8 Days • 7 Nights
Costa Rica Wildlife & Rainforest
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The wildlife-rich jungle canals of Tortuguero
- Sea turtles nesting on the Caribbean coast (in season)
- Arenal Volcano, hanging bridges and night hikes
- The Monteverde cloud forest and the quetzal
- Sloths, monkeys, toucans and poison-dart frogs
- Expert naturalist guides throughout
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Met at San Jose airport and transferred to your hotel, you gather for a welcome dinner as your naturalist guide outlines the wildlife wonders of the week ahead.
You travel to the Caribbean lowlands and board a boat through jungle canals to Tortuguero, a roadless national park reachable only by water or air. Spotting monkeys and caimans en route, you arrive at your rainforest lodge for lunch and an afternoon canal safari.
Early morning and late afternoon boat safaris weave through narrow canals alive with river otters, sloths, toucans, herons and three species of monkey. In nesting season (July to October) an evening walk may reveal green sea turtles laying eggs on the beach.
A boat and road journey brings you across the country to the Arenal Volcano region. The afternoon is free to soak in natural hot springs beneath the cone after your Caribbean adventure.
A morning walking the hanging bridges through the canopy in search of sloths, birds and monkeys, and after dark a guided night hike revealing the rainforest's frogs, insects and nocturnal mammals under torchlight.
A scenic jeep-boat-jeep transfer across Lake Arenal takes you up to the Monteverde cloud forest. An evening walk searches for kinkajous, olingos and sleeping birds in the misty forest.
A guided morning in the cloud forest reserve, where hummingbirds buzz, orchids bloom and, with luck, the resplendent quetzal appears. The afternoon offers an optional hummingbird garden or canopy walk before your final night in the mountains.
You descend to San Jose for your onward flight, carrying home memories of one of the most wildlife-rich journeys on earth.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and full board in Tortuguero
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking naturalist guides
- Ground transfers between regions
- All national park entry fees
- Tortuguero canal safaris, Arenal hanging bridges, a guided night walk and a Monteverde cloud forest walk
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival; carry a passport valid for at least six months and, technically, proof of onward travel
- Currency: The currency is the Costa Rican Colon, though US Dollars are widely accepted for tours and hotels. Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry some cash for rural areas, small eateries and tips
- Best time to visit: The dry season (December to April) is the sunniest and most popular, ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush and quieter, with mostly sunny mornings and afternoon showers
- Pura vida: Costa Rica's famous phrase means 'pure life' and captures the country's relaxed, warm and nature-loving spirit; expect friendly people, an unhurried pace and a deep pride in the environment
- Wildlife & national parks: Costa Rica protects around a quarter of its land and holds around five percent of the world's biodiversity; a naturalist guide dramatically improves wildlife sightings, and park entry fees are included
- Getting around: Distances can be longer than the map suggests due to winding mountain roads; internal ground transfers are included, and we can add short domestic flights to save time on longer legs
- Health & water: No vaccinations are required for most travellers, tap water is generally safe in main areas, and you should bring insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen and a light rain jacket for the cloud forest
- Money & tipping: A ten percent service charge is often included in restaurant bills; extra tips for excellent guides and drivers are appreciated. Power is 120V with US-style plugs, so US travellers need no adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I see turtles nesting?
Green sea turtles nest at Tortuguero mainly from July to October, with hatchlings following weeks later; leatherbacks appear earlier in the year. Outside these months Tortuguero remains a superb wildlife destination for its canals and rainforest.
Do I need to be a keen birder to enjoy this?
Not at all. While birders will be in heaven, the tour delights anyone who loves nature, with sloths, monkeys, frogs and dramatic scenery alongside the birdlife, and guides who bring it all to life.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or lodge meals in remote areas. Costa Rican cuisine, from fresh tropical fruit to casados and ceviche, is a delight, so most lunches and dinners are left free to explore.
Are transfers between regions included?
Yes — all ground transfers between regions are arranged and included, with English-speaking drivers. On longer itineraries we can add short domestic flights to save time; just ask.
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Most nationalities do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) offers the sunniest weather and is ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush, quieter and cheaper, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain.
Will I see lots of wildlife?
Very likely. With a naturalist guide you can expect sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas and countless birds, and often frogs, coatis and more. Costa Rica is one of the world's great wildlife destinations.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of rainforest, volcanoes and beach, add or swap regions, change the pace and choose lodges to match your interests and budget.
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