Essential Costa Rica

Today an early transfer will take you to Tortuguero National Park for a 2-night stay. After an awe-inspiring journey by coach and boat through the rainforest you’ll arrive in time for lunch. This afternoon visit the local village where you’ll learn about the colourful houses and lifestyles of the residents, and about turtle conservation in the area.

This morning after breakfast enjoy a guided walk around the trails and gardens of your lodge learning about the local flora and fauns. After lunch you’ll embark on an exploration by boat through some of Tortuguero’s secondary canals, having the opportunity to enjoy an abundance of wildlife including monkeys, sloths and caimans as well as numerous colourful birds. After dinner during season (June- September) we recommend an optional night excursion to see the turtles nesting or hatching (book locally).

This morning after breakfast enjoy a guided walk around the trails and gardens of your lodge learning about the local flora and fauns. After lunch you’ll embark on an exploration by boat through some of Tortuguero’s secondary canals, having the opportunity to enjoy an abundance of wildlife including monkeys, sloths and caimans as well as numerous colourful birds. After dinner during season (June- September) we recommend an optional night excursion to see the turtles nesting or hatching (book locally).

In pictures

Today you’ll depart Tortuguero by boat and land to reach Guapilies in time for lunch. Here you’ll collect your hire car and start the 2-hour drive to Arenal and the town of La Fortuna, a spectacular route through mountains, forests, villages and farmland. A 3-night stay here will allow plenty of time to explore Costa Rica’s volcanic heartland.

After breakfast today you’ll enjoy a guided tour at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges. This 618-acre reserve features 15 hanging bridges, waterfalls and trails, all in a beautiful rainforest setting. Your guide will explain the reserve’s flora and fauna as you take in impressive views of both Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. The rest of the day is at leisure – you may wish to take a tour in search of sloths or hike the lava trails at Arenal 1968.

After breakfast today you’ll enjoy a guided tour at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges. This 618-acre reserve features 15 hanging bridges, waterfalls and trails, all in a beautiful rainforest setting. Your guide will explain the reserve’s flora and fauna as you take in impressive views of both Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. The rest of the day is at leisure – you may wish to take a tour in search of sloths or hike the lava trails at Arenal 1968.

In pictures

Today is at your leisure to explore the local area – perhaps try ziplining over the treetops or hiking to the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall. Kayaking, white-water rafting and horse-riding are also available if you’re looking for adventure. Alternatively take a trip further afield to the remote Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, or to Rio Celeste with its vivid turquoise waters. Then why not finish the day in one of Arenal’s many hot springs to recharge and relax!

Today’s destination is the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest. The scenery along the way is spectacular as you drive the windy roads of the Tilaran Mountain Range and head into the cooler climes of the cloud forest. Monteverde is well known for its diverse and rich tropical cloud forests with majestically tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. On arrival you may wish to take an optional Sky Walk – a network of suspension bridges and trails built within the forest canopy. Other nearby attractions include horseback riding, Sky Trek canopy tour, Trapiche cultural tour or the famous Butterfly Garden.

A guided exploration of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Private Reserve is included this morning. You’ll set out to discover the secrets of the misty cloud forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees, enjoying its climate and hiking trails amongst a variety of plants and over 450 bird species. It protects and provides habitat for hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The reserve is 26.000 acres and is an important link in the growing network of protected areas in Costa Rica. Located at an altitude between 1,200 and 1,600 m, this cloud forest gives you the chance of exploring a different type of forest and wildlife endemic to the area, allowing you to make your very own comparison between the biodiversity found in a rainforest and a cloud forest.

A guided exploration of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Private Reserve is included this morning. You’ll set out to discover the secrets of the misty cloud forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees, enjoying its climate and hiking trails amongst a variety of plants and over 450 bird species. It protects and provides habitat for hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The reserve is 26.000 acres and is an important link in the growing network of protected areas in Costa Rica. Located at an altitude between 1,200 and 1,600 m, this cloud forest gives you the chance of exploring a different type of forest and wildlife endemic to the area, allowing you to make your very own comparison between the biodiversity found in a rainforest and a cloud forest.

In pictures

Bid farewell to the cloud forest before heading back to San Jose. On your journey from Monteverde, you’ll observe the plains and on a clear day may spot the Pacific Coast in the far distance. Continue through the mountain ranges into the Central Valley, right in the heart of Costa Rica.

You Costa Rican adventure finishes today as you drop off your car at the airport and board your onward flight.