Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

15 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 21 photos
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
For a tiny country, Costa Rica packs a huge wildlife punch. Containing 5% of the world's biodiversity, its thick forests teem with life, from brightly coloured toucans to slow-moving sloths. With adventure and beautiful beaches to boot, this two-week trip won't disappoint. Tortuguero - Cruise the jungle waterways and explore the rainforest of this 'mini Am...
$4,157
From$3,380
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Discover incredible nature and wildlife on this two week adventure of Costa Rica
    • Explore jungle waterways, active volcanoes and unspoilt tropical rainforest
    • Spend time in the cloud forest and the 'mini amazon' of Tortuguero

What's this trip about?

    For a tiny country, Costa Rica packs a huge wildlife punch. Containing 5% of the world's biodiversity, its thick forests teem with life, from brightly coloured toucans to slow-moving sloths. With adventure and beautiful beaches to boot, this two-week trip won't disappoint. Tortuguero - Cruise the jungle waterways and explore the rainforest of this 'mini Amazon' Adventure - Included white water raft on the Pacuare river, or opt to fly through the canopy on a zip wire Manuel Antonio - Share the stunning white-sand beaches with sun-bathing iguanas and capuchin monkeys

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CitySan Jose
End CitySan Jose Airport

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Caribbean
  • La Fortuna
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Pacific Coast
  • Tortuguero National Park

Activities

  • Hiking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 20

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in San Jose

Our tour starts today in San Jose, Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital. Lying in a fertile valley, at an altitude of 1,150 metres, coffee and sugar are big industries here - coffee is even planted between buildings and along the roadsides on the outskirts of the city. ...

Day 2 Visit the Poas Volcano; drive to San Gerardo de Dota and the Savegre Cloud Forest

This morning, we'll head to Poas Volcano National Park (a one-hour drive away), where you can spot the smoke from one of Costa Rica's most active volcanos rising majestically from the tropical rainforest. At almost a mile in diameter and 314 metres deep, the main crat...

Day 3 Early morning search for quetzal; free day to explore Savegre Cloud Forest

We'll have an early start today, as we set out to explore the trails surrounding our lodge in the search for the quetzal. The males of the species are vivid, with a red breast, green crest and the iconic long green tail that dangles from the branches. Despite the brig...

Day 4 Travel to rural Turrialba; free afternoon and evening meal at a traditional finca (farm)

Today, we'll head to Turrialba, an important agricultural region thanks to its fertile land and the origin of much of Costa Rica's coffee, sugar and Macadamia nuts, not to mention dairy. The journey will take around three hours. We'll arrive in the afternoon and take...

Day 5 Whitewater rafting through the forest-covered Pacuare River

One of Costa Rica's most scenic rivers, the Pacuare is great for both rafting aficionados and enthusiastic newcomers. Calm stretches between the class III-IV rapids give you time to appreciate the passage through rainforest-topped canyons and tumbling waterfalls. Maca...

Day 6 Journey by bus and boat to Tortuguero National Park

This morning, we'll take a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Costa Rica's luscious Caribbean coast, driving through extensive banana plantations. From either Cano Blanco or Pavona, a boat will take us to our spectacular lodge in the Tortuguero National Park, where we'll sp...

Day 7 Full day to explore Tortuguero National Park searching for wildlife

Today we'll begin to explore the Tortuguero National Park. To kick off our day, there's the optional activity of a bird-watching trip by boat at dawn, where we'll have the opportunity to spot some of Costa Rica's spectacular birdlife. Water birds such as herons, egret...

Day 8 Drive to Sarapiqui; fruit tasting and night walk through Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve

Leaving our lodge this morning, we'll travel by boat back to either Cano Blanco or Pavona, before stopping for lunch at Guapiles. After lunch, we have the chance to stop at a traditional Costa Rican Frutería, where we have the chance to try the many delicious fruit t...

