Excellent
Costa Rica Express
Short on time? This express tour takes in the best of Costa Rica in a week! An abundance of wildlife, lush rainforests, a towering volcano and idyllic coast. Visiting charming San Jose and Tortuguero National Park - Costa Rica's 'Little Amazon'. La Fortuna - home of the iconic Arenal Volcano, and Manuel Antonio, with its beautiful coastal jungle and pristine beaches.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
7 daysStarts
San JoseEnds
San JoseRange
PrivateTour Guide
Yes - for all included sightseeingGroup Size
Minimum age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Any day of the yearHotel Rating
3 - 4 starCountries
Costa RicaArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 6, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 1Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
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.
Day 2 - Tortuguero
Day 2 - 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.
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.
Day 3 - Tortuguero National Park
Day 3 - Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero - La Fortuna. Very early this morning, before breakfast, 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!
After this amazing tour enjoy breakfast at the lodge and then it's time to move on to the next destination. Travel by boat to La Pavona dock, once 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. Spend the evening at leisure.
Day 4 - Arenal Volcano National Park
Day 4 - Arenal Volcano National Park
Head out on an Arenal Volcano National Park excursion this morning. Drive 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 viewing 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 5-6 - Manuel Antonio
Days 5-6 - Manuel Antonio
La Fortuna - Manuel Antonio. On day 5 transfer to beautiful Manuel Antonio, one of the country's most popular national parks, located on Costa's Rica tropical Pacific Coast. Offering the ideal blend of beach and rainforest, it's the perfect place to end of your holiday. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying your exquisite new surroundings.
The following morning explore Manuel Antonio National Park's tropical rainforest on a 2.5 hour nature walk. Your naturalist guide will point out many of the different species living in the park, such as sloths, Capuchin, Howler, and Squirrel monkeys. You will also be able to see several types of reptiles resting in the tropical rainforest and birds overhead. The afternoon if free for you to stroll along the beautiful beach, relax by the pool or perhaps enjoy one of the many activities available in the area.
Day 7 - San Jose
Day 7 - San Jose
Manuel Antonio - San Jose. Today a private transfer takes you to San Jose airport for your flight home. We recommend booking a late departure flight, as the transfer time is approx. 3.5 hours.
Should you wish to extend your time by the beach in Manuel Antonio or book post tour accommodation in San Jose, that can be arranged on request.
Tour Reviews
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.
Pre Accommodation San Jose
Twin
Double
Single
Post Tour Accommodation - Manuel Antonio
Double
Single
Twin
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
San Jose Hotel to Airport Departure Transfer
Only book this airport departure transfer in conjunction with San Jose post tour accommodation.
$275
per passengerHotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply, contact us for details.
Prices may vary depending on hotel availability. If you wish to travel on a date not listed please contact us for pricing. High season supplements will apply for travel during local festivals, Easter, Christmas and New Year dates.
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Our customers say
Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews