Discover Costa Rica - with Dominical

4.8Based on

Carbon neutral

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

San Jose, Costa Rica

Ends

San Jose, Costa Rica

Highlights

Enjoy unrivalled wildlife viewing – howler monkeys, caimans and sloths

Visit the beaches and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles

Discover verdant rainforest, lush mangroves, lava fields and serene cloud forests

Learn from naturalist guides who share their love of Costa Rica with you

Relax on idyllic Pacific coast beaches

Stay in comfortable eco-minded lodges and hotels

Itinerary

Costa Rica’s wild wonders await on this 15-day 'Discover Costa Rica - with Dominical' wildlife tour, thoughtfully paced for seniors. From the mist-shrouded forests of Monteverde to the beaches of Dominical, this trip offers encounters with sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, and nesting turtles. Explore both Pacific and Caribbean coasts, with time to unwind at Dominical’s scenic beaches, dramatic sunsets, and natural swimming holes. Marino Ballena National Park adds a coastal twist to your itinerary. The tour’s USP: a unique alternative to standard routes, trading Piedras Blancas for the vibrant, lesser-visited Dominical, ensuring both classic highlights and off-the-beaten-path beauty.

day 1 - Adventure starts in San José

Begin your adventure in San José, the culture-rich capital of Costa Rica. A complimentary transfer from the airport to the hotel is available. Check in and take it easy, there’s plenty of excitement on this trip, so today’s all about relaxing and easing ourselves into the adventure.

Around 7.30pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers when we gather as a group for a short briefing and dinner together. Our main briefing takes place tomorrow afternoon in Tortuguero due to the late arrival of some flights today.

Want to explore San Jose further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals:Dinner

Accommodation:Presidente, KC Hotel or Delta by Marriott San José Aurola (or similar)

day 2 - To Tortuguero National Park

Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San José as we travel to the northeast of Costa Rica to Tortuguero National Park. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that is remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the journey to our lodge (up to 1hr 30min), which is a short distance from the main lagoon. Please note the transfer from San José to Tortuguero is not private for our groups.

This afternoon your tour leader will host the main welcome briefing when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. We also visit Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to enter the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation is requested at the entrance).

Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which can be seen coming ashore to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead, and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region, and from late August through to November, baby turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean. Today’s travel time will be in the region of six hours including a stop for breakfast.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Laguna Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)

day 3 - Boat tour around Tortuguero waterways

A morning boat trip enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active, and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caimans, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. The lodge is a tranquil spot to relax this afternoon if you want to take time out to enjoy the facilities, or you can join a second boat trip or follow a short walking trail through the forest.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Laguna Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)

day 4 - To La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano

We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived by taking a small boat to the pier. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Arenal region, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugarcane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until fairly recently when it entered a resting phase, and can no longer be seen spitting ash, smoke or lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area and you have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base in the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today’s travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Others:Eco Arenal or Arenal Montechiari (or similar)

day 5 - La Fortuna Waterfall hike; visit Arenal Volcano

Waterfalls are abundant in the Arenal region and this morning we visit La Fortuna, a 213ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short trail through the rainforest brings us to a relatively steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit – the hike/climb takes around 20-30 minutes and is within the capabilities of anyone with reasonable fitness. Reward your efforts with a cooling dip in one of the natural pools punctuating the foliage.

Alternatively, you could visit the lookout point and wait for the group. After lunch, we take a short scenic hike within Arenal National Park, walking through secondary rainforest and passing some of the lava fields from past eruptions. The high vantage points on this walk allow great views overlooking Lake Arenal, and the birdlife is plentiful.

Meals:Breakfast

Others:Eco Arenal or Arenal Montechiari (or similar)

day 6 - To Monteverde in the Tilaran Mountains

From Arenal, we travel to the Tilaran Mountain Range in the central highlands for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means Green Mountain. The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are more than 400 varieties here. Today’s drive is around four hours — the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Montaña Monteverde or Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)

day 7 - Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

This morning, we have a guided walk in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the first community-managed reserves in Costa Rica and an area celebrated for its biodiversity. To this day, the reserve is managed by the Santa Elena High School with funds channelled into protecting the reserve and providing environmental education classes within the community.

Thanks to its high elevation, Santa Elena is bathed in thick misty clouds, which support a huge range of flowers, ferns, mosses, vines and orchids. Birdlife thrives in the cloud forest with more 425 species recorded here. Santa Elena is also one of the best places to spot noisy howler monkeys swinging through the trees.

