Costa Rica National Parks
Costa Rica National Parks
Costa Rica National Parks
7 Days Starting and ending in San Jose (Costa Rica)
Visiting: San José, Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CRNP20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 50
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Beach Tours, Eco Conscious, Gardens & Nature Tours, Photography
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica's stunning national parks with our "Costa Rica National Parks" tour. Begin your adventure in San José, exploring the Poás Volcano National Park and the vibrant capital city with a local guide. Travel to the Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo, known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Hike through Cahuita National Park, where you might spot sloths and other exotic creatures. Continue to Tortuguero, navigating picturesque canals and visiting a sea turtle conservancy. With expert guides, breathtaking landscapes, and unique wildlife encounters, this tour offers an immersive experience in Costa Rica's natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start San José
Location: San José
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Auténtico Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Well hello there, and welcome to Costa Rica. Today we’ll go from one extreme to the next, with a locally guided tour of the Poás Volcano National Park – which includes a chance to see the summit – followed by a walking tour in San José: Costa Rica’s magnificent capital city. First things first though, it’s time to meet your Contiki crew…
Day 2: San José To Puerto Viejo
Location: San José, Puerto Viejo
Accommodation Name: Villas Del Caribe (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll rise bright and early this morning to make our way to Puerto Viejo (with a sweet lil stop-off along the way…). We'll head to Turrialba (also known for its volcano, and actually named after the ‘white smoke’ said volcano used to emit), we’ll bask in the area’s sprawling natural beauty, and then visit the Guayabo National Monument for a healthy dose of ancient architecture.
This evening, we’ll arrive at the Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo – known for its surf-savvy beaches, rainforests, wetlands and jaguar conservation efforts. You’re free to explore with your Contiki crew, and your Trip Manager will give you a brief orientation tour to help you on your way.
Day 3: Puerto Viejo
Location: Puerto Viejo
Accommodation Name: Villas Del Caribe (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we’ll spend the whole day exploring Puerto Viejo – and boy does this town deserve it. We’ll go hiking in Cahuita National Park (one of the most famous national parks in Costa Rica, where you might just see sloths IRL) and check out some of the best beaches in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica and indeed the world too.
Day 4: Puerto Viejo
Location: Puerto Viejo
Accommodation Name: Villas Del Caribe (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wakey wakey. It’s Day 4. We have another full day in Puerto Viejo today, and some truly epic optional activities await. With river kayaking, surf lessons and a visit to a sloth sanctuary on today’s menu, there’s something for just about everyone. Also, we won’t be offended if you choose to spend today doing your own thing, or just kicking back on the coast (those white sand beaches are pretty moreish, after all).
Day 5: Puerto Viejo To Tortuguero
Location: Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge Special Stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
All aboard! Today we’ll take a boat trip through canals and rivers to reach Tortuguero – another of the unmissable national parks in Costa Rica. Does it get more picturesque than this? We don’t think so.
Once we set foot back on dry land, we’ll have a turtle-y awesome afternoon/evening waiting for us. That’s right, we’ll visit a sea turtle conservancy on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience… followed by the unique opportunity to go turtle-spotting at night! Wondering what else to do tonight in Tortuguero? Fear not – your Trip Manager will give you a brief orientation tour, pointing out all the unmissable viewpoints and food spots.
Day 6: Tortuguero
Location: Tortuguero
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sure, Tortuguero is known for its sea turtles, but there’s way more wildlife to spot here – and that’s exactly what we’ll do today. We’ll take a boat trip along the winding canals, keeping our eyes peeled for monkeys, birds and more animals, not forgetting spectacular views. Tonight, after checking out one of the world’s more beautiful national parks, you’ll have another free night to explore.
Day 7: Tortuguero To San José
Location: Tortuguero, San José
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Tortuguero, you’ve been tantalising. We’re all better and more well-rounded people now, but sadly it’s time to make our way back to where the adventure began…
And that… is… that. We’ve spent one week in Costa Rica. You’re back in San José, where you’re free to explore for a while longer or make your way back to the airport. Whichever path you’re choosing, we’re pretty sure this won’t be the last time you’ll be seeing your new Contiki crew.
What's Included
-
Guided Tour of Poás Volcano National Park
Explore Poás Volcano National Park with a local guide, including waterfalls, a coffee farm, and an active volcano.
-
San José City Tour
Discover the Costa Rican capital's parks and architecture with a local guide.
-
Orientation Tour in Puerto Viejo
Orientation tour highlighting the best bucket list spots in Puerto Viejo.
-
Visit to Cahuita National Park
Visit Cahuita National Park, home to coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks, and tropical forests.
-
Beach Experience in Puerto Viejo
Experience the dream beaches of Playa Blanca, Puerto Vargas, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo.
-
Turtle Watching in Tortuguero
Witness turtles in their natural habitat with an expert guide.
-
Boat Trip in Tortuguero
Boat trip along winding canals to spot wildlife like herons, kingfishers, and monkeys.
-
Visit to Sea Turtle Conservancy
Visit a sea turtle conservancy and go turtle-spotting at night.
What's Not Included
Optional activities such as river kayaking, surf lessons, and a visit to a sloth sanctuary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel between destinations by bus and boat, ensuring a scenic and immersive journey through Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and national parks.
Accommodation
Stay at the Auténtico Hotel in San José, Villas Del Caribe in Puerto Viejo, and Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, offering comfortable and convenient lodging throughout your Costa Rica adventure.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero?
In Tortuguero, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including sea turtles, monkeys, herons, kingfishers, and other birds. The area is known for its rich biodiversity.
-
Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available in Puerto Viejo such as river kayaking, surf lessons, and a visit to a sloth sanctuary.
-
What kind of experiences are included in the Poás Volcano National Park tour?
The guided tour of Poás Volcano National Park includes exploring waterfalls, visiting a coffee farm, and seeing an active volcano.
-
Will there be any opportunities to see sea turtles?
Yes, in Tortuguero, you will visit a sea turtle conservancy and have the opportunity to go turtle-spotting at night.
-
What kind of activities are planned in Puerto Viejo?
In Puerto Viejo, activities include an orientation tour, hiking in Cahuita National Park, and visiting some of the best beaches such as Playa Blanca, Puerto Vargas, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo.
-
What is the main focus of the San José city tour?
The San José city tour focuses on discovering the Costa Rican capital's parks and architecture with a local guide.
-
What kind of boat trips are included in the tour?
The tour includes a boat trip along the winding canals of Tortuguero to spot wildlife like herons, kingfishers, and monkeys.
-
Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time during the tour, especially in Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero, where you can explore on your own or participate in optional activities.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Sunday
Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Monday - Sunday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Monday - Sunday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Monday - Sunday
Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Monday - Sunday
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Monday - Sunday
Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions