11-Nights Classic Costa Rica: Wildlife, Volcanoes & Coast from $5,349

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica

Transfer: San Jose Juan Santamaria Aptto San Jose CR

Hotel: Hotel Bougainvillea (3 Star Rating)

One of the few independent hotels left in the Central Valley in Costa Rica, this well-located property overflows with personality. Ten acres of botanical gardens, art, rocks and minerals, a restaurant that is appreciated by locals and visitors alike, swimming pool, tennis courts, and most importantly, the incredible staff who work to make the hotel a destination rather than just a stop-over.

Depart early this morning from San Jose. Drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park, where you have the opportunity to see beautiful views and abundant vegetation. On the way, stop for breakfast at El Ceibo in Guapiles. After breakfast, continue to Cano Blanco deck driving by a banana processing and packaging plant to learn more about one of Costa Rica's prime products (subject to availability).

At Cano Blanco, you will board the boat to the lodge, passing the Tortuguero canals arriving at the lodge in the early afternoon. Once there, enjoy refreshing cocktails and a delicious lunch as the staff welcomes you to Pachira Lodge. After lunch, visit the museum, beach area and the picturesque town of Tortuguero. You will return to the lodge around in the evening for dinner.

Hotel: Pachira Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Located on a 34 acre property just five minutes from Tortuguero National Park is Pachira Lodge. The lodge is surrounded by a stunning network of canals which are home to a diverse mix of flora and fauna. The lodge has 88 comfortable guest rooms all equipped with private ensuite, hot water and ceiling fans.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Begin today with an early morning journey through the canals to enjoy a real Caribbean sunrise. Return for breakfast. Following breakfast, take a guided walk at one of the trails of the lodge. Return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, there is an optional tour of the canals or you can stay at the lodge to explore the private trails of the lodge, visit the open butterfly garden or enjoy the botanical gardens.

Dinner at the lodge and night at leisure.

Hotel: Pachira Lodge (3 Star Rating)

Located on a 34 acre property just five minutes from Tortuguero National Park is Pachira Lodge. The lodge is surrounded by a stunning network of canals which are home to a diverse mix of flora and fauna. The lodge has 88 comfortable guest rooms all equipped with private ensuite, hot water and ceiling fans.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

After breakfast, you will depart for Cano Blanco to board your bus transfer back from the canals. Stop en route for lunch at Selva Tropical Restaurant in Guapiles, and then continue on to San Jose or connect with a transfer to your next destination.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Transfer: Fortuna Airportto La Fortuna - Arenal

Hotel: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa (5 Star Rating)

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa is a peaceful getaway in Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano region. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the resort offers beautiful views of the volcano, soothing hot springs, spacious rooms, and great amenities. It's the perfect spot for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature's beauty.

After a shared transfer to the Sky Tram & Sky Trek grounds, the tour begins with the Sky Tram, a delightful activity for people of all ages. Before leaving the main building to start the tour, you will be given the necessary equipment (harness, helmet, gloves), which the guides will be responsible for adjusting correctly. You will then participate in a brief safety talk regarding the proper way to fasten the cables and to use the braking system. From there, the gondolas of the Sky Tram rise delicately above the rainforest, offering beautiful landscapes during the journey. The walk starts at the reception and ends at the highest point of the reserve, on a lookout with an excellent view of the forest, the volcano, and the lake. The gondola ride lasts approximately 20 minutes during which a local guide will explain the vegetation and fauna of the forest canopy. Then, the Sky Trek will take you back to the starting point. From this area, you will begin to slide on a track of zip lines that extend through canyons in the middle of the treetops. So begins the exciting adventure in zip lines descending the mountains and returning to the starting point in the main building. You will be able to experience and observe the rainforest from a bird's eye view, admiring the wildlife from the heights. This adventure includes eight cables with a distance of almost 3 km (2 miles) in length, all while enjoying panoramic views of the forest, lake and Arenal Volcano.

Following hotel pick-up alongside fellow travelers, you'll be transferred to El Silencio Private Reserve, found near the base of the Arenal Volcano, where you'll set out on a guided hike. Walking for approximately two-thirds of a mile (1 kilometer) along a volcanic stone path that is considered moderately challenging to traverse, you'll reach a viewpoint which is also the closest point to the volcano that is permitted for public access. From this vantage point, your guide will provide you with information on the formation of the volcano, its periods of activity, as well as unpublished details of its violent eruption in 1968. You can also enjoy the excellent views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal here, and soon after, begin your return along the same trail. For a change of scenery, you will then enter a regenerating forest and then into the primary rainforest located along the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano. With a little luck, this one-mile (1.6-kilometer) trail will provide you with the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals that inhabit the rainforest, like toucans, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes, and monkeys. Later, a vehicle will be waiting for you and fellow travellers, outfitted with a delicious tropical fruit snack to enjoy on the drive to Tabacon Hot Springs. Upon arrival, change into your swimwear, then relax and enjoy the benefits of the simply spectacular mineral waters on your own; there are some 18 thermal pools to enjoy, gentle waterfalls to relax in and beside, and five thermal springs feeding the property. You will also enjoy a delicious meal (lunch or dinner) before the shared transfer back to your hotel after a day of relaxation and adventure.

Today you will be transferred from Arenal to Monteverde, making use of both vehicles and a boat to turn this point-to-point transfer into an enjoyable and scenic experience. The transfer begins at your hotel, where a minibus will pick you up and drive for approximately 30 minutes to Lake Arenal. Upon arrival you will board a comfortable and safe pontoon-type boat, and after a 45-minute journey you will arrive at Rio Chiquito, a small community on the other side of the lake. Lake Arenal is the largest and most important in Costa Rica. It is of artificial origin - built in 1974 in order to obtain hydroelectric power for the country - and is a place where you can spot a variety of resident and migratory birds, and often times mammals like monkeys and sloths. You will also take in excellent views of the Arenal Volcano when it is not cloudy. Once in Rio Chiquito, you will leave the boat and continue onward by land for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to your hotel in Monteverde (this portion of the transfer may take longer in the rainy season), making the occasional stop along the way as requested. It is recommended to wear long pants, a coat, comfortable shoes, and a waterproof jacket. Approximate travel time is 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Hotel: Hotel Poco a Poco (4 Star Rating)

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco has a total of 30 deluxe rooms, each featuring a comfortable private bath with a hot water shower, bathrobes, retractable chrome clothesline, lighted wall mounted mirror and hair dryer. All rooms are equipped with a telephone for international calls, alarm clock, coffee maker with coffee from Monteverde, iron, ironing board, cable, flat screen TV, safe deposit box and very comfortable orthopedic king and queen beds.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Monteverde, then transfer to the reserve, and shortly after arrival, begin your hike through the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. This guided 4-hour tour is managed by the administrative board of the Santa Elena Public High School, and a percentage of the money raised is destined for the education of the youth in the community. This reserve holds a vast biological diversity, and it is of great importance to the Monteverde area. It is located on the Tilarán mountain range, and was founded in 1992. Within the 310 hectares in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest, you can find the water springs of Chiquito and Caño Negro rivers, which along the Aguas Gatas, constitute a great percentage of the water that feeds the Arenal hydroelectric power station. Equal parts informative and awe-inspiring, once the hike has been completed, you will be returned to your hotel.

Transfer: Monteverde to Tamarindo

Hotel: Margaritaville Beach Resort (4 Star Rating)

Change your latitude and escape to a tropical paradise where golden sands invite you to linger under shady palms and the warm, blue Pacific Ocean beckons you to dive in and explore. Where a relaxing and casual beach vibe and authentic hospitality truly inspire the spirit of Pura Vida - the pure life. Relax in beautiful rooms and suites, including specialty family suites, overlooking tropical gardens, oversized pool and the Pacific Ocean. Indulge your senses at OnZen Spa, lounge on the pristine beach or enjoy paddle boarding on Pacific waves. Relax by the sparkling outdoor pool and sip a cocktail at the swim-up pool bar at the Margaritaville Beach Resort. Take in a spectacular sunset over the ocean while enjoying international cuisine infused with Costa Rican flavors in one of three restaurants. At Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo, the possibilities for romance and adventure are endless.

This amazing activity begins with an introductory speech about the experience that you will enjoy, then the anchor is pulled and you will be sailing to one of the many pristine beaches in the area. On the way you will be able to admire marine wildlife specially turtles, dolphins, flying fish or whales. The crew will provide snorkel equipment, and you will have the chance to search the waters for one hour approximately, looking for exotic sea life. You will also enjoy a varied food offerings available on board as well as an open bar including sodas, juices, beers and some liquors. Soon after the snorkeling experience you will go back across the bay to finally arrive when the sun goes down. Important: It is recommended that you bring your own beach towel.

Spend your day at leisure soaking up coastal charm. Relax on powdery golden sands or poolside at your hotel, or consider participating in a catamaran cruise to nearby coves. Snorkeling and paddleboarding reveal colorful marine life, while charming towns offer aromatic taquerias and boutique shopping. For a more local touch, visit a resident art gallery, a coastal cafe, or explore trails at a nearby nature reserve. As evening arrives, a relaxing dinner by the water as the sky glows pink and gold is highly recommended.

Transfer: Tamarindo to Liberia Airport