In the afternoon, it’s possible to join an optional coffee tour to learn about the importance of this crop to the socio-economic development of the country or join a canopy tour to get a different view of the forest.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Montaña Monteverde or Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)

day 8 - To Manuel Antonio

Our journey takes a southeasterly turn today as we follow the Pan-Am Highway along the coastline to Manuel Antonio, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Manuel Antonio National Park consists of a vast marine reserve, plus 1,700 acres (690ha) of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a stunning backdrop to the expansive sandy beaches, forested islands and dramatic rocky headlands. Our drive to Manuel Antonio takes around four hours (not including rest stops and lunch). We settle into our accommodation and, depending on our arrival time, can make use of the hotel facilities.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Villabosque Hotel or Villas Lirio (or similar)

day 9 - Discover Manuel Antonio National Park

A guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park this morning should enable us to have close wildlife encounters. White-faced capuchin monkeys play in the trees and are frequently sighted on the beaches, while noisy howler monkeys are usually heard moving through the trees and calling to each other before they are seen. The endangered titi monkey (squirrel monkey) is fewer in number but can sometimes be spotted in this area. Iguanas, agouti and two- and three-toed sloths are also commonly sighted in the national park. Manuel Antonio’s beaches rank among the most beautiful in the country and we have all afternoon to enjoy them or try one of the optional activities in this region.

Please note, Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. If your visit falls on a Tuesday, the timing of this activity will be adjusted so you visit the park on the previous day and today will be at leisure to enjoy the many optional excursions of the region.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Villabosque Hotel or Villas Lirio (or similar)

day 10 - To Dominical beach

Transfer south to the enchanting Dominical beach, a treasured destination for surfing, sunsets, wildlife and green landscapes. After settling into our hotel, we visit one of the most beautiful lookout points in the area, which is on a forested mountainside overlooking the coastal plains of Uvita and surrounded by rainforest. Relax and enjoy a tropical drink as you admire the forest around you, Marino Ballena National Park from above and, at low tide, the Whale's Tail beach.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Others:Villas Rio Mar or Cuna del Angel (or similar)

day 11 - Marino Ballena National Park

We spend the morning at Marino Ballena National Park, where we enjoy a walk through this natural conservation area.

Along our route, we have the chance of seeing howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sloths, bats, raccoons, birds (including scarlet macaws) and other wildlife. Plants and trees, including the wonderful mangrove tree, are also part of the trail. Also here is Tombolo (known locally as the Whale’s Tail), a well-known natural barrier reef that looks just like a whale’s tail when viewed from above.

In the afternoon, we return to the hotel where there is time to enjoy the facilities, visit the beach or join an optional activity such as a whale and dolphin tour.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Others:Villas Rio Mar or Cuna del Angel (or similar)

day 12 - To Savegre Cloud Forest

Our journey takes a northwesterly turn through San Isidro and up and over the Cerro de la Muerte mountains to our next destination, the Savegre Valley, around a 4hr 30min drive from Golfito (not including stops). The cloud forest of Savegre is said to be one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the beautiful, colourful and notoriously shy resplendent quetzal and we have two nights here to discover the region. These endangered birds rely on the cloud forest for their habitat; the males are particularly striking with a green crest, red breast and tailfeathers that can reach a metre long. A good pair of binoculars will be helpful for quetzal-spotting as these birds camouflage themselves well among the wet leaves of the forest. In the afternoon, we take a short walk from our lodge into the cloud forest.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Savegre Hotel & Spa or Suria Hotel (or similar)

day 13 - Free day to discover walking trails in Savegre

Today is free to relax and explore Savegre Valley. Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 170 bird species, trek through the tropical cloud forest or simply enjoy the incredible view from the lodge. Your leader will suggest walks for today, which will involve steep trails, so you can discover the tropical cloud forest and sub-Andean vegetation of the area.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Savegre Hotel & Spa or Suria Hotel (or similar)

day 14 - Visit the village of Copey; to San José

Visit the Copey valley this morning to step momentarily into the agricultural lives of those living in the highlands of the Central Mountain Range. We take a short walk through this picturesque area stopping for snacks prepared for us with a local family, which is sure to be a memorable touch of Costa Rican hospitality. A 2hr 30min journey takes us back to San José, where there is time to explore the modern capital.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Presidente, KC Hotel or Delta by Marriott San José Aurola (or similar)

day 15 - End San José

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before we start saying our goodbyes.

If you aren’t quite ready to leave, speak to your sales representative about extending your adventure – relax on the beach, treat yourself to some spa time, or discover more nature. To ensure total relaxation, you can stay for as many nights as you wish in a range of hotels, and we’ll organise airport transfers in either direction for you.

