Compare Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets by Exodus Travels vs Costa Rica Wonders with Guanacaste Beach by Great Value Vacations

Day 1 Start San Jose

Welcome to San José, the culture-rich capital of Costa Rica. Aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm so that you can meet your fellow travellers and tour leader, who will give you a warm welcome to Costa Rica. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the morning of Day 2. A free transfer is available to take you to our hotel in San José. Read the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information on booking your seat. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel or Park Inn or Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (or similar)

Day 2 To Tortuguero National Park

Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that are remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the journey to our lodge (up to 1hr 30min) , which is a short distance from the main lagoon. Please note the transfer from San José to Tortuguero is not private for Exodus clients. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where we can visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation will be requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for endangered green turtle, which can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region, and during November to January, baby turtles hatch and make their way towards the ocean. Today's travel time will be in the region of six hours including a stop for breakfast. Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge (or similar)

Day 3 Boat tour around Tortuguero waterways

This morning we board a small boat, enabling us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero as we pass serenely along the waterways. In the morning wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. We’ll take a second boat trip this afternoon or you can relax at the lodge and enjoy the facilities. Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge (or similar)

Day 4 To Cahuita; relax on the Caribbean coast

We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived, by taking a small boat to Siquirres pier. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Cahuita region on the Caribbean coast, where we check into our hotel. Caribbean culture pervades this part of Costa Rica and is reflected in the music, food and laid-back lifestyle. The white-sand beach here is fringed by tall palms, behind which is the dense, wet tropical forest of Cahuita National Park. Accommodation: Ciudad Perdida or Villas del Caribe (or similar)

Day 5 Wildlife walk in Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park has 2,711 acres (1,097ha) of land and 600 acres (243ha) of coral reef, the largest reef system in Costa Rica. Today we visit the national park, taking a 7mi (11km) walk from the southern entrance, which follows the coastline, through rainforest and past impressive Caribbean beaches. Although a fairly small in size, there is plenty of diversity in the park. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the beach, join an optional snorkelling excursion (subject to local conditions) or simply relax. Accommodation: Ciudad Perdida or Villas del Caribe (or similar)

Day 6 Free day in Cahuita

Today is yours to relax into the Caribbean pace of life and enjoy free time around Cahuita. It is possible to join an optional excursion to the indigenous communities of Kekoldi & Bri Bri Reserve, where you'll learn about the properties and uses of native plants, plus the process of making artisanal chocolate. Chocolate is very important in Bri Bri culture and used for purification rituals, food and medicine. During the excursion, there is also the opportunity for a refreshing swim at a waterfall. Accommodation: Ciudad Perdida or Villas del Caribe (or similar)

Day 7 Walk in La Marta Wildlife Refuge; to Turrialba Valley

Our next destination is Turrialba Valley, a rich agricultural region in the Central Highlands. On the way to Turrialba, we visit La Marta Wildlife Refuge, an area of both primary and secondary forest within La Amistad Biosphere (recognised as a Unesco World Patrimony of Humanity). The topography of this region is mountainous, with waterfalls, rivers and caves – the varied elevation supports a wide range of plants (including orchids, bromeliads, lichens and mosses) and animals (including anteaters, ocelots and tapirs). Accommodation: Villa Florencia or Guayabo (or similar)

Day 8 To Savegre Cloud Forest

After breakfast, we depart towards San Gerado de Dota and Savegre Cloud Forest. This is said to be one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the beautiful, colourful and notoriously shy resplendent quetzal and we have two nights here to discover the region. These endangered birds rely on the cloud forest for their habitat; the males are particularly striking with a green crest, red breast and tail feathers that can reach a metre in length. A good pair of binoculars will be helpful for quetzal spotting as these birds camouflage themselves well among the wet leaves. After lunch, we take a short walk into the cloud forest. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel, Nature Reserve & Spa or Trogon Lodge (or similar)

Day 9 Free day to discover walking trails in Savegre

Today is free to relax and explore Savegre Valley. Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 170 bird species, trek through the tropical cloud forest or simply enjoy the incredible view from the lodge. Your leader will suggest walks for today so you can discover the tropical cloud forest and sub-Alpine vegetation of the area. Birds here include hummingbirds, tanagers and trogons, while you may also spot tapirs and squirrel monkeys. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel, Nature Reserve & Spa or Trogon Lodge (or similar)

Day 10 To Sierpe; boat to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula

