11 Day Classic Costa Rica

This exciting route it’s an adventure in itself. We will pass through the Braulio Carrillo National Park, which is a protected area boasting beautiful landscapes and fascinating changes in the vegetation. As we get to the lowlands, we will pass through Guapiles, as well as extensive banana plantations until we reach the dock. This is where we board the boat to The Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero’s waterways are abundant and teeming with a variety of animal and plant species as we head to our lodge where we will spend the evening. Have your binoculars ready!

The name Tortuguero refers to the Spanish word for turtle as this is the most important nesting site in the entire western half of the Caribbean for the green turtle.  Other species of sea turtles like the leatherback and hawksbill also nest on the vast beaches of the park and refuge where most exploring is done by small boat, although some hiking trails are available.

After breakfast, we will head out by boat into the national park and our guide, with an amazingly trained eye will astound us by finding wildlife in hidden corners, pointing at mischievous monkeys and sharing fascinating facts about nature.

During the afternoon you will visit the small town of Tortuguero. We will stop off at the “Sea turtle museum” along the way, offering us incredible insight into this magnificent animal and an initiative of the Sea Turtle Conservation Group. 

Today we will take a scenic boat, then land transfer to the Arenal Volcano area. As we approach the small town of Arenal, the spectacular volcano is the perfect backdrop for where we will spend the evening at La Fortuna.  La Fortuna is best known as the base from which to explore the spectacular Arenal Volcano and National Park. Located north of the Tilaran Mountains, this conical volcano rises out of the San Carlos Plains. Naturally heated thermal springs originate from its depth, offering the chance to be surrounded by nature while soaking and relaxing in the thermal springs. The stunning mountains, lake, natural reserves, rivers, canopy tours, culture tours, hot springs, and rainforest, make this a popular place for travellers looking to reconnect with nature.

Today we will head out to explore the Arenal, on two hikes through the Arenal Volcano National Park, as well as a boat tour on Lake Arenal. Our guide will explain the history of the Volcano and the park and the park's different flora and fauna. We will hike across the lava flow on the 1992 eruption. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of this impressive volcano. The 2nd hike is to “La Peninsula” trail that takes us to the shores of Lake Arenal. Passing through beautiful tropical forests of 20 metre trees, we will have the best panoramic view of both the volcano and the lake. Arriving at the shore of Lake Arenal we can cool off with a cold drink, before we take the boat on a tour of the lake, arriving at a spot known locally as “El Tapón”. A shuttle van will be waiting to take you back to your hotel for the evening in our Arenal Tours in Costa Rica.

After breakfast, we will cross the Arenal Lake on a pleasant boat ride with unique and spectacular views of the Arenal volcano.  We will make our way up the to the world-famous highland cloud forest of Monteverde for a cool respite and escape from the Costa Rican heat. This is one of the country’s most famous places and a world-class example of conservation by a local community.  The forest offers amazing views of the Nicoya Gulf, where we can appreciate the forest's immense biodiversity and absorb the history and culture of this natural Costa Rican gem. We will then head to our lodge for the evening.

Monteverde’s variable climate and high altitude have helped produce incredible biodiversity.  It is home to over 100 species of mammals, more than 400 species of birds, thousands of insect species and around 2500 species of plants – containing the largest number of orchids in the world. Monteverde is recognised as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges on the planet. Today we will head off on a combination of trails and suspension bridges above the Monteverde cloud forest's canopy. We can appreciate the magnificent flora and fauna of the forest. Our guide will explain the animal and plant species. We will then appreciate a ride on an open-air gondola. The gondolas rise smoothly through the rain forest, offering endless views during the mountainous ascent. This tour is perfect for those who want a different perspective on nature, taking it easy to appreciate natures magical exhibits. We will ride down on a zip line track stretching across canyons and through treetops, offering the exhilarating adventure of zip lining down the mountainside.

After breakfast, we will head out on a relaxing, scenic drive to the Pacific coast, to enjoy the scenery of the pristine beaches and monkey sightings at Manuel Antonio National Park. This lush national park, houses an amazing coastal rainforest and white sandy beaches, which are home to a variety of animal species. Passing through the small agricultural town of Quepos a cliff top road leads to Manuel Antonio offering glimpses of spectacular forest and beach. This renowned touristic town sits up in the hills overlooking the vibrant Pacific Ocean framed by green, luscious vegetation. The national park protects several habitats, including primary and secondary forest, mangroves, beach vegetation and marine resources.

Today we will head out on horseback to explore Costa Rica´s exotic plants and wildlife. We will ride through the rainforest to the Tocori Private Ecological Reserve, just minutes away from Manuel Antonio Park. Don Gilberto and his family will show us the show us the real Costa Rica and we will learn all about the history and nature of this beautiful country. He will tell us about the native culture and take us for a refreshing swim in the mountain springs' natural, crystalline waters. This is where the impressive waterfalls of Tocori come alive amongst the lush vegetation. We will be able to sample fresh local fruits and a tropical drink made exclusively by Doña Eli, Don Gilberto´s wife, as we relax by the waterfalls. At their private ranch, Doña Eli will prepare a delicious Costa Rican Asado for lunch. After lunch, we will enjoy a tour of their garden to appreciate this stunning country's flora and fauna. 

After breakfast, we will explore this incredible National Park. Our expert guide will explain all about the park's biodiversity, preserved for over 40 years. This impressive park offers beautiful beaches and magnificent flora and fauna, which combine uniquely in this magical place. In the evening we will head back to the Costa Rican capital of San Jose.

Today is the final day of this Classic Costa Rica adventure. We will pick you up at your hotel, to take you to the San Jose airport for your flight back home or on to your next exciting destination!