The “Planet Earth meets NatGeo” Vacation Experience
Experience the world like natural historians on this Costa Rica beach and jungle vacation package, seeing nature in its most protected form and searching for the wildlife that makes this small country so incredibly biodiverse.
San Jose – Tortuguero – Arenal Volcano – Monteverde – Tamarindo
9 days / 8 nights
From $1,826* per person
The “Planet Earth meets NatGeo” Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: San Jose
Arrival at Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose (SJO). Our guide will meet you outside the airport terminal and escort you during the transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Park Inn
Day 2: San Jose – Tortuguero
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your first excursion of the trip takes you to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Depart early for a transfer that takes you through the tempestuous Braulio Carrillo National Park to the placid lagoons of Tortuguero National Park. You’ll navigate through the park until you reach Tortuguero Village, a carless community bordered by the lagoon on one side and the beach on the other.
Overnight at Pachira Lodge
Day 3: Tortuguero
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you’ll enjoy an early morning guided boat tour through the canals as the forest awakens.
Afterwards, you’ll visit the local village and beach, where you’ll learn about the sea turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beach and give Tortuguero its name.
Overnight at Pachira Lodge
Day 4: Tortuguero – Arenal
Breakfast, Lunch
Take a boat transfer back to the docks, where you’ll continue on by coach to a private lunch spot in the rainforest. From there, you’ll take a private transfer to La Fortuna, nestled at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano.
Overnight at Arenal Springs
Day 5: Arenal
Breakfast, Dinner
Start your Arenal adventure out with a visit to Sloth Territory, a unique forest where expert guides take you through the trails to spot sloths in the treetops. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see several of these tranquil animals in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, you’ll hike along the base of the Arenal Volcano to the 1968 lava flows. After the hike, you’ll be ready for a relaxing soak in natural volcanic thermal springs and a hearty dinner.
Overnight at Arenal Springs
Day 6: Arenal – Monteverde
Breakfast
A car-boat-car transfer will take you across the lake, from the rainforests of Arenal to the cloud forests of Monteverde. As you ascend these mountains, you’ll either see valleys full of mist or breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya below, depending on the weather.
The afternoon will see you riding up the side of the mountain in open-air gondolas. Once at the top, you’ll set off on a hike through the cloud forest, crossing hanging bridges that take you eye level with the vibrant canopy.
Overnight at Senda Monteverde
Day 7: Monteverde – Tamarindo
Breakfast
Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve, where bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and scientists all fall in love. You’ll see hundreds of massive, ancient trees covered in even more varieties of plants, moss, vines, and orchids. If you are lucky, you’ll even see the endangered quetzal, as this reserve is one of its few remaining habitats.
In the afternoon, you’ll complete your cross of the continent as you continue to Tamarindo Beach on the north Pacific coast.
Overnight at Tamarindo Diria
Day 8: Tamarindo
Breakfast
This last full day is dedicated to your leisure. Relax on the picturesque beach, peruse the shops and restaurants of the beach town, or join one of the many excursions available in the area, which include ocean kayaking, snorkeling, kayaking in the estuary, sunset cruises, and more.
Overnight at Tamarindo Diria
Day 9: Departure transfer
Breakfast
Private transfer to Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia (LIR).
*If departing from the Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose (SJO), we would gladly extend or adjust your itinerary to return to San Jose the night before and book an extra night at an airport hotel.
What's included in this nature experience
Accommodations:
- 1 night at Park Inn by Radisson San Jose
- 2 nights at Evergreen Lodge Tortuguero
- 2 nights at Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
- 1 night at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
- 2 nights at Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Guided tours/activities:
- Tortuguero National Park (3-day/2-night package, including local tours)
- Sloth’s Territory
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs
- Monteverde Sky Tram & Sky Walk
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Transfers and transportation:
- Private arrival transfer from San Jose Airport (SJO)
- Coach and boat transfer from San Jose to Tortuguero (approx. 3 hrs to dock / boat time: 1 hr)
- Transfer from Tortuguero to Arenal (boat time: 1 hr / drive time: approx. 3 hrs)
- Transfer to Monteverde on a shared car-boat-car transportation across Arenal Lake (approx. 3.5 hrs)
- Private transfer from Monteverde to Tamarindo Beach (approx. 3 hrs)
- Private transfer from Tamarindo to Liberia Airport (LIR) (approx. 1.5 hrs)
Meals as specified
Dedicated 24/7 in-country support and emergency assistance
Optional activities are not included
What does your dream beach and jungle vacation look like?
Enjoy these comfortable hotels and resorts
Some of the tours featured in this vacation experience

Arenal Volcano Hike & Hot Springs
Experience breathtaking views of a volcanic landscape while hiking along a historic lava flow trail in the lush tropical rainforest.

Monteverde Sky Tram & Sky Walk
Discover the beauty of Monteverde from a unique perspective by soaring over the treetops, followed by a walk across suspended bridges for a closer look at the cloud forest.

Sloth's Territory
Discover the slow-paced lifestyle of sloths in their natural habitat with a guided tour in the lush jungle near La Fortuna.
Important notes about this vacation package
- *Price is based on a minimum of 2 people occupancy
- Local taxes are included in prices
- Accommodations will be in the above-mentioned hotels or alternative properties of similar style and ambience, according to availability at the time of booking.
- Tours on the package may be adapted according to traveler preference.
- The itinerary can be adjusted based on the arrival and departure airports (San Jose/SJO or Liberia/LIR).
- You will receive a 100% accurate price when you inquire with us and share your travel dates.