Welcome to Costa Rica!

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)  is located in Alajuela, in close proximity to the capital San José.  When you arrive at the airport, our driver will be waiting for you with a sign in his hand, and will take you to your first accommodation. If you arrive early in the morning and would like to do an early check-in,  we will be happy to arrange this for the corresponding additional charge of one night.  The regular check-in time starts at 14:00.

Note: The maximum waiting time is 2 hours after the scheduled arrival time. Drivers keep track of the arrival time and will pick you up at the airport even if there are delays, as long as it fits with their next transfers. In the case of slight delays, there may be an additional cost for exceeding the 2-hour waiting time, this extra must be paid directly to the driver. If the flight is diverted or the delay is more than one hour after the scheduled arrival time, the driver may not be able to wait and a new transfer may need to be paid for.

Tortuguero, our small Amazon!

Tortuguero is a paradise for nature and Caribbean culture lovers.  It's a remote place surrounded by stunning vegetation that will accompany you throughout your stay. It can only be reached by boat or by small planes. There are no roads in the village! Therefore, excursions are safaris in small boats where you can see monkeys, toucans, caimans, turtles, sloths, a variety of birds, and many other animals.

The park was created to protect the green turtle that comes to nest on its beaches each year (between July and September). The village and the National Park are a symbiosis that thrives on tourism in perfect harmony. Tortuguero is an area of ​​exceptional biodiversity, with a very humid climate where freshwater meets the sea, creating a network of canals, lagoons, and wetlands, all immersed in a dense tropical rainforest. You cannot miss it!

Important: Although Tortuguero Beach is located at the Caribbean, it does not have white sand beaches, instead you will find dark volcanic sand. The sea here has many dangerous currents and strong waves, so swimming is not permitted. There are few constructions along the beach, making it a pristine virgin beach with a wild charm.

Full Experience Package - Day 1: To Tortuguero in the Northern Caribbean!

This morning your transportation will pick you up early to take you to the Caño Blanco Dock.  You will need to be there at 10:30 a.m.  Once at the Dock, the Tortuga lodge staff will meet you to board the Lodge Boat. Afterwards, you'll take a 90-minute boat ride through the canals to Tortuguero, where you'll get your first glimpse of the magnificent flora and fauna.

A delicious lunch awaits you upon arrival at the lodge. In the afternoon, you can book an optional tour, hike the lodge's trails, or cool off in the pool and simply relax before enjoying a delicious dinner.

Full Experience Package Day 2: Through Tortuguero Village and Canals!

During your stay, you have the option to choose two on-site experiences per day. These include: a nature boat tour, a twilight tour in the property, Tortuguero Village and Casa Cecropia, kayaking in Tortuguero, a daytime hike along the Tortuga Lodge trails, and a tour to Cerro Tortuguero.  

Depending on your choice, your day could be something like this: After a delicious breakfast at the lodge, you'll embark on a boat tour through the fascinating Tortuguero canals with a local guide.  You would be able to find the amazing flora and fauna of the region.

You'll return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a tour of the small village of Tortuguero, where you'll learn more about the history of this remote settlement.

The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can book additional tours on-site (not included in the package price).

Enjoy dinner in the garden, surrounded by tropical plants and the sounds of the jungle, with a wonderful view of the river.

Full Experience Package  Day 3:  Hasta Luego Tortuguero! 

After breakfast, you will leave Tortuguero by boat. The journey takes you back through the canals to the port from which you departed. From the boat dock, you will be transferred by bus to your next hotel destination.

Heading to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano!

Travel time approx. 6 hours (boat & bus)

The majestic Arenal Volcano is already waiting for you. You can see its impressive, cone-shaped form from far away, while you are getting closer. However, the giant often hides behind clouds, so you are lucky if you get to see it in its full beauty!
Around the volcano, there are many natural sights to discover: waterfalls, old lava flows, huge trees, and hot springs heated by volcanic veins.

How about a hike at the foot of the volcano, followed by pure relaxation in one of the thermal springs? There are activities for all ages: from peaceful quiet to exciting adventure, there is something for everyone.

Until 2010, the volcano was regularly active, with frequent smoke and glowing rocks. This active phase began with a major eruption in 1968, and continued with smaller eruptions until 2010. Since then, Arenal Volcano has been in a resting phase with very low activity – a normal process for active volcanoes.
The volcano and the town of La Fortuna are popular stops for many tourists, offering plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops, and a wide range of activities.

Hiking at Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall!

Included activity

Today, you'll set off on an approximately two-hour hike in the El Silencio Reserve at the foot of the slumbering giant. Even though the volcano is only active in phases, there is plenty to see and learn on this tour. Relics from the last eruption, lava fields, and, of course, lots of nature and fauna await you on the hike. The English-speaking guide will bring you closer to the history and tell you many interesting details.

After the hike, continue your tour to the famous La Fortuna Waterfall, about 70 meters high, where you can swim in the cool pool of the waterfall, as long as the water level allows. You're sure to be hungry after these adventures, so you'll stop at a nearby restaurant before you're brought back to your accommodation.

Duration: approx. 6 hours

Tour in regular basis sharing with other clients

Includes: Transfer, English speaking guide, admission to El Silencio Reserve & La Fortuna Waterfall, bottle of water & lunch

To Manuel Antonio on the Beautiful Central Pacific Coast!

