Wild and Beautiful Costa Rica: Lush Rainforest, Soaring Volcanoes, Pristine Beaches

Journey to rugged volcanoes, pristine beaches, and rainforest lagoons while encountering Costa Rica’s exotic wildlife and laidback lifestyle.

Trip Highlights

• Discover the rich biodiversity of the Tortuguero National Park
• Witness sea turtles laying their eggs on a deserted beach
• Private boat tour of the Arenal Lake and guided hike of the Arenal Volcano
• Embrace the flora and fauna of Manuel Antonio National Park
• Learn about local species and conservation with a visit to the Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary

Itinerary at a glance:

Day 1–2: San Jose

Days 2–4: Tortuguero

Days 4–6: Arenal

Days 6–8: Manuel Antonio

Itinerary summary: Discover the meaning of Pura Vida on this eight-day exploration through the lush jungle and untouched white sand beaches of Costa Rica. After a night in the lively capital of San Jose, venture through Braulio Carrillo National Park and encounter rare rainforest species like caiman and howler monkeys. Escape to the small town of Tortuguero, an important site of cacao and coconut plantations, and paddle through its canals to get the best view of the village’s undisturbed nature. From July to August, watch from just a few feet away as green sea turtles nest their eggs on the beach. In Arenal National Park, take a private boat on the vast lake with spectacular views of Arenal Volcano before embarking on a nature hike to learn about Arenal’s active cycles and geological formation, and watching out for rare wildlife such as howler and white-faced monkeys. Your last stop is the coastal town Manuel Antonio, where you’ll encounter exotic endangered species at a wildlife sanctuary and explore the region’s rugged jungles, white sand beaches, and brilliant coral reefs. Along the way, rest your head in rugged elegance at hotels and lodges that connect you to Costa Rica’s singular natural treasures.

When to go: December to August

Trip Length: 8 days/7 nights

Day 1. Arrival in San Jose

On arrival into San Jose, you will be transferred to your city center hotel ready to explore this dazzling Central American city at leisure. Brimming with art, history and music, where spectacular colonial architecture sits side-by-side with modern masterpieces, as well as a sizzling gastronomic scene and ultra-cool nightlife, this vibrant capital truly has something for everyone.

A former Victorian family residence, Grano de Oro offers the unique and charming ambiance of a magnificent period home. Maintaining the elegance of a bygone era, each room is a colonial homage fused with modern comforts. After a day of city exploring, relax on the secluded jacuzzi terrace before dining among locals in the spectacular courtyard with exceptional French-tropical fusion cuisine.

Day 2. Boat trip along the exotic, winding canals of Tortuguero National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Tortuguero National Park, an area of exceptional biodiversity where freshwater meets the sea, creating a rich ecosystem of river beaches, canals, lagoons, and wetlands. Tortuguero, or “Land of the Turtles,” is also home to the most important nesting site for the endangered green turtle in the Western Hemisphere.

Depart early for a transfer to Tortuguero through Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most extensive and diverse nature reserves. Wind through banana plantations and stop for a typical Costa Rican breakfast, before embarking on a two-hour scenic canal cruise looking out for river otters, turtles, howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, caiman, and tropical birds. Upon arrival at your lodge, savor a refreshing cocktail and delicious lunch, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure. Take a stroll through the plantation-style gardens and nearby jungle trails, or take a snooze in a riverside hammock.

Set on the banks of a spectacular rainforest river, the Tortuga Lodge & Gardens offers rustic and elegant accommodation, as well as fully inclusive Caribbean dining and a range of immersive local experiences. In the evenings, sip on a tropical cocktail while listening to the soothing sounds of the jungle as the river rushes by.

Day 3. Canal cruise in the national park and Tortuguero village tour

After breakfast, meet your naturalist guide to embark on a boat ride through Tortuguero National Park’s winding network of shimmering lakes, rivers, and canals while watching out for caimans, as well as howler, spider, and capuchin monkeys. Return to the lodge for lunch at the outdoor restaurant.

