The Natural Highlights

Upon arrival in San José, you will be met at the airport by a Pioneer representative and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight at Presidente Hotel or similar (Deluxe room) (PT)

Early this morning you will take a land & boat transfer to Tortuguero. We will stop for a Costa Rican style breakfast at Río Danta Restaurant in Guápiles, where we also might get the chance to see some sloths in the surround trees, and will arrive in Tortuguero around lunch time. This afternoon: depart by boat from the Lodge to a nearby private trail, adjacent to the Tortuguero National park, where you will enjoy a guided walk into the tropical rainforest on a safe & comfortable walking trail. On the way back to the lodge, we will stop at the village and invite you to join a walking tour of the Tortuguero town with your guide, tour around and continue walking by the beach back to the Lodge.

Overnight at Tortuguero, Hotel Pachira Lodge

This morning you can enjoy of a boat trip on the canals before breakfast. This tour introduces you to the rich rainforest and its great array of wildlife. The early morning hours offer a great opportunity to witness the awakening in the forest. Enjoy a visit to the Mawamba Park which offers some many free attractions like a butterfly garden, frogs and iguana’s gardens. In the afternoon, embark on a canal boat tour for more opportunities to spot abundant wildlife.

Optional Tours at additional cost

Tortuguero is one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the western hemisphere. Four of the seven world sea turtle species come to Tortuguero to lay their eggs including giant Leatherbacks. Nesting and hatching seasons vary depending on the species.

Experiencing the jungles sights and sounds at night gives you a spectacularly different perspective on your surroundings as we take a hike to expose nature’s night time secrets with an expert guide, quiet voices! and a degree of patience.

Overnight at Tortuguero, Hotel Pachira Lodge (Standard room)

After breakfast at the lodge, we will take the boat ride back to dock before transfer to Guápiles. Here we will have a buffet lunch before picking up our car or meeting our private driver guide for our transfer to Monteverde.

Monteverde cloud forest:

Cloud forests are as the name suggests; hazy mist or low lying clouds that cover the upper canopy of the forest. These rare forests cover just 1% of global woodlands and can only be found in tropical and subtropical mountainous areas. The thick layer of clouds makes it more difficult for the sun to break through, providing a slower rate of evaporation, which gives the plants plenty of life-giving moisture, which in turn promotes a huge biodiversity.

Monteverde cloud forests is host to 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. Additionally, it is also one of the few remaining homes to all 6 species of the cat family; Jaguars, Ocelots, Pumas, Oncillas, Margays and Jagurundis.

Overnight at Poca a Poca or similar

This morning we can visit the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve for a morning walk tour. This offers you a fantastic opportunity to see birds. This afternoon is free to relax or go on one of the many hiking trails.

  Overnight at Poca a Poca or similar (Standard room)

After a morning heading down from the cloudforest , unwind in Arenal’s soothing natural hot springs, surrounded by lush rainforest and volcanic views. Rejuvenated, enjoy a hearty Costa Rican lunch bursting with fresh, local flavors. This tranquil interlude offers the perfect balance to an exhilarating day—relaxation and discovery in the heart of nature.

Overnight at Arenal Observatory Lodge (or similar )

Embark on a guided walk through lush rainforest trails to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, where crystal-clear waters plunge 70 meters into a vibrant jungle pool. Along the way, your guide reveals the region’s rich biodiversity and ecological wonders. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Arenal Volcano towering in the distance—a rare and unforgettable sight. The experience combines scenic beauty, gentle adventure, and insight into Costa Rica’s extraordinary natural landscape

Overnight at Arenal Observatory Lodge (or similar )

Optional – Organic Farm Tour:

During this tour, you will have the opportunity to share with a farmer and taste the farm’s products during the harvest. In the Trapiche, we will take the Sugar Cane Juice and its derivatives by means of our sugar cane milling. You and your family can visit and feed our goats, chickens and cows.

Today we transfer to the Tenoria National park area.

The Río Celeste gets its name from the unusual color of the water. The deep turquoise hue is a result of the Buenavista River and its silicon particles meeting the more acidic Sour Creek, the combination causes the suspended particles in the Río Celeste to scatter light, creating the turquoise colour

Rio Celeste Hike:

Starting with a moderate hike, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Rio Celeste

waterfall and its distinct blue coloring. Follow the stairs down to the water’s edge and you can witness the stunning 60-foot waterfall as it empties into a pool of sky blue water. Continuing down the well-maintained path and venturing across hanging bridges that span the river, you’ll find its origins in an azure lagoon further up the trail. The Rio

Celeste in Costa Rica is surrounded by the emerald green forests of the National Park, creating an experience unlike any other. You’ll even get to witness the two rivers that mix to create the Rio Celeste and where they combine is where the vibrant blue color begins. The Rio Celeste’s blue water comes from the minerals in the volcanic rock, but seeing them in person will feel like you are experiencing magic in nature.

Two  nights at Casitas Tenoria Lodge (or similar )

Today  we transfer to San Jose for our last night in Costa Rica. Local hiking and birding trails offer more opportunities before we leave.

Overnight at Presidente Lodge

After breakfast at the hotel. Return Hire Car or Private Transfer to International airport. (Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria). Or stay for a few days and relax – see our extension below from Day 10.

DAY 10 – Transfer to Puntarenas (Pacific Coast)
• Private transfer to Puntarenas (approx. 2 hrs)

Accommodation: Hotel Punta Leona or similar (Selvamar Room)
Nestled between tropical rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Punta Leona offers a unique blend of nature and comfort. The Selvamar Rooms are surrounded by lush greenery, providing a tranquil base to relax and spot local wildlife.
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11 – Jungle Crocodile Safari & Beach Time

Guided crocodile safari boat tour on the Tárcoles River
Board a safari boat and cruise down the Tárcoles River, one of the best places in Costa Rica to observe large American crocodiles in their natural habitat. Your expert guide will also point out a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, and the striking scarlet macaw.
• Afternoon free to enjoy Punta Leona’s private beach or trails
Unwind on Punta Leona’s secluded white-sand beach or explore well-maintained forest trails teeming with wildlife—ideal for birdwatching or simply soaking up the natural beauty.
• Accommodation: Hotel Punta Leona
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12 – Free Day in Puntarenas

Beach day
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Swim in warm Pacific waters, relax under palm trees, or take advantage of optional activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, or a visit to nearby coastal towns.
• Accommodation: Hotel Punta Leona
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13 – Return to San José & Departure
• Private transfer to SJO Airport (approx. 4.5 hrs)
Bid farewell to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast as you journey back to San José for your onward travel.
• Meals: Breakfast