G Adventures
Save 15%Epic Central America: Seven Countries & the Softest Sand Ever
Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador · 45 days · Easy
fromCAD 3,814
Next: 28 JunThe adventure
Chock-full of national parks and wildlife refuges, Costa Rica is a dream for the nature lover and adventure buff. Discover the country’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes on this 2-week adventure from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific. Explore the waterways of Tortuguero National Park, where thousands of sea turtles come to nest every year; assist in a tree-planting program in the cloud forests of Monteverde; and cap off your journey on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. See why “Pura Vida” is much more than a local saying, it's a way of life.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Costa Rica
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalIf you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum or the main plaza in the city centre. The plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.
If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum or the main plaza in the city centre. The plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.
Day 2Travel to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coastEnjoy a delicious Costa Rican breakfast en route as we transfer by road then boat through the famous canals of Tortuguero. This tropical eco-paradise is home to countless bird and animal species, and you will have many opportunities to view and photograph wildlife. The tropical rainforest gives way to prime secluded beaches, ideal nesting grounds for green turtles (nesting July through October), loggerhead, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles (nesting March through June). We cannot guarantee you will see turtles, but that odds are fairly good from July through October.
Enjoy a delicious Costa Rican breakfast en route as we transfer by road then boat through the famous canals of Tortuguero. This tropical eco-paradise is home to countless bird and animal species, and you will have many opportunities to view and photograph wildlife. The tropical rainforest gives way to prime secluded beaches, ideal nesting grounds for green turtles (nesting July through October), loggerhead, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles (nesting March through June). We cannot guarantee you will see turtles, but that odds are fairly good from July through October.
Day 3Take another boat excursion into the national park…
Take another boat excursion into the national park in search of wildlife like monkeys, sloths and birds before a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, the world’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting sea turtles. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to relax by the pool, take a stroll along the beach, or head out on a kayaking excursion.
Day 4Depart early from Tortuguero
Depart early from Tortuguero, stopping en route at a G Adventures–supported coffee cooperative to learn about the process of coffee production from bean to cup. After a typical lunch, continue to La Fortuna and have time to relax by the hotel pool, soaking in the views of the surrounding jungle and the Arenal Volcano.
Day 5Explore La Fortuna and it's surroundings…
Explore La Fortuna and it's surroundings with a wide variety of optional activities available like canyoning, wildlife spotting from hanging bridges in the canopy, or soak in one of the many local hot springs. In the evening, visit a local home to learn how to make tortillas along with a traditional Costa Rican meal of black beans and plantains.
Day 6Enjoy a full free day in La Fortuna…
Enjoy a full free day in La Fortuna to take advantage of the plethora of optional activities. Choose to go stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, visit the Venado Caves, or take a boat tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, just to name a few.
Day 7Travel from La Fortuna by van and boat…
Travel from La Fortuna by van and boat to the cloud forest region of Monteverde. Settle into the hotel and relax by the pool, opt for a spa treatment or take in the views with a drink in hand.
Day 8Set out on a hike in the lush…
Set out on a hike in the lush Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve in search of birds and wildlife and climb up an observation tower to get view over the canopy. Take a free afternoon and choose to go zip-lining or visit the nearby hanging bridges for unique views of the forest.
Day 9Visit the Monteverde Institute
Visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization with a focus on conservation initiatives. Hear from a researcher about their successful reforestation project before helping to plant trees in the nursery. Enjoy the rest of the day to choose from optional activities like a visit to to the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, horseback riding or take a tour of a nearby coffee plantation.
Day 10Depart Monteverde for Costa Rica’s Pacific coast…The white-sand beaches and warm Pacific waters are the ideal atmosphere to relax at the end of your adventure. If you opt to chill out at the beach, be sure to walk out into the sea on the incredible natural sand formation that is shaped like a whale's tale when the tide goes out.
The white-sand beaches and warm Pacific waters are the ideal atmosphere to relax at the end of your adventure. If you opt to chill out at the beach, be sure to walk out into the sea on the incredible natural sand formation that is shaped like a whale's tale when the tide goes out.
Day 11Take a guided day trip to the tropical…
Take a guided day trip to the tropical forests and white sand beaches of Manuel Antoino National Park, keeping an eye out for wildlife like monkeys, sloths and birds. Hike through the forest, climb up to rocky outcrops for views of the Pacific Ocean, and go swimming in the park’s lagoons and tidal pools. Later, enjoy some free time at the beach.
Day 12Enjoy a full free day to explore Manuel…
Enjoy a full free day to explore Manuel Antonio and the surrounding area. Opt to go horseback riding, take a surfing lesson, head out for a snorkelling excursion on the nearby reef, or kayak through the coastal mangroves.
Day 13Return to San José and enjoy a final night on the town
San JoséReturn to San José and enjoy a final night on the town.
Day 14Departure dayDeparture
Departure day, depart at any time.
Discover Costa Rica
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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