Costa Rica Packages: Costa Rica Highlights

You will be picked up from the airport and enjoy the city scenes as you are transferred to one of our many fine San Jose hotels in the thriving heart of the Central Valley. You will have some free time to explore the city, or take part in one of our many excursions below including a city tour of San Jose. If you would like to book an organized tour, please review the optional packages below or speak to one of our Costa Rica travel experts.

Breakfast at your San Jose hotel will be followed by a trip through Alajuela, the birthplace of Costa Rica’s national hero, Juan Santa Maria.  This will be a nice break to stretch your legs while en route in a steady climb through spectacular landscape to the top of Poas Volcano. At the 8800-foot summit, you will have the opportunity to hike through a cloud forest teeming with native plant species and enjoy the breathtaking scenery at the main crater, considered one of the largest in the world!

After a delicious lunch, your Costa Rica vacation will highlight some of the interesting cultural and architectural elements of the region.  You will travel through the town of Grecia where you will visit the famous metallic church, brought over from Europe piece by piece. Next, you will arrive in Sarchi, a colorful town famous for its original and creative woodwork that is carefully crafted by Costa Rica’s finest artisans. Visit the artists and their wares, and watch them hand-paint the famous wooden oxcarts, a classic symbol of Costa Rica.

You will return to your hotel where you will have the rest of the evening to explore the city, indulge in one of its many fine restaurants and sample the San Jose nightlife!

After breakfast at your comfortable San Jose hotel you will leave the Costa Rica capital to set off on a journey through the Central Valley, skirting the impressive Poas and Irazu Volcanoes before descending to sea level and approaching the beautiful Caribbean coast.

Arriving at the Caribbean you will take a boat transfer to your lodge in Tortuguero National Park, which has no road access and can only be reached by water. To get to the lodge you will glide through some of the park’s endless network of canals, channels and lagoons which provide a home to countless creatures, including the endangered manatee.

After lunch you will take your first trip into the surrounding area, visiting the colorful Tortuguero village which has remained untouched and isolated from the outside world, enclosed by protected forest and unreachable by road. From the village you will make the short journey to the Caribbean Conservation Corporation’s museum devoted to the extraordinary life of the region’s most famous resident: the green sea turtle, whose habitat has been successfully protected by the CCC working in close partnership with local villagers.

Returning to the lodge for some rest and relaxation you will be able to make use of the hotel’s excellent facilities, indulge in its spa services or simply rest by the pool side before joining your fellow travelers for dinner at the restaurant.  The lodge´s restaurant offers a wide ranging menu with both local and international specialties.

That evening you will have the option to join a night time tour back into the park to witness the spectacular sight of adult female green turtles returning to the beach of their birth to lay their eggs, before disappearing back into the ocean.*

*Note: The nesting tour is generally available between July-October and the most active season is between July and August. Availability will be confirmed upon arrival.

Dawn in the Caribbean, as the natural world comes to life, is the best way to see the region’s biodiversity in all its glory.  It is highly suggest that you take advantage of the lodge´s offered boat tour through the channels during the first hours of daylight.

You will return in time to enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting out again on a walking tour to Tortuguero hill which boasts the most beautiful and awe inspiring views of the entire park. Your bilingual and expert guide will help you spot the park’s hidden inhabitants and will explain why the Tortuguero National Park is considered one of the most important wildlife refuges in Costa Rica.

You will return to the hotel for lunch and then spend the afternoon exploring more of the park’s aquatic maze, watching for monkeys, birds, exotic butterflies, caimans and iguanas. Returning to the lodge at dusk and after another fabulous meal at the hotel restaurant, you will spend your final evening in Tortuguero recounting stories of your adventures in the hotel bar or taking advantage of the leisure facilities that are at your disposal.

After another full breakfast in your Tortuguero lodge’s excellent hotel you will make your transfer back across the waterways. You will then journey across the Caribbean lowlands towards the spectacular Tilaran mountain range, dominated by a rumbling Arenal Volcano which towers above the quaint town of La Fortuna de San Carlos. You will arrive with plenty of time to explore this quiet and relaxing town which, aside from its world famous volcano, is also known for its beautiful waterfalls and therapeutic hot springs.

