Classic Costa Rica tour

Your shared coach transfer will pick you up between 6am and 7am for the journey to Tortuguero National Park, stopping for a hearty breakfast on the way. The journey takes a morning but the route is a scenic one, passing through primary forest. The roads eventually peter out: you'll take a shared motorised boat transfer to your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you might go on a guided jungle hike as part of a small group, or take a guided visit to tiny Tortuguero Village.

Enjoy a second day of guided small group trips, exploring the landscape of Tortuguero. Today you might take a boat trip along the flooded forest connected by a series of waterways. Your guide will help you spot wildlife, such as caimans, tropical water birds, howler and capuchin monkeys. Look out for iguanas sitting on tree branches and macaws winging their way over your head.

Today you travel from Tortuguero to Arenal by shared boat and coach transfer. After a stop for lunch in Guápiles, you'll take a three-hour private transfer to the Arenal Volcano region, arriving mid-afternoon. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel: bathe in the hot springs on the hotel's grounds, or take a swim in the pool.

This morning, visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges with your private guide. On this canopy walkway tour through the rainforest, your guide will point out its distinctive flora and birdlife. In the afternoon, explore Arenal Volcano National Park as part of a small group tour, visiting a lava wall. Your guide will explain the history of this active volcano. Afterwards, visit a hot springs complex for an evening bathe. A traditional dinner of casado (meat, rice and beans) is included.

A day at leisure to relax or spend as you wish. Relax by the hotel pool and (if it's a clear day), take in the views of Arenal's volcanic cone. If you're looking for something more energetic, we suggest going kayaking on Arenal Lake, zip-lining or white-water rafting. Alternatively, visit Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, take a trip to the Rio Celeste waterfalls, or hike one of the national park's trails.

This morning, enjoy some great views of Arenal Lake as you travel four hours to the Monteverde Cloud Forest by private transfer and with an accompanying private guide. En route, enjoy views of mountains and cloudforest, but beware that the road is a little bumpy at times. After arriving at your Swiss-style hotel in the cloudforest region, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to relax by the garden or perhaps explore one of the gentle trails on the hotel grounds.

This morning, expect an early morning wake-up call to head out on a nature walk through the cloudforest with your specialist guide. You'll learn about this biodiverse environment and its flora, from orchids and bromeliads to trees draped in mosses and ferns. In the afternoon, take a 15-minute shared minibus transfer to the Selvatura complex, a cloudforest conservation project. Lunch is not included, however there is an on-site restaurant.

Today, experience the dramatic descent from the cool cloudforest highlands in your private transfer. You'll travel two hours to Liberia Airport for your onward flight. On arrival, you’ll take a private transfer to your beach hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel or on the beach.

To finish the trip, we've suggested a couple of days of fun and sun at Santa Teresa Beach. This is also a great place for surfing, horse riding, fishing, and yoga.

Another day relaxing in your hotel. Take a stroll along the beach and relax beside the pool, or you may wish to visit the spa.

Today you'll have a private transfer to San José Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.