Discovery of Costa Rica's Wildlife
In the footsteps of Costa Rica's emblematic wildlife, from the canals of Tortuguero to the volcanoes of Arenal
Duration
12 days
From
US$2,365/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover a wild Costa Rica through an itinerary rich in wildlife encounters and exploration of the country's most beautiful ecosystems. From the lush channels of Tortuguero to the majestic slopes of Arenal Volcano, immerse yourself in exceptional nature and observe the richness of Costa Rican biodiversity. From the Arenal Volcano region, discover the Caño Negro wetlands, a true sanctuary for wildlife, before continuing your adventure towards the Tárcoles river and the paradisiacal beaches of Manuel Antonio. The adventure continues with an unforgettable night in the heart of the jungle in the Barú reserve, lulled by the sounds of the tropical forest. Finally, reach the mountains of San Gerardo de Dota, one of the best places in the world to observe the mythical Quetzal.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport
Aéroport Juan Santamaria-San Jose → San José
Upon exiting the airport, an agent will welcome you and take charge of your transfer to your hotel.
A private English-speaking briefing is reserved for you.
You will review together the logistical details of your trip. This will be an opportunity for you to ask them your questions.
Route to Tortuguero
From San José
We propose that you start your journey from your vacation location, namely Puerto Viejo de Limon.
A transfer will pick you up at your hotel reception.
To Tortuguero
Then you will reach the charming small village of Tortuguero commonly known as the "little Amazon". This name is due to the impressive vegetation that borders its network of canals and lagoons. Tortuguero is also the premier nesting site in the northern hemisphere for the green sea turtle.
During season (from July to October for the green sea turtle), you will have the opportunity to observe this phenomenon, which is as remarkable as it is moving.
You will then arrive at the lodge in early afternoon and visit the village of Tortuguero in the late evening.
Tortuguero
Early in the morning or during the day depending on the weather, you will set out to explore the canals of the Tortuguero National Park with the pleasure of spotting caimans, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, sloths, toucans, iguanas, basilisks, birds of all colors…
Note: National park entrance fee to be paid on site ($17/person).
The morning or afternoon is free, you will have the choice between resting by the hotel pool, taking a walk on the hotel trails or doing one of the activities offered by the hotel.
Arenal Volcano
From Tortuguero
Breakfast and departure from Tortuguero by boat.
From La Pavona
Arrival at La Pavona/Cabo Blanco port and bus transfer to Guápiles.
Lunch, car rental pick-up and drive to Arenal Volcano.
Arenal Volcano has experienced one of the most turbulent volcanic histories of the last century in Central America. A perfect cone standing at 1,648 meters altitude, adjoining the lake of the same name, it offers spectacular landscapes that make it one of the must-see destinations in Central America.
In the evening, night hike to observe wildlife
The hike begins at 5:45 PM, just before nightfall, when creatures are just beginning to wake up. You will hike along trails with a naturalist guide. You will observe many nocturnal animals and in particular frogs, of which at least 28 species are recorded in this reserve!
Arenal Volcano
In the morning, a sloth observation hike.
Early in the morning you will begin a visit of approximately 2 hours along the trails of the reserve in search of sloths. Along the trails, in addition to finding sloths, you will also observe monkeys, toucans, iguanas, colorful frogs and dozens of bird species, each more colorful than the last.
Rest of the morning free.
In the afternoon, visit to the Proyecto Asis animal sanctuary.
Arenal Volcano
Eco Safari at Caño Negro.
The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is one of the most bird-rich places on the continent. Caño Negro with its wetland vegetation is also the habitat of many animals, among them 3 types of monkeys, sloths, caimans, lizards and bats. This activity in the heart of this magnificent region departs from the village of La Fortuna at 7:30 a.m. heading to Los Chiles. It is a rustic village only 3 km from the border with the Republic of Nicaragua where our tour will begin in the marshlands. From the moment you depart La Fortuna you will be accompanied by a professional and experienced guide who can point out the varieties of fruits and animal species you will encounter throughout the journey. He will also inform you about the inhabitants of this region of Costa Rica. This is a program recommended for the whole family.
The tour is done in an inflatable boat in the heart of the Caño Negro marsh. The silence of your vessel allows you to observe the animals in the best possible conditions. After that, you will be taken to a local restaurant for a typical lunch included. You will then return to the Arenal volcano.
Tarcoles - Manuel Antonio
You will head towards the famous beach resort of Manuel Antonio, and along the way you will take a boat tour along the Tarcoles river to observe crocodiles as well as the very dense wildlife of the region!
Float down the Tarcoles river, whose concentration of 25 crocodiles per square kilometer makes it one of the densest in the world. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Guacalillo mangroves, which are home to more than 50 bird species, including the scarlet macaw or macaw Macao and the roseate spoonbill, as well as a wide variety of animals such as monkeys and tiger-faced crabs. Your experienced English-speaking guide will point out all the different species of mammals, birds and reptiles that abound in this mangrove ecosystem.
Tárcoles → Parc national Manuel Antonio
Continue then towards the famous Manuel Antonio beach resort which was recently included in the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.
There's more to Manuel Antonio than just the beach! The Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most popular stops in the country for the richness of its fauna and flora.
Monk capuchins, the famous squirrel monkey and sloths have made their home here long ago and delight tourists who come to photograph them up close. The national park also contains several beaches, all equally beautiful.
Relaxation and swimming on the agenda
Note: Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays!
Manuel Antonio
The Manuel Antonio Park covers an area of 683 hectares. It concentrates the most varied and most splendid landscapes. It is surrounded by a lush, very humid tropical forest. Its trails are visited by white-faced monkeys, sloths, badgers, raccoons, iguanas and many bird species; it is also home to the squirrel monkey, a species endemic to Manuel Antonio, which is not found anywhere else in the world. The species is increasingly threatened; according to the latest census, only 1,500 remain.
