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Costa Rica: Rainforests, Volcanoes & Wildlife

9 days  |  12 days with Manuel Antonio & San José extension  |  Estimated monthly payments as low as $117

Group size
12–22 travelers
Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars

602
Activity level

Unpack this nation’s sparkling-green reputation, one nature preserve at a time.

Misty cloud forests. Caribbean (and Pacific) beaches. Roughly 5% of the world’s biodiversity. When it comes to natural attractions, tiny Costa Rica packs a mighty punch—where else can you cruise down a rainforest canal, soak in volcanic hot springs, and delight in just-picked pineapple on the same trip? From beloved preserves like Tortuguero and Arenal to independent wildlife sanctuaries, you’ll discover a country fully in tune with its surroundings. The sunny shores of Manuel Antonio National Park highlight that even further, and you can sink into those welcoming sands on this trip’s extension.

Your tour package includes

  • 8 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 8 breakfasts
  • 5 lunches
  • 5 dinners with beer or wine
  • 2 tastings
  • 9 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
  • Private deluxe motor coach

Included highlights

  • Tortuguero National Park
  • Arenal Volcano National Park hike
  • Organic pineapple farm
  • Heliconia Ranch
  • Coffee & cocoa plantation
  • Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve & tree planting
  • Wildlife Sanctuary visit

Itinerary

San José

Day 1: Arrival in San José

Welcome to Costa Rica! Touch down in San José and transfer to your hotel. Settle in, then sit down to a light dinner before turning in for the evening.

Please note: If you arrive after 9pm, dinner will be served in your hotel room.

Tortuguero

Day 2: Transfer to Tortuguero

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Welcome dinner

Board your bus and drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park, winding through cloud forests and the peaks of the Cordillera Central mountain range en route to Tortuguero. But before you arrive, you’ll trade your coach for a boat—the only way to reach this national park is by air or water!

Cruise along the Tortuguero River, keeping your eyes peeled for caimans, common basilisks, and more jungle wildlife. Soon, you’ll dock at your eco-lodge—a cozy, quiet property in the heart of the rainforest—where you’ll check in and share lunch with your group. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax before reconvening for an included welcome dinner, served with beer or rum punch.

After, return to your room for the evening—or, if it’s nesting season, talk to your Tour Director to book an optional nighttime excursion and walk along the beach to spot green sea turtles. (Tortuguero’s home to one of the world’s largest nesting populations.)

Please note: The night beach walk is available from July to September, during nesting season. To join, book your spot directly with your Tour Director.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars

Overall rating based on 602 traveler reviews

Showing 1-6 of 602 traveler reviews

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Balanced tour

5 out of 5 stars

2nd-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in Mar 2025

This tour had a little bit of everything. Food, culture, agriculture, wildlife, topography, dancing. As with most EF tours, they really want to make the most of your experience. so expect to be on the go most of the time. The outdoor walks and hikes can be relaxing but that will...

EF Go Ahead Tours

Thank you for taking the time to review your tour! We are glad to hear that the experience offered such a rich mix of food, culture,...

Pura Vida!

5 out of 5 stars

3rd-time traveler William C., traveled in Mar 2025

We loved every second of this tour. The itinerary was full of fun and exciting things to see and do. Gil, our tour director was absolutely amazing!!! He was able to show and teach us all about the different animals, plants and birds that we would have never even seen without...

EF Go Ahead Tours

Thank you for taking the time to review your tour! We are so happy to hear that you loved every second of the experience. It sounds like...

Costa Rica with extension

5 out of 5 stars

3rd-time traveler Rick, traveled in Mar 2025

Great adventure trip. The sights, sounds, and cultural aspects of this tour were amazing. Our guide Gil made this trip extra special. His expertise as a biologist and expert photographer added a lot of value and education. Highly recommend the extension to Manuel Antonio!

EF Go Ahead Tours

Thank you for taking the time to review your tour and for sharing some of your amazing pictures with us! We are so glad to hear that you...

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in Feb 2025

Good times in the Rain Forest

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Becky, traveled in Feb 2025

We visited varied climates including the rain forest, cloud forest, and even a beautiful beach. Fellow travelers got along well and enjoyed our deep dive into this tropical world. Our tour director was top notch and provided interesting extra experiences, such as a coffee...

EF Go Ahead Tours

Thank you for traveling with us and for your review! We are thrilled you enjoyed Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and the unique experiences...

Pura Vida!

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in Feb 2025

Tour was fabulous with fun and knowledgeable tour guides at pineapple farm, coffee and cocoa farm, and eco farm. Rain and cloud forests were beautiful. Not only were individual tour guides great, our overall tour guide, Patricia was exceptional. She knew her country very...

Showing 1-6 of 602 traveler reviews

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Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

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San José - Hilton Garden Inn San José La Sabana

This modern hotel is centrally located in San José’s Sabana Park area. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool, spacious rooms, and fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the Costa Rican Art Museum, Museo de los Niños, and the National...

Tortuguero - Aninga Hotel & Spa

This canal side hotel is located along the Laguna Penitencia. Guests enjoy a pool, a spa, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Parque Nacional Tortuguero and the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge.

Arenal Region - Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience

This tropical paradise hotel is located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, near Arenal Volcano. Guests enjoy the amazing grounds featuring private, mineral-rich thermal springs, and their room's private terrace. Nearby you’ll find the...

Monteverde - El Establo Mountain Hotel

This contemporary hotel is located in Monteverde. Guests enjoy a tennis court, indoor pool, and a spa. Nearby, you'll find the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and Arenal Volcano National Park.

Manuel Antonio - Shana by the Beach Hotel

This boutique hotel is located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Guests enjoy the private nature trail to Biesanz beach, outdoor pool, and private room balcony. Nearby you’ll find Manuel Antonio National Park, downtown Quepos, and...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

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