Itinerary
- Day 1
San José
You'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in central San José. After settling in, the afternoon and evening are open for you to rest from your journey, get used to the time zone, and wander around the capital however you feel like.
Optional Activities
- Leisure stroll and exploration of San José capital
- Day 2
San José to Tortuguero
Early pickup takes you through Braulio Carrillo National Park where rainforest and cloud forest mix together. Stop in Guapiles for a typical Costa Rican breakfast, then pass by banana plantations on your way to the jetty. You'll travel by river through the landscape watching for wildlife, and in the afternoon a guide shows you around Tortuguero village and walks with you along the beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Typical Costa Rican breakfast in Guapiles), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour through Tortuguero village
- Guided walk along the beach of Tortuguero
- River boat journey through Tortuguero area
Landmarks Braulio Carrillo National Park Tortuguero National Park 
- Day 3
Tortuguero
After breakfast at the lodge, your guide takes you through the private reserve looking for colorful frogs and butterflies. You'll also see how a small biogas plant generates energy here. Later in the afternoon, board a boat for a guided tour through Tortuguero National Park's canals where there's plenty to spot in terms of plants and animals.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Typical local breakfast), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walk through the lodge's reserve with certified English-speaking guide
- Guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park canals with certified English-speaking guide
Landmarks Tortuguero National Park - Day 4
Tortuguero to La Fortuna
Boat transport crosses the Tortuguero rivers to reach La Pavona, then you'll switch to a bus for the rest of the journey. Lunch happens in Guápiles where you'll also pick up your rental car. Drive north to La Fortuna in the lowlands, and on clear days you can see the famous Arenal volcano with its distinctive cone shape standing out.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- River boat crossing through Tortuguero
Landmarks Arenal Volcano 
- Day 5
La Fortuna
You've got the full day free around Arenal volcano. Choose from several hiking routes, try suspension bridges, or go for adventure like rafting and zip-lining. There's also cultural options including learning about traditional chocolate making or visiting local reserves, and thermal baths if you'd rather relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hiking trails around Arenal volcano
- Suspension bridge walks
- Rafting
- Zip-lining
- Traditional chocolate making experience
- Local Indian reserve visits
- Thermal baths
Landmarks Arenal Volcano - Day 6
La Fortuna to Rincón de la Vieja
Drive to Rincón de la Vieja in Guanacaste, which is the driest region of Costa Rica. You'll spend the night near Rincón de la Vieja National Park that surrounds the volcano.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Rincón de la Vieja National Park - Day 7
Rincón de la Vieja
This free day lets you explore the area around you. Several trails take you through different types of vegetation where you notice how rainforest abruptly changes to dry forest. You can observe volcanic activity like fumaroles and mud that bubbles. Alternatively, the hotel offers horse riding or tubing if you prefer a slower pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hiking trails in Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Horse riding
- Tubing
- Viewing fumaroles and volcanic activity
Landmarks Rincón de la Vieja National Park - Day 8
Rincón de la Vieja to Monteverde
Drive to Monteverde sitting on the continental divide at around 1,300 meters high. As you climb into the mountains, views of the Pacific Ocean come into sight, particularly the Nicoya Peninsula and gulf area. Monteverde itself is recognized for its commitment to sustainable tourism and sits within cloud forest.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Monteverde Cloud Forest 
- Day 9
Monteverde
Your free day focuses on the cloud forest's biodiversity. You'll walk extensive nature reserves on hiking trails and watch for wildlife. Suspension bridges offer chances to see different altitude levels and the unique ecosystem they contain.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hiking trails in nature reserves
- Cloud forest exploration
- Suspension bridge walks
Landmarks Monteverde Cloud Forest - Day 10
Monteverde to Uvita
Leave the mountains behind and head down to the southern Pacific coast toward Uvita. You'll have one last look at Nicoya from up in the mountains, then travel the coastal road past numerous beaches and oil palm plantations. Check into your lodge and spend the rest of the day however you like.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 11
Uvita
The day is yours to fill. You can relax on the beach or try activities the region offers. Marino Ballena National Park has long sandy beaches good for swimming and just lying around. Humpback whales visit the park mid and end of year, and boat tours let you see them if the timing works.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation
- Visit Marino Ballena National Park
- Swimming
- Boat tour to observe humpback whales
- Leisure activities in the region
Landmarks Marino Ballena National Park - Day 12
Uvita to San José
You'll return to San José for your final evening. Depending when you arrive, take a last walk through the capital, check out markets and museums, and pick up any final souvenirs before heading to your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Stroll through San José
- Visit markets
- Visit museums
- Shop for souvenirs
- Day 13
San José Departure
Depending on your flight time, start with a relaxed walk around San José or head straight to the airport. Drop off your rental car at the station near San José airport, then take a shuttle to the terminal. You'll depart with memories of your time exploring the country.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Leisurely stroll through San José
- Explore San José before heading to airport