Early in the morning, our journey continues towards the small town of Sierpe, where we board a small motorboat to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. Passing the huge mangrove swamps that line the Sierpe River, our boat crosses the ocean before arriving at Drake Bay. This region is very remote and with extremely limited road access, which means most supplies, visitors and locals, must arrive by boat. Getting here is part of the adventure. The bay is spectacular, with just a handful of lodges on the horizon and the rest thick verdant forest and rocky coves as far as the eye can see. Our next three nights will be spent at the Drake Bay Wilderness Resort, a family-run property close to the 'town' of Drake Bay and with ocean views from every corner. Accommodation: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort (or similar)

Day 11 Boat trip to Caño Island

Board a small boat to Caño Island, 12 nautical miles from Drake Bay. During this 45-minute boat ride, there may be opportunities to spot migrating whales or playful dolphins (orca are also here around December to April and humpbacks might be seen around July to November). The interior of the island is thought to have been a burial ground for the indigenous Daquis tribe during pre-Columbian times, and many perfectly spherical human-made stones have been found here. But it's the marine life that is the biggest highlight of Caño Island, with hawksbill and olive ridley turtles, manta rays and white-tipped reef sharks just some of the likely encounters on today's snorkelling excursion. This area has been rated as having the best snorkelling in the whole of Costa Rica, with excellent water visibility and a huge marine diversity living in the protected reef. Enjoy a picnic lunch on nearby San Josecito beach, where capuchin monkeys, coatimundi and lively scarlet macaws may appear. Accommodation: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort (or similar)

Day 12 Boat trip to Corcovado National Park; discover the park on foot

When National Geographic describes an area as “the most biologically intense place on Earth,” it must be worthy of investigation. This morning we board a small boat for a 30-minute journey to San Pedrillo Ranger Station, our entrance point to Corcovado National Park. This is undoubtedly the most secluded and tranquil region in Costa Rica. Protecting around one-third of the Osa Peninsula (some 164sqmi/425sqkm), Corcovado is the largest national park in Costa Rica and encompasses 13 major ecosystems across various elevations, with montane forest, cloud forest, fresh water and mangrove swamps among them. Scientists have recorded half of all the species in Costa Rica on this peninsula alone. On today's hike along the parks trails, we may see all four monkey species in Costa Rica (squirrel, howler, white-faced capuchin and spider), tamandua (anteaters), two- and three-toed sloths, peccary, tapirs (including the endangered Baird’s tapir) and many reptiles, insects and amphibians. Puma and jaguar also prowl this area, but are very difficult to see. With more than 500 tree species, the bird count stands at an impressive 365 and the park protects the largest population of scarlet macaws in the country, which can frequently be seen and heard flying overhead. Accommodation: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort (or similar)

Day 13 Mangrove boat trip; to Sierpe; to San Jose

After an early breakfast, we board another boat and return to Sierpe town. On the way, our boat will take a short tour of the huge mangrove forest that lines the Sierpe River. Delving into the network of tributary rivers and streams offers a chance to learn more about the role of mangroves in the ecosystem and the numerous creatures that depend on them, including fish, crabs, birds, molluscs and shellfish. In Sierpe town, we transfer to our private minibus and commence our journey to San Jose. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel or Park Inn or Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (or similar)

Day 14 Visit the Irazu Volcano National Park and the Orosi Valley for a coffee tour

Today begins with a trip to the Irazu Volcano National Park in the Cartago province of Costa Rica, located within the Central Mountain Range around a 90-minute journey from San Jose. Passing different vegetation, we'll drive towards the summit and then follow a path that leads to a wonderful view across the huge crater. Irazu is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, though it has recently entered a dormant phase – a relief to the farmers and property owners who make their living on the fertile slopes. On a clear day, both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines can be seen from the summit. Remember to bring a jacket as it can be windy and cold at the viewpoint of this elevation (Irazu summit is 11,260ft/3,432m high). Following this we continue to the city of Cartago, home to a spectacular domed basilica, and the Orosi Valley, an area of natural beauty. After lunch in one of the many traditional restaurants, we join the Orosi Coffee tour to learn about the ancient techniques used to produce some of the best coffee in the world. This involves understanding the cultivation, harvesting and roasting of coffee beans, before you have a chance to savour the end product yourself. Afterwards, we return to San Jose for our last night of the holiday. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel or Park Inn or Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (or similar)

Day 15 End San Jose

Our adventure comes to an end today after breakfast and it's time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Hop in your free transfer back to San Jose airport to begin your return journey home.

Day 1 Welcome to San Jose!

Arrive in sunny San Jose! Meet your Swiss Travel representative, who will provide you with all necessary documentation, phone numbers, and important information regarding your Costa Rican adventure. 