Following a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken on a short drive to the active western side of the Arenal Volcano. Once there, you will embark on a hike along the Toucans Trail which traverses the rainforest and crosses over a large lava flow from the 1992 eruption. You’ll be able to observe a great variety of plants, wildlife and magnificent lava rock formations and will be rewarded by a beautiful view of Lake Arenal. The hike ends at a viewing area where, weather and time permitting, you will be able to see red hot lava rolling down the side of the volcano. During the tour, our experienced guides will provide interesting and educational information regarding the history of the majestic mountain the Arenal Volcano National Park. Read our newsletter article about the Arenal Volcano.

We highly recommend that you stay at one of our ‘luxury’ hotels that feature hot springs on the premises where we will shuttle you back after your hike, giving you the remainder of the day to relax in the thermal waters and spa. Otherwise, you will be treated to a tasty lunch before enjoying a relaxing visit to nearby mineral hot springs.  You will then be transported back to your preferred Costa Rica hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel you will be transferred the short distance to the world famous Santa Elena & Monteverde cloud forest reserve. This journey is part of the excitement, taking you around the vast Laguna de Arenal and back up to the high altitudes of the cloud forest, giving you some spectacular views along the way. You will be taken to your comfortable Santa Elena & Monteverde hotel and you will have some free time to explore this quaint and isolated settlement high up in the mysterious and other-worldly Costa Rica cloud forest.

After an early start and full breakfast at your Monteverde hotel, you will be taken on one of Costa Rica’s most biologically diverse natural history walks. Your early start will give you the best chance of catching some of the forest’s many inhabitants in their natural habitat including blue quetzals and bell-birds soaring above the trees and iridescent hummingbirds buzzing around you in their search for nectar.

Such an astonishing array of natural life is possible thanks to the forest’s unique position along the continental divide, the meeting place for the vast ecosystems of North and South America. The resulting combination of climatic and geographic factors create temperature and humidity gradients which change dramatically over relatively short distances creating a unique ecosystem for you to explore.

After your invigorating hike, you will return to your hotel where you will have the rest of the day to do as you wish. We highly recommend taking advantage of our additional services for a complete cloud forest adventure!

After a full breakfast in your excellent Monteverde hotel you will meet your transfer for the journey from the cloud forest to the gorgeous Manuel Antonio beach, leaving the breathtaking mountain views behind and heading for the wide ocean vistas of the Costa Rica Pacific coast. Arriving at your comfortable Manuel Antonio hotel you will have some time to settle in and explore the area, including the historical port town of Quepos or the stunning Manuel Antonio beach.

After a delicious breakfast, you will make the journey into Manuel Antonio National Park where you can choose between a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike.  Both tours are escorted by a highly trained Costa Rican naturalist guide helping you spot the treasures hidden within the exotic and diverse tropical rainforest.

Watch sloths and numerous species of monkeys travel through the tree canopy, hunt for nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of non-poisonous snakes and listen to the songs of the various birds as they glide above your heads, filling the forest with a cacophony of song.

See how many different unique species you can spot during the 2 ½ hour nature adventure. Then, whenever you are ready, stop and enjoy some local fresh fruits and refreshments as you pause to savor the surroundings.  If you so desire, you can continue your Manuel Antonio tour by hiking through the trails and/or enjoy unspoiled, un-crowded, pristine beaches after your guided educational adventure ends. Learn about the Quepoa Indians and some of the cultural and natural history behind this stunningly beautiful Costa Rica travel paradise.

Later in the afternoon you will be transported back to your relaxing Manuel Antonio hotel to lay by the pool or relax on the white sands for the remainder of the day.

