Once you’ve touched down to San Jose, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your driver and taken to your accommodation. San José, located at about 3,770ft. (1,253 m.) above sea level, is a metropolitan city and sits in a high valley between green volcanic mountains. Depending on the time of your arrival in Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose, you will have the rest of the day free to explore, either meandering at will or doing the self-guided ‘San Jose Like a Local’ walking tour.
Don’t let “capital” intimidate you – San Jose is small enough to navigate by foot and grand enough to keep you entertained all day.
With some beautiful 19th century architecture buildings to admire, independently owned coffee shops brewing local beans to visit, several parks and museums to explore, there’s no chance you’ll miss an opportunity to enjoy authentic Costa Rican culture. If you want to save seeing the highlights of Costa Rica’s charming capital city until a later moment, you can use the rest of today to walk through the colorful Mercado Central. Make sure to stop for a ‘casado’ (traditional plate of rice and beans, beef or fish, plantain and salad) or, a freshly brewed coffee and soak up the atmosphere of the Central Market.
Included: Private transfer from San Jose airport to hotel in San Jose; Accommodation in San Jose in one Family Room, although for the superior option at Gran Hotel we are offering 2 interconnected rooms. (Meals – None).

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View Travel Guide for Tortuguero
After an early start you begin your journey across Costa Rica to Tortuguero. This Caribbean delta is the key nesting site for green turtles in the whole region and known for the lushness of its rainforest and the amazing tropical life that it supports. Along the way you’ll stop for a traditional breakfast after which you continue your trip inland by shared lodge transfer to the port, driving past many banana plantations.
Here, you’ll board a motor boat to continue your journey to the lodge through the Tortuguero canals as this area is not accessible by land. By lunchtime you’ll arrive at your lodge on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean side, where the staff will welcome you with a refreshing cocktail. Your room will be assigned and the bilingual naturalist guide that will accompany you on this trip will explain the afternoon activities for you and your group.
After lunch, you’ll visit the colorful village of Tortuguero where you’ll learn about the lifestyle of the residents, be able to shop for local Afro-Caribbean handicrafts, and take in the Caribbean atmosphere (included in your package). The small village of Tortuguero lives entirely off eco-tourism and the conservation of sea turtles.  Returning to the lodge, the rest of the afternoon is free for a siesta, a dip in the pool or a stroll on the property grounds before dinner.
Note: activities may vary depending on the lodge you stay.
Included: Package Tour Shared Transfer from San Jose to Tortuguero by land and boat transfers, Visit to Tortuguero Town in shared group service, Accommodation in Tortuguero (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
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Today, you will enjoy the Tortuguero National Park wildlife by boat (time of the day and order depends on your lodge). As you glide through the creeks and lagoons, you’ll be able to see all sorts of birdlife, as well as monkeys, caiman and river turtles (included in your package). The rest of the day is free for you to relax or take some extra optional excursions.

We recommend joining the guided nature walk on the lodge grounds to explore the mysterious Tortuguero Jungle further. Tortuguero is the primary nesting site for the Green Turtle and during the turtle season (roughly July – October). Arriving early on in the season you may be lucky enough to see the larger Leatherback Turtle also come ashore to lay their eggs. Don’t worry if you’re not in Tortuguero during the turtle nesting season as there is plenty of wildlife to keep you occupied. If you visit later in the season (November – January), although it’s very unlikely that you’ll experience the turtles coming to nest, you might have the pleasure of being able to witness the baby turtles make their first dash into the waves.
Included: Package Tour Guided Eco Boat trip exploring Tortuguero’ s wildlife in shared group service, Guided Nature Walk on lodge property (or if staying at Manatus Hotel a second eco-boat tour) in shared group service, Entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park for boat tour; Accommodation in Tortuguero (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
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After breakfast you will travel by boat back through the verdant waterways of Tortuguero. Arriving back at the port, your lodge’s shuttle bus will take you to the lunch restaurant near Guapiles. From here (Guapiles), you will continue your journey to Arenal, this drive is approximately 4 hours long.

