Compare Costa Rica: Jungles & Rainforests 2024 by Tauck vs Premium Costa Rica in Depth by Intrepid Travel

Day 1 Arrive San José

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental Costa Rica. A transfer is included from San José's Juan Santamaria International Airport to InterContinental Costa Rica in the heart of Costa Rica's capital city, San José. Meet your fellow eco-adventurers at this evening's welcome reception followed by dinner at your hotel, where your family enjoys Deluxe Rooms.

MEALS : D

LODGING : InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall

PORTOFCALL : San José, Costa Rica

Day 2 Toucans, chocolate & Tortuguero

A day of fun awaits your family today as you depart the capital, San José, and make your way to Tortuguero National Park, a tropical paradise in the heart of the coastal rainforest and your first taste of Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity! En route, pay a visit to the Toucan Rescue Center, where you'll tour the facilities and meet some of the toucans, sloths, monkeys and other wildlife the center's staff cares for. Next, learn everything you ever wanted to know about one of our favorite food groups – chocolate – at an artisan chocolatier! See the natural process of transforming the cacao fruit into chocolate during a hands-on demonstration, do a little tasting and have lunch. This afternoon, a boat transports you to your rustic rainforest retreat adjacent to Tortuguero National Park – where most travel is by water, toucans and blue morpho butterflies fly all around you, and howler monkeys provide a natural wake-up call! Enjoy dinner at your lodge this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aninga Lodge

PORTOFCALL : Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Day 3 The natural treasures of Tortuguero

Wake up today in your rainforest lodge near the entrance to Tortuguero National Park, where 11 different habitats have been identified in the surrounding wilderness – providing homes to 60 kinds of mammals, 57 species of amphibians, 111 varieties of reptiles and more than 309 recorded species of birds! Your day begins with a morning canal cruise, where you'll do some birding and nature viewing with our local guides, then return to your lodge for free time followed by lunch. This afternoon, take a boat to explore the village of Tortuguero; learn about the medicinal benefits of coconuts, and the "tree of life" they come from, during a coconut demonstration; and, if you wish, take an optional canal cruise inside Tortuguero National Park, or just relax at your resort. And if you're traveling with us between July and August, this evening we'll take an unforgettable nighttime trip to the beach to observe nesting green sea turtles in one of the world's top nesting grounds for these endangered animals. You'll have a chance to see them make their way up the beach from the water to dig their nests in the sand, leaving tractor-tread trails behind them!

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aninga Lodge

PORTOFCALL : Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Day 4 Fly to Arenal & a Sarapiqui River rafting trip

This morning, fly to Arenal; first up, an exciting river-rafting excursion on the historic Sarapiqui River; a national monument today, the river played an important role in suppressing an armed incursion into Costa Rica in 1856, serving as a highway that transported soldiers, weapons and food. Board a rubber river raft for a Class II rafting trip* through the jungle; try to spot turtles, sloths, monkeys, iguanas and other wildlife along the riverbank that call the Sarapiqui region home. Following your fun rafting adventure, visit a pineapple farm to learn about the growing and harvesting techniques and how sweet just-picked fresh pineapple tastes. After, drive to your spa resort, where you'll enjoy dinner at leisure this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Tabacon Hot Springs Resort

PORTOFCALL : La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Day 5 Zip lining at Arenal & a pineapple tour

In Costa Rica's Arenal region, get an extraordinary bird's-eye view of cone-shaped Arenal Volcano, an actively "restless" volcano, on a thrilling zip-line ride* at Sky Trek Adventure Park, where you'll soar over and through the canopy of rainforest treetops! Those not into zip lining can take a nature walk instead. Following lunch at a local restaurant, return to your resort for some time at leisure and dinner tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Tabacon Hot Springs Resort

PORTOFCALL : La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Day 6 Across Costa Rica to coastal Guanacaste

Head out from Arenal and across Costa Rica's interior today to Guanacaste on the Pacific coast, stopping for lunch on the way. Then continue on to your eclectic oceanfront resort, El Mangroove, on the shores of the Pacific in Guanacaste.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : El Mangroove

PORTOFCALL : Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Day 7 Dolphin spotting, snorkeling & a beachfront farewell

Enjoy a full day at your seaside resort today, either relaxing or taking an included dolphin spotting and snorkeling cruise in the morning or afternoon. Continue your personalized adventure today with lunch at the hotel, then join us for a farewell reception and dinner tonight, including traditional Costa Rican music played by a marimba band.  