After another full breakfast in your comfortable Manuel Antonio hotel you will be able to spend the day exploring the area at your leisure. As a top Costa Rica vacation destination, Quepos offers a plethora of activities for every holidaymaker. This is one of the best Costa Rica fishing spots in the country, with sailfish a major draw for offshore sport fishers. From Manuel Antonio it is possible to explore the surrounding wilderness on a hiking tour or on horseback, and the attractive beaches are popular for snorkeling, diving and kayaking. Please see the full list of additional services below or speak to one of our Costa Rica Travel Advisors.

After breakfast, you will have the rest of the day to explore the area before we transfer you to the airport where you may continue your journey in Costa Rica, go on to one of our many Latin America destinations, or return home.

*Note: these prices are not valid for the high season and certain holidays. Please contact a Costa Rica Travel Advisor for prices based on your specific travel dates.

Upgrade your tour package by adding or replacing your beach visits to Quepos & Manuel Antonio with a trip to Gulf of Papagayo, the most beautiful and luxurious beach destination in Costa Rica. Please contact a Travel Advisor for further details.

Please note that the Tortuguero lodge itineraries mentioned above are based on our “Tourist Class” lodge. For a higher standard of accommodations and a variety of alternative excursions, upgrade to either our “Superior” or “Luxury” Class lodges.

• 11 nights at comfortable hotels based on US standards.
• Guided visits with English speaking tour guides.
• All transfers and entrance fees.
• All breakfasts and meals mentioned in the itinerary.

Available for guests at all Tortuguero lodges, depending on the season and local conditions. Entrance fee to be paid directly to the park authorities.

Manatus Luxury Lodge

Mawamba Superior and Pachira Tourist Lodge

• San Jose City Tour
• Irazu Volcano Half a day Tour
• The Green Expedition Tour
• Doka Coffee Tour, Poas Volcano & Waterfalls Gardens Tour
• Poas Volcano, Grecia Town & Sarchi City Tour*
• Aerial Tram
• Braulio Carrillo Canopy Tour
• San Lorenzo Canopy Tour
• Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting
• Carbon Neutral Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting
• Sarapiqui River Whitewater Rafting
• Reventazon River Whitewater Class I - II* Rafting Tour
• Pejibaye River Whitewater Class I-III Rafting Tour Class I-III
• Canyoning Turrialba Tour
• Mountain Biking CATIE Tour
• Turrialba Volcano Tour
• Inflatable Kayaks Tour - Pegibaye River
• Guayabo Archeological National Monument Tour
• Butterfly Farm & Coffee Tour
• Coffee Tour
• San Jose to Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs Waters Tour
• Tortuga Island Cruise
• La Paz Waterfall Gardens

• Arenal Lake on Kayak
• Caño Negro Rio Frio Boat Tour
• Safari Float Trip on the Peñas Blancas River
• Arenal Volcano Tour
• Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall
• Biking Tour around Arenal
• Hiking to Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano
• Tour to the Venado Caves
• Arenal Canopy Tour
• Hanging Bridges & Natural Hike Tour
• Natural History Walk Tour
• Sarapiqui River Whitewater Rafting
• Sky Tram & Sky Trek Tour
• Maleku Indigenous Tour
• Pure Trek Canyoning Tour

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve Natural Hike Tour
• Bird Watching Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve Night Hike Tour
• Horseback Riding Heliconia Ranch
• Monteverde Coffee Tour
• Walkways Tour
• Canopy OR Walkways Tour
• Hummingbirds Garden Tour
• Insect Museum Tour
• Reptile & Amphibians Exhibition
• Butterfly Farm Tour
• Frog Pond Tour
• Day Excursion Combination Packages
• ATV

• Savegre River White Water Rafting
• Naranjo River White Water Rafting
• Mangrove / Damas Island Kayaking
• Night Mangrove Kayaking
• Mangrove / Damas Island Boat Tour OR Night Mangrove Boat Tour
• Snorkeling / Coastal Kayaking
• Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour
• Kusingo Tropical Rain Forest Hiking
• Tocori Waterfalls / Rancho Don Gilberto / Beach Horseback Riding
• Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking Tour
• Carara National Park Hiking Tour
• Carara Sport Fishing Tours