Travel time approx. 5 hours

Today, your journey takes you to the Central Pacific, to the southern province of Puntarenas. Here lies the town of Manuel Antonio, renowned for its national park and some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Close to the coast, you'll find a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys and sloths. Be sure to keep your food well-secured, as the local wildlife is known to be quite curious, and could take food from the visitors!

Due to the popularity and the highlight of Manuel Antonio, the area has a wide variety of hotels and restaurants, though prices can be higher than in other parts of the country.  Most of the accommodations and dining spots are located on hillsides, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Get ready to experience the perfect combination of natural beauty and relaxation in this stunning destination!

Hike in Manuel Antonio National Park!

Included activity

The famous Manuel Antonio National Park is perfect for exploring on a guided tour. Together with your guide, you will go in search of monkeys, sloths, birds and butterflies and observe them up close through a telescope. The hike of approx. 3 kilometres also takes you past beautiful beaches that invite you to cool off. Experience the lush rainforest, the light-coloured beaches and the clear blue water during a stay on the beach.  

• Half Day Tour
• Tour in Regular Basis sharing with other clients
• Includes:  Transfer, English speaking Guide, Entrance Fee.
• Bring:  Sunscreen, Walking shoes, swimsuit, small towel, hat.

Important:   If you want to bring a water bottle, it must be a reusable bottle. Disposable bottles are not allowed in the Park. The National Park is closed on Tuesdays. 

Journey to the deep south, with rainforest to the beach!

Travel time approx. 3.30 hours (including the boat ride)

Deep in the south of Costa Rica, far away from all other tourist highlights, lies Drake Bay on the west coast of the Osa Peninsula.  Today you will be picked up from your hotel early in the morning and taken to the small town of Sierpe, where you will then board the boat to your lodge at 11 am. across the Río Sierpe and then out to sea and along the coast to the famous bay. Depending on the swell, the rapid ride can be bumpy, so we do not recommend this tour for people with severe back or disc problems.

Note: When getting off or back onto the boat at the beach, you will most likely be standing in knee-deep water. Please prepare accordingly with appropriate footwear and clothing.

Hike in the Corcovado-San Pedrillo National Park!

Included activity

After breakfast, you will set off at around 6:30 am in the direction of Corcovado National Park to San Pedrillo station. During your hike, your guide will point out the many different species along the way.  You may see white-faced, spider and howler monkeys, white-lipped peccaries, scarlet macaws, coatis and countless species of birds. The trails are easy to follow, leading uphill and downhill through primary and secondary rainforest. In the late morning, you will have the opportunity to hike to a beautiful San Pedrillo waterfall. Once at the waterfall, you can relax and take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the natural pool in front of the waterfall and take some wonderful photos of this beautiful area.

• The hike takes about 4 hours.
• Lunch will be at the lodge upon return
• Departure time: 6:30 am
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Tour in regular basis sharing with other clients
• Includes: Boat transfer, entrance fee, English speaking guide and lunch.
• Bring: Long Pants, Hiking shoes, swimsuit, sunscreen, water shoes.

Important: 

• Please bring a copy of your passport.
• Please note that the National Park office does not approve and confirm entry to the San Pedrillo entrance until 60 days before the start of the tour.
• If you want to bring a water bottle, it must be a reusable bottle. Disposable bottles are not allowed in the Park
• Be aware that your feet will get wet when you get off the boat.  Bring also wet shoes for getting on and off the boat!

Snorkeling tour and relaxation in the South Pacific!

Included activity

Today you set off on a great snorkeling tour close to the famous Isla del Caño. On this half-day tour, you will get to know the underwater world of Costa Rica. Swim with colorful fish and observe turtles, sharks and rays in their natural environment. During your stay on the Island, you can relax and enjoy nature. Refresh yourself with a swim in the Pacific Ocean or take a walk along the beach and discover artistically shaped pieces of wood or shells that have been washed up by the sea.  Lunch will be served at the hotel.

• Start time: approx. 07:30
• Duration: approx. 5 - 6 hours
• Tour in regular basis, sharing with other clients.
• Includes: Boat, English speaking Guide, Entrance Fee, Snorkeling Equipment and Lunch. 
• What to bring: an extra T-shirt for sun protection while snorkeling, swimsuit, hat, water shoes or sandals, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Important: 

Water will be provided for you on the boat. If you want to bring a water bottle, it must be a reusable bottle. Disposable bottles are not allowed on the island.

Back to the Pulsating Heart of Costa Rica!

From the lodge, you will be taken to Drake Bay Airport and a domestic flight will take you to San Jose.  

Unfortunately, your vacation is slowly coming to an end.

Your driver will pick you up from the Airport terminal and will take you to your last accommodation. Due to traffic in the Central Valley, delays are common. You can take the advantage of the city to buy your last souvenirs before your departure.

The Central Valley is home to the majority of Costa Rica’s population and where you can find shopping malls, international companies, banks, etc.

The climate in the Central Valley is especially pleasant and mild, making it an ideal place to relax. From the mountain slopes, you’ll be treated to a unique view of the twinkling lights of the entire valley at night.

Adiós, Costa Rica!

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. A transfer service will pick you up from your hotel based on your flight time and take you to the airport. With wonderful memories of your journey in your luggage, you’ll board your flight home.

We wish you a safe and pleasant flight!