Costa Rica Coast to Coast
From San Jose, spend 10 exciting days taking in the best of Costa Rica, coast to coast. Explore the enchanting canals and rainforest of Tortuguero National Park on a boat tour. Marvel at Arenal volcano and spot wildlife in the rainforest at its base. Discover the natural wonders of Monteverde Cloud Forest on a nature walk and relax on Manuel Antonio's idyllic beaches.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 San Jose
Day 1 San Jose
At San Jose international airport you will be met by our tour director, transferred to your hotel and given information about your tour. The rest of the day is free to explore San Jose or just to relax in the hotel. If you'd like a guided tour of the capital, this can be arranged upon request.
Days 2-3 Tortuguero
Days 2-3 Tortuguero
San Jose - Tortuguero. After breakfast travel to Tortuguero on Costa Rica's beautiful Caribbean coast. During the journey you will cross the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park and enjoy amazing rainforest views until you reach the Caribbean. Tortuguero is only accessible by air or by water. Drive to La Pavona dock where a boat will be waiting to take you through the amazing canals to your lodge in Tortuguero.
After lunch at the lodge, take a guided nature walk along the trails around the property, looking out for wildlife and learning more about the environment that surrounds the lodge. Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure.
The next morning, enjoy a guided tour of Tortuguero town. It's a 5 minute boat ride from the lodge to town, where a small community of 1300 people live surrounded by water. On the tour, learn about the lifestyle of the inhabitants of Tortuguero, take a stroll down the main road and shops for souvenirs made by the local artisans.
In the afternoon explore Tortuguero National Park on a two-hour guided boat tour along the canals. Known as the Costa Rican “Little Amazon”, Tortuguero is a real paradise for nature lovers, with incredible wildlife including 186 species of birds, three of the four species of monkeys in Costa Rica, crocodiles, caimans, toucans, sloths and much more!
Note: Tortuguero is well known for attracting hordes of sea turtles which come to nest on the beaches. Turtle season typically occurs from July through to October and this is the best time to hopefully spot turtle hatchlings emerge from their nest and scamper across the beach and into the ocean! If you visit during the turtle season, there are turtle nesting tours in the evening, which can be booked locally.
Days 4-5 Arenal Volcano National Park
Days 4-5 Arenal Volcano National Park
Tortuguero - La Fortuna. After breakfast it's time to bid farewell to Tortuguero and travel on to La Fortuna in Costa Rica’s fertile northern lowlands. Travel by boat to La Pavona dock, from there the hotel transportation will take you to Guapiles city to enjoy lunch. After lunch, continue to La Fortuna, home of the majestic Arenal Volcano. On a clear day, the majestic Arenal Volcano can be seen looming over this picturesque little town.
The following morning embark on a guided Arenal excursion. Begin the tour by heading to the El Silencio Private Reserve, to get as close to the base of the Arenal volcano as possible by vehicle. Then enjoy a scenic walk for 1km along a volcanic stone path to reach the best volcano view point. Learn all about this remarkable volcano and also enjoy wonderful views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. The walk back will take you through lush rainforest located along the edge of the Arenal Volcano. With a little luck you'll spot some of the wide variety of plants and animals that inhabit the rainforest, such as toucans, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes, and monkeys. At the end of the morning tour enjoy a delicious snack of tropical fruit before returning to your hotel.
The afternoon is free to spend at leisure or perhaps enjoy some of the optional activities available on the area. We recommend an evening visit to Eco Termales hot springs which can be booked on request.
Days 6-7 Monteverde Cloud Forest
Days 6-7 Monteverde Cloud Forest
Arenal - Monteverde. After breakfast on day 6 transfer to Arenal Lake and take a scenic boat ride across the lake, enjoying panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano, Chato Hill, Arenal Lake and the Tilaran mountain range en route. When you reach the other side, another vehicle will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Monteverde.
The following day discover the natural wonders of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a two-hour guided walk. Walk along the reserve trails with your guide and learn all about one the most researched and protected private reserves in the world. This spectacular reserve cannot fail to impress with its beauty and incredible biodiversity. Wind-sculpted elfin woodlands give way to rainforests where tall trees, festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and vines, rise high into the sky. Also look out for wonderful birdlife, including the Resplendent Quetzal, Emerald Toucanet, Costa Rican Warbler and Black Faced Solitaire. After the walk return back to your hotel to enjoy leisure the rest of the day.
Days 8-9 Manuel Antonio
Days 8-9 Manuel Antonio
Monteverde - Manuel Antonio. On day 8 transfer to Manuel Antonio where you’ll enjoy two days at leisure to relax on the pristine Pacific coast beaches and enjoy scenic hikes along the trails in the national park, looking out for rainforest animals. There's plenty to see and do in this popular park so if you'd like to extend your stay we can book additional nights on request.
Day 10 San Jose
Day 10 San Jose
Manuel Antonio - San Jose. Today a private transfer takes you to San Jose airport for your flight home. Please consider a late departure flight, as the transfer time is approx. 3.5 hours.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
The high-rise Park Inn Hotel boasts spectacular views of San Jose. The modern rooms are tastefully decorated with bright colours and come complete with a mini-bar, coffee machine and flat-screen TV - all you need to unwind after a day in the capital. The restaurant in the hotel serves up a variety of local and international dishes along with a complimentary breakfast buffet for guests. The hotel is situated just a stone's throw away from La Sabana Metropolitan Park and La Sabana Shopping Centre making it the ideal location for those looking to make the most of their time in San Jose.
