Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this nine-day itinerary. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Visit the most predominant natural areas of Costa Rica, such as Arenal Volcano National Park, and spend precious time in mesmerising Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches. Enjoy the comfort of the rented car for part of the tour so you can explore on your own the Guanacaste province which has so much to offer.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Tortuguero: This park is home to the nesting grounds of the green sea turtles, offering spectacular beaches and fantastic opportunities to spot wild animals and birds.
Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its mesmerising park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife.
Tamarindo: This busy beach resort is great for a night out, surfing, and exploring the bustling restaurant scene.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE
Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your shared transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your night in Costa Rica.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Your day begins early with a pick up from the hotel. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route in a restaurant in Guapiles and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time to enjoy a tasty lunch. Dinner in the evening is also included.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Make the most of your stay in Tortuguero. After breakfast, enjoy a boat trip on the Tortuguero canals, an essential activity while in Costa Rica. Discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through a boat tour guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. Lunch and dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4: TORTUGUERO (CAR PICK-UP) – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After a tasty meal, pick up your car and drive to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5: ARENAL
Wake up to a breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the area. Optionally, you can take advantage of the activities that are available in the area.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6: ARENAL – GUANACASTE/TAMARINDO (200km – 4 hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel drive to your next destination, the paradise Guanacaste, located in the North Pacific. Upon arrival at Tamarindo Beach free afternoon to enjoy the hotel facilities and the beach.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 7: TAMARINDO
Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Tamarindo and surrounding beaches on your own; take an optional excursion available on the spot.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 8: TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE (260km – 4.5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a free morning by the beach. In the afternoon drive to San Jose and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 9: DEPARTURE SAN JOSE AIRPORT (CAR DROP OFF)
Enjoy your last breakfast and at the agreed time return the car and transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your onward flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
