3-Day Costa Rica Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Costa Rica tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Costa Rica Itinerary, incl. San Jose and Tortuguero

  Rich biodiversity unfolds across this 3-day tour between San Jose and Tortuguero National Park. Two nights in jungle lodges, 6 guided activities, and 8 meals included. Choose to end at Arenal Volcano or Puerto Viejo Beach, with daily boat safaris and nature walks.

  

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  • Day 1

    San Jose to Tortuguero

    Leave San Jose early. Most hotels pick up guests at 6 AM to avoid heavy morning traffic. You'll take a 4-hour shuttle ride followed by a scenic 1-hour boat trip from Pavona Dock to reach Tortuguero. "The boat ride through the canals was our first wildlife encounter - we spotted howler monkeys and toucans before even reaching the lodge!" Keep your bags light and waterproof for the boat transfer. Wear practical shoes as the dock can get slippery in rainy weather. In the afternoon you can join a village tour to learn about sea turtle conservation and shop for local crafts. One visitor noted: "the village tour feels a bit rushed - consider exploring independently if you want more time."

    
  • Day 2

    Tortuguero National Park

    Get up early for the canal safari when wildlife is most active. Bring binoculars to spot caimans, river turtles and different types of monkeys. The park entry costs $15 extra but it's worth the expense. Later in the day take a guided nature walk near your lodge where you'll see plenty of tropical birds.

    
  • Day 3

    Return Journey

    Have breakfast before taking the 9 AM boat back to Pavona Dock. You'll stop for lunch in Guapiles on your way out. If you're heading to Arenal it's about a 3-hour drive. Going back to San Jose takes around 2 hours.

    

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• 3 Days in Tortuguero National Park, incl. San Jose and Tortuguero

  Natural wonders emerge throughout this 3-day adventure in Tortuguero National Park's 29,000 hectares. Daily guided wildlife tours, boat excursions through hidden canals, and authentic eco-lodge stays with full-board dining options included.

  

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  • Day 1

    San Jose to Tortuguero National Park

    Leave San Jose at 7 AM. You'll drive through beautiful coffee plantations and the cloud forests of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Stop for breakfast around 8:30 AM and try the local gallo pinto, a filling dish of rice and beans. At 10:30 AM you'll switch to a boat, which is when things get interesting. A recent visitor shared: "I was constantly amazed at how diverse and numerous the animals were that live in such a small area. Every morning you could see Capuchin Monkeys, and you could hear the howler monkeys often."

    
  • Day 2

    Exploring Tortuguero

    Get up early for a guided morning walk. Wildlife is most active at dawn and you won't want to miss it. The trails can get quite muddy so pack proper hiking shoes and plenty of insect repellent. Take an afternoon boat tour through the quieter canals to spot sloths, toucans and caimans. Want better photos? Grab a seat on the left side of the boat during morning tours. A good tip from a recent visitor: "The park entrance fee ($17) isn't included in most tour prices, so budget for this additional cost."

    
  • Day 3

    Tortuguero to San Jose

    Head back to San Jose around 9 AM after breakfast. The combined boat and bus journey takes about 6-7 hours, getting you to San Jose by mid-afternoon. Pack a light raincoat since rain showers pop up regularly all year. Visiting between July and October? Think about adding the evening turtle nesting tour ($25) on Day 2. It's incredibly popular but needs advance booking.

    

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• 3 Days in Costa Rica, incl. San Jose and Tortuguero

  Natural treasures await in this 3-day eco-adventure at Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero National Park. Five meals, expert-guided canal tours, nature walks, and village visits included. Comfortable boat and bus transfers connect San Jose and Tortuguero.

  

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  • Day 1

    San Jose to Tortuguero National Park

    You'll need to be ready for a 6:00 AM pickup from your San Jose hotel. The trip to Tortuguero includes both land and water travel, so pack light and keep your electronics in waterproof bags. You'll stop for breakfast on the way before taking a boat to your lodge. A recent visitor shared: "The bus and boat that we were taken on were both comfortable and safe. The amenities on the lodge were fantastic, clean, and well maintained." Your wildlife adventure begins with an afternoon canal tour. The smaller waterways offer excellent wildlife spotting as you venture deeper into the forest. Pack binoculars and a good camera with zoom. You might spot some of the park's 111 reptile species or 60 mammal species. Keep in mind the lodges don't have AC, but according to travelers, "As long as it cools down enough at night, with a rainstorm for example, it's comfortable enough to sleep."

    
  • Day 2

    Exploring Tortuguero

    Join a guided nature walk on the lodge's private trails in the morning. Your guide will point out wildlife, and you'll likely see monkeys which are most active early in the day. In the afternoon, visit Tortuguero village to experience authentic Caribbean culture in this unique car-free community of 500 residents. You can add an optional turtle watching tour, but plan for a long day. One visitor noted: "They recommend the Turtle tour the first day and times can't be chosen, so you have a 5 AM wake up and you finish around midnight."

    
  • Day 3

    Return to San Jose

    Start your return journey after breakfast, traveling by boat and then bus with a lunch stop in Guapiles. You'll reach San Jose around 3:00 PM. If you have an international flight, note that shared airport transfers usually arrive between 12:30-1:30 PM. You might need to book private transportation for earlier departures.

    

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