The Two Faces of Costa Rica – Caribbean & South Pacific

DAY 1

San José

Upon landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), our driver will be waiting to comfortably transfer you to your hotel in San José.

The capital city, San José, is small yet vibrant — a mix of history, culture, and modernity. If you have some free time, we recommend strolling through its lively boulevards and discovering a few of its most iconic attractions:

• Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and Jade Museum, guardians of Costa Rica’s ancient heritage.

• Plaza de la Cultura, the urban heart of the country.

• Central Market, where you can taste exotic fruits, traditional dishes, and experience local hospitality.

This first day is perfect for relaxing after your flight and beginning to connect with the authentic Costa Rican essence.
Your journey through the Southern Caribbean, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, and the South Pacific is just beginning!

Presidente Hotel (or similar) - 1 night

Breakfast

Transfer Airport - San José

DAY 2

Heading to Tortuguero: Nature and the Canals of Costa Rica 🌿🐢

Begin one of the most authentic experiences of your journey through Costa Rica — a visit to Tortuguero National Park, one of the country’s most famous ecotourism destinations.

Early in the morning, you’ll depart from your hotel in private transportation toward Tortuguero, crossing Braulio Carrillo National Park, a scenic route surrounded by mountains and tropical rainforest. You’ll make a stop in Guápiles to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican breakfast, then continue past banana plantations and charming local villages.

Upon arrival at the dock, a boat will take you through Tortuguero’s canals, a true natural paradise teeming with tropical birds, monkeys, iguanas, and crocodiles. The boat ride itself is an unforgettable experience — surrounded by lush greenery and the unique landscapes of the Caribbean coast.

Once you arrive at your hotel, you’ll be welcomed with a fresh fruit cocktail and receive all the information for your stay in the region. After lunch, you’ll set out to explore the picturesque village of Tortuguero, a magical place with no roads or cars, where life moves to the rhythm of nature.

You’ll visit the Turtle Museum, the beach where thousands of sea turtles nest each year between July and October, and have time to browse small local shops.

This day will be filled with direct contact with Costa Rica’s culture and biodiversity — an experience that captures the essence of the Northern Caribbean and makes Tortuguero a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Evergreen 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

Exploring Tortuguero National Park 🌿🐒🐢

Sunrise in Tortuguero is a magical experience — the sounds of howler monkeys, the songs of toucans, and the symphony of the tropical rainforest mark the beginning of a day surrounded by pure nature.

Accompanied by your guide and boat captain, you’ll navigate through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Along the way, you may spot up to three species of monkeys (howler, spider, and white-faced capuchin), as well as herons, toucans, iguanas, and, with a bit of luck, sloths, anteaters, or even neotropical river otters.

After the morning excursion, enjoy some free time to relax at your lodge, surrounded by the lush Caribbean rainforest. You can unwind by the pool or choose optional activities such as kayaking or guided jungle walks along the local trails.

At night, between July and October, you’ll have the opportunity to join an optional tour to witness the green sea turtle nesting on Tortuguero’s beaches (available at an additional cost). Watching the turtles emerge from the sea to lay their eggs under the moonlight is one of the most moving natural spectacles in Costa Rica.

This day blends adventure, wildlife observation, and tranquility, offering an unforgettable connection with the natural wonders of Tortuguero.

Canals tour by boat

DAY 4

From Tortuguero to the Southern Caribbean: Puerto Viejo 🌴🚗☀️

After enjoying breakfast at your lodge in Tortuguero, you’ll bid farewell to this fascinating region, once again navigating through the canals until you reach Guápiles. There, you’ll stop for lunch before continuing your journey toward the Southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.

In Guápiles, you’ll pick up your rental car, allowing you to continue your adventure at your own pace.

Your route will take you from the Caribbean lowlands to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a lively and colorful destination located near the Panamanian border. This charming seaside village is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, Afro-Caribbean culture, and vibrant nightlife, where reggae and calypso music fill the air.

In Puerto Viejo, you’ll experience the true Caribbean soul of Costa Rica, savoring its Afro-descendant cuisine such as rice and beans cooked in coconut milk or the traditional rondón stew, all served with the signature “Pura Vida” spiritof its people.

Just a few minutes away, you’ll find two must-see natural gems:

• Cahuita National Park, perfect for hiking and snorkeling along its coral reef.

• Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, where you can explore untouched beaches, go biking or horseback riding, and spot incredible wildlife.

The Southern Caribbean blends paradise beaches, lush rainforest, and a unique cultural rhythm, making Puerto Viejo one of the most authentic and captivating destinations in Costa Rica.

