Jungle, Volcano, Rainforest and Beach

A cross-country journey through Caribbean jungles, rainforest, volcano and the central Pacific coast
8 Days / 7 Nights

Accommodation Location Duration
San José area San José 1 Night
Tortuguero area Tortuguero 2 Nights
La Fortuna area La Fortuna 2 Nights
Manuel Antonio area Manuel Antonio 2 Nights

Overview

Journey cross-country as you go from the Caribbean coast and cross over the continental divide to the Pacific coast. This 7 Night / 8 Day cross-country adventure puts you in touch with the natural beauty of Costa Rica as you explore highlights and three completely different terrains. Explore the turtle nesting grounds of Tortuguero and Amazon-style jungle boat tours, visit the rainforest and see a majestic volcano, before heading to the white-sand beach of Manuel Antonio with vibrant blue Pacific water.

With overnights in the heart of Tortuguero’s jungle, under the shadow of iconic Arenal Volcano and the breathtaking Pacific coast, you will visit the highlights that have made Costa Rica such a popular spot.

Trip Highlights:

  • Traverse the natural landscape of Costa Rica dipping your toes in the Pacific and Caribbean Ocean
  • Nourish your soul in some of Costa Rica’s most pristine natural settings as you wind through the waterway canals of Tortuguero
  • Spend time in the rainforests surrounding Arenal Volcano
  • End your trip on the Pacific Ocean relaxing with the local Titi Monkeys in Manuel Antonio

Included

  • 7 NTS Hotel Accommodations – San José (1 NT), Tortuguero (2 NTS), La Fortuna (2 NTS), Manuel Antonio (2 NTS)
  • Private Transport – San José airport to San José hotel
  • Shared Transport – San José to Tortuguero
  • Guided Boat Tour of Tortuguero Canals
  • Visit Tortuguero Village & Turtle Museum
  • Shared Shuttle Transport – Tortuguero to La Fortuna
  • Choice of one Arenal Volcano Adventure
  • Whitewater rafting (Class 2 & 3 rapids)
  • Zip-line canopy tour
  • Guided tour at Arenal Hanging Bridges
  • Volcano Hike with Naturalist Guide
  • Shared Shuttle Transport – Arenal Volcano to Manuel Antonio
  • Choice of one Manuel Antonio Adventure
  • Zip Line Canopy Tour
  • Catamaran Snorkeling Tour
  • Damas Mangrove Kayaking or Boat Tour
  • Private Transportation from Manuel Antonio to San José airport for your flight home.
  • Breakfasts (7), Lunches (4), Dinners (2)

Day 1: Arrival to San José

Arrival in San José. Private ground transfer Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to San José Hotel. Free time for sightseeing or nightlife.

Day 2: San José – Tortuguero

Enjoy breakfast in route on your scenic drive through the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park as you head to the northern Atlantic coast. Along the way you will drive through the Caribbean banana plantations before your boat ride into “The Amazon of Costa Rica” — Tortuguero. Sightseeing Visit to the Tortuguero Village & Turtle Museum. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Tortuguero

Today, you will explore the canals of Tortuguero, known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” in search of wildlife and reptiles with your experienced guide. The small boats make it easy to get close to the many species of birds, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, manatees and fish native to Tortuguero National Park. This afternoon you will be free to hike, explore, rent a kayak or get out the binoculars for some great wildlife viewing on the property. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Tortuguero – Arenal Volcano (La Fortuna)

Leave Tortuguero’s jungle waterways and head to Arenal for an amazing volcano and rainforest experience. Majestic Arenal Volcano sits in the heart of the rainforest and is surrounded with tropical flowers, birds, sloths, monkeys and toucans. (B, L)

Day 5: Arenal Volcano (La Fortuna) - Your trip - Your choice of adventure!

Majestic Arenal Volcano sits in the heart of the rainforest and is surrounded with tropical flowers, birds, sloths, monkeys and toucans. Today you will have your choice of one (1) adventure that best fits your taste. Pick between Rafting the tropical waters of the Balsa River, a high adrenaline Zipline Canopy adventure, close-up look at the rainforest on the Hanging Bridges or a Volcano Hike with guide sharing Arenal volcanoes historical importance to the area. (B, L)

Day 6: La Fortuna / Arenal – Manuel Antonio

Enjoy Breakfast at your hotel. You will wake up to the lush green foliage and brightly colored tropical plants that attract so many birds, butterflies and much more to this rainforest paradise. Early morning birdwatching on the grounds before breakfast provides one of the best times to encounter many species. Today you will leave the tropical rainforest and head to the white-sand beach of Manuel Antonio. Be sure to take time to enjoy one of the breathtaking sunsets as you look at the turquoise waters surrounding the spectacular coastline. (B)

Day 7: Manuel Antonio – Your Vacation – Your Choice!

Sleep in and tour in the afternoon, or do a morning tour. Your choice. Either way you have time to relax at the pool with a tropical beverage or walk the beautiful white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio.

Today you will have your choice of one (1) adventure that best fits your taste.

Zip Line Canopy Tour – Get your heart pumping on this high- adrenaline, fun-filled adventure. You will soar through the tree-tops on 9 zip lines, stopping on several platforms along the way. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled so you can spot monkeys and birds you are sure to hear along the way. Lunch or meal, depending on time of tour.

Catamaran Snorkeling Tour – Take a relaxing cruise around Manuel Antonio and snorkel in the Central Pacific looking for schooling fish, colorful wrasses and juvenile fish. You might encounter a turtle or ray, and dolphins are often seen playfully gliding alongside the boat. On the afternoon tour, you can experience the sunset along the coast. Whether you go in the morning or the afternoon, it is an excellent way to see the Pacific coast from a vantage point you won’t get at the hotel. Light lunch or meal, depending on time of tour.

Damas Mangrove Kayaking or Boat Tour – AM or Afternoon Damas Mangrove Tour – whether you choose to go by boat or kayak, you will find yourself up close and personal with the wildlife in the dense mangroves. This tour gives you a chance to explore the mangrove system so vital as a source of the oxygen supply needed to sustain the planet. You will be sure to spot a lot of monkeys and other interesting critters. Time of departure will be determined by the tidal changes. Lunch or meal, depending on time of tour.
You can also take a self-guided walk through the Manuel Antonio National Park or rent a surf board and learn how to surf. (B, L)

Day 8: Manuel Antonio – San José

Private ground transfer from Manuel Antonio to the Juan Santamaria International airport (SJO) in San José for your departure flight home. Now you truly understand the meaning of “Pura Vida!” (B)

Tour price ppdo $1,475.00
Travel window: 1 May-30 June; 1 September-30 November 2023