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : El Mangroove

PORTOFCALL : Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Day 8 Adios, Costa Rica!

Tour ends: Guanacaste. Fly home anytime. A transfer from El Mangroove to Liberia International Airport is included. You should allow a minimum of three hours for check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Day 1 San Jose

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins in San Jose, the country’s flourishing capital where you will be collected from the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Here you will meet your local leader and small group for an important welcome meeting at 6pm. Costa Rican coffee is some of the best in the world, with great cafes to match, so if you arrive with time to spare perhaps set out to sample the local brew. After your meeting, head out with your leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meal with some delicious local specialties.

Day 2 Tortuguero

Leave the hotel early this morning and descend to the Caribbean lowlands on a scenic (and slightly bumpy) journey that ends at the port of La Pavona, your entry point to Tortuguero National Park. Next you’ll transfer to a boat and get your first taste of the magic of the Tortuguero, where roads are replaced by sun dappled canals and the only traffic noises are the calls of tropical birds. After lunch, tour the town of Tortuguero and learn about the Miskito, the Miskito-Zambo and Afro-Caribbean people who call it home. As you tour the town, learn about the lifestyle of its people, their customs and their daily life. If you are visiting between July and October, it’s possible to book an optional evening turtle tour which offers the chance to see turtles laying their eggs.

Day 3 Tortuguero

Awaken to the sound of birdsong and perhaps enjoy a morning walk through the hotel gardens after breakfast. It’s a magical and relaxing way to experience the biodiversity of the area. This morning take a boat tour along the National Park’s canals with the chance to see up to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 most endangered mammals such as manatees, ocelots and jaguars, as well as hundreds of bird species. This national park is also the largest green turtle nesting ground in the Western Hemisphere. Lesser numbers of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, plus loggerheads, and giant leatherback turtles also nest within the park at different times of the year. You’ll need to be ready for all seasons – waterproof clothing and shoes are recommended – on this nature focused day.

Day 4 La Fortuna

After breakfast, travel by boat from Tortuguero to La Pavona where you’ll be driven to La Fortuna, famed for its mellow atmosphere, bubbling hot springs and mighty Arenal volcano. Check in to your hotel and enjoy its unbeatable location surrounded by luxuriant jungle and soaring volcano views. Spend some time poolside, listening to the songs of birds, then enjoy dinner with your group at the fantastic on-site restaurant which features creative local cuisine.

Day 5 La Fortuna

Today you’ll visit the Arenal Volcano for a gentle hike. Along the way you will learn about the history of the volcano, forest formation processes, and general volcanology and see plants, wildlife, magnificent rock formations and a wonderful view of Lake Arenal. Keep your eyes open for local wildlife, including capuchin monkeys, great curassows, toucans, colourful parrots, and more. After your walk, it’s time for lunch. You’ll be invited into the kitchen of a local family for a one-of-a-kind lunch experience. Here you’ll learn how to make tortillas by hand. You’ll enjoy the fruits of your labour with a tasty lunch featuring simple traditional dishes.

Day 6 Monteverde

After breakfast, depart La Fortuna and begin the journey to Monteverde via a scenic drive. Admire the dramatic views of the Arenal volcano unfolding in front of you while your leader points out interesting wildlife along the way. In the early afternoon you’ll arrive in Monteverde, which is renowned for its spectacular cloud forests and rich biodiversity, and visit a family business that is famous for two of Costa Rica’s most famous (and delicious) products – coffee and chocolate. The staff will take you through the entire process, from the seed to a delicious cup of coffee or a chocolate bar, with tastes along the way. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may like to join an optional canopy zip lining tour and zoom through the jungle.

