Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival
You'll arrive at the airport and connect with your tour representative for the transfer to Hotel Balmoral. The hotel sits about 17 km from the airport, so it's roughly a 30-minute drive depending on traffic. After checking in, you'll have the evening to settle in and rest up before your adventure starts tomorrow morning.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Day 2
Cartago - Orosi - Turrialba
This early start takes you up to Iraz\u00fa volcano at 3,432 m, where you'll do a short hike around the craters and take in the views. After that, you'll head to the Basilica of Cartago to see its distinctive Byzantine-influenced architecture. Later in the afternoon, you'll relax at thermal springs in the Orosi valley, then drive through coffee and sugar cane plantations on your way to Turrialba for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Short hike to Irazú volcano craters
- Visit Basilica of Cartago
- Thermal springs in Orosi valley
- Drive through coffee and sugar cane plantations
Landmarks Irazú Volcano Basilica of Cartago Orosi Valley - Day 3
Tortuguero Canal
An early morning drive takes you over the mountain range toward Gu\u00e1piles, where you'll switch to a different bus for the journey past banana plantations. From there, you'll continue to the boat landing to begin your scenic boat trip through the canal network in one of Costa Rica's most exotic jungle areas. You'll visit Tortuguero village and check out the green turtle information center before arriving at Evergreen Lodge for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Boat trip through canal network and jungle
- Visit Tortuguero village
- Visit green turtle information center
Landmarks Tortuguero National Park Tortuguero Village - Day 4
Sarapiquí
Starting before sunrise, you'll take a leisurely boat trip through the national park's small canals, navigating through swampy palm groves and lagoons. Throughout the morning, you'll look for monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, turtles, river otters, and sloths. After breakfast back at the lodge, you'll return by boat and then travel by bus toward Sarapiqu\u00ed, stopping for lunch in Gu\u00e1piles along the way.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Sunrise boat trip through Tortuguero National Park canals
- Wildlife spotting in jungle canals (monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, turtles, river otters, sloths)
Landmarks Tortuguero National Park - Day 5
La Fortuna
The morning gives you a choice between a two-hour riding tour on well-maintained paths around Hacienda Pozo Azul or a hiking option instead. In the afternoon, you'll drive through the fertile northern plain past pineapple, papaya, yuca, and citrus fruit plantations to reach La Fortuna at the foot of Arenal volcano. You'll stay two nights at Hotel Campo Verde, giving you plenty of time to settle in and explore the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Horse riding tour around Hacienda Pozo Azul (approximately 2 hours, Spanish-speaking guide)
Optional Activities
- Hiking tour (alternative to horse riding)
Landmarks Arenal Volcano Hacienda Pozo Azul - Day 6
La Fortuna
After breakfast, you'll visit a traditional farm to experience what rural life in Costa Rica looks like, and lunch happens on the farm as well. The rest of your afternoon is open for you to do as you like at the foot of Arenal volcano, one of Costa Rica's most beautiful volcanoes with its classic cone shape. It's a great chance to relax or explore more on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch on traditional farm)
Included Activities
- Visit traditional farm and learn about Costa Rican rural life
- Lunch on the farm
Landmarks Arenal Volcano - Day 7
Departure
After breakfast, your trip concludes with a few options depending on what you've booked. You can arrange a transfer to a connecting hotel if you'd like to stay (some transfers come with an additional fee). Alternatively, if you've booked the round trip 'Cloud Forest & Red Macaws' or 'A flying visit to Nicaragua' directly afterward, you'll travel to Manuel Antonio or Liberia today to continue your journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Transfer to connecting hotel (some transfers available for a fee)
- Transfer to Manuel Antonio or Liberia (if booked with extensions)
