Authentic Costa Rica

23 Sept

Costa Rica is a land where lush rainforests meet golden beaches, volcanoes rise above the clouds, and wildlife thrives in its natural habitat. Famed for its commitment to conservation and eco-tourism, this Central American gem invites travellers to slow down, connect with nature, and discover some of the most biodiverse landscapes on earth. From vibrant wildlife encounters to rich cultural traditions, every moment in Costa Rica is filled with wonder and authenticity.

8 Days from San Jose daily departures from $3,449pp for travel 01 Feb - 31 Oct 2026

Over eight unforgettable days, discover why Costa Rica is celebrated for conservation and sustainability. Journey through lush rainforests alive with sloths, jaguars, toucans, and monkeys. Explore national parks and reserves, they make up over a quarter of the country, that protect fragile ecosystems and endangered wildlife.

Each day blends adventure with eco-consciousness: hike jungles, chase waterfalls, and unwind on pristine beaches. Stay in eco-lodges, connect with local communities, and experience eco-tourism at its finest on this transformative week in paradise.

Itinerary

Upon arrival in San Jose, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, located in the heart of the city. The bustling capital city, nestled in the Central Valley, offers cultural richness, historic architecture, and vibrant markets.
Embark on an early morning journey from San Jose to the North Caribbean Plains, home to Tortuguero National Park. Your drive offers stunning views as you ascend through the Central Volcanic Mountain range, passing picturesque waterfalls and the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park. As you reach the Caribbean plains, you'll feel the climate shift to a warmer, more humid environment.
After enjoying breakfast en route, your adventure continues through banana plantations and rural roads, leading to a local dock. Here you board a boat that will take you on a captivating 90 minute ride through canals, offering remarkable chances for wildlife observation. Your destination is the charming Caribbean village of Tortuguero, a car-free paradise where nature thrives. On one side, winding rivers invite you to explore the jungle's depths, while on the other, a pristine Caribbean beach welcomes countless sea turtles each year.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Tortuguero. Discover its rich Afro-Caribbean heritage and traditions, visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum, and stroll along the picturesque village beach, where nature and community coexist in harmony.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today's itinerary offers a delightful blend of Costa Rican flavours and wildlife encounters, beginning with a hearty breakfast. Set out on a guided boat expedition through the captivating Tortuguero canals and coastal jungle, immersing yourself in vibrant flora and fauna.
These waterways and rainforests are home to extraordinary wildlife. Spot gentle two and three fingered sloths, caimans, elusive river turtles, sunbathing iguanas, and basilisk lizards. Marvel at the playful antics of howler, spider, and white-faced capuchin monkeys. As night falls, embark on an optional nocturnal beach tour, between the months of July and September you may witness the mesmerising sight of green turtles nesting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, embark on a scenic journey to the Arenal Volcano district, passing through picturesque rural towns such as Sarapiquí, Río Cuarto, and Aguas Zarcas. Along the way, enjoy awe-inspiring mountain vistas and catch glimpses of the region’s thriving agriculture, a vital economic contributor. Depending on the season, you may see fields of pineapple, orange, sugar cane, and yucca.
Arriving in the late afternoon at La Fortuna de San Carlos, you may be rewarded with stunning views of the majestic Arenal Volcano, famed for its towering conical shape. Nestled in Costa Rica's fertile northern lowlands, Arenal is a photographer’s paradise and, until recently, the nation’s most active volcano. Its commanding presence and striking beauty make it one of the region’s iconic highlights.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Your day begins with a captivating sightseeing excursion around Arenal Volcano. Nestled in Costa Rica’s northern highlands, Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks. Renowned for its near-perfect conical shape, the volcano erupted dramatically in 1968 and remained active with daily explosions and glowing lava flows for over four decades. While it no longer spews lava, it is still considered active and continues to fascinate visitors from around the world.
Your excursion starts at El Silencio Private Reserve, where you will travel close to the base of the volcano. A scenic one kilometre walk across volcanic rock leads to a spectacular viewpoint, where your guide will recount Arenal’s fiery history, from the explosive 1968 eruption to its subsequent activity, while you take in breathtaking vistas of Lake Arenal and the Green Lagoon.
The journey continues along a 1.5 kilometre trail winding through regenerating woodland before reaching pristine primary rainforest on the volcano’s slopes. Along the way, you may spot a rich variety of wildlife, including toucans, oropendolas, guans, monkeys, peccaries, and even the occasional snake. The adventure concludes with a refreshing snack of tropical fruits.
In the afternoon, enjoy a sloth-watching experience, offering the rare chance to see these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat. The Arenal region, renowned for its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts, provides an ideal sanctuary for two sloth species. Blessed with a favourable climate, abundant food, and safe habitats, this area allows visitors to observe these gentle animals responsibly.
This excursion is designed not only to offer an unforgettable wildlife experience but also to raise awareness about protecting sloths and their fragile ecosystems. Their survival is often threatened by illegal trafficking and harmful misconceptions, such as the belief that sloths enjoy being handled. By observing them responsibly, you help support conservation efforts and discourage exploitative practices.
Led by certified naturalist guides, the two hour walk takes you to carefully selected observation points around La Fortuna, home to both three-toed and the more elusive two-toed sloths. Using binoculars and telescopes, you may spot a mother cradling her young, as well as frogs, birds, and other rainforest wildlife.
End your day by unwinding in the natural hot springs at your hotel. The warm waters flow from cascading waterfalls into a series of inviting pools, all set within lush tropical gardens.
Meals: Breakfast
Today, journey to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Your day begins with an early pick-up for a short coach ride to the Arenal Lake Dam. Here, board a pontoon boat for a 30–40 minute cruise to Rio Chiquito, a charming lakeside town.
Arenal Lake, Costa Rica’s largest, was created in 1974 for hydroelectric power. The lake is a haven for both resident and migratory birds and occasionally hosts other local wildlife. On clear days, enjoy stunning vistas of Arenal Volcano. Upon arriving in Rio Chiquito, take a short break to stretch and soak in the scenery.
Continue with a 90-minute coach ride to your hotel in the Monteverde area. Monteverde is celebrated for its tropical cloud forest biodiversity, where wind-shaped woodlands transition to towering rainforests adorned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. The cloud forest’s unique climate supports a remarkable variety of wildlife, from jaguars and Baird’s tapirs to the legendary resplendent quetzal.
Meals: Breakfast
Today, embark on an exhilarating Sky Walk and Sky Tram adventure. Monteverde, with its mists and high-altitude climate zones, offers a landscape of almost surreal beauty. Your day begins with a hotel pick-up and transfer to Sky Adventures Park.
The Sky Walk features a 3km exploration along ground-level trails and six suspension bridges, reaching heights of up to 70 metres and spanning distances of up to 226 metres. During this 2 hour ecotour, your expert guide will share insights into the canopy ecosystem, pausing occasionally to highlight key flora and fauna.
Next, the Sky Tram provides a gentle 15 minute ascent through the cloud forest, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas. This experience allows you to appreciate Monteverde’s natural wonders with minimal physical effort. At the summit, enjoy spectacular views of the cloud forest and the Continental Divide, fully immersed in the magic of this unique ecosystem.
Meals: Breakfast
Today, you'll be provided with an unescorted shuttle service transfer to San Jose for your onward flight. You can finish at Liberia or San Jose airport, or Guanacaste if you want to spend some time at the beach.
On your way down from Monteverde, watch the plains and, on a clear day in the far distance the pacific coastal side. Make your way through the mountainous range and into the central valley, right in the heart of Costa Rica.
If you are a bird lover, perhaps take an optional tour to see the famous Resplendent Quetzal. A stunning bird in the trogon family, the Quetzal’s iridescent green feathers and a long slender tail has captured the hearts of many.
Meals: Breakfast

