Overview
This classic tour takes you on a journey through three of Costa Rica’s most distinctive ecosystems. Search for exotic wildlife as you navigate the waterways of Tortuguero National Park, explore the rainforest-clad slopes of Arenal Volcano on hiking and zipline excursions, and climb up into the mountains to the Monteverde Cloud Forest for a truly unique glimpse of Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity.
Days: 8
Best time to visit: December-April
Ideal for: Families, Couples
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in San José
Arrive in San José and settle into your hotel, with the rest of the day to explore the city on your own. Visit the Teatro National, art galleries housed in restored mansions in Barrio Amón, or stroll through shaded parks and bustling street markets.
Days 2-3 – Tortuguero National Park
Travel to Tortuguero National Park, known as Costa Rica’s ‘little Amazon,’ accessible only by boat and forested foot paths. The park’s dense tropical rainforest is crisscrossed with rivers and canals, and is one of the country’s best places to see wildlife. Knowledgeable guides will lead you on excursions into the depths of the rainforest, where you can spot sloths, basilisk lizards, caiman, and a rainbow of tropical bird species. Time your visit from mid-July to mid-October, and you can witness the nesting and hatching season for several species of sea turtles.
Days 4-5 – Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
Today you’ll travel to Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, a majestic landscape with endless options for outdoor adventure, with the forested slopes of Arenal Volcano at its heart. Spend two nights right outside the park, and take your pick of excursions to explore the area. Hike to the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall, zipline or bridgewalk through the canopy of the rainforest, tour organic farms, or go whitewater rafting. After action-packed days, relax in thermal springs heated by the volcano.
Days 6-7 – Monteverde Cloud Forest
Transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, a premier destination for naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts spread along the continental divide to the southwest of Arenal Volcano. Shrouded in an almost perpetual blanket of mist, cloud forests are rare and spectacular ecosystems. Enjoy two nights here to truly experience the biodiversity of the forest—walk along trails and suspension bridges to spot monkeys, agoutis, and numerous species of exotic birds. When the sun goes down, take a guided tour to experience the sights and sounds of the cloud forest at night
Day 8 – Departure
Transfer from your hotel in Monteverde to the San José International Airport for your flight home.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
What’s next?
Whether this itinerary is exactly what you are looking for or isn’t even close…
Meet with a Consultant
The first step is to call or email us with your desired travel dates, the number of people in your group, your price range, and whatever other information you want to share to get us started. One of our consultants will then reach out to you to set-up an in-person meeting or phone consultation.
Keep on Looking
Together we can discuss your travel options, customize your trip and narrow in on your ideal journey. Once we know exactly what you want, we will send you a detailed-itinerary with hotel options, activities, transportation logistics and a total trip price.
Get a Detailed Itinerary
With your seal of approval, we’ll book your Remarkable Journey. From there, you can sit back and relax while we arrange all of the services, prepare the final documents and present you your trip before you go.