A cute sloth enjoying a belly scratch in the Costa Rican rainforest

Arenal | Costarican Trails

Cheeky capuchin monkey | Sophie Panton

Coffee beans | Michele Eckersley

Best of Costa Rica

Name: Best of Costa Rica
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: BCR
Rating: 4.56 (9 reviews)

Discover Costa Rica’s rainforest, volcanoes and cloud forest on a well-paced journey of wildlife, nature & comfortable lodge stays.

Costa Rica

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9 reviews

8 Days from

$1890 USD

Trip Code: BCR

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement - 2026

$290 USD

Solo Traveller - 2026

$830 USD

Child - under 10 yrs (if sharing room with 2 adults)

$960 USD

Duration

8 Days

Activities

8 days adventure touring

Style

In Comfort Adventures

Accommodation

7 nights hotel/lodge

Meals

2 Dinners
3 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Carbon Footprint

33kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(231kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Cruise through the rainforest canals of Tortuguero National Park, spotting monkeys, caimans and toucans
Stay in eco-lodges surrounded by wildlife, waterways and jungle scenery
Discover exotic wildlife like turtles, sloths, iguanas, monkeys, birds, frogs, etc
Explore the Arenal Volcanic region and marvel at one of the most iconic volcanoes
Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most diverse tropical cloud forests in the world
Walk among the treetops on suspension bridges and ride the Sky Tram to the Continental Divide
Spend leisure time in San Jose, discovering markets, cafés and colonial charm

Overview

Costa Rica is one of the most ecologically diverse countries on earth, and this journey offers a rewarding introduction to its most remarkable landscapes. From comfortable lodges, you explore rainforest, waterways and highland cloud forest, experiencing the country’s natural richness at a well-paced rhythm.

In Tortuguero National Park, travel by boat through remote jungle canals where monkeys, toucans and caimans can often be seen among the dense vegetation. Continue to the Arenal region to admire the striking silhouette of the volcano and enjoy time to relax in thermal surroundings before crossing Lake Arenal to the cooler highlands of Monteverde.

In Monteverde, walk among the treetops on hanging bridges and discover the cloud forest with local naturalist guides, with opportunities to spot birdlife and learn more about this unique ecosystem. With comfortable eco-lodges, warm local hospitality and a thoughtful balance of nature, wildlife and culture, this journey is an ideal way to experience the highlights of Costa Rica in one seamless adventure.

Please note: This itinerary is not exclusive to World Expeditions and is subject to change due to weather and local conditions. It should be used as a guide only. The maximum group size is 20, although some services in Tortuguero may operate with larger groups during peak season. Bus transfers may have up to 50 passengers and boat transfers up to 40 passengers in high season. Guided touring is provided by local guides and some tours may be conducted in English and other languages. The trip is not escorted throughout, and at times you will travel by shuttle with a driver only. You may also travel with passengers from other operators, and group composition may vary during the trip.

Itinerary

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Bienvenidos a Costa Rica, Pura Vida. On arrival in San Jose, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or start exploring the city at your own pace. San Jose is a lively and walkable capital where tree-lined boulevards, colonial buildings and vibrant street life blend with museums, cafés and bustling local markets. Whether you want to stretch your legs or simply unwind, this is the perfect introduction to the rhythm and warmth of Costa Rican culture. Transfer time approx. 30–45 mins Overnight: D Sabana Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

You will be picked up early at your hotel to begin your adventure, travelling by shared ground transfer to Costa Rica's remote northern Caribbean coast. The journey is part of the experience, with a scenic drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park and the lush lowland rainforest. Stop for breakfast at a local restaurant before continuing to the river dock, where you board a boat for a relaxing cruise along jungle-lined canals. Keep watch for monkeys, toucans and crocodiles as you glide toward Tortuguero. Arrive at your eco-lodge, nestled between the waterways and the Caribbean Sea, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. In the afternoon, join a guided walk through Tortuguero village to learn about its Afro-Caribbean culture and the community's role in protecting the nearby national park and nesting sea turtles (if in season). Return to the lodge for a peaceful dinner surrounded by rainforest sounds. Activity duration: Approx. 5–6 hours including transfers and village visit Overnight: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Wake to the sounds of the rainforest and begin the day with a guided boat safari through the canals of Tortuguero National Park – a true jungle adventure. These lush waterways are teeming with wildlife, from sloths and howler monkeys to caimans and colourful tropical birds. Your expert naturalist guide will help you spot and understand the incredible biodiversity as you glide silently beneath the forest canopy. Return to the lodge for lunch and time to relax in the gardens or by the pool. In the afternoon, join a gentle guided walk along the lodge’s private trails and botanical garden, where you’ll gain a closer view of the region’s vibrant flora and delicate ecosystems. Dinner is served at the lodge. Activity duration: Approx. 3–4 hours guided activities Overnight: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, begin your journey from the Caribbean lowlands to the volcanic highlands of central Costa Rica. Travel by boat along the jungle canals of Tortuguero one last time, with a chance to spot early morning wildlife. Continue overland by bus to the town of Guapiles, where you’ll stop for a delicious local lunch. From here, travel by shuttle to the Arenal region, one of Costa Rica’s most scenic and activity-rich destinations. Known for its lush rainforest, abundant birdlife and the perfectly shaped Arenal Volcano, this region offers everything from cloud forests to thermal springs and a lake renowned for windsurfing. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and settle in with views of the surrounding forest and volcanic landscape. Activity duration: Approx. 5–6 hours travel time Overnight: Volcano Lodge or similar

