Northern Costa Rica: Tortuguero, Arenal & Monteverde

Day 1 - San Jose

Fly from the UK to San José, where you'll be met at the airport and taken privately to your hotel in the city centre. The rest of the day is free, with the capital's museums, cafés and historic centre close at hand.

Overnight San José.

Day 2 - San José to Tortuguero

An early start takes you down to the Caribbean lowlands, with breakfast along the way, before you board a boat for the final stretch through tropical waterways to Tortuguero. There is no road in, which is a large part of its appeal. After lunch at the lodge, you'll visit Tortuguero Village for an introduction to the community, its Caribbean heritage and its close ties with the surrounding protected area. All meals are included during your stay.

Overnight Tortuguero.

Day 3 - Tortuguero National Park

Exploring the park's canals by boat with a naturalist guide is the signature experience here, and the reason Tortuguero earns its place at the start of the route. Gliding quietly along the water, look out for monkeys, tropical birds and reptiles in the trees and along the banks. Park entrance is included. Later, a guided walk through the lodge's gardens, trails and beach shows you a different side of the area.

Overnight Tortuguero.

Day 4 - Tortuguero to La Fortuna

After breakfast, you'll return by boat to the mainland and continue by road to Guápiles, where lunch is included. From here, a private transfer takes you across the northern lowlands to La Fortuna, the gateway to Arenal Volcano. The rest of the afternoon is yours to settle into your forest bungalow.

Overnight La Fortuna.

Day 5 - La Fortuna & Arenal

The morning is free to enjoy the Arenal area at your own pace. In the afternoon, a naturalist guide takes you to some of La Fortuna's best wildlife spotting areas in search of Costa Rica's two sloth species. You may also see toucans, frogs, hummingbirds, iguanas and monkeys along the way. Transport, entrance fees and light refreshments are included.

In the evening, unwind in the naturally heated pools at Ecotermales hot springs, surrounded by tropical gardens, followed by dinner at the restaurant there.

Overnight La Fortuna.

Day 6 - La Fortuna to Rincón de la Vieja

Heading west into Guanacaste, you'll travel for around three hours to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Rincón de la Vieja. Your hacienda sits close to the national park and combines ranch traditions with easy access to the volcano. The afternoon is free to enjoy the surroundings.

Overnight Rincón de la Vieja.

Day 7 - Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Today's guided walk follows the Las Pailas trail in one of Costa Rica's most distinctive volcanic landscapes. The circuit is around 3km and normally takes about two hours, passing from dry to humid forest as you go. Along the way you'll see active volcanic features up close, including steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots and hot water pools, while your guide adds insight into the geology, plants and wildlife. Park entrance is included.

Overnight Rincón de la Vieja.

Day 8 - Rincón de la Vieja to Monteverde

Leaving Guanacaste behind, the road climbs into the highlands and the drier landscapes give way to the cool, misty cloud forest of Monteverde. Your boutique hotel is in the heart of this celebrated nature area, making it an easy base for the next two nights.

Overnight Monteverde.

Day 9 - Monteverde Cloud Forest

Seeing the cloud forest from canopy level gives you a completely different view of it, which is why we've included a guided walk across the six SkyWalk hanging bridges at Treetopia. It's a gentle way to take in the vegetation, birdlife and wildlife of the Monteverde Cloud Forest from above. The rest of the day is free.

Overnight Monteverde

Day 10 - Monteverde to Montezuma

Descending from the cloud forest, you'll cross the Nicoya Peninsula to Montezuma, a relaxed coastal village where tropical forest meets the Pacific. Your hotel is well placed for exploring the beach, village and nearby waterfalls.

Overnight Montezuma.

Day 11 - Montezuma

We've built in a free day here to give you a proper pause before the final stage of the journey. Spend it on the beach, wander the village or visit the nearby waterfalls. Ocean and nature excursions can be arranged locally as optional extras.

Overnight Montezuma.

Day 12 - Montezuma to Carara

Leaving the peninsula, you'll travel to Costa Rica's Central Pacific region for a final night at a secluded eco lodge in the forested hills near Carara. The area is known for its birdlife and for the meeting of dry and humid tropical forest. Dinner is included, making this a peaceful last evening surrounded by nature.

Overnight Carara.

Day 13 - Carara to San José Airport

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to Juan Santamaría International Airport, around two hours away, for your overnight flight home.