Itinerary
- Day 1
San José
You'll arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport and get transferred to your hotel in San José. From there, the afternoon and evening are flexible depending on when you land. Wander through the city to see historic buildings, check out some museums, or find a good dinner spot. The dining scene here is really varied, so there's plenty to try.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore historic buildings in San José
- Visit museums in San José
- Discover lively dining scene in San José
- Day 2
San José to Tortuguero
Head out early toward the Caribbean coast, driving through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Once you reach the coast, you'll board a boat that takes you into Tortuguero's canals. Lunch happens during the drive or boat ride. Later in the afternoon, you'll walk around the colorful village to get a feel for local life and learn about the area's history and culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch en route), Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park
- Boat transfer into Tortuguero canals
- Stroll through Tortuguero village and learn about local culture
Landmarks/POIs Braulio Carrillo National Park Tortuguero - Day 3
Tortuguero
Start with a guided boat safari through the canals where you'll see monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, and sloths. After that wraps up, the afternoon is yours to rest at the lodge or wander around the area. If you're interested, there's an optional night walk in the evening to see sea turtles nesting if the season is right.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided boat safari through Tortuguero canals with wildlife viewing (monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, sloths)
Optional Activities
- Night walk to witness sea turtle nesting (July–October)
Landmarks/POIs Tortuguero National Park - Day 4
Tortuguero to La Fortuna
Begin with a morning boat safari spotting monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, and sloths in the canals. Then you'll transition by boat and road toward La Fortuna. By evening, you'll visit the natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano to soak and relax after the travel day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided boat safari through Tortuguero canals with wildlife viewing (monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, sloths)
- Evening visit to natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
Landmarks/POIs Arenal Volcano - Day 5
La Fortuna
Pick one included activity for the morning: hike to La Fortuna waterfall, walk across hanging bridges, or try zip-lining through the canopy. The rest of the day is open, so you can explore La Fortuna town at your own pace. There's an optional chocolate tour available if that interests you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Choice of one activity: La Fortuna Waterfall hike OR Arenal Hanging Bridges OR Zip-line adventure
Optional Activities
- Chocolate tour
Landmarks/POIs La Fortuna Waterfall Arenal Volcano - Day 6
La Fortuna to Monteverde
Travel across Lake Arenal by boat in the morning, with views of the volcano and mountains the whole way. After that, a scenic 4x4 drive takes you to Monteverde, which is known for its cloud forest. You'll have the afternoon free to settle in, and there's an optional night walk available if you want to see nocturnal wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic boat transfer across Lake Arenal
- Scenic 4x4 drive to Monteverde
Optional Activities
- Night walk through cloud forest to experience nocturnal wildlife
Landmarks/POIs Lake Arenal Arenal Volcano Monteverde Cloud Forest - Day 7
Monteverde
Take a guided walk through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to see rare birds like the resplendent quetzal and other wildlife. In the afternoon, you can choose an optional tour to a coffee, cocoa, or sugarcane farm to see how local production works. The evening is free to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walk through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with wildlife viewing
Optional Activities
- Coffee farm tour
- Cocoa farm tour
- Sugarcane farm tour
Landmarks/POIs Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - Day 8
Monteverde to Tamarindo
Travel to the Pacific coast and arrive at your beach destination in Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Conchal, Carrillo, or another nearby town). Check in to your beachfront hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the sand or swimming in the warm water.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Tamarindo Beach - Day 9
Tamarindo
You have the full day at the beach. Relax on the sand or pick from several optional activities like a catamaran with snorkeling, horseback riding along the shore, or paddle boarding. Later, watch the sunset and consider having dinner with ocean views if you'd like.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Catamaran cruise with snorkeling
- Horseback riding along the beach
- Paddle boarding in calm waters
- Sunset dinner overlooking the ocean
Landmarks/POIs Tamarindo Beach - Day 10
Tamarindo to San José or Liberia
Private transfer to San José (SJO) or Liberia Airport (LIR) based on your flight time. This marks the end of your trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
