Costa Rica Tours
Escorted Tour of Costa Rica
A 13 day tour with a focus on the best sustainable tourism in Costa Rica.
Tour Overview
Set off on an extraordinary 13-day adventure through Costa Rica. This country is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture. First, your journey begins in Turrialba, where you'll soak in the tranquil charm of rural Costa Rican life. Then explore the striking Irazú Volcano and discover the artistry behind coffee production at Aquiares Estate. Lush landscapes form the backdrop to it all.
In Tortuguero, the serene waterways and abundant national park wildlife promise unforgettable encounters. Here you navigate through jungle-lined canals and visit a sea turtle conservation centre. You also unwind in the heart of this tropical paradise. The adventure then continues in Sarapiquí, where you'll learn about sustainable farming practices. In addition, you'll engage in the traditional art of chocolate making. Finally, a warm homestay with a local family offers a personal glimpse into the essence of Costa Rican rural life.
The iconic Arenal Volcano awaits you in La Fortuna. Here you can hike ancient lava flows and enjoy the region's stunning beauty. Meanwhile, Monteverde's mystical cloud forests, bursting with biodiversity, provide a haven for nature lovers. Walk along hanging bridges and verdant trails, uncovering hidden marvels above the forest floor.
As your journey draws to a close, visit Carara National Park, famous for its scarlet macaws and diverse ecosystems. After that, you arrive in Manuel Antonio. Here, unspoiled beaches and vibrant coral reefs invite you to relax. Alternatively, partake in adventures, from snorkelling to exploring nearby reserves.
With knowledgeable guides and immersive experiences at every turn, this tour unveils Costa Rica's heart and soul. As a result, it leaves you with lasting memories of its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica! You will arrive in the afternoon, and your English-speaking guide will meet you at the airport. They will then take you to the hotel for the first two nights in Turrialba. Your guide will also give you a detailed explanation of the tour and important complementary information for your enjoyment. Turrialba is a quiet small town and an authentic Costa Rican place. It offers charming street corners and gorgeous views of Costa Rica's rural countryside.
Overnight in Hotel Guayabo Lodge, Turrialba
DAY 2
Irazú Volcano and Aquiares Coffee Tour
Enjoy your breakfast before we begin the day's excursion. We travel through many small villages and viewpoints over the Central Valley, ascending the Irazú Volcano. It stands 3,432m above sea level. On very clear days, you can see both the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. However, it may be quite cold up there. We then visit the Aquiares Coffee Estate, the largest continuous coffee farm in Costa Rica. It has been Rainforest Alliance Certified since 2003 and Carbon Neutral since 2016. The tour takes you through the whole coffee production process, from cultivation to the cup. Along the way, you also visit a picturesque village church and a Ceiba Tree viewpoint. Finally, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Hotel Guayabo Lodge, Turrialba · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 3
Tortuguero
Very early in the morning, you transfer to the Caribbean Lowland, passing through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Breakfast is served near Guápiles. From here you join the collective Tortuguero tour, passing numerous banana plantations. Then you board a boat through the impressive channels of Tortuguero to the jungle lodge. There, a welcome cocktail and buffet lunch greet you. In the afternoon, an excursion takes you to the village of Tortuguero. Here you can visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy (entrance fee payable locally). You can also walk around the village or along the beach. Because the boats have limited carrying capacity, luggage allowance is restricted to 12kg per person.
Overnight in Hotel Laguna Lodge, Tortuguero · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 4
Tortuguero National Park
Today you will explore Tortuguero National Park with two boat tours. One is early in the morning and another is in the afternoon. Your guide and boatmen will help you spot animals such as monkeys, lizards, caimans, turtles, bats, and many bird species. You'll also explore the lodge's walking trails. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to stroll through the gardens and relax by the pool.
Overnight in Hotel Laguna Lodge, Tortuguero · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5
Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
After breakfast at the lodge, you begin your return journey by boat to Caño Blanco Dock/La Pavona Dock. From there, your private guide and transport will transfer you near Guápiles for lunch. Afterwards, you continue to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. It is one of the last places you can see the endangered Green Macaw. It is also home to several nature reserves, protected areas and national parks. Finally, dinner is served at a local restaurant.
Overnight in La Quinta Sarapiqui Lodge · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6
Organic Farm Tour and Santa Rosa de Pocosol
Experience the traditional process of making chocolate on a tour. It begins with a short walk to a former cocoa plantation in the Tirimbina forest. Here you learn the natural and cultural history of the cocoa tree. You also taste different kinds of chocolate prepared in the traditional way. Next, visit the Gómez family at their Finca Surá in Chilamate de Sarapiquí. Here you learn about cultivating citrus, manioc, sugarcane, pineapple and more in harmony with nature. You can even plant some pineapple seedlings yourself before a typical lunch. Finally, the day ends at the Juanilama Agro-Ecological Community, a rural village of around a hundred inhabitants. There you'll get to know a local family, learn banana-paper making, and share dinner with them.
