This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Embark on "The Best of Costa Rica" tour and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this vibrant country. Begin your journey in San Jose, then venture to Tortuguero to explore its intricate canals and lush rainforests. Witness the majestic Arenal Volcano and rejuvenate in its serene surroundings. Discover the biodiversity of Monteverde, with its unique cloud forest and thrilling adventure activities. Relax on the pristine beaches of Tortuga Island, accessible only by boat, and soak in the stunning views. Enjoy seamless travel with shared transfers and comfortable stays in 3-star hotels, making this a truly unforgettable experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Tortuguero: Discover its network of canals, lagoons, and dense rainforests and have the chance to see the turtles hatch.
Arenal: Find the balance between mind, body, and spirit surrounded by nature thanks to the lush jungle and the imposing Arenal Volcano.
Monteverde: A true nature lover's paradise with a marvelous diversity of wildlife and plant life.
Monteverde Cloud Forest: Unique from Costa Rica’s other forests, with a constant mist that looks like clouds and gives the forest its name.
Tortuga Island: Relax on a paradise accessible only by boat, its beauty consists of white sand beach, clear turquoise water, and incredible views.
Monteverde: A unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility combined with adventure and adrenaline activities, cultural and culinary experiences to discover the secrets of the forest.
Itinerary
Not what you're looking for?
People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:
Welcome to Costa Rica. A local representative will greet you and assist you at the airport. Shared transfer from airport to the hotel in San Jose. Check-in at the hotel and then enjoy leisure time to refresh, relax and get comfortable at your hotel room. Explore by your own the city and its surroundings.
Overnight at San Jose.
Day 2
:
SAN JOSÉ – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early check-out from the hotel. Around 6:00 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: Tortuguero National Park, located in the North Caribbean Coast. On the way, around 8:30 am there will be a stop for breakfast in Guápiles city and then continue to La Pavona dock, where you will board a boat shared with others guests, that will take you to the lodge where you will immerse yourself in a perfectly quiet, laid back and tranquil stay. Around 1:00 pm, check-in and enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for an expedition through the Tortuguero Canals, a must activity while you are in Costa Rica. Explore the lagoons and hidden canals; as you go deeper into the forest the canals become smaller and the surrounding wildlife gets closer. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3
:
TORTUGUERO
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. Around 9:00 am meet your guide to discovering nature by taking a walk through the Lodge’s private trails. Enjoy free time in the morning to cool off in the pool and simply relax. Later this day, around 2:30 pm join to the guide and visit the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Lunch and dinner included at the Lodge.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4
:
TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (174km – 3.5hrs / 1.5hr by boat)
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the lodge and check-out. Around 9:30 am be ready to depart on a shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the Restaurant located in Guápiles city, where you will enjoy the lunch (included). After lunch, around 1:30 pm, meet a local representative that will take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, around 4:00 pm, check-in at the hotel in La Fortuna and free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5
:
ARENAL
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast included at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore the Arenal region on your own.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6
:
ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (80km – 1.5 by land / 1.5hr by boat)
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Country Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Around 7:30 am a local representative will meet you up at the hotel lobby and take you to your next destination: Monteverde Cloudforest Region. This transfer will be by boat crossing the Lake Arenal until reaching Rio Chiquito and then continue by land to the hotel in Monteverde area. Upon arrival, around noon, check-in at the hotel in Monteverde, enjoy free time to relax and discover the natural beauty of this destination on your own.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 7
:
MONTEVERDE
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Country Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore the wonders of Monteverde, such as its biological reserves, experience a Zipline adventure flying over the treetop forest canopy, walk through the suspension bridges or enjoy some cultural experience like a coffee tour or a Costa Rican cooking class.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 8
:
MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE (145km – 3.5hrs)
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Around 8:00 am meet a local representative at the hotel lobby for the shared transfer to San Jose. Upon arrival, around noon, check-in at the hotel in San Jose and enjoy free time to relax or go to explore the capital city on your own.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 9
:
SAN JOSE – TORTUGA ISLAND – SAN JOSE (98km – 2hrs / 2 HOURS – 1.5hr by catamaran)
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Around 6:00 am meet a local representative at the hotel lobby for a one day experience to Tortuga Island, located in the Nicoya Peninsula in Puntarenas Province (available only on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Breakfast on the way. You will arrive at Puntarenas city where you will board a catamaran that will take you through the ocean admiring incredible landscapes while enjoying music and some tropical snacks on board. Arrive at the charming Tortuga Island. Once there, enjoy the beach, its turquoise waters, sunbathe and relax! Lunch is served on the beach. Around 3:00 pm, get ready to return to San Jose enjoying the sunset aboard the catamaran and then continue by land.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 10
:
DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At the agreed time, a local representative will pick you up at the lobby and take you on shared transportation to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
Operated with English and Spanish-speaking guides only during included activities (Day 2, 3, 9). Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.
