This wildlife discovery tour has been specifically designed to capture the essence of Costa Rica whilst keeping costs to a minimum. Travelling by public transport we can truly immerse ourselves in the local culture. We will swim in the Caribbean, enjoy the natural firework show of Arenal volcano, track wildlife in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and relax on the golden beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour San José
Arrive San José and check-in at hotel.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 2:
Bus to Cahuita
San José lies in a fertile valley at an altitude of 1150m. Coffee and sugar cane are grown in this area and coffee is still planted between new buildings and along the roadside on the outskirts of the city. This morning we’ll leave the city, with a chance to meet the locals as we travel by public bus via Guapiles and Puerto Limon to the small village of Cahuita on the Caribbean Coast.
Overnight Cabin (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3 to 4:
In Cahuita
We have the next couple of days free to enjoy the laid-back coastal village of Cahuita and the option to visit the nearby National Park of the same name. Cahuita has long been a favourite haunt of backpackers and the more adventurous traveller who wants to get off the beaten track. The effort is well rewarded and Cahuita National Park with its coral reefs makes for excellent snorkelling whilst the costal forests offer some great walks with the chance to spot monkeys and birds amongst the canopy. If you want to explore further afield there’s the chance to take a day trip to Tortuguero NP or go horse-riding along the coast. If you want to learn something new, surfing lessons are also available in Cahuita. The village also has a good range of eateries and nights can be spent enjoying a beer, listening to reggae tunes and chilling out in true Caribbean style.
Overnight Cabin (H+)
Day 5:
Drive to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Catching a public bus up the Caribbean Coast today we travel to the transport and agricultural hub of northern Costa Rica. The well-ordered town is surrounded on all sides by the lush green pineapple and banana plantations that provide a ready source of work for local labourers.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 6:
Bus to Arenal
In the morning take a public bus, skirting the great central volcanic massif, past fertile farmlands, rich with a diversity of tropical crops, to bring us within sight of Arenal, Cost Rica’s most active volcanic cone. This classic cone, which rises to 1,633m, is covered by a tangled mass of vegetation on one side while the other is starkly barren and old lava flows are visible. We recommend an evening bathe in the nearby thermal baths (optional).
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 7:
In Arenal
The day is free to explore the area – you can take a walk on the trails of Arenal National Park with the towering backdrop of the volcano’s barren flank ahead (optional). There are local trails to waterfalls and various optional rafting and float trips available, not to mention spa treatments with the volcanic mud!
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
Jeeps and boat to Monteverde
Heading west, we travel firstly by jeeps and then jump aboard a boat that will carry us across Arenal Lake. Continuing on by jeeps towards Monteverde, a small town near Monteverde cloud forest – acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the New World Tropics. On arrival, there are plenty of activities on offer in this lush forested area, including the orchid gardens and frog pools, then in the evening there’s the option to take part in an optional forest walk on the hunt for Tarantulas.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 9 to 10:
In Monteverde
We have two full days to take advantage of all the things there are to see and do around Monteverde. The famous, but now very rare, Resplendent Quetzal is fairly commonly seen in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the last remaining places in Central America where its habitat has been preserved. The best chance to see these beautiful birds is during March and April when they are breeding. You can spend your days exploring the reserve, walking the paths that wind their way through gigantic ferns and giant trees dripping with lichen and moss. The rest of your time here maybe filled with optional activities such as the Canopy Tour, sliding down wires through the canopy, exploring the forest more sedately on suspension bridges, strung at canopy height, or on the fascinating Night walk. Alternatively you can spend an afternoon in the Santa Elena Reserve, supported by school children worldwide. There are also other private forest reserves in the area which can be explored, and various innovative local businesses to support.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 11:
Drive to Quepos near Manuel Antonio N.P.
From the cloud forest we descend by public bus to the Pacific coast enjoying staggering views over the Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya. Heading south via Puntarenas we continue down the Pacific Coast towards Quepos on the edge of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Overnight Cabin (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 12 to 13:
Around Manuel Antonio N.P.
Over the coming days you have the chance to explore the Manuel Antonio park area, famed for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife which includes Capuchin white-faced monkeys (which can be seen coming down to the beach), coatimundi, sloth and the tiny squirrel monkey. The remainder of the time can be spent relaxing on the white sandy beaches, enjoying a swim in the warm azure waters. The sunsets from this coast are spectacular and have to be seen to be believed!
Overnight Cabin (H+)
Day 14:
Drive to San José
After a morning relaxing, we leave the Pacific Ocean at about midday, taking the public bus back to the capital San José.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 15:
Tour ends San José
Included meals: Breakfast
