9 Days: San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal Volcano - Monteverde

Tour overview:

A rugged, rain forested country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific, Costa Rica is immensely popular for its beaches, volcanoes and biodiversity. Discover Arenal Volcano and walk the old volcanic trails, followed by a visit to Montverde Cloud Forest, a private reserve with over 2000 plant and 320 bird species. Wind up your trip in Guanacaste, home to some of Costa Rica’s best beaches.

Day 1 - Arrive San Jose

Arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). A ST Costa Rica representative will meet upon your arrival, at the main international arrival exit of the Airport. At that time will provide you with all the necessary documentation that you will need during your vacation such as day by day itinerary, general important information, phone number contacts and eventually respond to any doubt that you might have.You will then be transferred to the selected hotel in the San Jose area for an overnight stay.

Day 2 - San Jose - Tortuguero

Early in the morning, you will depart from San Jose to the North Caribbean Plains, where the most important attraction is the Tortuguero National Park, one of the most exuberant national parks in Costa Rica. On the way, you will be ascending through the Central Volcanic Mountain range where you will appreciate beautiful waterfalls and the always-green forests, which adorn the Braulio Carrillo National Park. As you reach the Caribbean plains you will notice a change in the climate, as it becomes a bit warmer and humid but pleasant. After breakfast (on route), the journey will continue passing very likely through banana fields and getting deeper in the rural roads until reaching a local dock where the boats are waiting to transfer you to Tortuguero. An approximate one and half hour boat ride will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rain forest. From the boat, you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this area, along with different types of birds. Upon arrival and check in at your select lodge in the Tortuguero area, there could be a short briefing of the lodge, activities and afterwards lunch. Lodging for the next two nights at your selected lodge in the area. In the afternoon, you will visit the village of Tortuguero, where you will learn about the lifestyle of the residents. Such as the different colorful houses surrounded by the beautiful canals and in general also learn about the important conservation efforts that some NGOs (non-governmental organizations) have developed to protect the sea turtles that come to lay their eggs every year along the 20 miles of the protected coastline. (BLD)

Day 3 - Tortuguero

During this day, you will explore (by boat) some of the secondary canals in this paradisiacal place, having the opportunity to observe in a closer form the nature that surrounds it. Many natural navigable canals and lagoons, which cross the park, offer the opportunity to contemplate the biological diversity of this region. We can point out the variety of birds, turtles, reptiles, the forests and even some mammals. The park has a total of 76,316 protected hectares, with approximately 26,156 lands with different Canals and deltas, in which mostly is to conserve the wetlands and there is a bigger protected portion of the park which covers beaches and the sea (specially created to protect the sea turtle). The average annual rainfall is between 4,500 a 6,000mm. Rest of the day at leisure. From July to September, you might take on your own the optional (extra cost) excursion to observe the turtles at night. This being one of most impressive natural events, as many sea turtles arrive from hundreds of kilometers away to lay their eggs in the close by beaches. (BLD)

Day 4 - Tortuguero - Arenal Volcano

This route offers amazing mountain views, passing nearby rural towns such as Sarapiqui. You will also observe from the road one of the major sources of revenue in the area: agriculture, so you will have the opportunity according with the season to see from the distance, the crops of pineapple, oranges, sugar cane, yucca and many others. Arrive to La Fortuna de San Carlos town late afternoon where if the weather conditions permit it, you will be able to observe the mighty Arenal Volcano, which welcomes you to the area, with its impressive perfect conic shape. Check in at the selected hotel, where you will be staying the next two nights. (BL)

Day 5 - Arenal Volcano

Morning at leisure.

In the afternoon, you will be provided with a hike on some trails in the surrounding areas of the Arenal Volcano and afterwards the visit the Hot Springs. Within the trails, you will observe the wide variety of flora and fauna existing in the area, and a nearby viewpoint will let you appreciate ancient lava flows that have turned into stone over the centuries. The tour guide will share important information about the area, as well as useful recommendations that will allow you to discover more secrets of the wildlife that hides among the vegetation, making this a unique and unforgettable experience. The hike concludes about 2.5 hours later, after which you will be transferred to a natural hot spring, where pools at different temperatures will make you relax even more. If you wish to achieve the maximum relaxation, the effect alternates between the different pools, with the sound of the surrounding jungle to entertain you. At the end of the day, you will enjoy a delicious dinner at the restaurant in the same Hot Springs property before starting the return to your hotel. (BD)

Day 6 - Arenal Volcano - Monteverde

Morning departure from Arenal Volcano to the Cloud Forest area in Monteverde. This service is considering a transfer-tour, as you will be crossing by boat the Arenal Lake, which is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica. The first part of the trip is adorned with the beautiful scenery of Arenal Lake. Then, the driving ascending through the Tilaran Mountain Range will start. The final portion of your journey is on gravel roads, giving you more time to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and you will feel a slight change of temperature as per the location above 1300 meters above sea level. Monteverde is well known for its diverse and rich tropical cloud forests. Wind-sculptured elfin woodlands on the exposed ridges are spectacularly dwarfed, whereas protected cove Monteverde cloud forests have majestically tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. Alpine weather will revive the rural experience of our country.You will be staying the next two nights at the selected hotel. At the end of the afternoon, you will explore the forest from a different perspective, focusing on the transition from day to night and the species that emerge in the dark. This experience emphasizes careful observation and listening, as many nocturnal animals are detected by sound or subtle movement. The guide will provide context about the behavior and ecological roles of the species encountered, helping you understand how the ecosystem changes after sunset. The walk is conducted at a moderate pace along accessible trails, offering a quiet and immersive way to experience the biodiversity of Monteverde during the night. (B)

Day 7 - Monteverde

Day at leisure. You can explore on your own some of the different attractions in the area, such as the Sky Walk, a network of suspension bridges and trails built into the forest, horseback riding or even the Sky Trek (canopy excursion), the Trapiche cultural excursion, the Butterfly Garden and others to explore. (B)

Day 8 - Monteverde - San Jose

Today, you will be provided with an unescorted transfer service back to San Jose. As you descend from Monteverde, you will observe the plains and even, on a clear day, our Pacific coastline in the distance. You will then cross the mountain range and enter the central valley. You will stay the last night of the program at the selected hotel in San Jose. (B)

Day 9 - Depart San Jose

After enjoying an unforgettable visit to Costa Rica, a transfer is scheduled from the selected hotel in San José to the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) for your return flight home. Please note that Costa Rican immigration authorities recommend passengers arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to departure to complete airline check-in and immigration procedures.The departure transfer operates on a set schedule as a shared service. If you require specific departure time, you may inquire about the additional cost for a private transfer. (B)