Enjoy a convenient transfer to your first luxurious hotel in San Jose. Spend the evening getting to know the city! Stroll through Parque La Sabana, take photos in-front of the National Theater of Costa Rica, and treat yourself to some local favorite foods.

Day 2 San Jose - Tortuguero National Park

Say goodbye to San Jose and head to the North Caribbean Plains, home of breathtaking Tortuguero National Park! Enjoy breakfast on the way, and look out the window at the Central Volcanic mountain range, filled with beautiful waterfalls and the bright green forests of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Your journey will continue through banana fields along rural roads, until you reach a local dock where boats will be waiting to transfer you to Tortuguero!

Enjoy a scenic boat ride through canals shaded by the jungle of the rainforest. Gaze out at unique flora and fauna, and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds! After arriving at your Tortuguero accommodation, embark on a visit to the village of Tortuguero, where you'll become immersed in the lifestyle of local residents.

Day 3 Tortuguero National Park

Today, explore this jungle paradise by boat! Discover the secondary canals of Tortuguero, and observe the natural beauty that surrounds them. The rate of biodiversity is amazingly high in this area, so have fun spotting a variety of birds, turtles, reptiles, and mammals as you float along.

Tortuguero National Park is made up of over 76,000 protected hectares, spotted with canals, deltas, wetlands, and beaches.

Day 4 Tortuguero National Park - Arenal Volcano area

At mid-morning, hop aboard a boat and enjoy a scenic ride toward Arenal Volcano. Your journey continues on land, where you'll stop for lunch in the area of Guapiles. En route, feast your eyes on amazing views of mountains and rural towns such as Sarapiqui, Rio Cuarto, and Aguas Zarcas. Keep your eyes out for pineapple, orange, sugar cane, and yucca crops along the way!

Upon arrival in La Fortuna de San Carlos, feel welcomed by majestic views of the mighty Arenal Volcano. Settle into your comfortable hotel and get a good night's rest - a full day of adventure awaits you tomorrow!

Day 5 Arenal Volcano area

Ah, a relaxing morning to explore the area. Take a leisurely stroll through the lush grounds, or go birdwatching! If you're more of an adrenaline-junkie, treat yourself to a tour of the breathtaking Arenal Hanging Bridges or a ride on the Sky Tram. For a special morning, consider horseback riding near Fortuna River Waterfall.

Get ready for an amazing afternoon! Enjoy visits to the Arenal Volcano, as well as the Tabacon Hot Springs. Take tons of photos, feast your eyes on amazing landscapes, and feel the natural heat of volcanic hot springs!

Day 6 Arenal Volcano area - Monteverde area

Travel through Tilaran Mountain Range until you reach postcard-worthy Monteverde Cloud Forest! Enjoy gorgeous views of sparkling Arenal Lake and sky-high mountains, admire exotic plants, and feel refreshed by the cooler temperatures of the area.

Settle into your next hotel, then embark on a visit to El Trapiche, a family-run farm that produces sugar cane, coffee, bananas, and more! Learn all about authentic Costa Rican culture as you live a day-in-the-life of a local. 

Day 7 Monteverde area

Grab your camera and get ready for a day filled with stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife. Spend the first half of your day in picturesque Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, then spend the rest of the day at leisure.

While in Costa Rica, be sure to try Casado, the country's most traditional and popular dish, consisting of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, tortilla, and meat.

Day 8 Monteverde area - Guanacaste/Langosta Beach area

It's beach day! Today, your journey will veer toward the magnificent pacific beaches of Costa Rica. Watch as the green forests turn into bright blue waters! 

Settle into your beautiful hotel, then take a walk along the beach and feast your eyes on an amazingly orange sunset over the ocean. 

Day 9 Guanacaste/Langosta Beach area

Spend the day leisurely exploring at your own pace. Take advantage of the hotel's facilities, unwind with a drink on the beach, or inquire about snorkeling or scuba diving!

Indulge in a delicious outdoor dinner and enjoy the ocean breeze as you taste the local flavors of Costa Rica.

Day 10 Guanacaste/Langosta Beach area

Wake up to the sounds of seagulls cawing and waves softly crashing against the shore. Cherish another day of beach side relaxation, or partake in outdoor activities offered in the area! Consider visiting national parks, taking a boat ride, or river rafting.

Day 11 Guanacaste - San Jose

Enjoy a convenient transfer back to San Jose, where you'll stay for your last night. Explore the city, go sightseeing, and hop around bars and restaurants. Indulge in delicious local food and do some souvenir shopping!

Day 12 Depart Costa Rica

Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage, pack your bags, and enjoy a convenient transfer to the airport. Wave goodbye to beautiful Costa Rica and spend your flight home dreaming about your next adventure.