Costa Rica Essential
Overview
Discover the diverse contrasts of this small yet remarkably biodiverse nation. Transitioning from the urban landscape to the serene canals of Tortuguero, often referred to as the "small Amazon" of Central America, you will encounter the enchanting beauty of this idyllic town. Your journey will then lead you to the lush rainforest surrounding the iconic Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, where you can engage with locals on an exhilarating excursion through the volcano's trails. Conclude your adventure by unwinding at Tamarindo Beach, renowned for its pristine white sands and vibrant surfing culture, conveniently located for departure from Liberia International Airport.
Format
Locations
- San José
- Tortuguero
- La Fortuna
- Tamarindo
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to San Jose International Airport, returning from Liberia International Airport
- Shuttle transfers to and from airports and in between hotels
- Shared transfers (land and river transportation) for all excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
- 8 nights of accommodations (1 night in San José, 2 nights in Tortuguero, 2 nights in Arenal, 3 nights in Tamarindo)
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch and Dinner where indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fee to landmarks, National Parks as mentioned in the itinerary
- Naturalist guides and access to equipment for the excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- Tortuguero Package which includes boat tour through canals of Tortuguero National Park and walk along the lodge's private trails with a naturalist guide
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges
- Service of English-speaking local guides as per program
- More Moments activities included in:
-
- Arenal – 2 in 1 Hike Sendero 1968 + lunch + Waterfall Tour Combo
-
Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour for travel completed by December 31, 2025.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada - San José, Costa Rica
Fly to San José, Costa Rica. After clearing customs, you will pick up your luggage, then proceed to the arrivals hall where you will meet with a local representative who will escort you to your transfer to take you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to discover the city on your own. Visit the theaters, museums, and beautiful parks or simply enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee while watching the daily life of the "Ticos".
Day 2
San José – Tortuguero
This morning you will check out of the hotel in San José and meet with your driver. You will then travel by ground transfer, crossing the vast Braulio Carrillo National Park, leading you to Guapiles, where a delightful traditional breakfast awaits. Following this, the journey continues past expansive banana and pineapple plantations until you arrive at the pier to board your boat to Tortuguero. Land and river transportation will be required to reach your next hotel, the Laguna Lodge. The area has incredible rivers, lakes and wetlands and it is an ideal place for nature lovers. The scenic boat ride through rivers and canals lasts about 1.5 hours, bringing you to your lodge just in time for lunch. Check in and get settled. In the afternoon, a guided tour of the charming town of Tortuguero is planned, with dinner provided at the lodge.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Meal(s):Day 3
Tortuguero
After breakfast, you will embark on a boat tour navigating the canals of Tortuguero National Park. Often referred to as Costa Rica's "little Amazon," this park is renowned for its remarkable biological diversity. The canals are bordered by verdant tropical forests teeming with wildlife, while the beaches serve as nesting grounds for seven species of sea turtles. Later in the morning, you will explore the lodge's private trails accompanied by a naturalist guide.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to enjoy the facilities at leisure. We highly recommend the nocturnal turtle nesting excursion (additional cost applies $).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Meal(s):Day 4
Tortuguero - Guápiles – Arenal (La Fortuna)
Check out of the lodge after breakfast, then prepare for your departure mid-morning. You will again travel via the canals by boat, followed by land transportation after disembarking at the dock. We will make a stop in Guápiles for lunch before continuing our journey to La Fortuna in the afternoon. La Fortuna is home to the magnificent Arenal Volcano, a natural wonder of the country. Although there are no lava eruptions at present, smoke and ash can still be observed emanating from the volcano's summit. The Arenal Volcano region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, hot springs, and Lake Arenal.
Upon arrival, you will check into the Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa. This hotel has been designed to offer an incredible direct view of the majestic Arenal Volcano and each terrace is surrounded by tropical gardens that facilitate contact with wildlife. In addition, the hotel offers an experience in which you can enjoy their hot springs, which have been created to give you the feeling of being in a natural thermal river in the middle of the jungle. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing!
Breakfast
Meal(s):Day 5
Arenal (La Fortuna)
After breakfast you will meet your guide who will accompany you on your transfer to your next adventure. Experience the breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife of the region on a 6-hour combined tour that includes swimming beneath a jungle waterfall and hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park. As you traverse the rainforest near La Fortuna waterfall, you will have the opportunity to observe monkeys and vibrant tropical birds. Afterward, savour a relaxing Costa Rican lunch accompanied by locally sourced coffee. Your guide will lead you along rugged lava flows and mountain trails, providing insights into the history of this renowned volcano while offering spectacular views of Arenal Lake.
More Moments Activities Included
-
Tour Combo 2 in 1: Hike Sendero 1968 with Lunch and Waterfall
Hike through the rainforest trails, bridges and through the flora and fauna of the area. Enjoy the amazing views of the Arenal Volcano along the way. You will be visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, which features a stunning 70-metre drop, followed by a 600-metre hike to the natural pool at its base. It is advisable to bring swimwear, a towel, and specialized water shoes due to the rocky riverbed. Afterwards, visit an organic farm near La Fortuna for lunch. At 3:00 p.m., the tour will proceed to Arenal National Park, where the guide will talk about the natural and geological history of the volcano, traverse a solid lava path, and enjoy remarkable views of both the volcano and Lake Arenal.
- Includes: Transportation, Naturalist guide, all entrance fees, water, lunch
- Estimated duration: 6 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Moderate
- What to Bring: Long pants, hiking shoes, bathing suit, towel, water shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, raincoat or umbrella, camera, and binoculars
Breakfast and lunch
Meal(s):Day 6
Arenal (La Fortuna) - Tamarindo
After breakfast and check-out, your transfer will take you to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the region of Guanacaste. This province has earned a name for itself as a tropical paradise with an unspoiled coastline, beautiful mountains, and a series of majestic volcanoes. Tamarindo awaits, celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, lively surfing culture, rich biodiversity, and an inviting "Pura Vida" ambiance.
You will check into the Wyndham Tamarindo, a tropical oasis offering natural beauty, elegant accommodations, and quality service. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own.
Breakfast
Meal(s):Days 7-8
Tamarindo Beach
The next two days will be yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can do as much or as little as you like. Here you can enjoy different activities such as nature and cultural activities. Be delighted with beautiful panoramic views of the coast and discover the variety of flora and fauna native to the Guanacaste region.
Breakfast
Meal(s):Day 9
Tamarindo Beach - Liberia International Airport
After breakfast, you will board your private transfer that will take you to the Liberia International Airport to check in and catch your flight back to Canada
Breakfast
Meal(s):Accomodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Type of bed(s): 2 double beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 4 people (1-3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children)
Important Information
-
Departure Dates:
- October 01, 2024 – November 30, 2025
Frequency:
- Daily
-
Not included:
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary above
- Transfers for any optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above.
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional activities and excursions
-
The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day, or cancelled due to weather related conditions.
-
- Shared transfer service from/to airports
- Shared transfer service for all sightseeing tours and excursions
-
The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited or day excursions occur may change due to operational restrictions, such as weather and accommodation availability.