Itinerary
- Day 1
San José
You'll arrive at San José airport where your local guide will be waiting for you. After the transfer to your hotel, spend the rest of the day getting settled and preparing for what's ahead in Costa Rica. This gives you time to rest up before the activities begin.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Day 2
San José to Manuel Antonio
Head up to Poás volcano at 2,700 meters early in the day for a hike to the crater of this active volcano. You'll see the steaming, sulphurous base up close. After that, you'll drive south toward Manuel Antonio, where you'll spend the next two nights getting settled at your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Short hike to Poás volcano crater
- Visit Poás National Park
Landmarks Poás Volcano Poás National Park - Day 3
Manuel Antonio
Take a guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the country's most biodiverse reserves with over 100 mammal species and 184 bird species to spot. The park also has marine animals worth looking for. Later, head down to the park's beaches where you can relax and look out over the Pacific Ocean.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park
- Beach time within the park
Landmarks Manuel Antonio National Park - Day 4
Manuel Antonio to Golfito
Drive south along the coast to Playa Dominical and walk through the Hacienda Barú rainforest reserve with its different vegetation zones. From there, continue to Ballena Marine National Park where you might see humpback whales during certain months and check out the circular stone spheres of Palmar Sur. You'll end the day in Golfito after the drive down the coast.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Hacienda Barú rainforest reserve with short hike
- Explore Ballena Marine National Park beach
- See the circular stone balls of Palmar Sur
Landmarks Hacienda Barú Playa Dominical Ballena Marine National Park Playa Uvita Stone Spheres of Palmar Sur - Day 5
Golfito
Spend the full day on an excursion to Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica's second largest park and a hotspot for tropical biodiversity. You'll travel by boat through mangrove forests and then hike through the primary rainforest. A picnic lunch breaks up the day, and you'll watch for wildlife including whales during mating season.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch)
Included Activities
- Full-day excursion to Corcovado National Park
- Boat travel through mangrove forests
- Hike through primary rainforest
- Picnic lunch
Landmarks Corcovado National Park - Day 6
Golfito to San Vito
Drive south on the Panamericana through scenic mountain terrain with views over Golfo Dulce toward the Osa Peninsula and Panama. You'll arrive in San Vito, a charming town founded by Italian settlers and known for its highland coffee. Visit the Wilson Botanical Gardens, which has one of the world's most extensive palm collections on its grounds.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Wilson Botanical Gardens
Landmarks Wilson Botanical Gardens - Day 7
San Vito to Los Quetzales
Leave San Vito and descend through pineapple plantations and the Rio Grande de Téraba valley to reach San Isidro, the economic center of southern Costa Rica. From there, you'll climb winding mountain roads through the Cordillera de Talamanca, arriving at your lodge at 2,100 meters near Los Quetzales National Park.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Los Quetzales National Park - Day 8
Los Quetzales to Turrialba
Hike to Los Quetzales National Park early in the day to look for the colorful quetzal bird. Then visit a coffee processing plant in Santa María de Dota to see how coffee is grown and processed. After that, continue to Cartago to see the Basilica Virgen de los Angeles, a famous pilgrimage church, then head to Turrialba, known for its excellent coffee and cheese.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike to Los Quetzales National Park
- Coffee processing plant tour in Santa María de Dota
- Visit Basilica Virgen de los Angeles in Cartago
Landmarks Los Quetzales National Park Basilica Virgen de los Angeles - Day 9
Turrialba to Sarapiquí
Visit Guayabo, the country's most important archaeological site on the slopes of Turrialba volcano. You'll discover ancient house foundations, cobbled streets, and former aqueducts on a circular walking route. Then drive north through banana and pineapple plantations to reach SarapiquÒ in the Caribbean lowlands.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Guayabo archaeological site
- Circular route exploration of ancient structures
Landmarks Guayabo Archaeological Site - Day 10
Sarapiquí to La Fortuna
Drive through fertile farmland of northern Costa Rica to reach Arenal volcano near La Fortuna, recognizable by its perfectly shaped cone. In the afternoon, hike across suspension bridges suspended between treetops with great volcano views. You'll see orchids, bromeliads, and tillandsias hanging in the trees as you walk.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Guided hike over Arenal suspension bridges
Landmarks Arenal Volcano - Day 11
La Fortuna to San José
Your transfer back to San José is arranged to get you to the airport. You have the option to extend your trip to one of the beach resorts for an additional fee if you'd like more time. Otherwise, you can arrange a return or onward flight departing at 4 pm or later.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Transfer to beach resorts (available for additional fee)
