Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this five-day itinerary, including wonderful jungles, volcano and incredible opportunities to spot wildlife. This is a country of great natural beauty and every destination has something unique to offer. Whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs or relaxing on the pristine jungle of Tortuguero, Costa Rica really is a nature lover's paradise.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Tortuguero: Tortuguero, is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism destinations. This destination is you "must stop" while in Costa Rica. Discover its Network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests and had the chance to see the turtles hatch.
Arenal: Prior to December 2010 the Arenal Volcano was one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world and it was a truly majestic sight. Today there are no lava eruptions, but you can still see smoke/ash spew out of the top of the volcano. Find the balance between mind, body and spirit surrounded by nature thanks to the lush jungle and the imposing Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna area is recognized worldwide for being one of the most prominent wellness tourism destinations in the world.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
Welcome to Costa Rica. A local representative will greet you and assist you at the airport. Shared transfer from airport to the hotel in San Jose. Check-in at the hotel and then enjoy leisure time to refresh, relax and get comfortable at your hotel room. Explore by your own the city and its surroundings.
Overnight at San Jose.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – SARCHI – ARENAL – SAN JOSE (400km – 8hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Around 7:30 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. This will be an unforgettable one day experience. On the way to the Arenal Volcano, enjoy a stop at the famous town of Sarchí, known as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans. Appreciate many of the art crafts and souvenirs and also you will see the world’s largest ox cart according to the Guinness Book. The journey continues until arriving in the small town of La Fortuna and stopping to enjoy lunch at a cosy restaurant with a magnificent view of the volcano. After lunch (included), let's continue to relax at one of the best hot springs in the area where you will revel in the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters. The facilities at Baldi Hot springs Resort provided 25 separate mineral water reservoirs that flow naturally from the volcano. And for a perfect ending, before going back to San Jose, a wonderful dinner will be served with a great view of the volcano so that you do not miss any opportunity to look at the classically shaped volcano.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 3: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)
Early check-out from the hotel. Around 6:00 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: Tortuguero National Park, located in the North Caribbean Coast. On the way, around 8:30 am there will be a stop for breakfast in Guápiles city and then continue to La Pavona dock, where you will board a boat shared with others guests, that will take you to the lodge where you will immerse yourself in a perfectly quiet, laid back and tranquil stay. Around 1:00 pm, check-in at the hotel to enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for a visit to the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Dinner included.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4: TORTUGUERO – SAN JOSE (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)
Wake up early and meet your guide around 5:45 am to enjoy nature its best as you undertake a journey through the canals of Tortuguero National Park at dawn and take your best shot of a real Caribbean sunrise. Return to the Lodge around 7:00 am and enjoy breakfast. Around 9:30 am be ready to depart on a shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the Restaurant located in Guápiles city, where you will enjoy the lunch. After lunch, around 1:30 pm, continue on the shared transfer to San Jose.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 5: DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At the agreed time, a local representative will pick you up at the lobby and take you on shared transportation to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home.
Comfortable and light and quick dry clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, sweater, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.