The Park also protects 12 islands that serve as excellent refuges for many species of seabirds. It consists of three excellent beaches: Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Escondido. Furthermore, it is home to a 14-hectare lagoon as well as a mangrove. Punta Catedral which connects the beaches of Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur is a charming place.
Night in the jungle
Parc national Manuel Antonio → Dominical
Departure from Manuel Antonio and drive to Dominical.
At 3 PM you will begin the hike taking you to the heart of the Baru Reserve.
After the hike to the camp, you will be able to sit and relax on the veranda at sunset and listen to the sounds of the jungle while the day animals and birds settle in for the night and the nocturnal creatures come to life. There will be no one else for miles around, you will be in the heart of the refuge.
Your guide will prepare a traditional Costa Rican charcoal grilled dinner.
After dinner, you can stay at camp in a hammock and contemplate the stars or venture out on a night hike with your guide. Your guide will search for poison dart frogs, tree frogs, owls, tarantulas, kinkajous and if you wish, even snakes.
Notes: Permanent tents 3 x 3 meters with wooden floors. Your bed will be fully made, towels are provided. The camp is equipped with a cold water shower and two flush toilets that all participants share.
What to bring: Pajamas, hiking shoes or tennis/sneaker type shoes, binoculars, flashlight or headlamp, clothing (you will want a shower and change of clothes after the hike to camp), medications and personal items, hat, camera, water, and insect repellent.
San Gerardo de Dota
Dominical → San Gerardo de Dota
You will wake up to the sound of birds chirping in the trees surrounding your tent. We promise that coffee will already be brewing.
After breakfast, go on a hike to the base of some rainforest trees that are 165 or 50 meters tall, then head back down to reception around 10 in the morning
Drive to San Gerardo de Dota. This small village is completely isolated in the Talamanca mountains, in the middle of a precious ecosystem. Here, visitors will find a deep cloud forest filled with mountain almonds, massive oaks and other indigenous species.
The forests serve as a refuge for a large number of mammals and countless species of insects, amphibians, amazing plants and colorful birds! San Gerardo is a true paradise for birdwatchers… More than 170 bird species have been recorded in the region. This place is moreover renowned as one of the best places in the world to observe Quetzals, which live there year-round.
Bird Watching Hike & Return to San José
San Gerardo de Dota → San José
Morning walk on the Lodge trails for bird watching. You will discover lush vegetation and numerous birds including the emblematic and mystical Quetzal as well as hummingbirds, trogons and woodpeckers.
Drive to San José where you will return your rental vehicle at 5pm at your hotel reception
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Personal purchases
- Beverages and meals not mentioned in the "included" category.
- Tips at discretion.
- The entrance fees to national parks not indicated as included
- Vehicle excess/deductible buyback insurance.
- The entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park (US$17 per person to be paid on site)
Included
- 12 nights in a double room in the standard/superior category hotels indicated, all hotel taxes included
- Activities in Tortuguero as indicated in the program
- Full board in Tortuguero
- Car rental with basic insurance (from Day 4 to Day 12), WIFI and unlimited mileage.
- All breakfasts + some additional meals
- Bird Watching Hike
- Night in the jungle accompanied by a local guide
- Sloth Watching Hiking
- Ecosafari at Cano Negro
- Visit to the Proyecto Asis Wildlife Sanctuary
- Night hike
- Boat tour along the Tarcoles River
- Morpho Evasions on-site assistance 24/7.
- French-speaking welcome at the airport and delivery of the travel itinerary
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Costa Rica for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, and we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Costa Rica, your passport must be valid for at least one day after your planned departure date from the country (i.e., for the entire duration of your stay), but it is strongly recommended that it be valid for at least six months after your date of entry to avoid any refusal of boarding or admission.
The passport must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps and be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Costa Rica.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry to the territory. No automatic extension is granted: any stay exceeding this duration is considered irregular.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward travel to a third country),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay (generally estimated at approximately 100 USD per day or 300 USD minimum).
Digital Entry Form (Pase de Salud / eTicket)
Before your arrival, you may need to complete an online entry form implemented by the Costa Rican authorities. This form contains personal and health information required for immigration purposes.
It allows you to submit to the immigration services certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight and itinerary details
address of your first accommodation in Costa Rica
The form must generally be completed online in the days prior to your arrival. A digital confirmation or QR code may be requested when passing through immigration. We recommend that you verify whether this form is still in effect at the time of your travel.
Health and vaccines
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Costa Rica for travelers from Europe or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on the areas visited:
typhoid fever and hepatitis A are recommended for all travelers,
yellow fever is recommended for travelers visiting certain forest or border areas.
Risks associated with dengue and malaria exist in certain regions, particularly in rural and forest areas. It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
Costa Rica applies strict rules regarding travel by minors: when a child travels without one or both parents, a notarized parental authorization may be required by the Costa Rican authorities upon entry and exit from the territory. It is strongly recommended that you check with the Costa Rican embassy before departure.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Costa Rica in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have assistance-repatriation and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for worry-free travel!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complementary Credit Card Coverage
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend taking out one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout the duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors can stay in Costa Rica visa-free, provided they have a valid passport for at least 1 day after their stay and present a return ticket. The exact visa-free stay periods vary depending on nationality. Before booking your trip, verify the conditions applicable to your nationality with the Costa Rican consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 200 and 330 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. International flights (800-1200 euros return) are additional. Costa Rica is more expensive than its Central American neighbours, as befits its quality.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to travellers' profiles. For families, we prioritise relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Caribbean Coast
Nature travel craftsman in Costa Rica, based in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a country that reminds us how much nature can still be omnipresent. My role is to help travelers discover it without altering it.
— Mathieu
