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Costa Rica Explorer

12 days

Discover Costa Rica's highlights on this 12 day small group adventure. Visit Tortugero Jungle, Trimbina and Monteverde Reserves. Take a walking trail in Celeste, Tenorio Volcano, Carara National Park and have your binoculars ready to spot monkeys, sloths, tropical birds and other wildlife in their bewitching natural environment.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

12 days

Starts

San Jose

Ends

San Jose

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by tour leader

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 20

Minimum age

12 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Tuesdays

Hotel Rating

3-4 star accommodation

Countries

Costa Rica

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 12, Lunch: 5, Dinner: 9
Per person from
AUD$8,345.00
Total From
AUD$16,690.00
Deposit From
Final payment
AUD$5,007.00
$14,186.50

Tour Highlights

Monteverde National Park - Hike through the beautiful cloud forest, shrouded in a canopy of cloud and home to a wonderful array of flora and fauna
Tortuguero Jungle Reserve - Explore the waterways of this beautiful national park, which is home to a Green Sea Turtle nesting ground
Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve - Enjoy a guided natural walk spotting a variety of mammals and insects
Selvatura Park- Zip line through the conservation area & walk over its trail system which includes seven suspension bridges crossing the deep canyons at treetop level
Tenorio Volcano National Park - Hike the new up and coming destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers, established to protect tracts of primary and dry tropical forest
Carara National Park Pacific coast, with a completely different vegetation zone of Pacific tropical dry forest.

Included

11 nights 3-4 star hotels/guesthouses
Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 10 dinners
Arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and day 12
Transfers and transportation in private vehicles and boats
Escorted by an English speaking local naturalist guide
Boat trip down the canals of Tortuguero
Nature walk in Tirimbina Rainforest reserve
Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste hike
Excursions to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Selvatura hanging bridges
Cooking class at local finca

Not Included

International flights and visas
Departure taxes or border taxes
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tortuguero local entry fee - USD $15

Itinerary

Day 1 - San Jose

Upon arrival into San Jose airport you will be met and and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to start exploring the capital or just to relax in the hotel.

Overnight: San Jose
Meals: Breakfast

Day 2 - Tortugero Jungle Reserve

San Jose - Tortugero. Today we head off to discover the Caribbean coast with a few days of rewarding wildlife spotting. Unlike the Caribbean of resort hotels, sugary beaches and Pina Coladas, this is a true wilderness. Our journey takes us northeast through Braulio Camillo National Park, including a short bumpy ride through banana plantations to La Pavona dock.

We then take a boat along the shore, with its twisted mangrove swamps, stopping to observe plants and wildlife, until we reach the ramshackle and remote village of Tortuguero. Known for its proliferation of turtles (nesting Jul-Oct), Tortugero will serve as our home for the next two nights.

Overnight: Tortuguero
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Boat Trip to Tortuguero

This morning we head out on a wildlife adventure boat trip through the mangrove forest of Toruguero National park. With 11 different varieties of natural habitats and a large range of endemic wildlife, this is one of the last protected areas of tropical rainforest in Central America. Here, we have ample of opportunities to spot the three species of monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced) swinging from branch to branch while lazier three-toed sloths doze in the shade and be sure to spot any river otters in the natural inland channels. The mangroves is also home to over 320 species of birds including three of toucan and eight of parrot.

Overnight: Tortuguero
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Sarapiqui

After breakfast, we start our day back on the water to explore more of these spidery channels. We continue our journey with a drive to the Sarapiqui region, a fertile plain with focus for conservation with a number of eco-tourism projects. Dispersed between the banana and pineapple plantation, there are forested national parks. Rio Sarapiquí is becoming popular for rafting on the fast-flowing waters, bird-watching and numerous other activities in the area including mountain-biking, boat trips and canopying.

Overnight: Sarapiqui
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve

Today we take a morning walk to the Trimbina Reserve, catered to research and recreation of the rainforest environment. Founded to preserve one of the few remaining stands of intact tropical forest on mountainous slopes in Central America. To make our journey more exhilarating, we take a walk on a suspension bridge, followed by a canopy walkway and an educational walk of the rainforest museum. We have many opportunities to spot variety of mammals and insects. If we are lucky! We can see a few nocturnal animals, fast asleep.

Overnight: Sarapiqui
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Days 6-7 - Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano NP

This morning we make our way to the town of Bijagua, nestled between two volcanos (Tenorio and Miravalles) will be our home for the next two days. Bijagua is a perfect place for our exploration of Tenorio Volcano National Park, established in 1997 to protect tracts of primary and dry tropical forest. Many of the trails within the park is still under construction and considered one of the new up coming destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. If there is time after our exploration during these two days, explore the town of Bijagua at leisure either on foot or horseback/mountain bike.

Day 7 bring forth a moderately challenging 6km hike to the remarkably striking turquoise coloured Rio Celeste. During our walk keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, tropical birds and other wildlife. As we make our way along the banks of the rivers, taking in the vivid blue colour of the waters. we arrive at the breath-takingly beautiful waterfalls of Celeste.

Overnight: Rio Celeste
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Monteverde

Our adventure for the day begins as we board our vehicle heading towards Monteverde, following a bumpy road with volcanic rocks, winding up through the hills to the cloud forest at 1,400m above sea level. During our journey, we will be diverted by wildlife we spot along the way- have your binoculars handy. Our lodge for the night is close to the village of Santa Elena, which will serve as the hub to visit Monteverde National Park.