Tour Highlights

Discover Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity, wildlife, and dense rainforests from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Coast.
Visit the pristine coastal haven of Tortuguero, famous for sea turtle nesting, winding waterways, lush rainforests, and vibrant biodiversity.
The striking Arenal Volcano, cloaked in dense rainforest, offers hot springs, scenic trails, and awe-inspiring views.

Inclusions

Meals 7 Breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Accommodation 7 nights hotel accommodation

Sightseeing Tortuguero canals and village boat tour, Arenal Volcano tour, Sloth watching experience, Monteverde Reserve sky trek and skywalk tour, all with English speaking guides and entrance fees for Tortuguero and Arenal.

Transportation Private and shared transfers, Covered boat transfer in Tortuguero and Arenal lake

Daily Departures. Prices from $3,345 per person share twin for travel 01 Feb - 31 Oct 2026. Pricing is per person share twin. Based on Early Brid pricing available until 28 Nov 2025. All departures are subject to availability.

Why not extend your stay?

Add on an Experience Manuel Antonio National Park – 4 Days / 3 Nights. This spectacular coastal reserve combines pristine beaches with rich rainforests, where you’ll spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birdlife against a backdrop of turquoise waters.

Ready to plan your Costa Rican adventure?

Contact one of our Wanderlust Travel Experts today and let us help design your perfect journey through this unforgettable destination.

Deal Code: 1158

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Karen McMahon