Meals: B,L

After breakfast, we depart Arenal by road and boat, crossing Lake Arenal with scenic views of the volcano and forested slopes. This peaceful journey offers a unique perspective of the region, with opportunities to spot birdlife along the shoreline as you glide across the water. On the far side of the lake, continue by vehicle into the highlands of Monteverde, a region known for its cloud forests, coffee plantations and extraordinary biodiversity. With cooler air and mist drifting through the canopy, Monteverde offers a refreshing change of pace and a tranquil, nature-rich setting. Arrive mid-afternoon and enjoy time at leisure to settle in and take in the peaceful surroundings. Activity duration: Approx. 4–5 hours travel time Overnight: Trapp Family Lodge or similar

Meals: B

Begin the day with a guided walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where near-constant mist from Atlantic trade winds creates one of the world’s most unique and biodiverse ecosystems. With over 4m / 13ft of rainfall each year, the forest is alive with hummingbirds, howler monkeys and, if you are lucky, the elusive quetzal or bare-necked umbrella bird. Your guide will bring the forest to life as you explore under towering trees draped in moss and tangled vines. In the afternoon, experience the forest from a different perspective on the Sky Walk and Sky Tram. Cross a series of suspension bridges through the canopy before ascending by open-air gondola to the Continental Divide. From the top, enjoy panoramic views across the cloud forest, with glimpses of Arenal Volcano and the Nicoya Gulf on clear days. Activity duration: Approx. 3–4 hours combined Overnight: Trapp Family Lodge or similar

Meals: B

After breakfast, begin your return journey to San Jose, travelling from the highlands back through Costa Rica’s rural heartland. The drive reveals a changing landscape of misty cloud forests, coffee plantations and patchwork farmlands. On arrival in the capital, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore at your own pace. San Jose offers museums, galleries, bustling markets and cosy cafés, or simply enjoy your final evening reflecting on the adventure you’ve just had. Activity duration: Approx. 4–5 hours travel time Overnight: D Sabana Hotel or similar

Meals: B

After breakfast, your trip concludes with a group transfer to the airport for your onward flight. If you are planning to extend your journey in Costa Rica or elsewhere in Central America, we can assist with additional activities, side trips or accommodation to suit your plans. Transfer time approx. 30–45 mins

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

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What's included?

Included

Accommodation on a twin-share basis
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
All guide fees and entrance costs
Shuttle bus transfers / internal transport
Local guides (there is not 1 guide escorting you throughout)
All activities are on a shared service basis
Specialist guides in National Parks
Airport Transfers on first and last day of the trip
Medical Kit

Not included

Drinks of any kind (e.g. bottled water, soft drinks, beers etc)
Items of a personal nature ie laundry, phone calls
International airfares and airport taxes
Meals not described in itinerary
Travel insurance
Tips
Visas

Reviews (9)

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Responsible travel

Extra trip info

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Not for the entire trip. This itinerary uses specialist local guides in each region, rather than one guide throughout. In places like Tortuguero, Arenal and Monteverde, you’ll be met by expert naturalist or activity guides who know their local environment inside-out. This ensures you get the deepest experience in each location, with support from a dedicated team handling all logistics between stops. Transfers and handovers are seamless and well-coordinated.

Yes. This trip is ideal for active families with children aged 10 and up who are comfortable with nature-based activities, boat travel and warm climates. The itinerary balances gentle adventure with downtime, making it engaging without being overwhelming.

Costa Rica is a year-round destination. Wildlife viewing is excellent in both green and dry seasons, and departures run daily. The most popular periods are December to April (dry season) and July to August, but the itinerary runs beautifully at any time.

Yes – depending on the time of year, you may have the chance to witness sea turtles nesting during your stay in Tortuguero. The main egg-laying season for green sea turtles runs from July to October, with peak activity in August and September. If travelling during this period, optional guided night walks may be available through the lodge, offering the opportunity to see turtles laying eggs on the beach.

All turtle watching activities are conducted in strict accordance with our Animal Welfare Policy, with experienced local guides who ensure minimal disturbance and protection to wildlife. Viewing is not guaranteed, as sightings depend on timing, weather and natural behavior – but when it does happen, it’s an unforgettable experience.

The trip is graded Introductory to Moderate. Most activities are low-impact – including boat cruises, nature walks and short guided hikes – with longer travel days balanced by time to relax. It’s well-suited to active travellers without needing specialist fitness.

Yes. We stay in hand-picked eco-lodges that offer clean, comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and warm local hospitality. While remote in some areas (like Tortuguero), each lodge has been chosen for its setting, sustainability and guest experience