Overnight: Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve

This morning we take a walk to the Selvatura Park, a conservation area offering many activities including zip lines. Our walk on a trail system includes seven suspension bridges crossing the deep canyons at treetop level. This afternoon we have a guided walk in the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, home to more than 100 species of mammals, 400 of birds and 1,500 of plants. During our walk we may encounter the brilliantly feathered quetzal (Jan – Jul). The reserve is home to six different life zones, here we can enjoy a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Overnight: Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Carara National Park

This morning we head to Carara National Park, taking the journey towards the pacific coast we enter a completely different vegetation zone of Pacific tropical dry forest. Carara is famous for its bright scarlet macaws and giant crocodiles, which sprawl on the beaches of the Tarcoles river – we’ll view them safely from a bridge! Late afternoon we will arrive at Finca Ecologica La Trinidad, here we have a cookery lesson on the premises. There is also free time to take optional horseback ride (book and pay locally).

Overnight: Carara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Free day at Carara NP

Today is free to spend at leisure. Relax in the lodge taking in the forest, river and the ocean or take advantage of the less dense forest and take a walking trail to spot Carara's wildlife.

Overnight: Carara
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 - San Jose

Today our Costa Rican adventure comes to an end with an included transfer to the airport in San Jose. If you decide to stay on for a few more days in this beguiling country, perhaps for some beach time at Manuel Antonio where there’s a range of good accommodation, a monkey-filled national park and sweeping golden Pacific sands.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Post Tour Accommodation - San Jose

Double

$165per passenger

Twin

$165per passenger

Single

$265per passenger

Pre Tour Accommodation - San Jose

Double

$165per passenger

Twin

$165per passenger

Single

$265per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Airport Transfer

Only book this transfer in conjunction with pre or post tour accommodation. Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.

$145

per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Parque del Lago Hotel
San Jose

Parque de Lago Hotel offers a blend of urban sophistication and Costa Rican charm. The elegantly designed rooms feature contemporary décor and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests are welcome to enjoy the fitness centre. With its prime location and warm, welcoming atmosphere, Parque de Lago Hotel provides a tranquil oasis in the midst of San José's dynamic city life.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Park Inn by Radisson
San Jose

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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Laguna Lodge
Tortuguero

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.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Lodge
Tirimbina Rainforest Lodge
Sarapiqui

Nestled in the Tirimbina Nature Reserve in the Sarapiqui region, the Tirimbina Lodge, along the Sarapiqui river, is perfect for nature lovers. The property features an extensive garden which offers more than 9km of walking trails over suspension bridges and through lush forest in the hopes of seeing some of the resident wildlife. Each air-conditioned guest room features a fan, safety box and garden views. Other features of the Lodge include a terrace, guided excursions through the Nature Reserve and an onsite restaurant that serves buffet food using fresh ingredients.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Mid Range Lodge
Celeste Mountain Lodge
Rio Celeste

Celeste Mountain Lodge is an eco-friendly retreat in the lush, tropical landscape of Bijagua, Costa Rica, near the stunning Tenorio Volcano National Park. The lodge offers a harmonious blend of modern design and rustic charm. Relax in the comfortable rooms and embrace the panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and distant volcanoes. Enjoy delicious farm-to-table cuisine at the on-site restaurant, which highlights local ingredients and traditional flavours. Decompress in the spa after a long day of exploring the beautiful scenery. Celeste Mountain Lodge is an ideal getaway for nature lovers seeking tranquillity and adventure in the heart of Costa Rica.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Lodge
Monteverde Country Lodge
Monteverde

Combining cosy rustic style with comfortable facilities, the Monteverde Country Lodge offers a warm welcome to its guests. The neatly kept gardens are a lovely place to relax whilst the wooden guest rooms offer an escape in one of the world's most famous cloud forests. Located less than 10 minutes away from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve and in a walk-able distance from Santa Elena Downtown.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Sibu Lodge
Monteverde

Sibu Lodge, situated in the serene surroundings of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, offers an idyllic retreat for nature enthusiasts. Relax in the lush tropical gardens, bordered by the rich rainforest. The lodge provides cosy and thoughtfully designed accommodations seamlessly integrated with the natural landscape. The lodge's dedication to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly practices and the harmonious integration of local materials and design. Its close proximity to pristine beaches and wildlife reserves allows for immersive experiences in Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems. Sibu Lodge invites guests to unwind in harmony with nature, providing an authentic and tranquil escape in the heart of the Caribbean rainforest.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Lodge
Cerro Lodge
Carara

Cerro Lodge, located amidst the verdant expanse of Carara National Park in Costa Rica, offers an immersive haven for nature lovers. Set against the backdrop of lush tropical rainforest, embrace the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Relax in the eco-friendly accommodation, which is seamlessly integrated with the natural surroundings. Start your morning to the symphony of exotic birdlife, including striking scarlet macaws and majestic toucans. With its serene ambiance and convenient access to the park's hiking trails and wildlife observation spots, Cerro Lodge promises an unforgettable retreat immersed in Costa Rica's captivating biodiversity and scenic vistas.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Lodge

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers who are happy to share a room with another traveller of the same sex.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
Shared
4 Feb - 15 Feb
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
11 Mar - 22 Mar
$8,345
$10,075
$8,345
18 Nov - 29 Nov
$8,345
$10,075
$8,345

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