Best of Costa Rica

4.7Based on

Carbon neutral

13 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

20 peopleMaximum group size

6 - 79 yearsAge range for participants

English, SpanishGuide language

Starts

San Jose, Costa Rica

Ends

San Jose, Costa Rica

Highlights

Relax on the beaches of southern Caribbean

Discover the wildlife of Tortuguero National Park and ride a boat through its canals

See the Arenal Volcano & experience the extraordinary diversity of Monteverde

Enjoy zip lining through Monteverde's cloud forest

Itinerary

Adventurous spirits and nature lovers will be swept away by the Best of Costa Rica tour, a 13-day guided journey that dives deep into the country’s wild heart. Starting in San Jose, this action-packed exploration visits four national parks and conservation areas before winding down on the sun-drenched shores of Manuel Antonio.

Glide through the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero, hike and snorkel in Cahuita’s tropical paradise, and feel the power of Arenal Volcano as you navigate its rugged terrain by off-road vehicle. Soar above the cloud forest canopy in Monteverde and unwind on Manuel Antonio’s pristine beaches.

This tour’s unique edge is its blend of adrenaline-pumping activities and opportunities to experience Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity firsthand. With accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guides included, this tour package is the gateway to discovering Costa Rica’s wild wonders and relaxed pura vida lifestyle.

day 1 - San Jose arrival

We will meet you at Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose, and drive you to your hotel in the city.

Duration:30 minutes

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Wyndham Garden Escazu or similar

day 2 - San Jose – Tortuguero National Park

We will pick you up from your San Jose hotel between 06:00 am and 06:30 am and drive you to Tortuguero National Park. Enjoy delicious Costa Rican breakfast en route at around 08:30 am.

Board a comfortable boat and enjoy beautiful surroundings as you sail through the canals of Tortuguero. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a delicious lunch upon reaching your hotel in Tortuguero. After lunch, it is time to enjoy nature in all its splendor as you travel through the canals. Return to your hotel at around 7:00 pm and have dinner.

There is an optional excursion to see green turtle laying eggs on the beach after dinner. Please note that this tour is available only between July and September.

Duration:13 hours

Accommodation: Eco lodge

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 3 - Explore Tortuguero National Park

Enjoy a walking tour on a private trail in the hotel before lunch. Then had for the Green Turtle Conservation Museum (conservation fees not included in the tour price) in Tortuguero and explore the town if you want to.

Duration:12 hours

Accommodation: Eco lodge

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 4 - Tortuguero – Puerto Viejo – Cahuita

Leave the hotel at 9:30 in the morning and head for Guapiles. Have your lunch in Guapiles and transfer to Cahuita. You are free after checking into your accommodation.

Duration:9 hours

Accommodation: Eco lodge

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 5 - Cahuita National Park: Hiking and snorkeling

Enjoy snorkeling over the coral reef that hosts over 240 marine species, including tropical fish, mollusks, nurse sharks, lobsters, sting rays, barracudas, lion fish and more.

After snorkeling, we will stop at Punta Cahuita for fruits and water before the hike starts. Your guide, a Cahuita native and naturalist, will share his knowledge of the wildlife found in this area along the trail that travels through tropical forests and over a white sand beach.

You may see a variety of fauna such as howler and capuchin monkeys, two-fingered and three-fingered sloths, a variety of snakes, lizards, iguanas, raccoons, birds and crabs. Watch out for the yellow eyelash viper, a colorful and poisonous snake, and capuchin monkeys that snatch people’s bags.

Please note that snorkeling depends on weather and water conditions. Your guide will take the final decision regarding this activity.

Duration:8 hours

Accommodation: Eco lodge

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 6 - Cahuita National Park – Arenal Volcano

Leave Cahuita National Park at around 9:00 am and head for Arenal Volcano. Visit Baldi Resort, located in La Fortuna, at the base of the imposing Arenal Volcano and surrounded by exuberant nature.

Baldi is the largest resort of its kind in the world with its 25 pools of thermal water, rich in minerals and healing properties.

