Adventure in Costa Rica: from Tortuguero to Pacuare route

DAY 1

San José

Welcome to Costa Rica!

As soon as you come out the Juan Santamaria International Airport our driver will be waiting for you to continue to the hotel. You can ask any information to your driver or you can request him to take you to our offices. He will make it possible for you.

Located in the great metropolitan area the Juan Santamaria International Airport is near the main cities in Costa Rica. Here is where most of the population is concentrated.

The capital city of San José shows the contrast between the old culture and modernization. Tough small but vibrant, it worhts your time to take a walk through its boulevards to visit some places of interest like the precolumbian museums (like Gold Museum and Jade Museum), the Plaza de la Cultura and the must see Central Market.

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana (or similar) - 1 night

Breakfast

Transfer Airport - San José

DAY 2

Tortuguero

Tortuguero National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Costa Rica, where you can access by plane (by an additional charge) or by boat; which is the most recommended way by crossing the canals. During the boat trip you will be able to spot a high diversity of plants and animals. It is between the months of July and October where the turtles arrive to nest in the beach.

The departure from the hotel is previously set to go to Guapiles where you will have a local costa rican breakfast after crossing the amazing Braulio Carrillo National Park.

After breakfast you will go through banana plantations and colorful towns until arriving to the small docks where a boat will be waiting for you to cross the canals towards Tortuguero.

After leaving the docks you will be amazed by the huge forests that make this remote land one of the most visited by the nature lovers from across the world. You will arrive to Tortuguero just in time to have lunch.

After your lunch you will visit the small town of Tortuguero; unique within its canals where were you won’t find any roads, cars or street signals.

It is important to understand that Tortuguero is a very small town and there will not be any specific items like medicines. You will visit the Museo de la Tortuga and the beach where turtles nest every year. Also you will have chance to check a shop to buy what you need.

Pachira Lodge (or similar) - 2 nights

Full Board (alcoholic drinks or bottled water not included)

Land and boat transfer (San José - Tortuguero - Guápiles)

Visit to Tortuguero National Park and Tortuguero village

Bilingual guide

DAY 3

Tortuguero

You will start your day with the sounds of howler monkeys, toucans and other wonders from the forest.

Today you will do a boat trip through the canals of Tortuguero in search for the local biodiversity. You will have the chance to see three different species of monkeys (howler monkey, spider monkey and whiteface cappuccino monkey), storks, herons, toucans and with a bit of luck sloths, ant eaters and neotropical otters.

Later you will have time to relax in the hotel, the pool, to visit the town on your own or maybe an trip in a kayak.

During the night you can do a tour to witness the nesting of sea turtles which happen from July to October. This tour has an additional cost and you can book it once you are in the hotel.

Canals Tour by boat

DAY 4

Tortuguero

You will enjoy breakfast and you will leave the area by the same way you arrived. The departure is programmed at the middle of the morning to go back to Guapiles.

Your tour guide and the transportation will stop here to deliver you to the car rental personel so you can continue with your trip.

From the lowlands of the Caribbean you will continue to your next destination where you will be able to note the nature changing from one place to the other.

The schedule and order of the activities Will be defined by your tour guide. Weather and other external conditions may affect this order.

Pacuare

Pacuare is one of the most important conservation areas in the region of the atlantic in Costa Rica. It starts near the town of Siquirres and extends to the mountains of Talamanca. Here we will find the Pacuare River and its long way through the forest to the low lands of the tropical forest where you can watch the big variety of plants and animals. This is also one of the best rivers in the country to practice white water rafting.

Tropical Rivers Hotel (or similar) - 1 night

Full Board (alcoholic drinks or bottled water not included)

Transfer

Guide and equipment

DAY 5

Arenal

The area of the Arenal Volcano, its national park and the incredible amount of nearby hotels, experiences and landscapes will make La Fortuna one of your favorite places during your vacations in Costa Rica.

The Arenal Volcano National park is located here with the famous volcano of the same name near the town of La Fortuna. 17 kilometers away from this town are the renowned hot springs and other activities like trips through the hanging bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall and adventure tours like rafting and zip lines with amazing landscapes.

Volcano Lodge (or similar) - 2 nights

Breakfast

Rental car for 10 days (Unlimited Mileage, authorization for 2 drivers, GPS, full coverage insurance)

DAY 7

Rincón de la Vieja

In this National Park is located the Rincon de la Vieja volcano; within the Guanacaste Conservation Area. It has breathtaking sights and excellent trails for hiking. From here it is possible to observe the fumes coming from the ground; volcanic mud, steam, waterfalls and many different animals. Here you can find adventure activities like zip lines, river tubbing, canyoning and waterfalls.

This National park is closed on Mondays.

Hacienda Guachipelín Hotel (or similar) - 2 nights

Breakfast

DAY 9

Guanacaste

After breakfast you will head to Guanacaste. A growing place that offers a wide variety of water based activities. It is recognized for its hot weather and White sand beaches like Potrero, Conchal and Tamarindo. You can decide choose between some sportfishing, horseback riding, hiking tours, walks through nature reserves, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Wyndham Tamarindo Hotel (or similar) - 2 nights

Breakfast

DAY 11

Monteverde

The region of Monteverde is special for its surrounding cloud forests; its great biodiversity and the fact of being right in the middle of the continental divide. Which allow travelers from all across the world to fall in love with this amazing place and to consider returning over and over again.

It is a destination for nature lovers. It’s green all over the year, cool weather, amazing landscapes and an outstanding biodiversity.

Here you can find the activity that suits you the most. There are tours and activities for all ages and preferences. You can either chose between hanging bridges, zip lines, nature hikes and more.

Poco a Poco Hotel (or similar) - 2 nights

Breakfast

DAY 13

Manuel Antonio

On the Pacific coast of the country, you’ll also find Manuel Antonio, a region with world-class landscapes and beaches. Bright white sand, stunning vegetation, deeply blue and warm waters, and sunsets that will take your breath away. You can combine relaxation on the beaches with a variety of nature and adventure activities.

Between the town of Quepos and the national park, there are numerous beaches surrounded by jungle. Places where monkeys play, iguanas rest, and sloths entertain themselves.

You can experience a wide range of activities, from walking through Manuel Antonio National Park to surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing while watching a dramatic sunset.

Manuel Antonio is one of only two places in Costa Rica where you can see all four types of monkeys: howler, white-faced, spider, and the endangered squirrel monkey. The area is also an important destination for spotting sloths, both inside and outside the national park.

This National Park is CLOSED on Tuesdays.

Costa Verde Hotel (or similar) - 2 nights

Breakfast

DAY 15

San José

After having breakfast at the hotel in Manuel Antonio, you will head back to San José, where you will return the car at the Rent a Car offices near the airport.

The travel time is around 3 hours from Manuel Antonio to Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Breakfast

Car rental delivery