Shawandha Hotel (or similar) - 2 nights

Breakfast

Rental car for 8 days (Unlimited Mileage, authorization for 2 drivers, full coverage insurance)

DAY 6

Transfer to Arenal Volcano and Arrival in La Fortuna 🌋🌿

After breakfast, you’ll leave behind the Southern Caribbean and head toward one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking natural wonders — the Arenal Volcano and its charming base town, La Fortuna.

The drive takes you from the coast to the fertile plains of San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela, passing through stunning landscapes that showcase the country’s incredible diversity. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and have time to relax or take a stroll through the town.

The Arenal Volcano National Park region is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers. Here you’ll find:

• ♨️ Natural hot springs surrounded by tropical gardens — perfect for unwinding after your journey.

• 💦 Pristine waterfalls, such as the famous La Fortuna Waterfall, cascading over 70 meters through the jungle.

• 🚣‍♂️ Rushing rivers ideal for white-water rafting and adrenaline-filled adventures.

The majestic volcanic cone of Arenal will be the backdrop for the coming days, offering spectacular views from nearly every corner of La Fortuna. This destination perfectly blends adventure, relaxation, and connection with nature, making it one of Costa Rica’s most beloved travel spots.

Volcano Lodge (or similar) - 2 nights

Breakfast

DAY 8

Transfer to Monteverde: Cloud Forest & Biodiversity 🌿☁️🐦

After breakfast, you’ll leave La Fortuna and head toward the legendary region of Monteverde, located in northwestern Costa Rica. This world-renowned destination is famous for its cloud forests, unique biodiversity, and its role as a vital biological corridor along the continental divide.

Monteverde is a true paradise for nature and ecotourism enthusiasts. Its cool climate and lush green landscapes year-round make it the perfect place to disconnect and immerse yourself in natural beauty. Here you’ll find trails surrounded by orchids, ferns, and exotic birds, as well as thrilling adventures like canopy ziplining and hanging bridge walks.

What makes Monteverde truly special is its versatility:

• 🏡 It offers everything from luxury eco-lodges to cozy family-run accommodations.

• 🚶‍♂️ Activities for all ages and energy levels — from gentle walks through private reserves to more challenging guided hikes.

• 🐦 It’s one of the few places in the world where you can spot the resplendent quetzal, the iconic bird of Central America’s cloud forests.

Monteverde is more than just a destination — it’s an experience that calls you back, time and time again, with its enchanting atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty.

Sibu Boutique Hotel (or similar) - 2 nights

Breakfast

DAY 10

Uvita & Dominical: Nature, Beaches, and Marino Ballena National Park 🐋🌴☀️

After breakfast, you’ll leave behind the Monteverde cloud forest and head toward Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast, home to the charming towns of Uvita and Dominical. This region perfectly blends paradise beaches, lush rainforest, and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for travelers seeking authentic experiences.

Uvita is best known as the gateway to Marino Ballena National Park, where humpback whales arrive each year to mate and nurse their calves (from July to October and December to April). Its golden-sand beaches are perfect for surfing, sunset walks, or simply relaxing to the soothing sound of the ocean.

Just a short drive away, Dominical offers a bohemian vibe, with artisan markets, seaside restaurants, and a spectacular natural setting. From here, you can visit incredible attractions like the Nauyaca Waterfalls, one of the most stunning in Costa Rica — surrounded by lush jungle and natural pools perfect for swimming.

The South Pacific is also a key part of Costa Rica’s biological corridor, making it an ideal place for wildlife watching, hiking through nature reserves, or exploring nearby mangroves such as those of Sierpe.

With its relaxed atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and remarkable biodiversity, Uvita and Dominical are the perfect finale to reconnect with the natural and cultural essence of Costa Rica.

Cristal Ballena Hotel Resort & Spa (or similar) - 2 nights

Breakfast

DAY 12

Return to San José and End of the Journey ✈️🇨🇷🌿

After breakfast at your hotel in Uvita, you’ll begin your 4-hour drive back to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Along the way, enjoy the last glimpses of the country’s stunning landscapes — mountains, valleys, and small towns that reflect Costa Rica’s rich natural and cultural diversity.

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), you’ll return your rental car at the nearby Rent-a-Car offices — a simple and convenient process to ensure a smooth connection with your international flight home.

This marks the end of an unforgettable journey through two of Costa Rica’s most beautiful regions: the Southern Caribbean with Puerto Viejo and Cahuita, and the Southern Pacific with Uvita and Dominical, complemented by unique experiences at Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

With memories of beaches, tropical rainforests, whale watching, hot springs, and the warmth of Costa Rican hospitality, this trip doesn’t truly end — it becomes an invitation to return and continue exploring the Pura Vida spirit of Costa Rica.

Car Rental Delivery