Duration:5 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Montaña Fuego or similar

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 7 - Arenal adventure ( ATV tour)

The tour starts with a brief introduction about ATV handling and safety. Once you are ready, you will first drive your off-road vehicle on the open plains before heading for off-road and muddy trails.

On your journey today, you will see the old impact craters of the Arenal Volcano and discover a river with volcanic mud. Learn more about this natural exfoliant from your guide then head for a small viewpoint from where you can see the beautiful Arenal Lake.

Then head for the farms and learn more about La Fortuna´s agriculture. You are free for the rest of the day.

Duration:4 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Montaña Fuego or similar

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 8 - Arenal Volcano – Monteverde Cloudforest

Travel to the Monteverde area. We will pick you up from your hotel at around 7:30 am and drive you to the Arenal Lake Dam (this is a 30-minute drive). Board a safe, comfortable pontoon boat to Río Chiquito, a small town on the other side of the lake.

Once in Rio Chiquito, you will disembark the boat and take a microbus to your hotel in the Monteverde area. Please note that the journey can take longer during the rainy season. You are free after checking into the hotel.

Duration:4 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Monteverde Country Lodge or similar

Meals:Breakfast

day 9 - Sky trek & sky walk in Monteverde

Take a cable car to the observation area to admire the fantastic views of the surrounding forests and the Arenal Volcano on a horizon. Also see the Gulf of Nicoya at a distance. Take the unique zip-line circuit that extends through the canyons, going from one mountain to another, and between the treetops.

Time to conquer the sky. Fly from treetop to treetop tethered to a cable all the way down to the base. Zip through seven cables (the highest point is 100 m above ground) at speeds that can reach as much as 70 km/h and traverse 750 metres in total.

Sky walk uses a series of hanging bridges connected together to form trails that you can use to explore the cloud forest and see a variety of flora and fauna from the forest canopy. There are also well-maintained trails on the forest floor that you will hike through with your naturalist guide. These trails includes some uneven surfaces and several ascents and descents.

Duration:7 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Monteverde Country Lodge or similar

Meals:Breakfast

day 10 - Monteverde – Manuel Antonio

Transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio Beach at around 8:30 am. You are free for the rest of the day. Manuel Antonio National Park, on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, encompasses rugged rainforests, white-sand beaches and coral reefs.

This national park is famous for its vast diversity of tropical plants and wildlife, from three-toed sloths and endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys to hundreds of bird species. The park’s roughly 680 hectares have numerous hiking trails, which meander from the coast up into the mountains.

Duration:5 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Karahe, Costa Verde or similar

Meals:Breakfast

day 11 - Free day in Manuel Antonio National Park

You are free to explore the national park on your own or lie down and relax on the beach.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at Karahe, Costa Verde or similar

Meals:Breakfast

day 12 - Free day in Manuel Antonio continues

You are free to explore the national park on your own or lie down and relax on the beach.

Duration:24 hours

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Karahe, Costa Verde or similar

Meals:Breakfast

day 13 - Manuel Antonio – San Jose International Airport

One of our drivers will pick you up after breakfast and drive you to Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose, for your flight back home. The drive takes three hours.

Duration:3 hours

Meals:Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

12 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 3 DinnersA professional, bilingual tour guidePickup and drop-off. A comfortable, air-conditioned shuttle for land transport12 nights' accommodation as per the itineraryAll activities and tours as per the itinerary

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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

4.7

based on 9 reviews

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 109+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 812 customer reviews from

Anonymous

Prompt reply to my questions which was helpful.

1 day ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Best of Costa Rica that you might like.

Classic Costa Rica

4.0(2 reviews)

Costa Rica’s wild heart awaits on this Classic Costa Rica adventure trip—a 15-day exploration from lively San Jose to the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest and sun-kissed Pacific beaches. Perfect for those eager for easy-paced discovery, this small group tour immerses you in the country’s lush jungles, bustling farmlands, and pristine parks. Savor local hospitality with a homestay in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, where you’ll help prepare a traditional meal. Unwind in volcanic hot springs at La Fortuna, spot sloths and monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park, and enjoy optional activities ranging from canopy walks to river rafting. The unique selling point? Authentic connection with Costa Rican culture and nature at every turn, ensuring your trip is as enriching as it is relaxed.