Overnight in A family home in Juanilama Agro-Ecological Community (room with shared bathroom) · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7
La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano
After a typical Costa Rican breakfast, take part in the villagers' daily tasks on a farmers' tour. Then say goodbye to your new friends and travel to La Fortuna, home to the Arenal Volcano. Activity has decreased in recent years. However, the sight of this colossus remains a natural spectacle. Dinner is served at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight in Montaña de Fuego, La Fortuna · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 8
La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano
Start with a leisurely hike to the foot of the volcano. You walk along one of the trails over the lava flow from the 1968 eruption. There is also the possibility of spectacular 360° viewpoints over the Arenal Volcano and Lake. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore La Fortuna, one of the most complete destinations in the area. For example, it offers adventure activities such as canopy tours, rafting, safari, horseback riding, rappelling and cycling. In addition, there are nature walks, caverns, waterfalls and suspension bridges.
Overnight in Montaña de Fuego, La Fortuna · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9
Monteverde
After breakfast you transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde, a destination for nature lovers. It centres on the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. The reserve is world-renowned for its biodiversity and contribution to conservation and scientific research. In the afternoon, explore the mystical cloud forest. It is home to more than 130 species of mammals and 500 species of birds. In addition, there are 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and over 3,000 plant species including 500 types of orchid.
Overnight in Hotel Montaña Monteverde · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10
Monteverde
Today's tour takes you to Selvatura Park. This nature and adventure park protects over 850 acres of the Monteverde cloud forest. It offers a butterfly garden, sloth sanctuary, hummingbird garden and reptile museum. Above all, it is famous for its hanging bridges connecting nature trails over the forest canopy. Meanwhile, your expert naturalist guide will point out the flora and fauna of the highest level of the forest. Afterwards, the afternoon is at your leisure.
Overnight in Hotel Montaña Monteverde · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 11
Carara National Park and Manuel Antonio
Leaving Monteverde, visit Carara National Park, which protects 4,700 hectares of rainforest and river habitat. It has hiking trails and boat tours on the Tarcoles River, home to large crocodiles. The park also protects an abundance of wildlife including armadillos, sloths, monkeys and anteaters. However, most visitors come for the birdwatching, especially the breeding scarlet macaws. You then continue to Manuel Antonio and check in at your beach hotel. After that, your private guide and driver will say goodbye and return to San José.
Overnight in Hotel Villas Lirio, Manuel Antonio · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12
Manuel Antonio
Today is a full day at leisure with no activities included. Therefore, enjoy the sun, waves and sea breeze. Alternatively, choose from activities including fishing, canopy tours, visits to national parks and biological reserves, swimming, diving and surfing. Please note the National Park is closed on Tuesdays. In addition, you must book the entrance ticket in advance via the park's own website.
Overnight in Hotel Villas Lirio, Manuel Antonio · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13
Manuel Antonio to Juan Santamaría International Airport
After breakfast, your trip comes to an end. A bus with a Spanish-speaking driver picks you up early in the morning from your hotel in Manuel Antonio. It then takes you to the international airport. Therefore, please book a flight that departs after 16:00. For earlier departures, please check with us because additional transfer fees may apply.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Transport throughout
All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
Daily breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
Services of a local expert English speaking guide
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
A minimum of 3 people is required for the tour to run, with a maximum of 12. This tour is also available as a private departure – contact us for details.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy. Get in touch if you’d like to check availability or discuss a private departure on different dates.
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Costa Rica.
Citizens of the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries need no visa for a stay up to 90 days. Similarly, citizens of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland need no visa for stays up to 30 days. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. In addition, you should confirm all visa-related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
There are no compulsory vaccinations for this tour. However, we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Also take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites, including repellent and long trousers/sleeves when necessary. Many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This applies if you are travelling from infected areas. Therefore, please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
It is a condition of booking with Our Local Tour that you have adequate valid travel insurance. This must fully cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including medical emergency helicopter evacuation. It must also cover the entire duration of your holiday. In addition, it must cover all activities you intend to undertake, including optional activities.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing is essential in midsummer. However, a warmer jumper is advisable for cooler evenings in the highlands, especially in Monteverde. A good waterproof is also essential, and you should consider waterproof trousers. The jungle lowlands are hot and muggy, and it can rain at any time of year. Therefore, we recommend long trousers and long-sleeved shirts on jungle walks. Lightweight trail/walking boots are ideal for jungle walks, alongside comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals. In addition, we recommend waterproof footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent, a water bottle, and binoculars for bird and animal spotting. Finally, we suggest a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure our local guides all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a job well done with a tip. As a guideline, we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week. Your guide may also organise a voluntary group tips kitty for included activities and meals. For this, we'd suggest allowing around US$30 (approx. 18,000 Colones).
The Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is the local currency. You can change money in advance or on arrival at the airport. There you will find both ATMs and a Bureau de Change. USD are also accepted in some shops and restaurants. In addition, we recommend taking some emergency cash in USD because the GBP exchange rate isn't very good. However, notes should be in good condition or they may not be accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants, although some may add a service charge.
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