As you approach the town of La Fortuna, one of the first things you’ll see is the Arenal Volcano. Although it is no longer spewing out hot lava
your first sighting of the sleeping giant will always be the most memorable as it rises up high above the surrounding landscape. Depending on the time of your arrival to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the Arenal Volcano and having settled in to your accommodation, the rest of the day is free to explore or relax.
Included: Package Tour Shared boat and land transfer from Tortuguero to Guapiles, Shared transfer from Guapiles (Tortuguero connection point) to Arenal, Accommodation around la Fortuna / Arenal in one Family Room (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch).
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View Travel Guide for Arenal Volcano
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and enjoy two great opportunities with a local touch to do near the Arenal Volcano: a horseback riding at the base of the Arenal Volcano as well as a nature hike to the La Fortuna Waterfall Tour. You will be picked up at your hotel and drive outside of La Fortuna town. Here your horseback ride through the Costa Rican countryside and along private pastures at the base of the Arenal Volcano will start.

You’ll ride for approximately an hour, crossing two creeks and witnessing gorgeous views of the majestic Arenal Volcano along the way while heading towards the La Fortuna Waterfall. Here, you’ll dismount your horse and hike over 300 steps down until you reach the swimming hole at the foot of this impressive waterfall. This waterfall is a must-see when you come to the Arenal Area. Its cascading 150-ft crystalline waters are refreshing and the exuberant nature that surrounds this secluded canyon will astound. The base of the waterfall offers a perfect place to swim, relax, and take photos. On your way back, you’ll stop by a little thatched-roof cabin to learn about the Maleku, one of Costa Rica’s few remaining indigenous tribes that originates in the Arenal area.
Arriving back in the town of La Fortuna, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or take an optional excursion. After a morning hike, we recommend taking a soak at the hot springs warmed by the heart of the Arenal Volcano.
Note: Please note that the minimum age for horseback riding is 8 years old. Alternatively we could offer the Fortuna Waterfall combined with a Chocolate Tour (please indicate upon booking).
Included: Half Day Horseback Riding to Fortuna Waterfall and Maleku Indigenous Community in Group service with Transfer and Entrance fee, Accommodation around la Fortuna / Arenal in one Family Room (Meals – Breakfast).
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Leaving the Arenal volcano behind, you will continue your journey to the Savegre River, the drive is approximately 5 hours long. Arriving at the Rafiki Luxury Tent Campsite surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and situated on the shore of the scenic Savegre River, you’ll have time to settle into your comfortable tent. The campsite is just 21 miles (34km) up the mountain from Manuel Antonio but this part of Costa Rica is quite remote and untouched.
This isn’t just any old tent, and although set in the middle of the wilderness, the tents at Rafiki are extremely comfortable and each has a unique view into the surrounding jungle where you’ll be able to spot its colorful inhabitants going about their daily business. The Savegre Valley is a tropical wilderness and nature and the adventures here are unparalleled in Costa Rica.
After settling in, the rest of the day is free to relax, for a dip in the pool with a great waterslide – or to pay a visit to the Tapir Rescue Project. In the evening you could enjoy a delicious South African Braai (BBQ) before falling asleep in your tent listening to the calls of the wildlife around you and dreaming about the great adventures that are waiting for you tomorrow.
Included: Private transfer from Arenal to the Savegre River; Accommodation at Rafiki Tent Camp in one Family Tent (Meals – Breakfast).
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This morning you’ll wake up to the sound of birds and monkeys and the relaxing murmur of the river. Head to the main lodge where a nice breakfast awaits you, before going off on one of the activities. The most adventurous of the activities on offer is to go White Water Rafting on the Savegre River. You can also choose to go horseback riding or on a guided hike led by the resident biologist and be blown away by the impressive ecology with many types of birds, waterfalls, orchids and butterflies.

