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Costa Rica: Rainforests, Volcanoes & Wildlife

9 days  |  12 days with Manuel Antonio & San José extension

Group size
12–22 travelers
Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

566
Activity level

Lightning Deal: Save up to $1,000—today only!

Save up to $1,000 when you book select winter and spring tours with the extension today.† These super-charged savings are super limited! (Hint: Add an eligible departure and tour extension to your cart to unlock the full Lightning Deal savings.)

Go wild in this nature-lover’s paradise.

With landscapes ranging from misty cloud forests to sun-kissed beaches, this small, Central American nation packs a mighty punch when it comes to stunning natural scenery and awe-inspiring wildlife. On this small group Adventure Tour, take it all in as you cruise along Tortuguero’s picturesque rainforest canal, soak in natural hot springs at the foot of imposing Arenal Volcano, and explore Monteverde’s otherworldly cloud forests. Along the way, get a taste of Costa Rican food and culture through the country’s warm and welcoming locals.

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

Included meal: Light dinner

Fly to Costa Rica and settle in at your hotel in San José. Enjoy a light dinner this 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

Get comfortable on your group’s private coach and follow the scenic Guapiles Highway through Braulio Carrillo National Park. This vast, protected area features rugged mountains, lush forests, extinct volcanoes, and pristine waterfalls and rivers. Then, climb aboard a boat bound for your eco-lodge in Tortuguero. As you cruise along the Sucio River, keep your eyes peeled for caimans, a reptile similar to alligators, lurking below the surface. You might also spot crested Jesus Christ lizards, named for their ability to run atop water—upright, on their hind legs!

Enjoy an included lunch at your eco-lodge in Tortuguero, then get settled in your room.

Later, get to know your group during a welcome dinner served with beer or wine at your eco-lodge.

Travel tip: From July through September, you can book a guided evening beach walk through your Tour Director for an additional cost. During the walk, you’ll learn about the threats facing green sea turtles, whose global population has declined, and observe them in their natural habitat.

Why seeing green sea turtles here is special: Tortuguero is home to one of the world’s largest green sea turtle nesting populations, with 30,000 females nesting here per season on average.

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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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...

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.

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...

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.

Hotel SanBada

This modern rustic hotel is located in the Quepos district of the Puntarenas Province. Guests enjoy multiple outdoor pools, a sauna and spa, and a restaurant and bar. Nearby, you’ll find Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel...

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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

FAQ

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