Upgraded - Costa Rica Wildlife

14 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 15 photos
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Embark on an unforgettable journey from the Caribbean to the Pacific Coast on our tour through vibrant Costa Rica. Cruise through Tortuguero's untamed waterways, discover wildlife, trek through pristine tropical rainforests, and relax on golden beaches, all while enjoying premium accommodations. This two-week adventure showcases the best of Costa Rica's diver...
$6,617
From$4,810
See departure dates

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Discover Costa Rica's diverse nature and wildlife whilst staying in premium accommodations.
    • Explore the treetop canopy of Monteverde's cloud forest and the 'mini amazon' of Tortuguero
    • Spend time on the Pacific Coast and visit Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula

What's this trip about?

    Embark on an unforgettable journey from the Caribbean to the Pacific Coast on our tour through vibrant Costa Rica. Cruise through Tortuguero's untamed waterways, discover wildlife, trek through pristine tropical rainforests, and relax on golden beaches, all while enjoying premium accommodations. This two-week adventure showcases the best of Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. Tortuguero - Cruise the jungle waterways and explore the rainforest in search of its abundant wildlife. Arenal - Walk the flanks of this picture-perfect conical volcano and learn about its most recent eruptions. Monteverde - Search for the rare quetzal and walk through the treetops in this unreal cloud forest reserve. Upgraded range - Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's vibrant wildlife and lush jungles with our hand-picked Premium accommodations

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 CityDominical

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Arenal Volcano
  • Arenal Volcano National Park
  • Caribbean
  • Central America
  • Corcovado National Park
  • La Fortuna
  • Monteverde
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Pacific Coast
  • Tortuguero National Park

Activities

  • Hiking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start 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 Discover Irazu volcano, try artisanal cheese, end the day with a cooking lesson and dinner

We'll drive east out of San Jose this morning, towards the Irazu Volcano. Situated at 3,432m altitude, this makes it the highest volcano in Costa Rica. The drive to the volcano opens up to fantastic views of the valley below, before slowly transforming into a barren w...

Day 3 Free day in Turrialba; optional white water rafting

There are no set plans today so you're free to explore as you wish. You might like to try your hand at white-water rafting on the Pacuare River. Famous for its scenery as well as its Class III-IV rapids, the river has some calm stretches that allow you to appreciate...

Day 4 Journey by bus and boat to Tortuguero National Park. Visit a Sea Turtle Conservancy

We have a thrilling journey ahead of us this morning. First, we'll drive to Cano Blanco or Pavona pier via extensive banana plantations before boarding a boat to take us to Tortuguero National Park. Its complex canal system and narrow lagoons link small, isolated sett...

Day 5 Full day to explore Tortuguero National Park searching for wildlife

Today we'll delve into Tortuguero National Park. For early risers, there's the optional activity to kick off the day with a dawn birdwatching boat trip. Water birds such as herons, egrets and kingfishers are among the birds that you might be lucky enough to spot, a...

Day 6 Travel to Arenal via Guapiles. Visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour

Leaving our lodge this morning, we'll travel by boat back to Cano Blanco, before heading on to Arenal. After an included lunch in Guapiles, we'll plan to visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour. On the two-and-a-half-hour tour, we'll learn the secrets and wonders of ...

Day 7 Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park. Option to relax in hot springs in afternoon

This morning, we'll head right into to Arenal Volcano National Park, skirting around the great central volcanic massif. Arenal is a classic conical volcano which was famous for its nightly eruptions until it finally went quiet in 2010. We'll explore the national p...

Day 8 Morning search for sloths and other wildlife in Arenal.

The Arenal area is well known for its diverse wildlife. Some of the most sought-after species are the multicoloured toucan, the poisonous blue jeans dart frog and, of course, the languorous sloth. This morning, we'll keep our eyes peeled to spy these three wonderfu...

Day 9 Drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, evening night walk

Today we'll travel around Arenal Lake up into the cloud forest region of Monteverde, one of the best places in Costa Rica to see wildlife. The final leg of our journey takes us along some bumpy roads, but the bumps are well worth it to enjoy the lushness of the cloud ...

Day 10 Search for wildlife on hanging bridges through the cloud forest

The renowned resplendent quetzal, once abundant but now rare, is known to inhabit Monteverde, one of the few remaining sanctuaries in Central America where its habitat remains preserved. Sacred to the ancient Maya and Aztec peoples, it's considered one of the most bea...

Day 11 Drive south to the Pacific Coast

Leaving the cloud forest behind us this morning, we'll descend to the Pacific Coast with staggering views over the Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya. Heading south, we'll pause at the famous Rio Tarcloes and see the crocodiles below. We'll also stop briefly at Carara B...

Day 12 Full-day trip to explore the wildlife haven of Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula

This morning, we'll travel into the heart of the Osa Peninsular, famed for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. Travelling a short distance to Punta Uvita, we'll board a boat for a thrilling ninety-minute crossing to San Pedrillo Ranger Station in Corcovado Nat...

Day 13 Free day to explore Dominical

Today is your day to unwind on the Pacific Coast. You can enjoy a final dip in the sea, perhaps take a surf lesson, go whitewater rafting on the Savegre River, or, if it's the right season, embark on a whale-watching cruise. Alternatively, you can simply relax and take full advantage of the hotel's amenities on your last day.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 14 Trip ends in Dominical. Included transfer to San Jose Airport (SJO)

Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in Dominical. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. Transfer to San Jose's Juan Sa...

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 $4,810
Price per day$344
Last Updated: 4/4/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
26 Apr 2025
09 May 2025
$4,990
$1,800
26 Jul 2025
08 Aug 2025
$4,810
$1,800
06 Sep 2025
19 Sep 2025
$5,010
$1,760
11 Oct 2025
24 Oct 2025
$5,010
$1,760
15 Nov 2025
28 Nov 2025
$5,010
$1,760
22 Nov 2025
05 Dec 2025
$5,010
$1,760
03 Jan 2026
16 Jan 2026
$5,460
$1,910
17 Jan 2026
30 Jan 2026
$5,460
$1,910
31 Jan 2026
13 Feb 2026
$5,460
$1,910
07 Feb 2026
20 Feb 2026
$5,460
$1,910

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
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. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. 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 : 13
  • Dinner : 3
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
explore-DCW

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!