Nestled in the very heart of Costa Rica's thriving capital, Hotel Presidente stuns visitors with its beautiful lobby, which features rich wooden flooring and furniture combined with exposed brick walls and decorated with antique sewing machines. Rooms are both modern and chic with neutral colour schemes giving the entire complex an air of sophistication and elegance. Guests are provided with free WiFi and breakfast buffets as well as a gym and computer area. Located a mere 2 minute walk from the Plaza de la Cultura, the National Theatre and some of the city's best Museums, the Hotel Presidente ideally positions guests right in the centre of the action.
The Mawamba Lodge is far more than just a hotel. With the Tortuguero canals snaking in front of it and the Caribbean Ocean lapping at the shore out back, this resort is the ultimate when it comes to tropical paradise. Guests are invited to visit the hotel's exclusive butterfly and frog gardens before retiring to their beautiful wooden lodge complete with a private balcony and hammock. Further features include a games room, poolside restaurant and hiking trails. Nothing beats the water-lined location of Mawamba Lodge. The beach and the nearest town are just a few steps away and tours operate daily from the hotel.
Combining style, comfort and personalised service, the Laguna Lodge invites guests to experience ecotourism at its best. The charming guest rooms offer views to the gardens and forest that surrounds the lodge with comfortable chairs out on the balcony for those who enjoy fresh air. Featuring drift wood that has been collected from the local beach and treated in the lodge's very own workshop, the open air restaurant is the ideal place to dine whilst soaking up the exotic views. The Laguna Lodge is located on a narrow strip of land between the sea and the Tortuguero Channel.
Nestled amidst the lush greenery and captivating landscapes of La Fortuna, Lomas del Volcan Hotel offers a serene retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Guests are accommodated in spacious wooden bungalows, with modern amenities, complimentary WiFi and two terraces to enjoy a good book or a coffee, while taking in wonderful views of Arenal volcano or the rainforest. Savour the flavours of Costa Rica at the on-site restaurant, which serves a delectable array of local and international cuisine. You can order room service and enjoy a delicious private dinner on the deck, with magical views. The hotel can assist with booking tours and you can embark on unforgettable adventures right from the doorstep. Explore the nearby Arenal Volcano National Park or indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities such as zip-lining or canopy tours. After a busy day of exploration, unwind with a drink at the bar or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool.
Arenal Manoa Hotel is surrounded by stunning gardens filled with verdant foliage and sparkling ponds, presided over by the Arenal Volcano looming in the distance. Guests are well catered for by the poolside bars and the restaurant, which offers culinary delights from around the world along with dazzling views of the volcano. The hotel also offers a range of relaxing spa treatments and a dairy tour for those looking for a bit of cultural education. The hotel's proximity to the Arenal Volcano National Park makes it the perfect base for exploring the area. It is also a short drive from the centre of La Fortuna.
Poco a Poco is a stunning mountain retreat ideally situated for exploring the famous cloud forest. Within the hotel lies an idyllic indoor pool complex complete with jacuzzis and a poolside bar. Guests are also invited to spoil themselves with a bit of pampering in the spa, the perfect way to rejuvenate and revitalise after an adventure through the rainforest. The colourful and spacious rooms offer up fabulous views along with a high level of comfort to ensure that the relaxing atmosphere carries on through the night. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of local amenities such as the supermarket, restaurants and bars.
Fonda Vela Hotel is a charming eco-friendly retreat nestled in the lush cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica. Known for its warm hospitality and stunning natural surroundings, the hotel offers spacious, rustic-style rooms with large windows that provide breathtaking views of the gardens, forest, and Gulf of Nicoya. Enjoy amenities such as the on-site restaurants serving local and international cuisine, cocktails at the marvellous bar, a swim in the heated indoor pool, and strolls along the landscaped trails perfect for birdwatching and exploring the rich biodiversity of the area. Fonda Vela's tranquil setting and commitment to sustainability make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a serene escape.
Sitting high above the Central Pacific coastline with access to some of Costa Rica's best beaches, the Parador is the premier eco-luxury resort in Manuel Antonio. Surrounded by 12 acres of beautiful rainforest the resort boasts a great selection of beautifully decorated, comfortable rooms and suites with views of the lush gardens, jungle or the ocean. Let your stress dissolve away in the hotel's luxury spa with wide open windows facing the tropical rainforest. The Parador is located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in Manuel Antonio near the town of Quepos. It's a 2.5 hour scenic drive from San Jose.
Shana Hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, offering a perfect blend of modern elegance and natural beauty. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the hotel features stylish rooms, suites, and apartments with contemporary décor, private balconies, and stunning ocean or jungle views. Enjoy a range of amenities, including an infinity pool, a gourmet restaurant serving Mediterranean and Costa Rican cuisine, a spa, and direct access to the secluded Biesanz Beach. Surrounded by lush tropical forests, Shana Hotel provides an idyllic and serene setting for relaxation, adventure, and wildlife encounters.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
San Jose Hotel to Airport Departure Transfer
Only book this airport departure transfer in conjunction with San Jose post tour accommodation.
Tour Upgrades
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