Discover Costa Rica’s rainforest, volcanoes and cloud forest on a well-paced journey of wildlife, nature & comfortable lodge stays.
8 Days from
$
In Comfort Adventures
Discovery and Cruising
33kg of CO2-e PP per day
(231kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Costa Rica is one of the most ecologically diverse countries on earth, and this journey offers a rewarding introduction to its most remarkable landscapes. From comfortable lodges, you explore rainforest, waterways and highland cloud forest, experiencing the country’s natural richness at a well-paced rhythm.
In Tortuguero National Park, travel by boat through remote jungle canals where monkeys, toucans and caimans can often be seen among the dense vegetation. Continue to the Arenal region to admire the striking silhouette of the volcano and enjoy time to relax in thermal surroundings before crossing Lake Arenal to the cooler highlands of Monteverde.
In Monteverde, walk among the treetops on hanging bridges and discover the cloud forest with local naturalist guides, with opportunities to spot birdlife and learn more about this unique ecosystem. With comfortable eco-lodges, warm local hospitality and a thoughtful balance of nature, wildlife and culture, this journey is an ideal way to experience the highlights of Costa Rica in one seamless adventure.
Please note: This itinerary is not exclusive to World Expeditions and is subject to change due to weather and local conditions. It should be used as a guide only. The maximum group size is 20, although some services in Tortuguero may operate with larger groups during peak season. Bus transfers may have up to 50 passengers and boat transfers up to 40 passengers in high season. Guided touring is provided by local guides and some tours may be conducted in English and other languages. The trip is not escorted throughout, and at times you will travel by shuttle with a driver only. You may also travel with passengers from other operators, and group composition may vary during the trip.
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Meals: Nil
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Meals: B,L,D
Meals: B,L
Meals: B
445 scheduled departures between 12 Oct 2026 and 30 Dec 2027.
Every bit as good as the description, warm, fantastic colours and wildlife. We discovered you don't need to go to the national parks to see wildlife. We saw more sitting quietly at the hotel or a short walk down the beach.
We had the best time on our Costa Rica trip. I was worried about the coordination, but all went smoothly. The communication was fantastic and and when little things happened they were always available on Whatsapp for updates and reassurance. They were very flexible when I wanted to change things slightly at the last minute towards the end of the trip. I would highly recommend this company.
Tortuguero & Monteverde were fantastic. Many surprises including poison dart frog and a quetzal! Transport (shared) delays cost us time in Arenal (we only had 2 hours of daylight). Pre-book a 4WD and drive yourself
The first half of the tour was excellent (Tortuguero). The Arenal component was just an overnight hotel stay of minimal value. The Monteverde segment was good, however, the hotel was the furthest point from the town so we only saw things through organised tours
The Best of Costa Rica was a great overview of some of the country's highlights with accommodation and travel organised for you and the freedom to add destinations if wished.
Great way to travel - great price, easy, relaxed travel with everything taken care of, super enjoyable.
MOST MEMORABLE PART: Ziplining in cloud forest
Nestled within the lush rainforests of Tortuguero, Laguna Eco-Lodge offers a comfortable and immersive base for exploring the region’s rich biodiversity. We stay here for their clear commitment to responsible tourism, with practices that include on-site water treatment, energy conservation and effective waste management. The lodge operates with deep respect for its surroundings and local communities, making it a fitting choice for travellers who want to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty while supporting its protection.
Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.
If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.
It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.
You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.
If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.
Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.
Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.
Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.
Not for the entire trip. This itinerary uses specialist local guides in each region, rather than one guide throughout. In places like Tortuguero, Arenal and Monteverde, you’ll be met by expert naturalist or activity guides who know their local environment inside-out. This ensures you get the deepest experience in each location, with support from a dedicated team handling all logistics between stops. Transfers and handovers are seamless and well-coordinated.
Yes. This trip is ideal for active families with children aged 10 and up who are comfortable with nature-based activities, boat travel and warm climates. The itinerary balances gentle adventure with downtime, making it engaging without being overwhelming.
Costa Rica is a year-round destination. Wildlife viewing is excellent in both green and dry seasons, and departures run daily. The most popular periods are December to April (dry season) and July to August, but the itinerary runs beautifully at any time.
Yes – depending on the time of year, you may have the chance to witness sea turtles nesting during your stay in Tortuguero. The main egg-laying season for green sea turtles runs from July to October, with peak activity in August and September. If travelling during this period, optional guided night walks may be available through the lodge, offering the opportunity to see turtles laying eggs on the beach.
All turtle watching activities are conducted in strict accordance with our Animal Welfare Policy, with experienced local guides who ensure minimal disturbance and protection to wildlife. Viewing is not guaranteed, as sightings depend on timing, weather and natural behavior – but when it does happen, it’s an unforgettable experience.
The trip is graded Introductory to Moderate. Most activities are low-impact – including boat cruises, nature walks and short guided hikes – with longer travel days balanced by time to relax. It’s well-suited to active travellers without needing specialist fitness.
Yes. We stay in hand-picked eco-lodges that offer clean, comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and warm local hospitality. While remote in some areas (like Tortuguero), each lodge has been chosen for its setting, sustainability and guest experience
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Carbon Footprint
So what does 100 kg of carbon look like? Here is a rough guide to help put it into perspective:
Discover how we're working to cut carbon emissions from our adventures by exploring the Climate Action page within our Responsible Travel hub.
Please note trip footprints do not include flights to and from the tour.
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