itinerary
Day 1: Arrive San Jose
Upon arrival at San Jose Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Hotel Presidente, San Jose
Meals included: breakfast
Day 2: San Jose to Tortuguero National Park (4.5 hrs drive)
Today take a 3.5 hour shared transfer with a stop for breakfast en route, followed by a one hour journey by motorised canoe to Tortuguero National Park, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. Arrive at your accommodation in time for lunch. Known as the ‘little Amazon’, Tortuguero is home to an impressive variety of birds and animals, including large numbers of caimans, macaws, and howler and capuchin monkeys. Activities available during your stay including a guided jungle walk, a visit to the local village, and a boat tour of the national park’s waterways. Activities take place in small groups with other guests from the lodge.
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
Meals included: full board
Day 3: Jungle hike and boat tour of Tortuguero National Park
Today’s activities may include a guided hike in the jungle around the lodge and a boat tour of Tortuguero's canals. Late July to September sees turtle hatching and nesting season within the national park, and is a huge draw for nature lovers. The main action takes place after nightfall, when hundreds of turtles emerge from the sea to lay their eggs in the sandy beach. If you are extremely lucky you might see the hatchlings emerge from their eggs and make their own way back down to the ocean. Note this seasonal activity is subject to permit availability, and that allocated viewing sessions may be late at night.
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
Meals included: full board
Day 4: Tortuguero to Arenal (4 hrs drive)
This morning take a one hour boat transfer followed by a shared one hour drive to Guapiles. Here you will rendezvous with your hire car which you will collect and then self-drive to Arenal (saving you having to return all the way to San Jose). Private transfers are available as an upgrade; if you don't want to self-drive, please ask us for a quote with transfers.
Accommodation: Casa Luna, Arenal
Meals included: breakfast
Day 5: Arenal – Volcano hike
In the morning, hike the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park and learn about the history of this rugged and fascinating area. Weather permitting, you will enjoy spectacular views of the volcano, along with the opportunity to walk on the dry lava fields. Although there have been no eruptions since 2010, visitors may occasionally hear the volcano rumbling and observe vapour clouds emerging from the crater. There should be good potential for wildlife viewing, as the ash layer in the soil has limited the surrounding tree growth. In the afternoon, we would suggest visiting one of the many hot springs in the area (see https://www.tourdust.com/blog/posts/hot-springs-in-costa-rica) or for a more cooling swim, the beautiful waterfalls of La Fortuna. Arenal plays host to a wide and excellent variety of activities, from specialised nature tours to high adrenaline zip wires and rafting; get in touch to discuss the options.
Accommodation: Casa Luna, Arenal
Meals included: breakfast
Day 6: Arenal to Nosara on the Pacific Coast (4.5 hrs drive)
It is a picturesque drive west to the Pacific Coast. Our favourite beach town on the Pacific Coast is Nosara. Nosara combines superb beaches with a laid-back atmosphere, and its unique offering of world class surf, yoga, great food, coffee, and craft beer is hard to beat. Playa Pelada is best for swimming and enjoying the sunsets, while Playa Guiones is the main surf beach with miles of golden sands lapped by consistent and clean 3-5 foot waves, ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers, and anyone who likes playing in the waves. There are a handful of surf hire shops in town, and lessons are easy to arrange.
Accommodation: The Gilded Iguana, Nosara
Meals included: breakfast
Day 7: Pacific Coast - Nosara
If surfing’s not for you, then it’s possible to rent a body-board and play around in the waves. Nosara also has miles of mountain biking trails to explore, plus it’s known for being Costa Rica's premier yoga location. Yoga is on offer not only at the hotel but also at the renowned Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, which offers daily classes to anyone who wishes to sign up. The nearby Ostional Beach offers some of the best turtle viewing in Costa Rica (seasonal). Turtles return to land to nest in the evenings, particularly during full moons. Ask at your hotel and they will let you know the best time to visit, and arrange a tour for you.
Accommodation: The Gilded Iguana, Nosara
Meals included: breakfast
Day 8: Pacific Coast - Nosara
Another full day at leisure. Eating out in Nosara is fantastic fun, with half a dozen good restaurants to choose from, each with a buzzing atmosphere. 10 Pies (pizzas and swing chairs), Burgers & Beer (craft beer and burgers), El Chivo Cantina (tex mex and live music), La Luna (beachfront fine dining and sunsets) and Beach Dog Cafe (live music, tacos and cocktails) are all great options.
Accommodation: The Gilded Iguana, Nosara
Meals included: breakfast
Day 9: Pacific Coast to San Jose
Drive back to San Jose (4.5 hours). If self-driving, we will arrange for your car to be picked up from your hotel in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Buena Vista, San Jose
Meals included: breakfast
Day 10: Departure
Final transfer to the airport for your journey home.