Day 7 Monteverde

After breakfast, explore the Cloud Forest from above as you traverse suspension bridges through the canopy. Hiking through the clouds along the network of suspension bridges provides a different and unique perspective on this ecological wonderland, and is the best way to spot some of the more than 400 species of birds found here, including the Resplendent Quetzal (one of the most reclusive birds in the world). In the afternoon, visit the Montverde Cloud Forest Reserve which is famous for its biodiversity, conservation, contributions, and scientific research. These 3,500 hectares of land hold 2.5 per cent of the world’s biodiversity and are one of Costa Rica’s most important private reserves. Explore the different ecosystems housing hundreds of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and arachnids, and marvel at the mosses, vines and trees of the Cloud Forest.

Day 8 Rio Celeste

After breakfast, drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park where you’ll visit the Rio Celeste: a river fed by two different water sources. Where they collide, the water takes on a distinctive light blue colour that has to be seen to be believed. Spend the afternoon exploring the sky-blue falls and streams and keep your eyes peeled for tapirs, monkeys, anteaters and other animals hiding in the jungle canopy. You’ll spend the next two nights your Feature Stay hotel, known for its dedication to sustainability and laid-back luxury. Settle into your cosy casita (bungalow) and surround yourself with the soothing sounds of nature.

Day 9 Rio Celeste

With plenty of included and optional activities available today, your toughest decision will be what to do first. How about an optional guided tubing excursion at Rio Celeste? The light-blue waters of the river are generally off-limits to travellers, however you’ll have the opportunity to float along them in an inflatable tube. If you’re a thrill-seeker, there’s the option to embark on a 7-hour guided rafting tour at nearby Rio Tenorio. You’ll tackle 20 rapids with plenty of natural beauty to admire along the banks during the lulls. Those who prefer a nature tour with less adrenaline might like to take a 3-hour safari cruise along the Rio Tenorio, with a guide who will help you spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, river otters and an abundance of tropical birds. Or you could simply relax at your hotel and take advantage of the free activities included in your stay, like yoga classes, walks along the Río Celeste River and El Tapir Preserve trails, games room and guest lounge. Spa treatments (at an additional cost) and lounging by the pool are a couple of other tempting options.

Day 10 Tamarindo

After breakfast, continue to your final destination in the Guanacaste area, Tamarindo Beach, which is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and conserving one of the area’s most beautiful and diverse marine ecosystems. On the way, you’ll visit Matambu, the only indigenous territory of the Chorotegan peoples. Their legacy in the use of clay ovens, dances, handicrafts with colour ceramics and other traditions are still around today and visiting helps with their preservation. After lunch, get to know local artisan, Ezequiel, at his pottery workshop where you will learn about the ancient art of pottery and how its traditions are passed down from generation to generation.

Day 11 Tamarindo

Today is yours to explore your way with a choice of free activities and optional excursions. Sign up for a surfing lesson or continue your search for the solemn, white faces of the capuchin monkeys who live in the trees on an optional mangrove tour. Alternatively, kick-off your shoes and feel the sands of Tamarindo Beach between your toes. It’s easy to spend a whole day enjoying this beautiful coastline where towering green trees provide solace from the sun and a refreshing cocktail made with guaro, Costa Rica’s traditional sugar cane liquor, is never far away. This evening, it’s time to get out on the water and enjoy a sunset sailing trip followed by a delicious farewell dinner as you toast the end of your Costa Rica adventure.

Day 12 Tamarindo

Your Costa Rica trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to stay on Guanacaste or return to San Jose, speak to your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation ahead of time (subject to availability). Transfers to nearby Liberia Airport can also be arranged.