Best of Costa Rica

On arrival in San Jose, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey or explore the surrounding neighbourhood at your own pace. San Jose is a lively capital with leafy parks, colonial architecture and excellent local dining options, making it a comfortable gateway to your Costa Rican adventure. Transfer time approx. 30–45 mins Overnight at D Sabana Hotel (or similar)

Meals:  Nil

You will be picked up early at your hotel to start your adventure, with shared ground transfer to Costa Rica's remote northern Caribbean coast, where the journey itself is part of the adventure. Drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park and lush lowland rainforest, with a stop for breakfast at a local restaurant. Board a boat for a scenic cruise along winding jungle canals, keeping watch for monkeys, toucans and crocodiles as you approach the Tortuguero region. Arrive at your eco-lodge, set between the canals and the Caribbean Sea, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through Tortuguero village to learn about the region's Afro-Caribbean heritage and the community's role in protecting the national park and nesting sea turtles. Return to the lodge for a relaxed dinner surrounded by nature. Activity duration: Approx. 5–6 hours including transfers and village visit Overnight: Laguna Eco-Lodge (or similar)

Meals:  B,L,D

Wake to the sounds of the rainforest and begin your day with a guided boat safari through the canals of Tortuguero National Park. A jungle adventure of a lifetime! These lush waterways are home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, including sloths, howler monkeys, caimans and dozens of bird species. Your naturalist guide will help spot and interpret the wildlife as you glide silently beneath the forest canopy. Return to the lodge for lunch and time to relax by the pool or gardens. In the afternoon, join a gentle walk through the lodge’s private trail system and botanical garden, offering a closer look at the region’s rich biodiversity and tropical flora. Dinner is served at the lodge. Activity duration: Approx. 3–4 hours guided activities Overnight: Laguna Eco-Lodge (or similar)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, begin your journey from the Caribbean lowlands to the central highlands. Enjoy a scenic boat ride back through the Tortuguero canals, keeping an eye out for early morning wildlife, before continuing overland via bus to the town of Guapiles for lunch. After a delicious local meal, travel by shuttle to the Arenal region, known for its lush rainforest, rich birdlife and the iconic cone-shaped Arenal Volcano. This is one of Costa Rica’s most scenic and activity-rich destinations, with cloud forests, a lake renowned for windsurfing, and an incredibly diverse range of wildlife. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and settle in with views of the surrounding forest and volcanic landscape. Activity duration: Approx. 5–6 hours travel time Overnight: Volcano Lodge (or similar)

Meals:  B,L

After breakfast, depart Arenal by road and boat, crossing Lake Arenal with views of the towering volcano and forested hills. This scenic transfer offers a unique perspective of the region’s landscapes and wildlife, with opportunities to spot birds along the shoreline. On the far side of the lake, continue by vehicle to Monteverde, a highland region known for its cloud forests, coffee plantations and rich biodiversity. The cooler climate and misty forest canopy offer a refreshing change in pace and scenery. Arrive mid-afternoon and enjoy time at leisure to settle in and take in the peaceful surrounds. Activity duration: Approx. 4–5 hours travel time Overnight: Trapp Family Lodge (or similar)

Meals:  B

Begin the day with a guided walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where near-constant mist from Atlantic trade winds creates a unique and richly biodiverse environment. Over four metres of rain falls here each year, nurturing a forest alive with hummingbirds, howler monkeys and, with luck, the elusive quetzal or bare-necked umbrella bird. Your guide will help interpret the forest’s fascinating ecology as you walk beneath towering trees and moss & vine-draped branches. In the afternoon, take in the canopy from above on the Sky Walk and Sky Tram. Walk across a series of suspension bridges before ascending to the Continental Divide by open-air gondola. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the forest, Arenal Volcano and, on a clear day, the distant Nicoya Gulf. Activity duration: Approx. 3–4 hours combined Overnight: Trapp Family Lodge (or similar)

Meals:  B,L

After breakfast, begin your return journey to San Jose, travelling from the highlands back through Costa Rica’s rural heartland. The drive offers changing scenery, from misty cloud forests to coffee plantations and patchwork farmlands. On arrival in the capital, the afternoon is free to relax or explore at your own pace. San Jose offers a variety of museums, markets and cafés, or simply enjoy your final evening reflecting on your Costa Rican adventure. Activity duration: Approx. 4–5 hours travel time Overnight at D Sabana Hotel (or similar)

Meals:  B

After breakfast, your trip concludes today with a group transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Transfer time approx. 30–45 mins

Meals:  B