ACCOMMODATION:
9 nights’ accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 8-9 San Jose:
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero:
Standard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4-5 Arenal:
Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*
Day 6-7 Monteverde:
Standard Category = Country Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
MEALS:
9 Breakfasts
4 Lunches (Day 2-4, 9)
2 Dinners (Day 2-3)
TRANSPORT:
Arrival and departure shared transfers from/ to Juan Santamaria Airport
Shared transfers between areas throughout the itinerary (land and boat)
Lake Crossing Arenal – Monteverde
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: guided visit to Tortuguero National Park (Day 2); guided Morning Walk in Tortuguero and guided visit to Tortuguero Village (Day 3); One Day Tour to Tortuga Island in Catamaran (Day 9)
OTHER:
Meet & Greet
Hotel Taxes
What's Not Included
Services Not Mentioned
Services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Flights
International and Domestic flights.
Departure Taxes
Departure taxes.
Visa Fees
Visa fees.
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme.
Drinks and Fees
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any).
Optional Tours
Optional tours and activities.
Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Requirements
Comfortable and light and quick dry 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, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, sweater, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
...more ...less
Please Note
Tortuga Island tour (on Day 9) operates only on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The order of activities in Tortuguero may vary according to the season and the disposition of the hotel
The start times and durations of excursions as well as transfers are approximate
In many hotels in Costa Rica, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 8-9 San Jose:
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero:
Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar 3*
Day 4-5 Arenal:
Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*
Day 6-7 Monteverde:
Standard Hotel Category = Country Lodge or similar 3*
Mode of Transport
Experience seamless travel with shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport, between destinations by land and boat, and a scenic lake crossing from Arenal to Monteverde.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights of comfortable accommodation in standard 3-star hotels, including Sleep Inn Hotel in San Jose, Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, Casa Luna Hotel & Spa in Arenal, and Country Lodge in Monteverde.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 8-9 San Jose:
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero:
Standard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4-5 Arenal:
Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*
Day 6-7 Monteverde:
Standard Category = Country Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Check out our Q&As
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 9 nights of comfortable accommodation in standard 3-star hotels, including Sleep Inn Hotel in San Jose, Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, Casa Luna Hotel & Spa in Arenal, and Country Lodge in Monteverde.
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches (Day 2-4, 9), and 2 dinners (Day 2-3).
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport, between destinations by land and boat, and a scenic lake crossing from Arenal to Monteverde.
Will there be a tour guide during the activities?
Yes, the tour is operated with English and Spanish-speaking guides during included activities (Day 2, 3, 9). However, you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only, and there is no guarantee that you will be part of a group or the same group during the tour.
Are entrance fees and activities included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included. This includes a guided visit to Tortuguero National Park (Day 2), a guided morning walk in Tortuguero and a guided visit to Tortuguero Village (Day 3), and a one-day tour to Tortuga Island in a catamaran (Day 9).
...more ...less
What should I pack for the tour?
Comfortable and light quick-dry clothing is recommended. Visitors should avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, a sweater, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Are there any specific days when the Tortuga Island tour operates?
Yes, the Tortuga Island tour operates only on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Can the order of activities in Tortuguero vary?
Yes, the order of activities in Tortuguero may vary according to the season and the disposition of the hotel.
Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package does not include services not mentioned in the itinerary, international and domestic flights, departure taxes, visa fees, personal expenditures, any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fees (if any), optional tours and activities, porterage and gratuities, and travel insurance.
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
show more
Reviews of this operator
Brian
Exotic Costa Rica
12-Feb-2022
We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.
...more ...less
Peter Herbert
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
11-May-2022
A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....
Jean Walsh
Exotic Costa Rica
17-Mar-2022
This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.
Susan Langton
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
06-Jan-2022
Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.
...more ...less
Marianne Brownell
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
03-Oct-2022
Terrific experience!
Debra R
PURAVIDA CR
26-Jun-2023
Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.
Keith
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
08-Mar-2022
A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.
Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of
20%
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 destination services costa rica charges.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
The Best of Costa Rica
10 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica
[{"title":"Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)","name":"","description":"<p>Welcome to Costa Rica. A local representative will greet you and assist you at the airport. Shared transfer from airport to the hotel in San Jose. Check-in at the hotel and then enjoy leisure time to refresh, relax and get comfortable at your hotel room. Explore by your own the city and its surroundings. </p><p></p><p><strong>Overnight at San Jose. </strong></p>","lat":"9.930845","lng":"-84.07983"},{"title":"Day 2: SAN JOSÉ – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)","name":"","description":"<p>Early check-out from the hotel. Around 6:00 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: Tortuguero National Park, located in the North Caribbean Coast. On the way, around 8:30 am there will be a stop for breakfast in Guápiles city and then continue to La Pavona dock, where you will board a boat shared with others guests, that will take you to the lodge where you will immerse yourself in a perfectly quiet, laid back and tranquil stay. Around 1:00 pm, check-in and enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for an expedition through the Tortuguero Canals, a must activity while you are in Costa Rica. Explore the lagoons and hidden canals; as you go deeper into the forest the canals become smaller and the surrounding wildlife gets closer. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. </p><p></p><p><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero. </strong></p>","lat":"10.542484","lng":"-83.502355"},{"title":"Day 3: TORTUGUERO","name":"","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel. Around 9:00 am meet your guide to discovering nature by taking a walk through the Lodge’s private trails. Enjoy free time in the morning to cool off in the pool and simply relax. Later this day, around 2:30 pm join to the guide and visit the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Lunch and dinner included at the Lodge. </p><p><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero. </strong></p>","lat":"10.578692","lng":"-83.5195"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (174km – 3.5hrs / 1.5hr by boat)","name":"","description":"<p>Breakfast at the lodge and check-out. Around 9:30 am be ready to depart on a shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the Restaurant located in Guápiles city, where you will enjoy the lunch (included). After lunch, around 1:30 pm, meet a local representative that will take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, around 4:00 pm, check-in at the hotel in La Fortuna and free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. </p><p></p><p><strong>Overnight in Arenal.</strong></p>","lat":"10.462387","lng":"-84.70276"},{"title":"Day 5: ARENAL","name":"","description":"<p>Breakfast included at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore the Arenal region on your own. </p><p></p><p><strong>Overnight in Arenal.</strong></p>","lat":"10.462387","lng":"-84.70276"},{"title":"Day 6: ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (80km – 1.5 by land / 1.5hr by boat)","name":"","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Around 7:30 am a local representative will meet you up at the hotel lobby and take you to your next destination: Monteverde Cloudforest Region. This transfer will be by boat crossing the Lake Arenal until reaching Rio Chiquito and then continue by land to the hotel in Monteverde area. Upon arrival, around noon, check-in at the hotel in Monteverde, enjoy free time to relax and discover the natural beauty of this destination on your own. </p><p><strong>Overnight in Monteverde.</strong></p>","lat":"10.302315","lng":"-84.79579"},{"title":"Day 7: MONTEVERDE","name":"","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore the wonders of Monteverde, such as its biological reserves, experience a Zipline adventure flying over the treetop forest canopy, walk through the suspension bridges or enjoy some cultural experience like a coffee tour or a Costa Rican cooking class.</p><p></p><p><strong>Overnight in Monteverde. </strong></p>","lat":"10.302315","lng":"-84.79579"},{"title":"Day 8: MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE (145km – 3.5hrs) ","name":"","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Around 8:00 am meet a local representative at the hotel lobby for the shared transfer to San Jose. Upon arrival, around noon, check-in at the hotel in San Jose and enjoy free time to relax or go to explore the capital city on your own. </p><p><strong>Overnight in San Jose. </strong></p>","lat":"9.930845","lng":"-84.07983"},{"title":"Day 9: SAN JOSE – TORTUGA ISLAND – SAN JOSE (98km – 2hrs / 2 HOURS – 1.5hr by catamaran)","name":"","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Around 6:00 am meet a local representative at the hotel lobby for a one day experience to Tortuga Island, located in the Nicoya Peninsula in Puntarenas Province (available only on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Breakfast on the way. You will arrive at Puntarenas city where you will board a catamaran that will take you through the ocean admiring incredible landscapes while enjoying music and some tropical snacks on board. Arrive at the charming Tortuga Island. Once there, enjoy the beach, its turquoise waters, sunbathe and relax! Lunch is served on the beach. Around 3:00 pm, get ready to return to San Jose enjoying the sunset aboard the catamaran and then continue by land.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in San Jose.</strong></p>","lat":"9.930845","lng":"-84.07983"},{"title":"Day 10: DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)","name":"","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At the agreed time, a local representative will pick you up at the lobby and take you on shared transportation to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home. </p>","lat":"9.930845","lng":"-84.07983"}]
Request Your Discount
Add your email below and we'll send you a discount code.
