Best of Costa Rica Tour with 2 Reviews by World Expeditions

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

6 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Relaxed

Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Starts

San Jose, Costa Rica

Ends

San Jose, Costa Rica

Highlights

Cruise through the rainforest canals of Tortuguero National Park, spotting monkeys, caimans and toucans

Stay in eco-lodges surrounded by wildlife, waterways and jungle scenery

Discover exotic wildlife like turtles, sloths, iguanas, monkeys, birds, frogs, etc

Explore the Arenal Volcanic region and marvel at one of the most iconic volcanoes

Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most diverse tropical cloud forests in the world

Walk among the treetops on suspension bridges and ride the Sky Tram to the Continental Divide

Spend leisure time in San Jose, discovering markets, cafés and colonial charm

Walk among the treetops on suspension bridges and ride the Sky Tram to the Continental Divide

Spend leisure time in San Jose, discovering markets, cafés and colonial charm

Itinerary

Costa Rica’s pristine wonders unfold on the Best of Costa Rica tour, an 8-day adventure for seniors and experienced travelers craving both comfort and wildlife. Starting in San Jose, journey from the rainforests and canals of Tortuguero—where you might spot nesting sea turtles—to the cloud forests of Monteverde, home to vibrant birdlife and lush flora. Marvel at the iconic Arenal Volcano and enjoy well-appointed lodges throughout your stay. Flexible group sizes and local guides ensure a personalized, insightful experience. The unique selling point? This trip’s access to a broad range of ecosystems—from Caribbean beaches to highland reserves—offers the ultimate introduction to Costa Rica’s biodiversity in a single tour package.

day 1 - Arrive in San José

Bienvenidos a Costa Rica, Pura Vida. On arrival in San Jose, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or start exploring the city at your own pace. San Jose is a lively and walkable capital where tree-lined boulevards, colonial buildings and vibrant street life blend with museums, cafés and bustling local markets. Whether you want to stretch your legs or simply unwind, this is the perfect introduction to the rhythm and warmth of Costa Rican culture.

Transfer time approx. 30–45 mins

Overnight: D Sabana Hotel or similar

day 2 - To Tortuguero National Park

You will be picked up early at your hotel to begin your adventure, travelling by shared ground transfer to Costa Rica's remote northern Caribbean coast. The journey is part of the experience, with a scenic drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park and the lush lowland rainforest. Stop for breakfast at a local restaurant before continuing to the river dock, where you board a boat for a relaxing cruise along jungle-lined canals. Keep watch for monkeys, toucans and crocodiles as you glide toward Tortuguero. Arrive at your eco-lodge, nestled between the waterways and the Caribbean Sea, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. In the afternoon, join a guided walk through Tortuguero village to learn about its Afro-Caribbean culture and the community's role in protecting the nearby national park and nesting sea turtles (if in season). Return to the lodge for a peaceful dinner surrounded by rainforest sounds.

Activity duration: Approx. 5–6 hours including transfers and village visit

Overnight: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero or similar

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

day 3 - Tortuguero National Park Canals

Wake to the sounds of the rainforest and begin the day with a guided boat safari through the canals of Tortuguero National Park – a true jungle adventure. These lush waterways are teeming with wildlife, from sloths and howler monkeys to caimans and colourful tropical birds. Your expert naturalist guide will help you spot and understand the incredible biodiversity as you glide silently beneath the forest canopy. Return to the lodge for lunch and time to relax in the gardens or by the pool. In the afternoon, join a gentle guided walk along the lodge’s private trails and botanical garden, where you’ll gain a closer view of the region’s vibrant flora and delicate ecosystems. Dinner is served at the lodge.

Activity duration: Approx. 3–4 hours guided activities

Overnight: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero or similar

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

day 4 - Tortuguero to Arenal

After breakfast, begin your journey from the Caribbean lowlands to the volcanic highlands of central Costa Rica. Travel by boat along the jungle canals of Tortuguero one last time, with a chance to spot early morning wildlife. Continue overland by bus to the town of Guapiles, where you’ll stop for a delicious local lunch. From here, travel by shuttle to the Arenal region, one of Costa Rica’s most scenic and activity-rich destinations. Known for its lush rainforest, abundant birdlife and the perfectly shaped Arenal Volcano, this region offers everything from cloud forests to thermal springs and a lake renowned for windsurfing. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and settle in with views of the surrounding forest and volcanic landscape.

Activity duration: Approx. 5–6 hours travel time

Overnight: Volcano Lodge or similar

Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

day 5 - Arenal to Monteverde

After breakfast, we depart Arenal by road and boat, crossing Lake Arenal with scenic views of the volcano and forested slopes. This peaceful journey offers a unique perspective of the region, with opportunities to spot birdlife along the shoreline as you glide across the water. On the far side of the lake, continue by vehicle into the highlands of Monteverde, a region known for its cloud forests, coffee plantations and extraordinary biodiversity. With cooler air and mist drifting through the canopy, Monteverde offers a refreshing change of pace and a tranquil, nature-rich setting. Arrive mid-afternoon and enjoy time at leisure to settle in and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Activity duration: Approx. 4–5 hours travel time

Overnight: Trapp Family Lodge or similar

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Monteverde Cloud Forest & Sky Walk

Begin the day with a guided walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where near-constant mist from Atlantic trade winds creates one of the world’s most unique and biodiverse ecosystems. With over 4m / 13ft of rainfall each year, the forest is alive with hummingbirds, howler monkeys and, if you are lucky, the elusive quetzal or bare-necked umbrella bird. Your guide will bring the forest to life as you explore under towering trees draped in moss and tangled vines. In the afternoon, experience the forest from a different perspective on the Sky Walk and Sky Tram. Cross a series of suspension bridges through the canopy before ascending by open-air gondola to the Continental Divide. From the top, enjoy panoramic views across the cloud forest, with glimpses of Arenal Volcano and the Nicoya Gulf on clear days.

Activity duration: Approx. 3–4 hours combined

Overnight: Trapp Family Lodge or similar

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Monteverde, Return to San Jose

After breakfast, begin your return journey to San Jose, travelling from the highlands back through Costa Rica’s rural heartland. The drive reveals a changing landscape of misty cloud forests, coffee plantations and patchwork farmlands. On arrival in the capital, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore at your own pace. San Jose offers museums, galleries, bustling markets and cosy cafés, or simply enjoy your final evening reflecting on the adventure you’ve just had.

Activity duration: Approx. 4–5 hours travel time

Overnight: D Sabana Hotel or similar

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Trip concludes in San Jose

After breakfast, your trip concludes with a group transfer to the airport for your onward flight. If you are planning to extend your journey in Costa Rica or elsewhere in Central America, we can assist with additional activities, side trips or accommodation to suit your plans.

Transfer time approx. 30–45 mins

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Accommodation on a twin-share basis

Meals

Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Transport

Shuttle bus transfers / internal transport

Guide

All guide fees and entrance costsLocal guides (there is not 1 guide escorting you throughout)

Others

All activities are on a shared service basisSpecialist guides in National ParksAirport Transfers on first and last day of the tripMedical Kit

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Best of Costa Rica

5.0

based on 2 reviews

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