Day : 1
Arrive San José
Number of Days : 1
Meet up with your Trip Manage & fellow Contiki travellers before heading out to explore. Experience daily Costa Rican life at the Plaza & sample local delicacies at the Mercado Central (Central Market).
Day : 2
San José to Tortuguero
Number of Days : 1
Say farewell to the big city vibe as we get an early start and depart San José for Tortuguero National Park. We’ll make our way there through Braulio Carrillo National Park, where you’ll check out the beautiful views & native vegetation found here.
Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica's most popular eco-tourism destinations & is famous the world over. The canals and rivers are known as a place for studying the rainforest, freshwater and marine biology, especially its sea turtles. The park and small village of Tortuguero itself can only be accessed by boat or small aircraft, so we’ll head there by boat – perfect for a different angle on this stunning region & a cool way to get your local fix. This place will leave you impressed, with little lodges & hotels, friendly locals & is known as one of the world's major nesting sites for the Atlantic green turtle & if you’re here during July through October then you might even see them.
We’ll make a stop for breakfast before continuing on past banana plantations to the dock where we’ll board the boat to the lodge. As we make our way through the Tortuguero canals keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way. We’ll arrive around early afternoon, where lunch will be served, then after a short stop in the village to check out the local vibe, we’ll head back to the lodge for a chilled afternoon working on your tan by the pool and getting to know your travel mates.
Day : 3
Tortuguero
Number of Days : 1
In one of the eco-tourism hotspots, pass by plantations and travel through a lush tropical rainforest, meander on the rivers and canals which offer breathtaking views of the Costa Rican forest and mangrove swamps.
Finally, visit the stunning coastline and prepare for a once in a lifetime moment as you watch the the turtles nest or give birth!
Day : 4
Tortuguero to Sarapiqui
Number of Days : 1
Next up our overnight Eco Camp in Sarapiqui - it's perfect for those who love to relax! You'll discover the rainforest & learn about one of mankind's favourite treats on our chocolate tour in the Tirimbina reserve before a BBQ feast this evening.
Day : 5
Sarapiqui to Arenal/La Fortuna
Number of Days : 1
This morning, its all go! We leave it up to you, with choices a canopy tour (zipline) for birds-eye views over the rainforest or rapelling (abseiling) for that adrenalin fix, whatever you’re into is included! With your adrenalin fix had, it’s back on land before heading to Costa Rica’s famed Arenal Volcano after lunch.
Arenal’s perfectly symmetrical shape will impress, and being home to loads of outdoor activities makes it an easy place to check things off your “must-do in Costa Rica” list. The area is also known for its spa & mud pool treatments, so if you’re feeling up for it then it’s the ideal place to treat yourself & relax.
Day : 6
Arenal/La Foruna to Playa Tamarindo
Number of Days : 1
Today we head to the pacific coast to spend a couple of days in Playa Tamarindo, known for its great surfing beaches & party feel.
Day : 7
Arenal/La Fortuna
Number of Days : 1
This morning get into the adventure that Costa Rica is known for, adventure and nature! Maybe visit La Fortuna waterfall or try canyoneering/rappelling through a rain forest canyon. This afternoon relax by the pool or head into town for a bit of shopping.
Later on this afternoon experience the traditional Costa Rican “Tico” way of life. Our visit to Rio Fortuna La Casona will start by introducing us to the students of a local school where they will perform their local folk dances. You’ll love meeting the local students & watching them perform live. Even better is that we are giving back too, with our visit proceeds go towards supporting the school.
A place full of history, culture and traditions this country estate allows us a peek into the way life used to be here. We’ll see how sugar cane was processed and after we’ll head to a local farm where we will tour the plantation and meet the owner.
Later, we’ll head back to La Casona for a delicious home-cooked dinner, done the old fashion way on a wood stove. It’s your chance to get hands on as you learn how to make traditional Costa Rican coffee & delicious fresh made tortillas. Learning from the locals is a great way to get that authentic angle & pick up some new skills in the kitchen. We think indulging in the results is the perfect way to end the lesson too. Yum!
You’ll love this unique meal & you’ll love the way it’s served, dished up in the traditional way on a banana leaf. No meal would be complete without some fresh coffee, famous homemade coffee liquor, with entertainment from our hosts Milton & Eli. It’s the perfect end to the day.
Day : 8
Playa Tamarindo
Number of Days : 1
Get into the laid back vibe of this beach town, try your hand at surfing, snorkelling or diving. This afternoon join us on an optional catamaran cruise.
Day : 9
Playa Tamarindo to Monteverde
Number of Days : 1
Today it’s on to Monteverde, Costa Rica’s most popular reserve. It’s one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics, filled with cloud forests, coffee plantations, monkeys, mist & friendly locals. This afternoon we hike into the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
Day : 10
Monteverde
Number of Days : 1
It's an early start this morning as we visit Selvatura Park to walk the hanging bridges, visit the butterfly Sanctuary and for the thrill seekers opt in for ziplining. This afternoon learn the A-Z about Costa Rica's famous coffee.
Day : 11
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Number of Days : 1
It’s all sun & good times this morning, we’re off to the beautiful beaches of the Costa Rican Central Pacific coast! We’ll make a stop in Jaco then Quepos before arriving at Manuel Antonio, a haven for those who love to relax.
Day : 12
Manuel Antonio
Number of Days : 1
This morning is all about doing your own thing. Hit the beach with your iPad & a book, head out to explore the town or just sit with a drink & work on your tan. This afternoon opt in for a horse ride through the jungle & the Tacori waterfalls.
Day : 13
Manuel Antonio
Number of Days : 1
It’s time to get active & walk with our expert guide through the exotic, bio-diverse tropical rainforest of Manuel Antonio National Park. This afternoon join us on an optional catamaran cruise. Set sail on our awesome boat trip to spot many dolphins, whales, sea turtles & birds. Don’t forget your swimming gear for swim stops & snorkelling.
Day : 14
Manuel Antonio to San José
Number of Days : 1
This morning you can relax in paradise or for the adventure lovers get your final fix with a kayak excursion before we head back to San José where your tour ends on arrival. Pura Vida!