Meals:Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

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

What's Included

Accommodation

All accommodation

Meals

All breakfasts, eight lunches, seven dinners

Transport

All transport and listed activitiesArrival and departure transfers

Guide

Tour leader throughout

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Discover Costa Rica - with Dominical

4.8

based on 14 reviews

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

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 151+ 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 Discover Costa Rica - with Dominical 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

Discover Costa Rica

4.9(378 reviews)

Costa Rica’s wild heart is yours to explore on this 15-day "Discover Costa Rica" wildlife tour, meticulously crafted for seniors seeking adventure with comfort. Traverse lush rainforests, relax on both Caribbean and Pacific shores, and spot captivating wildlife—from sloths and howler monkeys to green turtles and toucans—with the help of expert guides. The itinerary includes San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, and more, balancing active exploration with moments of relaxation. The tour’s unique feature: access to some of the world’s richest biodiversity, all while traveling in a well-supported, small-group setting, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable nature getaway.

15 days

Costa Rica Adventure

4.6(29 reviews)

What happens when you blend Costa Rica’s iconic wonders with hidden wild corners? The "Costa Rica Adventure" tour delivers a dynamic 16-day wildlife trip, ideal for young adults, experienced travelers, and anyone drawn to nature’s wildest playgrounds. Beginning and ending in San Jose, this adventure winds through lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and idyllic beaches, covering Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tortuguero National Park, and six other vibrant destinations. Expect a moderate activity level—perfect for those who love to stay active but appreciate flexibility. Guided excursions are balanced with ample free time, letting you set your own pace. Hike through misty cloud forests, spot monkeys and sloths in dense jungle, or glide by boat through crocodile-filled canals. Optional adrenaline-boosting experiences abound, from zip-lining to white-water rafting, or you can take it easy with a peaceful stroll through a butterfly garden. What sets this trip apart is the sheer biodiversity and the variety of experiences on offer. Encounter rare wildlife, marvel at dramatic volcanoes, and soak up the relaxed pura vida lifestyle. Friendly guides share their deep local knowledge, ensuring you get the most out of each stop—whether you’re seeking adventure or moments of quiet connection with nature. If you’re searching for a tour package that’s as rich in wildlife encounters as it is in adventure options, this Costa Rican journey promises both excitement and discovery at every turn.

16 days

Trek Hidden Costa Rica

4.8(13 reviews)

Think Costa Rica is all about beaches and resorts? Think again. The "Trek Hidden Costa Rica" tour is your ticket to authentic adventure, plunging young adults and intrepid travelers into the emerald heart of this wild country over 12 unforgettable days. This challenging itinerary is designed for those seeking more than just a holiday—it’s for explorers hungry for real connection, adrenaline, and discovery. Venture on foot through dense jungles, where you’ll stay with local families in a remote village, learning their traditions and savoring home-cooked meals. Sleep behind a thundering waterfall in a secret cave, and let the sounds of nature lull you to sleep. Your trek will introduce you to medicinal plants, the craft of making sugarcane candy, and the pulse of true Costa Rican life far from the crowds. This trip isn’t just about trekking—it’s about pushing boundaries. Rappel down waterfalls, try your hand at surfing, or tackle the rapids with whitewater rafting. Every day offers new challenges and rewards, and the camaraderie forged with fellow travelers and locals alike is unmatched. The unique selling point? A rare chance to live, learn, and adventure in places most only dream of, guided by those who call these jungles home. For those ready to trade the ordinary for the extraordinary, this is the tour package that delivers the real Costa Rica.

12 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

Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets

4.8(81 reviews)

Costa Rica’s wild coasts come alive on the "Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets" tour, a 15-day moderate-activity journey designed with seniors in mind. Explore hidden animal hotspots from the Caribbean to the Pacific, guided by expert wildlife leaders. Cruise Tortuguero’s waterways for monkeys and birds, trek through Corcovado’s rainforests seeking sloths and scarlet macaws, and snorkel the vibrant reefs of Caño Island. The USP? This small group tour package is a rare chance to access Costa Rica’s best-kept wildlife secrets, blending relaxed exploration with unforgettable close encounters in one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

15 days

Costa Rica & Panama Discovery

4.0(2 reviews)

Looking to get beneath the surface of Central America? The 12-day 'Costa Rica & Panama Discovery' tour introduces you to the vibrant rhythms and hidden gems of Costa Rica and Panama, beginning in San Jose and winding down in Panama City. With a mix of included activities and free time, you’ll visit the indigenous Ngabe-Bugle community on Isla Popa, learn Caribbean cooking, spot wildlife on jungle walks, and even get a close-up look at the Panama Canal’s engineering marvels. Perfect for explorers drawn to culture and history, this tour package stands out for its access to off-the-beaten-path communities, offering authentic experiences rarely found on standard itineraries. All accommodation, meals, and transport are included, ensuring a smooth and engaging cultural sightseeing journey.

12 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