Volcanoes, Beaches, and Wildlife: A Costa Rican Odyssey

Upon your arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, your Costa Rican adventure begins seamlessly. After disembarking, follow the signs to the immigration area where you’ll have your passport checked and stamped. Once through, proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage, with complimentary carts available to assist you. After gathering your bags, pass through customs, placing your luggage on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening and handing over your completed customs form. Once cleared, you’ll exit the terminal, where it’s best to avoid taxi solicitations and instead look for your Green Planet Expeditions driver, who will be waiting to ensure a smooth transfer to your destination. Settle into your luxury accommodation in San José, where you can relax and unwind after your journey, enjoying a restful night before the next day’s adventures. Overnight at Grano de Oro

Embark on your journey from San José to Tortuguero. Drive east on Route 32, passing through lush landscapes, coffee plantations, and charming towns. Admire the views as you ascend through Braulio Carrillo National Park.

At 10:30 AM, a representative from Tortuga Lodge will meet you at Caño Blanco Dock in Parismina. Aboard a boat for a scenic ride through the jungle and Tortuguero National Park to your eco-lodge on the Tortuguero Canal. This one-hour journey weaves through verdant lowland jungle and glassy canals teeming with wildlife. For an additional cost, a 25-minute flight from/to San José can be arranged.

On arrival, enjoy a gourmet lunch at the lodge. Afterward, explore Tortuguero Village on a two-hour tour, including a boat ride to town. Visit the local school (during the school year), Sea Turtle Conservancy center, artisan shops, and Afro-Caribbean neighborhoods. Discover the region’s history and cultural transformation from turtle hunting to conservation. Overnight at Tortuga Lodge and Gardens

Start with an early breakfast at the lodge, then join a three-hour boat tour through Tortuguero National Park with a local naturalist guide. Explore remote creeks and lagoons, observing Howler monkeys, Northern Jacana waterfowl, caimans, and otters. Each tour provides a unique glimpse into the rainforest’s morning activities.

In the evening, experience a two-hour guided walk in Tortuga Lodge’s private nature reserve. Equip yourself with rubber boots, a rain poncho, and a flashlight. Dress in long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent. Venture into the coastal rainforest to observe nocturnal species and the unique Strawberry Poison Dart Frog. Return to the lodge by 7 p.m. for a delightful dinner. Overnight at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens.

After breakfast, take a scenic boat transfer back to Caño Blanco Dock, where your exclusive naturalist guide will join you for the remainder of your journey, sharing fascinating insights about Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems. Your 4.5 to 5-hour drive to Arenal showcases lush jungles, banana plantations, and rolling hills, culminating with the majestic Arenal Volcano on the horizon. Upon arrival at Amor Arenal, settle in and explore the resort’s beautiful trails or relax in its amenities.

In the evening, your adventure continues with a visit to Ecotermales Fortuna, renowned for its natural volcanic thermal pools. These rejuvenating pools, heated by the geothermal activity of Arenal Volcano, offer a soothing experience with therapeutic benefits. The warm, mineral-rich waters are ideal for relaxing tired muscles, improving circulation, and promoting overall wellness. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hot springs, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and illuminated by soft, ambient lighting. Your guide will be on hand to provide insights into the volcanic processes that create these unique thermal features and their health benefits, making for a memorable and enriching evening. Overnight at Amor Arenal.

Your day begins with a visit to the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall, where your naturalist guide will lead you on a scenic hike through lush rainforest, pointing out native plants and wildlife along the way. As you descend the 500 steps to the base of the waterfall, be mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the 70-meter cascade of water plunging into a turquoise pool below. Once at the base, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters surrounded by towering trees and vibrant tropical plants. Your guide will explain the area’s fascinating ecology, the river’s role in the local ecosystem, and share stories of Costa Rica’s unique biodiversity.

After this invigorating experience, you’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch at a traditional restaurant, offering you a taste of Costa Rica’s rich culinary heritage. Feast on fresh ingredients from the region, from savory plantains to tender meats and farm-to-table vegetables.

In the afternoon, your adventure continues with a guided tour of the Arenal 1968 Lava Flow, a significant site that showcases the power and beauty of volcanic activity. As you explore the trails of hardened lava from the 1968 eruption, your guide will share captivating stories about Arenal Volcano’s history, including its eruptions, and explain the impact it has had on the surrounding landscape. You’ll learn about the regeneration of the forest, volcanic rock formations, and the rich diversity of plant and animal life that has adapted to this dynamic environment. As you walk along the lava fields, admire panoramic views of Arenal Lake and the impressive volcano looming above.

Your naturalist guide will deepen your understanding of the region’s geology and ecosystem, creating a day rich in both adventure and discovery. Return to your hotel in the evening, feeling inspired by the natural beauty and volcanic forces that define Arenal. Overnight at Amor Arenal.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey from Arenal to Manuel Antonio, a coastal paradise known for its lush rainforests and pristine beaches. The drive takes around 4 to 5 hours, showcasing some of Costa Rica’s most captivating landscapes. As you leave the Arenal region, marvel at the rolling hills and vast farmlands, passing through charming small towns and enjoying stunning views of rivers and mountains. As you approach the Pacific Coast, the terrain transitions to verdant tropical forests, with glimpses of the ocean appearing on the horizon.

Upon arrival in Manuel Antonio, you’ll check in to your luxury hotel, nestled between the rainforest and the beach. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful surroundings or simply unwind by the pool.

In the evening, set sail on a sunset catamaran cruise, a truly magical experience as you glide along the coastline, surrounded by the vibrant hues of a Costa Rican sunset. The catamaran will take you past islands, jagged cliffs, and hidden bays, where you may spot dolphins, sea turtles, or even whales. Relax on deck, enjoy a refreshing drink, and soak in the stunning views as the sky transforms with shades of pink, orange, and purple. The cruise includes snorkeling stops, where you can dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore vibrant marine life. As the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, feel the peaceful energy of this coastal paradise. Overnight at Arenas del Mar

Today, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park on a full-day guided tour. Your expert naturalist guide will lead you through the park’s winding trails, pointing out the abundant wildlife that inhabits this lush sanctuary. Keep your eyes peeled for playful white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and the elusive three-toed sloth lounging in the trees. The park is also home to a dazzling array of birds, from colorful toucans to bright scarlet macaws.

As you walk through the rainforest, your guide will share fascinating insights into the park’s ecosystem, explaining how the flora and fauna coexist in this vibrant environment. You’ll also discover hidden waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and the park’s famous white-sand beaches, where you can take a refreshing dip in the warm Pacific waters.

After spending the day exploring the park and enjoying the beaches, return to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon. Relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or enjoy the hotel’s amenities. The evening is yours to savor a serene sunset, dine at the hotel restaurant, or simply unwind as the sounds of the rainforest envelop you. This is the perfect way to end a day full of exploration and relaxation. Overnight at Arenas del Mar

On your final day in Costa Rica, your dedicated naturalist guide will join you one last time for the journey from Manuel Antonio to San José. As you travel through the breathtaking scenery of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, your guide will share fascinating insights into the regions you pass through—pointing out the transition from the coastal forests to the mountainous terrain, and the agricultural fields of the Central Valley. This scenic 3 to 3.5-hour drive offers a final opportunity to soak in Costa Rica’s natural beauty, with a chance to spot wildlife along the way and reflect on your adventure.

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, your guide will ensure a smooth drop-off and assist with any last-minute details, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your time exploring Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and landscapes. Be sure to arrive at least three hours before your departure for a seamless and stress-free check-in process.

Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back to Costa Rica soon!