Highlights
- Spot turtles in the Tortuguero National Park
- Take a jungle hike in Arenal Volcano National Park
- Explore the jungle canopy around La Fortuna
- Soak your aches away at natural thermal hot springs
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José - Fly to Tortuguero National Park | Tortuguero |
| Day 2 | Turtle Tour in Tortuguero | Tortuguero |
| Day 3 | Transfer to La Fortuna | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | Jungle Canopy & La Fortuna Waterfall | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | Coffee Farm Tour & Tabacon Hot Springs | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 6 | Chocolate Tour - Transfer to San José | San José |
| Day 7 | Depart San José |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San José - Fly to Tortuguero National Park
Welcome to Costa Rica! Arrive into the country early in the morning, and then take a domestic flight to the Tortuguero National Park, on the Caribbean coast. It's just a 45-minute flight from San Jose.
Once you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to relax in your hotel or you can take a short guided hike to the town of Tortuguero, which will introduce you to the local sights.
Day 2: Turtle Tour in Tortuguero
Today, you'll explore Tortuguero's 22-mile (35 km) expanse of beach. It's a favorite nesting area for three different species of turtle: the hawksbill, leatherback, and green sea turtle. All of these nest in the area from July through October (mostly at night), and seeing the mother turtles lay their eggs is an unforgettable experience. If you're traveling between February and July, you'll spot the leatherback, which is the largest sea turtle in the world, at 6- 7 feet (2 m) long and up to 1500 pounds (680 kg).
Day 3: Transfer to La Fortuna
After breakfast, make the four-hour trip to the town of La Fortuna, best known as the base for exploring the Arenal Volcano National Park. Located north of the Tilaran Mountains, cone-shaped Arenal juts out from the San Carlos Plains like a giant arrowhead. After checking into your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to explore on your own.
If you want to get close to the volcano, kayaking on Lake Arenal provides awesome views of its peak, as does a mountain bike ride toward the village of El Castillo. Or, opt for a zip-lining tour through the forest canopy, where you'll not only cross canyons but pass by waterfalls as well, and all with a view of majestic Arenal Volcano in the background.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Jungle Canopy & La Fortuna Waterfall
Head out early to spend the day exploring the jungle canopy. You'll wander along well-marked trails that lead you over suspension bridges high above the treetops—some that are hundreds of feet long—for a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano. You'll also get an up-close look at the area's incredible biodiversity—more than 350 bird species are found here.
Next, head to La Fortuna Waterfall at the base of the dormant Chato Volcano, a 15-minute drive outside town. The falls plunge some 210 feet (64 m), and the hike down 500 steps to the base provides an opportunity to see them from a different vantage point. After making the descent, go for a swim and relax in the La Fortuna River, located right below the falls.
The afternoon and evening are yours to explore the area and visit the local thermal waters for a relaxing soak.
Day 5: Coffee Farm Tour & Tabacon Hot Springs
This morning you'll head to a local farm for a tour centered around one of Costa Rica's most famous exports: coffee. You'll participate in the entire farm-to-cup process, from picking the beans to roasting.
Afterward, spend the evening relaxing with a dip in the mineral-rich waters of Tabacon's hot springs, used as therapeutic baths for more than 200 years. Tabacon Thermal Resort also offers day passes and includes a spa where treatments are given in outdoor bungalows.
Day 6: Chocolate Tour - Transfer to San José
Enjoy your last morning in La Fortuna by taking a stroll around the central plaza or visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall. There will even be time for a chocolate-making tour. In this hands-on program, you’ll learn about the origin, history, and production of one of Costa Rica's most famous exports. You'll participate in the cacao harvest, as well as the drying and grinding of the seeds used to produce creamy cocoa butter. Learn how a traditional Costa Rican chocolate drink was developed centuries ago. And, of course, sample some delicious freshly made chocolate.
After lunch, it's time to drive back to San José. You'll still have much of the evening to explore the city and do some last-minute shopping and dining.
Day 7: Depart San José
It's time to say adiós to Costa Rica. Depending on your departure time, you'll have the morning to explore more of the city, relax in a café, or browse some shops before boarding your flight home.
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