In the afternoon, escape to the small village of Tortuguero, a former fishing and turtle hunting settlement with a mix of Afro-Caribbean and Hispanic influences. Situated on a sandbar with no cars or streets, the best way to discover the village’s wildlife and wetland plant species is by paddling down its canals or walking through the rainforest. If you’re visiting between July and October, embark on a once-in-a lifetime experience to watch 300-pound Atlantic green sea turtles nesting on the beach at night. After a day of adventuring, return to your lodge for dinner.

Day 4. Travel from the Tortuguero lowlands to the lofty Arenal Volcano

After breakfast, a transfer brings you to Arenal Volcano, a western region of tropical forests, tranquil lakes, and warm-flowing rivers. On arrival, explore the tropical gardens and meticulously landscaped grounds of your hotel, or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in an open-air bungalow perched above the rainforest.

A lush paradise in the heart of the Arenal Volcano National Park, Nayara Hotel and Garden’s luxurious bungalows, fine cuisine, and outstanding spa promise a unique taste of Pura Vida. Settle into your spacious bungalow, featuring a secluded garden with a sprawling terrace, private jacuzzi, and outdoor shower all overlooking the jungle canopy. Choose from Nayara’s wide selection of dinner options, from Latin-Asian fusion to farm-to-table gourmet cuisine served al fresco with volcano views.

Day 5. Private boat trip on Arenal Lake and secluded nature trail with wildlife encounters

Begin the day with a short 20-minute transfer to Arenal Lake and board your private boat to explore rainforest islands and gaze up at the spectacular Arenal Volcano, which soars 5,000 feet above. Disembark at the National Park peninsula and take a short hike while learning from your naturalist guide about Arenal’s active cycles and geological formation, and watching out for rare wildlife such as howler and white-faced monkeys. At the end of the trail, savor the sweet taste of tropical fruits and transfer to the park’s observation point to take in a sweeping view of the volcano and surrounding rainforest.

Day 6. Transfer from Arenal to Manuel Antonio

After enjoying an exotic breakfast, take a scenic transfer to arrive in Manuel Antonio, an oceanfront town famous for its National Park of rugged jungles, white sand beaches, and dazzling coral reefs. The region is home to an array of tropical flora and fauna, such as three-toed sloths and endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys. Enjoy a blissful day at leisure.

Choose to hike to the majestic, 120-foot Nauyaca waterfall or through nature trails from your hotel that lead to impressive viewpoints of the lush forest, or relax on one of the nearby sandy beaches or enjoy a spa treatment. Or take a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, with easy walking trails surrounded by tropical forest and myriad species of monkey and bird.

Set amid 11 acres of private rainforest reserve, just minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenas Del Mar blends sustainable luxury and untouched nature.The hotel features its own breathtaking beach and two world-class restaurants.

Day 7. Encounter rare wildlife at a local sanctuary and take a tortilla-making class

After breakfast, visit the Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, which plants trees in depleted areas of the country, and rescues animals who live in these forests. Listen to inspiring and heartwarming stories from the animal caretakers and encounter endangered species up close such as the titi squirrel, whitefaced capuchin, and two-toed sloth.

In the afternoon, pop on your apron and learn how to make traditional Costa Rican tortillas and then relax and savor your culinary creation with a strong cup of coffee.

Enjoy your last evening in Costa Rica with a revitalizing spa treatment or a soothing dip in the infinity pool.

Day 8. Departure.

Feeling rejuvenated and imbued with a new sense of Pura Vida, it is time to pack your bags and gather your brand new memories before taking a transfer to San Jose International Airport for your flight home.

Price: USD 3,041 per person

What’s included

- Meet and greet airport service

- Accommodation with breakfast (full board in Tortuguero)

- Private transfers (except lodge-based transfers)

- Private tours (except lodge-based tours)

- 24/7 ground support

- All amenities included in a bespoke Terracotta Travel luxury trip

*Rate calculated based on two people traveling