impressive views over Golfo Dulce to the Osa Peninsula and across to Panama. In the afternoon, visit Wilson Botanical Gardens, which has one of the world's largest palm collections.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Wilson Botanical Gardens with admission included
Landmarks Wilson Botanical Gardens Las Cruces Biological Station - Day 7
San Vito to Sueños del Bosque
Leave San Vito heading down to the Río Grande de Térraba, then drive through extensive pineapple plantations to San Isidro. Continue on the Panamericana as it winds up through the Cordillera de Talamanca with many hairpin bends, arriving at your lodge at 2,100 m (6,890 ft) near Los Quetzales National Park.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Los Quetzales National Park - Day 8
Sueños del Bosque to Turrialba
After breakfast, hike into Los Quetzales National Park to spot the colorful quetzal bird and see one of Costa Rica's most biologically important regions. Later, visit a coffee processing plant in Santa María de Dota to learn about growing and processing coffee. Continue to Cartago to see the famous Basílica Virgen de los Angeles pilgrimage church, then head to Turrialba.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike to Los Quetzales National Park
- Visit to coffee processing plant in Santa María de Dota
- Visit to Basílica Virgen de los Angeles in Cartago
Landmarks Los Quetzales National Park Basílica Virgen de los Angeles - Day 9
Turrialba to Sarapiquí
Check out Guayabo, Costa Rica's most important archaeological site on the slopes of Turrialba volcano. Walk a circular route past house foundations, cobbled streets, and former aqueducts. Drive to Sarapiqu ahead through the Caribbean lowlands with their pineapple and banana plantations.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Guayabo archaeological site with guided tour
Landmarks Guayabo Archaeological Site Turrialba Volcano - Day 10
Sarapiquí to La Fortuna
Drive through fertile farmland northward toward the impressive Arenal volcano near La Fortuna, known for its distinctive cone shape visible from far away. In the afternoon, take a guided hike across Arenal suspension bridges with fantastic volcano views. From between the treetops, you'll see blooming orchids, bromeliads, and tillandsias.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Guided hike over Arenal suspension bridges
Landmarks Arenal Volcano - Day 11
La Fortuna to Playa Sámara
Transfer to Playa Sámara this morning and check into your beachfront hotel on the Pacific coast for a 3-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Landmarks Playa Sámara - Days 12 - 13
Playa Sámara
Enjoy leisure time on Playa Sámara's beach with the freedom to relax and explore at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Beach time at Playa Sámara
Landmarks Playa Sámara - Day 14
Playa Sámara to San José
Get picked up from your beach hotel in the early afternoon and return to San José, the capital city set at 1,100 m (3,609 ft) in the central valley. Walk around the historic architecture including the National Theater built in 1897, stroll the pedestrian streets, and check out parks with tropical vegetation and old trees.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Exploration of National Theater
- Visit to museums for history of Costa Rica
- Exploration of pedestrian streets and parks including Parque Morázán and Parque Nacional
Landmarks National Theater Parque Morázán Parque Nacional - Day 15
San José
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the international airport to end your trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
