Captivating Costa Rica - 9 days

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Carbon neutral

9 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

2 peopleMinimum to book

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Starts

San Jose, Costa Rica

Ends

San Jose, Costa Rica

Highlights

San Jose – Discover the capital’s cultural landmarks with tips from a local representative

Tortuguero – Navigate rainforest canals by boat in search of monkeys, sloths, and tropical birdlife

Tortuguero Village – Stroll through a Caribbean-style town known for its relaxed vibe and colourful charm

La Fortuna – Experience traditional coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane production on a working family farm

Arenal – Hike volcanic trails for panoramic views of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and surrounding rainforest

Ecotermales – Unwind in natural hot springs heated by the Arenal Volcano and surrounded by lush tropical forest

Liberia – Drive through the wide plains and dry forest of Guanacaste en route to the Pacific coast

Tamarindo – Sail along the Pacific coast on a catamaran cruise with opportunities to snorkel and spot marine wildlife

Ecotermales – Unwind in natural hot springs heated by the Arenal Volcano and surrounded by lush tropical forest

Liberia – Drive through the wide plains and dry forest of Guanacaste en route to the Pacific coast

Tamarindo – Sail along the Pacific coast on a catamaran cruise with opportunities to snorkel and spot marine wildlife

Itinerary

PRIVATE TOUR: Experience Costa Rica on a 9-day tour that begins and ends in San José. Journey through the remote canals of Tortuguero, continue to the rainforest lowlands near Arenal, and cross into the sun-drenched province of Guanacaste before reaching the coast at Tamarindo. Highlights include a boat expedition through national park waterways, a volcano hike, a visit to a working coffee and chocolate farm, and a catamaran sailing tour on the Pacific.

day 1 - Arrival in San Jose

Once you have arrived at Juan Santamaría International Airport, a local representative will be waiting to greet you and hand over your travel documents. From there, your transfer will take you to your hotel in the heart of San José’s metropolitan area. If you’re arriving early, you might like to explore some of the capital’s cultural highlights – the representative will be able to give you a few suggestions to help you make the most of your time

OverNight:San Jose

day 2 - Journey to Tortuguero & Village Visit

San Jose - Tortuguero. Today, you will be picked up from your hotel in San Jose between 6.00 and 6.30 AM, heading for Tortuguero National Park. Along the way, you can admire the scenery as you pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park for an hour and a half. You will then stop to enjoy breakfast.

You will then arrive at the marina and board a comfortable boat to begin your journey into Tortuguero. As you navigate a network of rivers, canals, and lagoons, you’ll be surrounded by the lush scenery and wildlife that make this region so unique.

At approximately 1 PM, you’ll reach your lodge, where a welcome cocktail and a delicious lunch await. At 2.45 PM, you’ll head out to explore the small town of Tortuguero, known for its laid-back Caribbean charm. After you will be transferred back the the accommodation where lunch will be served

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Tortuguero

day 3 - Exploring Tortuguero's Wildlife

This morning, you’ll set off on a guided boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions. As you glide through the rainforest waterways, keep your eyes peeled for exotic birdlife, monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife unique to this tropical habitat.

Your expert guide will help you spot and identify various species, sharing insights into the rich ecosystem that surrounds you. Afterwards, you will have the rest of the day at your leisure to relax—take a dip in the lodge’s swimming pool or unwind in the tropical gardens. Your guide will confirm the departure time for the boat tour.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Tortuguero

day 4 - Tortuguero to La Fortuna

Tortuguero - La Fortune. After breakfast, you will depart from Tortuguero heading back to the dock, where you will then take a bus to Guapilies. Once you have arrived, you will enjoy lunch.

You will then continue your journey through the Northern plains of Costa Rica, where you will be able to enjoy views of exotic flowers and plantations en route to the little town of La Fortuna at the foot of the Arenal Volcano.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:La Fortuna

day 5 - Farm Traditions, Volcano Views & Natural Springs

Today, you’ll begin with a visit to a family-run farm in La Fortuna, where you’ll learn how coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane are made using traditional techniques. From plant to product, you’ll be guided through each step, with tastings along the way. The farm also features local crops and animals, giving you a richer understanding of rural Costa Rican life.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a guided hike through El Silencio Private Reserve. Following a 1-kilometre volcanic stone path, you’ll reach a viewpoint offering the closest access to Arenal Volcano. Your guide will share insights into its formation and eruptions, including the major event of 1968, while you enjoy sweeping views over Lake Arenal and Laguna Verde.

The hike continues through secondary forest that gradually gives way to pristine primary rainforest. Along this 1.5-kilometre trail on the slopes of the volcano, your guide will help you look for native wildlife, such as toucans, monkeys, and other tropical species, depending on what nature offers.

To finish the day, you’ll visit Ecotermales Hot Springs. Here, you can unwind in a series of natural pools heated by the volcano itself, with temperatures ranging from 32°C to 41°C. Surrounded by forest, this peaceful setting is the ideal place to relax before enjoying an included buffet dinner.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

OverNight:La Fortuna

day 6 - Journey to Tamarindo Beach

La Fortuna - Liberia - Tamarindo. This morning, you’ll depart the Arenal region and head west toward Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. As your transfer winds through the countryside, you’ll notice a shift in landscape from rainforest to the dry tropical forest and wide plains of Guanacaste. After roughly three hours, you’ll arrive in the city of Liberia, the capital of the province.

From Liberia, you’ll continue toward the Nicoya Peninsula. The final stretch takes you along a mix of rural roads before reaching the coastal town of Tamarindo, known for its sunny beaches, surf scene, and lively atmosphere. Once you’ve checked in, enjoy a spectacular sunset from your hotel overlooking Tamarindo Beach.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Tamarindo

day 7 - Morning at Leisure & Catamaran Cruise

Today, you will have the morning at your leisure to enjoy the surroundings and make the most of your hotel’s setting. You might take a gentle walk along the beach or relax in the sun with a fresh fruit juice in hand.

In the afternoon, you’ll head out on a sunset catamaran cruise along the Pacific coast. This relaxed sailing experience includes time for snorkelling and soaking up the coastal scenery, with the chance to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, manta rays, or even whales, depending on the season.

On board, you can enjoy an open bar and a selection of light bites, including fresh fruit, dips, and a signature chicken burrito. It’s a laid-back experience designed for you to unwind, take in the views, and enjoy the beauty of Guanacaste from the water.

Please note: The catamaran sailing tour may take place in the morning, depending on weather conditions.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Tamarindo

day 8 - Tamarindo to San Jose

Tamarindo - San Jose. After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel in Tamarindo heading back to San Jose, where you will be able to enjoy views of the Pacific Coast along the way.

Once you have arrived in San Jose, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to further explore San Jose, grab a coffee, or enjoy the nightlife.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:San Jose

day 9 - Departurte from San Jose

After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time for some last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxation before your onward transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport, where the tour will conclude. Safe travels!

Meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

8 nights in 3-4 star hotels

Meals

8 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinnersCoffee & Chocolate TourEntrance fees included for Tortuguero National Park, Coffee & Chocolate Tour, Arenal Volcano Hike & Ecotermales Hot Springs

Transport

Arrival airport transfer on day 1 & departure airport transfer on day 9Transportation in buses and boats

Others

Services of English-speaking local guides for sightseeingVisit Tortuguero Town1 boat tour in TortugueroTortuguero National Park visitArenal Volcano Hike & Ecotermales Hot SpringsCatamaran Sailing Tour with drinks & snorkelling (Equipment included)

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 26 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

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4 days ago

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