Following a day of adventure and exercise feel free to book a relaxing massage from the resident masseuse before enjoying another delicious dinner in the main lodge.
Included activities: One activity of your choice: either White Water Rafting, Horseback Riding or Waterfall hike in shared group service;
Please note that the minimum age for rafting is 8 years old. Meals – Breakfast, Lunch.
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Leaving the Savegre River behind, you will continue your journey to Manuel Antonio, the drive is approximately 1 hour long.

Situated high above the diverse National Park and pristine beaches, Manuel Antonio is famed for its endless ocean views and lush tropical forests with numerous wildlife. From your Manuel Antonio hotel you will be picked up to go on a canopy zip-line adventure, suitable for the whole family.
Your guide will give you a talk about how to run the course and provide you with the safety measures before you get suited up with canopy gear and safety equipment. Imagine yourself soaring high above the jungle floor as you fly through tree tops, amongst beautiful primary and secondary forest. The tour consists of 12 cables and 22 platforms, one rappel, one Tarzan swing and a tree top suspension bridge and during your journey the guide will point out and explain the different wildlife found among the layers of virgin and secondary rainforest vegetation.
The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure and enjoy the sunset over the pacific! Tonight, you can go out to a few of the lively local restaurants where you can enjoy a nice dinner and perhaps an Imperial or two (the best local beer in our opinion!) or a refreshing fruit shake.
Included: Shared transfer from Savegre River to Manuel Antonio, Half Day Canopy Zip-line tour in Group service with Transfer; Accommodation in Manuel Antonio in one Family Room, although for the luxury option at Arenas del Mar we are offering 2 interconnecting rooms (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch).
Note: Please note that the minimum age for the canopy zip-line tour is 6 years old.
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View Travel Guide for Manuel Antonio
After breakfast you will be picked up at your hotel for a half day sailing cruise along the beautiful coastline of Quepos and the Manuel Antonio National Park with its uninhabited islands, small coves and deserted beaches.  You will board the sailing vessel at the Quepos wharf for a half day tour, where you will enjoy great views of the ocean and the surrounding little islands in the area. You may even spot dolphins, sea turtles and (if it is the right time of year) migrating whales.
During your cruise, natural drinks, soda, water and beer is available. After enjoying the different islands, the trimaran continues sailing to an off-coast spot near a beautiful beach called Bizans, where you will be provided with appropriate snorkeling equipment for a nice underwater experience. After the snorkeling a nice lunch or an early dinner will be served, according to the time schedule of the tour. After enjoying the beauty of sea, sun, sand, and the fresh ocean air, you return to the dock where you will disembark with great memories of this ocean experience.
Included: Half Day Sailing Tour and Snorkeling in Group service with Transfer; Accommodation in Manuel Antonio in one Family Room, although for the luxury option at Arenas del Mar we are offering 2 interconnecting rooms (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch).
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Today is left free for you to choose your own activity, either exploring on your own or booking an optional excursion. The Manuel Antonio National Park is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, hidden coves and forest trails and visiting this park cannot be missed. Here you can encounter toucans, two-and three-toed sloths, raccoons, coatis, snakes and various species of monkeys. This is almost the only place where the rare squirrel monkeys still exist in the wild!
At the entrance to the park you can book a walking tour with a nature guide who will help you spot wildlife and take photos at long range with a special telescope.
Tip: you can explore the Manuel Antonio National Park very easily on your own; there are guides at the entrance in case you would like to go with a guide. The park fee is about USD $16. Please note the park is closed on Tuesdays.
Included: Accommodation in Manuel Antonio in one Family Room, although for the luxury option at Arenas del Mar we are offering 2 interconnecting rooms (Meals – Breakfast).
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Enjoy some last views over the Pacific and then it’s time to say goodbye to this tropical country with its wide diversity in ecosystems and natural beauty. You will continue your journey to the International Airport for your flight out. We wish you a pleasant flight and great memories of Costa Rica!
Note: It is a 4 hrs. drive to San Jose Airport (SJO) and you would need to be at the airport 3 hrs. prior to your flight.
Included: Private transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose Airport (Meals – Breakfast (Depending on your departure time).