- 4.9/5 403 Latest reviews
- Destination: Costa Rica
- Duration: 17 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: In-Depth
About This Trip
Journeying from northern to southern Costa Rica, this comprehensive 17-day itinerary delivers an ideal blend of untamed rainforests, extraordinary wildlife, active volcanoes, and stunning beaches. In addition to iconic destinations such as Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Manuel Antonio, this tour also takes you off the beaten path to uncover lesser-known treasures including Tortuguero, Rincón de la Vieja, and Corcovado, along with time in San José, the country’s vibrant capital. Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s remarkable natural beauty and make the most of every moment of this unforgettable adventure.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
San José
Arrival and Enjoy Some Relaxing Time
2 - 3
Tortuguero
Tortuguero National Park, Boat Ride Experience
4 - 5
La Fortuna
Hanging Bridge Walking Tour in Rainforest. See Arenal Volcano, Tabacon Hot Springs
6 - 7
Rincon de la Vieja
Optional to Visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park
8 - 9
Monteverde
Guided Cloud Forest Tour
10 - 12
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park, Leisure Beach Time
13 - 15
Corcovado
Corcovado National Park, Del Cano Island Biological Reserve
16 - 17
San José
Explore the City on Your Own before Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in San José
¡Pura Vida! Upon landing in San José, you will be welcomed by our representative, who will assist you with all the essential documents required for your trip. Afterwards, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.
- San José
- Day 2: San José to Tortuguero – Into the Rainforest Canals
Set off early in the morning toward Tortuguero, traveling through the Central Volcanic Mountain Range and across the Northern Caribbean Lowlands before arriving at a local river dock. From there, board a boat for a scenic 1.5-hour journey through winding jungle canals, surrounded by dense rainforest, on your way to the lodge in the Tortuguero region. Along the route, enjoy views of cascading waterfalls, rich vegetation, rural communities with banana plantations, and distinctive wildlife that inhabit the waterways.
After checking in and enjoying lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the village of Tortuguero, where you can observe everyday local life and soak in the unique atmosphere of this remote rainforest community.
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- Tortuguero National Park
- Day 3: Tortuguero National Park Exploration
Spend the day immersed in nature, far from the noise and pace of city life. Tortuguero National Park, with its diverse landscapes of mangroves, rainforest, rivers, and beaches, offers a truly memorable wilderness experience. Accompanied by an expert guide, you may encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including crustaceans, countless bird species, and mammals such as capuchin monkeys.
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- La Fortuna
- Day 4: Tortuguero to La Fortuna – Scenic Journey to the Volcano
This morning, board a boat back to the dock and continue by road to Guapiles for a midday lunch. After a short break, travel by private vehicle across Costa Rica’s northern plains toward La Fortuna.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. If the skies are clear, you may be treated to stunning views of Arenal Volcano, its iconic cone rising majestically in the distance.
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- La Fortuna
- Day 5: La Fortuna – Arenal Volcano & Thermal Springs Experience
Although ascending to the summit of Arenal Volcano is not allowed, you can enjoy a half-day walk along the hanging bridges, offering stunning views of the volcano and the lush surroundings. Suspended high above the forest floor and extending deep into the rainforest, these bridges also provide a unique vantage point for spotting local wildlife.
In the afternoon, relax at the Tabacón Hot Springs, where naturally heated geothermal waters flow through beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. After a morning of forest exploration, there’s nothing more rejuvenating than soaking in these warm, serene pools.
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- La Fortuna
- Day 6: La Fortuna to Rincón de la Vieja – Volcanoes & Scenic Landscapes
After breakfast, depart for Rincón de la Vieja by private transfer. Along the route, enjoy views of Arenal Lake, the distant Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes, and wide-open plains dotted with grazing cattle.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your own pace, relaxing and taking in the serene surroundings.
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- Rincon de la Vieja
- Day 7: Rincón de la Vieja – Leisure Day
Today is at your leisure to explore the region independently. You may choose to relax at your hotel and enjoy its amenities or venture out for optional activities.
A popular choice is a visit to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where you can witness fascinating geothermal features, including bubbling mud pools and sulfur fumaroles, surrounded by lush rainforest.
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- Rincon de la Vieja
- Day 8: Rincón de la Vieja to Monteverde – Journey to the Cloud Forest
Travel by private vehicle to Monteverde, renowned for its misty cloud forests. As you drive along the gravel roads, take in the charming rural landscapes and scenic countryside stretching before you.
Once you arrive at your hotel in Monteverde, check in and enjoy some free time to relax and settle in.
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- Monteverde
- Day 9: Monteverde – Guided Cloud Forest Exploration
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to hundreds of plant and animal species, making it a true haven for nature enthusiasts. This morning, embark on a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Private Reserve, where your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the misty trails.
Keep your camera ready as you observe the unique flora and fauna thriving in this remarkable ecosystem. Your guide will also share insights and interesting facts about the forest’s biodiversity. The afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.
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- Monteverde
- Day 10: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio – From Cloud Forest to Coast
Today, travel to Manuel Antonio, a stunning destination where pristine white-sand beaches meet lush jungles teeming with wildlife. The journey offers striking scenery as the landscape transitions from the cloud-covered mountains of Monteverde to the sparkling Pacific coastline.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to rest and unwind after your scenic drive.
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- Manuel Antonio
- Day 11: Manuel Antonio – Explore the National Park
No visit to Manuel Antonio is complete without seeing Manuel Antonio National Park, ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the world’s most beautiful parks. Enjoy a half-day guided tour through the park, wandering along its lagoons, mangroves, and beaches while spotting native wildlife in their natural habitat.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure, giving you the option to continue exploring the surrounding area on your own or return to the hotel to relax.
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- Manuel Antonio
- Day 12: Manuel Antonio – Leisure Day
Manuel Antonio offers more than just its famous national park, so today is free for you to enjoy the area at your own pace.
In addition to the hotel’s recreational amenities, you can choose from a variety of optional activities, such as horseback riding, surfing lessons, kayaking, fishing, or snorkeling, to make the most of your day.
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- Manuel Antonio
- Day 13: Manuel Antonio to Sierpe & Corcovado – Journey to the Rainforest
Travel by private vehicle to Sierpe, where you will board a boat to reach your lodge in the Corcovado region.
Renowned as “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic, Corcovado is home to 350 bird species, 150 mammal species, over 100 reptiles and amphibians, around 5,500 insect species, and 500 tree species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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- Corcovado
- Day 14: Corcovado – Explore the National Park
Begin your adventure in Corcovado National Park, one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America, offering incredible opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
During your visit, you may spot whales, dolphins, or other marine creatures on a boat excursion, and a guided hike through the rainforest will introduce you to the park’s rich diversity of plants and terrestrial animals.
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- Corcovado
- Day 15: Corcovado – Del Cano Island Biological Reserve
Today, visit the Del Cano Island Biological Reserve, located approximately 12 nautical miles off the coast in front of Corcovado National Park. Access to the reserve is by boat, which takes around 50 minutes.
During your exploration, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the ancient stone spheres created by the region’s first civilizations and to discover the vibrant marine life thriving in the coral reefs beneath the water’s surface.
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- Corcovado
- Day 16: Corcovado to Drake & Return to San José
This morning, travel to Drake Bay to catch a domestic flight back to San José.
Upon arrival, a representative will escort you to your hotel for check-in, and the remainder of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy at your own pace.
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- San José
- Day 17: San José – Departure
Spend some free time this morning at your own pace before your private transfer to the airport.
Bid farewell to Costa Rica as you board your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories from this incredible journey.
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