Costa Rica Explorer
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
Itinerary
Day 1 San Jose
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.
Day 2 Tortugero Jungle Reserve
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.
Day 3 Boat Trip to Tortuguero
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.
Day 4 Sarapiqui
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.
Day 5 Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve
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.
Days 6-7 Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano NP
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.
Day 8 Monteverde
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.
Day 9 Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve
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.
Day 10 Carara National Park
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).
Day 11 Free day at Carara NP
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.
Day 12 San Jose
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.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
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.
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