Stay: 12 Days, 11 Nights
23 Meals: 11 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners
Activity Level: 4

Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins

Pura Vida. In English, it translates to “the simple life.” But pura vida is so much more: it’s an attitude; a celebration of life in the moment. It’s time to experience what pura vida means to you. You’re on your way to explore a place that’s unlike anywhere else in the world, where pura vida is an unofficial motto and a way of life. Welcome to the emerald of Central America: Costa Rica.

Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park

Seemingly endless mountain horizons. Complex evergreen forests. These are the wonders of Tortuguero National Park. Head down the rivers and canals to the world’s first sea turtle research station and go behind the curtain of this jungle paradise. Later, get away from it all and relax at your incredible lodge, an oasis in the middle of the jungle. Let the monkeys lull you to sleep as lush rainforest and wildlife surrounds you.

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Begin the day on an excursion to spot the elusive green macaw and other unique winged creatures that flock to Tortuguero. If you’ve ever wondered what life was like on the other side of a rainforest’s lush green walls, a nature cruise through the park is your special glimpse. To float on these waters is to live a day in the life of the jaguars, manatees, ocelots, and more.

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park - San Carlos 

Cut through the mists of the rainforest on a languid boat ride towards Sarapiquí and Tirimbina Rainforest Center. On land, an experience for the senses awaits at a cacao plantation. Observe the process of converting this magical seed from bean to bar, and taste for yourself why cacao is called “food of the gods.” Later, arrive at your secluded nature resort, nestled on the edge of the San Carlos River. 

Day 5: San Carlos 

Explore the beauty of your surroundings on a Peñas Blancas River Safari. Paddle and float down the river on a peaceful adventure, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as your naturalist guide explains the rich wildlife. Visit the farm of a local family and try speciality snacks such as banana bread, Costa Rican gourmet coffee and more. Then, it’s your choice! Continue to explore the rich landscape on horseback -OR- participate on a guided walk through a private, primary forest reserve.

Day 6: San Carlos - Arenal Volcano

Envelop yourself in Costa Rican culture at Finca Don Juan. Explore the family-owned farm during an educational tour of its vegetable and fruit gardens, organically grown through the concept of sustainability. Taste some of their exotic fruit harvest and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane. Enjoy a sip of cane liquor and conclude your visit with a cooking demonstration followed by a farm-to-table lunch. Later, suspended over the rainforest floor, relish in a birds-eye view of the jungle on a guided tour of Arenal’s famous hanging bridges.

Day 7: Arenal Volcano

Today, it’s your choice! Since Costa Rica is the birthplace of zip lining, glide over the canopies on a mind-blowing rip through the jungle -OR- make your way across lava fields for an up-close-and-personal look at the volcano on a moderate hike along the trails formed by lava during the 1968 eruption. The afternoon is at leisure to discover the town of La Fortuna or the naturally heated pools of the hotel.

Day 8: Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano goes by many names: Pan de Azúcar, Canaste, Volcán Costa Rica. Ultimately, it can be translated to a single declaration: extraordinary. In the shadow of this famous monolith, the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge cruise or an exhilarating white water rafting experience.

Day 9: Arenal Volcano - Manuel Antonio National Park

Rendezvous with wild crocodiles among the remarkable mangroves of Tarcoles’ Rio Grande. On this exhilarating jungle crocodile safari, you’ll float along beneath the towering jungle, looking just below the water’s surface for a glimpse of these incredible creatures. This afternoon, check in to your resort, located just outside Manuel Antonio National Park. Before dinner, watch the sun set over the Pacific alongside birds in every colour of the rainbow.

Day 10: Manuel Antonio National Park

Welcome to the jungle, a truly remote experience with nothing around you except the wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park.** The rich idyll of rugged rainforests and white sand beaches is the definition of untouched beauty. In this natural wonderland, traverse the trails where the wild things are, or go for a swim in the turquoise waters of a beach as wildlife rummages in the canopies.

Day 11: Manuel Antonio National Park - San Jose

This morning, wake up and smell the coffee at a local coffee farm that produces some of Costa Rica’s well-known beans. Then say goodbye to the coast and hello to San Jose. Toast to the pura vida of Costa Rica tonight over a farewell dinner.

Day 12: San Jose - Tour Ends

Your tour comes to an end today.

Doubletree Cariari Hotel, San Jose

Prices are per person for tour only based on 2 people sharing. Personalise your tour with Collette's range of regional flights.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don't include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment's notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.