12 Days • 11 Nights
Grand Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Jungle & Two Coasts
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The wildlife canals of Tortuguero
- The Arenal Volcano, hot springs and rafting
- The Monteverde cloud forest and ziplines
- Sloths and monkeys in Manuel Antonio
- Golden Pacific beaches to finish
- Costa Rica's full range of landscapes and wildlife
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 12-day journey.
Met at San Jose airport and transferred to your hotel, you gather for a welcome dinner and an outline of the grand journey ahead.
You travel to the Caribbean lowlands and cruise by boat through jungle canals to Tortuguero, arriving at your rainforest lodge for lunch and an afternoon canal safari.
Morning and afternoon boat safaris through the canals reveal monkeys, sloths, caimans, otters and abundant birds, with turtle nesting possible in season.
A boat and road journey across the country to the Arenal Volcano, with an afternoon soak in natural hot springs.
A morning on the hanging bridges spotting wildlife and an afternoon at the La Fortuna waterfall.
A free day for rafting, a Lake Arenal kayak, a coffee or chocolate tour, or more hot springs.
A jeep-boat-jeep crossing of Lake Arenal takes you up to the Monteverde cloud forest, with an evening nature walk.
A guided cloud forest walk in search of the quetzal and hummingbirds, then an exhilarating afternoon ziplining above the canopy.
You descend to the Pacific coast at Manuel Antonio, settling in for an ocean sunset.
A guided walk to see sloths, monkeys and toucans, with the afternoon on the park's beautiful beaches.
A relaxed day on the coast to swim, sail, or simply unwind by the sea, ending with a farewell dinner.
A final beach morning before transferring back to San Jose airport for your onward departure.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 11 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, full board in Tortuguero and hot springs entry
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking naturalist guides
- Ground transfers between regions
- All national park entry fees
- Tortuguero safaris, Arenal hanging bridges, a Monteverde zipline and cloud forest walk, and a Manuel Antonio park 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
Why choose the twelve-day grand tour?
It is the only way to experience all of Costa Rica, Caribbean and Pacific, rainforest, cloud forest, volcano and beach, at a relaxed pace with time to enjoy each. Nothing of the country's remarkable variety is missed.
Is there a lot of travelling?
There are several scenic transfers and some memorable journeys by boat and jeep-boat-jeep, all part of the adventure. We keep drives comfortable and can add short domestic flights on the longest legs if you prefer.
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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