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

Discover Costa Rica’s wildlife, volcanoes and cloud forests on a nature-packed adventure from jungle to highlands

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 7 reviews

8 Days from

$1720 USD

Trip Code: BCR
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement - 2026
$290 USD
Single Supplement - 2025
$350 USD
Solo Traveller - 2026
$830 USD
Solo Traveller - 2025
$890 USD
Child - under 10 yrs (if sharing room with 2 adults)
$960 USD

Duration

  • 8 Days

Activities

  • 8 days adventure touring

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 takes you deep into its most remarkable regions. Travel by boat through the remote canals of Tortuguero National Park, where monkeys, toucans and caimans thrive in dense rainforest. Explore the iconic Arenal Volcano and unwind in thermal surroundings before crossing Lake Arenal into the cooler highlands of Monteverde. Walk through the cloud forest canopy on hanging bridges and spot rare birdlife with the help of local naturalist guides. With comfortable eco-lodges, warm hospitality and a focus on nature and culture, this trip is the perfect way to experience the best of Costa Rica in one well-paced adventure.

Please note: This itinerary is not exclusive to World Expeditions and is subject to change due to weather conditions and circumstances beyond our control. It should be used as a guide only. Group size for this trip is a maximum of 20, however services for the first section of the trip in Tortuguero can have a larger group size in peak season. Transfers in busses can have up to 50 people and boat transfers up to 40 people in high season. You will be accompanied by local guides who may conduct the day tours in English and other languages. The touring sections are guided and at other times you will be transported on a shuttle bus by a driver – the trip is not escorted throughout. You may travel with other people from other operators worldwide in a group and groups may consist of different travellers each day.

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 (7)

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