Take a coast-to-coast tour of Costa Rica, experiencing the best of the city, jungle, cloud forest and beaches.

Get ready for a complete immersion into Costa Rica. It starts with a stay near San José before venturing to Tortuguero on the Caribbean Coast. Then it’s to the inland jungles of Arenal and Monteverde before a relaxing few days on the shores of the Pacific Coast.

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12 nights
San José, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, Nicoya Peninsula, San José

Recommended itinerary

Day 1-2

San José

Arrive in San José, capital of Costa Rica. You’ll acclimatise in the splendid Xandari Resort & Spa, just 30 minutes out of the city (so no long transfer after your long-haul flight). It’s set on 40 acres of forest trails, rivers, and waterfalls, and its hilltop setting will give you a real sense of place. Rest up: the true adventure kicks off tomorrow…

Days 2-4

Tortuguero

There’s a three-hour drive northeast this morning, and on arrival at the La Pavona Dock, you’ll set off on an hour-long boat trip to the Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero National Park. This intriguing pocket of Costa Rica is a network of canals flanked by dense jungle and only reachable by boat. You can choose two tours each day of your two days here. Perhaps you’ll take a natural history boat trip to understand how this wonderland formed, opt for a twilight tour when nocturnal species emerge, or find out how the locals live on a visit to a village.

Days 4-6

La Fortuna

Head west to Arenal to stay near the imposing Arenal Volcano. At the Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa, days can be spent hiking across the lava fields of Arenal Volcano National Park, taking sunset strolls to look and listen for birds, or soaking in the nearby Titokú hot springs.

Days 6-8

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Memorable moments await in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where you’ll stay at Hotel Belmar for the next two nights. Eco-adventures are the name of the game here, with guided hikes, birdwatching tours and ziplining to try.

Days 8-12

Nicoya Peninsula

Four nights on the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula allow you to continue the thrills — there’s more ziplining, monkey-spotting, and horse riding to do in these parts. Or take the ten-minute stroll from hotel Punta Islita to the beach for some well-earned downtime on Pacific Ocean shores.

Days 12-13

San José

A final night back at the Xandari Resort & Spa bookends your holiday nicely. Take a moment to savour the views and enjoy the hospitality and farm-fresh food. Your return flight will board all too soon — but wow, what an adventure you’ve had.