Day 9 Morning nature walk in Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve & Chocolate tour

Our lodge has many onsite trails in the secondary rainforest, leading right into the Selva Verde Reserve. This morning, we'll take a short walk on some of the trails, through a tropical paradise of towering almendro trees and keel-billed toucans. After, we'll visit L...

Day 10 Travel to Fortuna, hike Arenal Volcano, optional hot springs visit

This morning, you have the opportunity to explore a Pineapple plantation on an optional tour, to delve into the fascinating world of this remarkable fruit, for which Costa Rica is renowned as a global exporter. Later, we travel one hour (70kms) to La Fortuna. The tow...

Day 11 Free day around La Fortuna; optional sloth tour or La Fortuna Waterfall hike

Today is free for you to explore the Arenal area as you choose. There are local treks to waterfalls if you'd like to head out into the surrounding nature. For wildlife lovers there's the option to join a wildlife spotting tour, seeking the famous sloth, the poisonous ...

Day 12 Drive south to Manuel Antonio National Park

Leaving the volcano behind us this morning, we'll depart early to descend to the Pacific Coast, enjoying staggering views over the Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya. Heading south, we'll pause at Carara Biological Reserve, famed for the scarlet macaws and abundant birdlife...

Day 13 Explore Manuel Antonio's wildlife and beaches

This morning, we'll explore the Manuel Antonio National Park, famous for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. During our time in the park, we're likely to see white-faced capuchin monkeys, coatimundi (part of the raccoon family) and tiny squirrel monkeys. This is ...

Day 14 Free day in Manuel Antonio; relax on the beach, snorkel or revisit the park

Today is free to relax in Manuel Antonio. You could choose to revisit the park or relax on the beaches around the town. If beach time isn't for you, there are also lots of other activities on offer, including boat trips, horseback riding or surf lessons.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 15 Travel back to San Jose International Airport where the trip ends

We'll leave Manuel Antonio this morning and drive 160 kilometres, approximately four hours, back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), where we'll arrive at around 11am. This is where our tour ends and the earliest time your flight can depart is 1pm.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $3,380
Price per day$225
Last Updated: 4/15/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
26 Apr 2025
10 May 2025
$4,060
$1,070
10 May 2025
24 May 2025
$3,790
$1,090
07 Jun 2025
21 Jun 2025
$3,380
$1,100
05 Jul 2025
19 Jul 2025
$3,790
$1,150
30 Jul 2025
13 Aug 2025
$3,520
$1,150
02 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025
$3,920
$1,130
16 Aug 2025
30 Aug 2025
$3,720
$1,120
06 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$3,520
$1,100
20 Sep 2025
04 Oct 2025
$3,720
$1,070
27 Sep 2025
11 Oct 2025
$3,520
$1,100

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,290
Great
3,299
Average
517
Disappointing
158
Terrible
82
H

Hels Bells

Apr 2025

Written on

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

This trip was amazing. It far exceeded my expectations; everything was well organised, ran smoothly and I was looked after very well. I travelled on my own to join ...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2025

Written on

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

Other than San Bosco hotel, which was a good location, but tired and bas...

A

Austin

Mar 2025

Written on

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

The accommodation was great, especially the eco-lodges with their own areas of grounds and rainforest attached! Only one stop over was a bit basic compared to the re...

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2025

Written on

Cycle Kerala

Great trip covering highlights of Kerala. Fabulous tour leader and support team. The rides started easy and flat, and became progressively harder with increasingly ...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2025

Written on

Simply Japan

An amazing trip of memorable experiences, efficiently orga...

S

Sarah

Apr 2025

Written on

Discover Bali, Flores and Komodo Islands

I have been on 15+ tours with explore dating back to 1996. In recent years their pre trip/office based organisation and communication has been inaccurate, poor and f...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. All other nationalities must enquire at their own embassies. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 14
  • Dinner : 3
  • Lunch : 4
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
explore-CC

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!