Itinerary
- Day 1
San José
You'll land at San José airport where your local guide is waiting. After the transfer to your hotel, you can check in and rest up for the journey ahead.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Day 2
San José to Manuel Antonio
Head up to Poás volcano, which sits at 2,700 m and is just a short drive from San José. The hike to the crater takes about 40 minutes, and you'll see the steaming, sulphurous volcanic base with your own eyes. From there, you'll drive toward Manuel Antonio for a 2-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Guided hike to Poás volcano crater
- Visit to Poás National Park
Landmarks Poás Volcano - Day 3
Manuel Antonio
Walk through Manuel Antonio National Park on a guided hike where you can see over 100 mammal species like the endangered squirrel monkeys and 184 bird species roaming around. The park's also home to marine animals, and if conditions are right, you might spot passing whales. Later you'll have time to relax on the beaches within the park.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park
- Beach time in Manuel Antonio National Park
Landmarks Manuel Antonio National Park - Day 4
Manuel Antonio to Golfito
Drive south along the coast toward Playa Dominical and Bahía Ballena Marine National Park. You'll do a short hike through the Hacienda Barú rainforest reserve to see different vegetation zones, then check out the beach at Bahía Ballena where humpback whales visit at certain times of year. Before heading to Golfito, you'll see the mysterious circular stone balls at Palmar Sur.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit to Hacienda Barú rainforest reserve
- Short hike through rainforest reserve
- Exploration of Bahía Ballena Marine National Park beach
- Visit to Palmar Sur stone balls (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Landmarks Hacienda Barú Rainforest Reserve Bahía Ballena Marine National Park Playa Uvita Palmar Sur Stone Balls - Day 5
Golfito
Take a full day to reach Corcovado National Park at the southern tip of the country. You'll travel by boat through mangrove forests, hike through primary forest after arriving, and have a picnic lunch in the park. In the afternoon, return to Golfito by boat and bus. Depending on the season, you could see whales mating.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch)
Included Activities
- Full-day excursion to Corcovado National Park
- Boat journey through mangrove forests
- Guided hike through primary forest
- Picnic lunch in Corcovado National Park
- Return journey by boat and bus
Landmarks Corcovado National Park - Day 6
Golfito to San Vito
Drive south on the Panamericana through Neily past oil palm plantations, then take a winding road at around 1,000 m altitude toward San Vito. This section of road offers great views over Golfo Dulce, the Osa Peninsula, and all the way to Panama. In the afternoon, visit the Wilson Botanical Gardens.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Wilson Botanical Gardens
- Scenic drive through Panamericana
Landmarks Wilson Botanical Gardens - Day 7
San Vito to Sueños del Bosque
Leave San Vito and head down to the Río Grande de Terraba, passing through extensive pineapple plantations to San Isidro. Continue on the Panamericana as it winds up the Cordillera de Talamanca through countless hairpin turns. Your lodge sits at 2,100 m altitude on grounds that border Los Quetzales National Park.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Los Quetzales National Park - Day 8
Sueños del Bosque to Turrialba
After breakfast, hike along the edge of Los Quetzales National Park, which has over 215 mammal species and 400 plus bird species including the famous quetzal. Stop at a local coffee cooperative to learn how coffee is cultivated and processed. Later you'll head to Cartago to see the Basílica Virgen de los Angeles pilgrimage church, then continue to Turrialba, which is known for coffee and cheese.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Guided hike on edge of Los Quetzales National Park
- Visit to local coffee cooperative
- Coffee cultivation and processing education
- Visit to Basílica Virgen de los Angeles
Landmarks Los Quetzales National Park Basílica Virgen de los Angeles - Day 9
Turrialba to Sarapiquís
Visit Guayabo, Costa Rica's most important archaeological site on the slopes of Turrialba volcano. Walk a circular route and see house foundations, cobbled streets, and old aqueducts. From there, drive along a mountain route toward the Caribbean through pineapple and banana plantations until you reach the Sarapiquís region.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Guayabo archaeological site
- Circular route through Guayabo ruins
Landmarks Guayabo Archaeological Site - Day 10
Sarapiquís to La Fortuna
After breakfast, spend some time exploring archaeological finds near the lodge. Continue through farmland in the north toward the impressive Arenal volcano near La Fortuna. In the afternoon, take a guided hike over Arenal suspension bridges for great views of the volcano and the rainforest canopy below.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Exploration of archaeological finds near lodge
- Guided hike over Arenal suspension bridges
Landmarks Arenal Volcano Arenal Suspension Bridges - Day 11
La Fortuna to San José (End of Tour)
Your tour ends after breakfast. An optional transfer back to San José or to selected resorts is available, though some transfers may have extra charges. You can book a return or onward flight from 8 pm onwards.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Transfer to San José
- Transfer to selected resorts