15 days

From the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific Side

4.9(9 reviews)

From misty jungles to sun-kissed beaches, the "From the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific Side" tour unlocks the wild heart of Costa Rica over 13 days. Crafted for young and adventurous souls, this guided trip covers everything from wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park to adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River—one of the world’s top spots for rafting. Experience the awe of Arenal Volcano, soar above Monteverde’s cloud forests on ziplines, and unwind on the pristine sands of Manuel Antonio Beach. A hands-on cooking class in Puerto Viejo adds a delicious local twist. Free time in San Jose lets you soak up the city’s energy before your journey wraps up. The standout feature? This tour package’s thrilling blend of natural wonders and active adventures, all carefully orchestrated for those who crave both discovery and excitement.

13 days

Supersaver | Discovering Costa Rica, 14 Days

4.0(1 review)

Enjoy the many highlights of Costa Rica on this 14-day itinerary, including wonderful rainforests, volcano, cloud forests and the exotic North Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Discover a country of great natural beauty, whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, walking in the canopy of Monteverde's cloud forest, relaxing on the pristine jungle of Tortuguero or enjoying the warm waters of the Pacific Coast. This is the real nature lover's paradise.

14 days

Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10

5.0(7 reviews)

Costa Rica’s wild wonders take center stage on the "Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10" tour. In just 11 days, journey from San Jose to Tamarindo Beach, experiencing the raw power of Poás Volcano, the lush jungles of La Fortuna, and the misty heights of Monteverde Cloud Forest. Zip-line above treetops, hike to the vivid Rio Celeste waterfall, and wind down with days of surfing and nightlife on the Nicoya Peninsula. Designed for those who want their rainforest and jungle visits tour packed with adventure, this trip’s unique highlight is its seamless blend of volcano trekking, wildlife encounters, and beachside fun—all in one energetic package.

11 days

Naturally Costa Rica

4.7(12 reviews)

Venture into the heart of Central America with the Naturally Costa Rica trip, a 12-day guided tour perfect for young adults and seasoned explorers alike. Discover the highlights of Costa Rica as you journey from San Jose to Arenal Volcano, explore Tortuguero National Park’s lush waterways, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Cahuita. Enjoy thrilling activities like white-water rafting, ziplining, and hiking, alongside boat tours and visits to coffee plantations. With accommodation, transport, and meals included, this trip blends nature, adventure, and wildlife in a seamless itinerary. What makes it stand out? The chance to experience Costa Rica’s most iconic landscapes and activities in one exhilarating package, crafted for those who want to savor the wild side of travel.

12 days

Costa Rica Five Star Experience

4.9(6 reviews)

Seeking a luxurious blend of adventure and relaxation? The Costa Rica Five Star Experience delivers, whisking you from San Jose’s urban bustle to the exhilarating rapids of the Pacuare River for unforgettable white water rafting. Explore the lush Arenal area—viewing the volcano and soaking in hot springs—before unwinding on Manuel Antonio’s pristine beaches, including a sunset sailing tour. The journey culminates in the Osa Peninsula, where a high-end lodge offers personalized rainforest and ocean adventures, from birdwatching tours to night hikes. This trip’s unique edge is its five-star approach to Costa Rica’s wild side, combining upscale comfort with extraordinary activities.

11 days

Essential Costa Rica With Extension To Guanacaste, Tamarindo Beach & San José City

4.0(1 review)

Uncover essential Costa Rica during this 13-day exotic adventure. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Visit the most predominant natural areas of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano National Park, and the cloud forest of Monteverde. Spend precious time in mesmerising Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches, indulging in the fun surf town atmosphere and getting closer to the inspiring local culture and adventurous spirit.

13 days

Keep Exploring Costa Rica

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights