Costa Rica: Tortuguero, Arenal & Manuel Antonio

  • thumbnail image_costaricatortugueroarenalmanuelantonio
  • thumbnail map_costaricatortugueroarenalmanuelantonio

Duration: 10 days

Begins: San José

Ends: San José

Trip Code: CRTQ

From

£3,549 per person

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    Costa Rica refuses to pick a side, and this trip doesn't ask it to. Kayak Tortuguero's canals in search of monkeys and birds, soak in Tabacon's volcanic springs, and hike to a waterfall so blue it barely looks real. Manuel Antonio closes things out with sloths overhead and Pacific sand underfoot — proof this country does elevation and shoreline equally well.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    The Geluxe Collection
    With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations, and comfort at their very core, these premium active trips are adventure at its finest.
    Service Level
    Upgraded
    Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
    Physical Rating
    3 - Average
    Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour, Sarapiquí
    • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your OMG Day: Ziplining or Mistico Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna
    • Your Wellness Moment: Hot Springs Resort and Dinner, La Fortuna
    • Complimentary arrival transfer
    • Welcome dinner
    • 2 days of kayaking in Tortuguero National Park
    • Walk to a waterfall in San Miguel de Sarapiquí
    • Day pass at Hot Spring Resort
    • Hanging bridges excursion to spot wildlife from La Fortuna
    • Hike to the Rio Celeste Waterfall in Volcán Tenorio National Park
    • Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
    • Farewell dinner
    • Departure transfer
    • All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

    Allow USD160-210 for meals not included.

    Day 1 : San Jose: Welcome to the Jungle

    Feel the warm air hit your face as you step out of the plane in Costa Rica. Fall into the pace of the traffic and beeping car horns as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Central American country en route to the city centre. We welcome you to San José, and while technically not quite in the jungle just yet, we invite you to embrace all of the new and exciting things that await.

    Arrive to Costa Rica at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

    Arrival Transfer

    Juan Santamaría International Airport - San José

    You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

    Meet Your CEO and Group

    1h Evening

    Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

    Meals Included:

    Dinner

    Day 2 : Tortuguero National Park: Kayaking in the Canals

    See the landscape dramatically change as you head out of the city and through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the coast. Before long you'll be gliding through the canals of Tortuguero in a kayak, keeping a lookout for tropical birds, reptiles and monkeys that call this place home. Settle into the comfortable lodge for the night and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

    Travel by minibus and boat from San José to Tortuguero National Park. After lunch, take the first of 2 kayaking excursions to the nearby canals to spot wildlife.

    Private Vehicle

    San José - Caño Blanco 2h30m 115km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Boat

    Caño Blanco - Tortuguero 1h30m

    Sit back and relax as you travel by boat from La Pavona to the lodge in Tortuguero.

    Free time:

    Tortuguero Evening

    Spend a free evening relaxing before dinner at the lodge. Enjoy the various amenities on the property.

    Guided Kayak Excursion

    Tortuguero 0h15m

    Grab a paddle and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as you kayak through the black water canals of Tortuguero. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas, frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 3 : Tortuguero National Park: Coastal Waterways

    Wake early and prepare for more exploration of Tortuguero's waterways to spot wildlife. Catch the light glinting off of a Morpho butterfly's blazing blue wings as you paddle along the canals and listen to the calls of the forest. In the evening, you could take an excursion to visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles for which the national park was named, and perhaps spot the females laying eggs on the beach (seasonal, July to October).

    Take an optional morning boat safari to spot wildlife at dawn when things are most active. After breakfast head out again by kayak to explore some of the secondary canals and waterways. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to visit the nearby town or to relax by the pool.

    Free time:

    Tortuguero Afternoon

    The afternoon is free for optional activities in the area or to take advantage of the amenities at the lodge. Later in the evening opt to visit a turtle nesting ground (seasonal, July to October).

    Tortuguero Morning Kayaking Excursion

    Tortuguero 3h

    Hop back into a kayak and set off onto the calm morning waters to explore some secondary canals and waterways in the national park. Try to spot wildlife like, tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as the sun warms the day. Keep watch for toucans, monkeys and sloths in the canopy above you as you glide through the water.

    Optional Activities - Day 3

    Tortuguero National Park Guided Boat Tour

    Tortuguero National Park 2h

    Hop on board, kick back, and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as we motor through the black water canals of the Tortuguero NP. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas and frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.

    Turtle Nesting Night Excursion (Seasonal)

    Tortuguero National Park - Tortuguero

    Head out at night to visit the nesting grounds of the green and leatherback turtles (seasonal) on the beaches of Tortuguero National Park. Learn about the turtles' nesting process and hopefully see females lay eggs, during this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. (seasonal, July to October)

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 4 : Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

    Leaving the coast behind, we'll head inland with a stop at a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative along the way. Learn all about how coffee is harvested and produced as you sip a delicious cup of one of Costa Rica's most tasty indulgences. Stretch your legs and soak in the scenery on a walk to a nearby waterfall before a typical lunch and then continue onwards towards Caño Negro, one of the most dynamic and biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica.

    Travel by boat and bus from Tortuguero to Caño Negro with a stop en route at a coffee cooperative. Arrive to Caño Negro in the evening and enjoy an included dinner with the group.

    Boat

    Tortuguero National Park - La Pavona 1h30m

    Climb aboard and get your float on.

    Private Vehicle

    Caño Blanco - Caño Negro 4h15m 155km

    Enjoy the scenery on the drive from Tortuguero to Caño Negro with a stop along the way to Mi Cafecito.

    Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour

    Sarapiquí

    Find out where your cup of java comes from. Visit the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiqui, see shade-grown coffee plants, learn about everything from harvesting, to husking, drying, and roasting the beans before enjoying the best part – a fresh cup! Before lunch set out on a short hike short hike near Mi Cafecito to a waterfall. Enjoy a typical lunch of plantains, beans, and freshly caught tilapia fish. Feel good about all this eating and drinking knowing that you are supporting a G Adventures for Good project that helps 200 farmers and their families.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 5 : Caño Negro: Community & Cuisine

    Discover the rich biodiversity and cultural traditions of Caño Negro today. Cruise along the Rio Frio and through the Caño Negro Wetlands in search of wildlife, then visit a local island community to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch and learn about the region's heritage. This evening, delve into the culinary traditions of the Maleku people during an interactive gastronomic demonstration, followed by a tasting dinner featuring the flavours of northern Costa Rica.

    Visit the Caño Negro Wetlands on a wildlife-viewing boat excursion, followed by lunch and a cultural visit with a local community. In the evening, learn about Maleku culinary traditions during a gastronomic demonstration and tasting dinner.

    Tour of Caño Negro Wetlands

    Caño Negro

    Set out by boat from the private dock of Hacienda Caño Negro and explore the peaceful waterways of the Rio Frio and Caño Los Patos. As you glide through this rich wetland ecosystem, keep an eye out for the incredible wildlife that calls the region home, including caimans, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, turtles, iguanas, and a remarkable variety of resident and migratory bird species. Continue to the Caño Negro Wetlands, one of Central America's most important wildlife refuges and biodiversity hotspots. From the observation tower, take in sweeping views of the wetlands while learning about the ecological significance of this unique and thriving ecosystem.

    Traditional Lunch and Community Encounter

    Caño Negro

    Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch on a small island community in the heart of Caño Negro. Prepared by local families using recipes passed down through generations, the meal offers a delicious introduction to the region's culinary heritage. Following lunch, connect with community members as they share stories about the history, traditions, and daily life of Caño Negro. Round out the experience with a visit to a local butterfly garden and a traditional crafts workshop, providing a deeper understanding of the culture and way of life that have shaped this unique corner of Costa Rica.

    Maleku Dinner

    Caño Negro

    Enjoy dinner featuring flavours inspired by the traditions of the Maleku, one of northern Costa Rica's Indigenous communities. The meal highlights local ingredients and culinary influences that have shaped the region's food culture.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 6 : Rio Celeste: Tropical Rainforest

    Set out for Volcán Tenorio National Park and hike through lush rainforest trails to the stunning turquoise waters of Rio Celeste Waterfall. Continue to Maleku territory to connect with the local community and enjoy a traditional lunch before ending the day in La Fortuna, near the base of Arenal Volcano.

    Private Vehicle

    Caño Negro - Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio 2h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall

    Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio 3h 5km

    North of Lake Arenal lies another spectacular protected area called Volcán Tenorio National Park. We'll set off on foot from the main entrance and hike along jungle trails and down a series of stairways to the brilliantly blue Rio Celeste Waterfall. Take in the scenery and watch for wildlife like monkeys and birds in the canopy above before hiking out on the same trail.

    Private Vehicle

    Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio - Reserva Maleku 1h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Community Lunch at Rancho Tojijifuru

    Reserva Maleku

    Learn about the Maleku community, Costa Rica's smallest Indigenous group with a population of approximately 650 people, and discover their history, traditions, and cultural connection to cacao before enjoying a traditional lunch prepared with local ingredients and recipes.

    Private Vehicle

    Reserva Maleku - La Fortuna 1h30m

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 7 : La Fortuna: Your OMG Day

    Today is all about you. Fly through the lush forest canopy on a series of zip-lines and platforms or hanging bridges, walking along and trying to spot wildlife. Whichever option you choose, your muscles will appreciate a soak in the restorative thermal springs and waterfalls of Eco Termales Resort, a luxurious and relaxing way to spend the evening.

    Ziplining or Mistico Hanging Bridges

    La Fortuna 4h

    Option 1: Soar through the lush jungle forest on ziplines and enjoy the views from the canopy. Option 2: Walk along Hanging Bridges and try to spot wildlife from the canopy. Both excursions begin and end at the hotel in La Fortuna.

    Free time:

    La Fortuna

    Enjoy free time at the hotel in La Fortuna. Relax or find some hot springs to soak in and let the day pass luxuriously.

    Eco Termales Hot Springs Resort and Dinner

    La Fortuna

    Indulge yourself and soak those weary muscles in Costa Rica's largest network of naturally flowing thermal springs surrounded by beautiful gardens. Move from pool to pool of varying temperatures and with cascading waterfalls and get revitalized with the mineral water, naturally heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a delicious dinner before returning to the hotel.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 8 : Manuel Antonio National Park: To the Pacific Coast

    With the Arenal Volcano in the rearview mirror, head south through Costa Rica's lush interior to the Pacific coast and to the iconic Manuel Antonio National Park. Take in the sweeping views as you catch glimpses of the ocean through the rainforest canopy. The afternoon is yours to head to the beach or relax by the hotel pool.

    Private Vehicle

    La Fortuna - Quepos 4h30m - 5h 210km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Free time:

    Manuel Antonio Half day

    Take advantage of a free afternoon to head to the beach or book an optional activity like a surf class or go kayaking.

    Optional Activities - Day 8

    Kayaking

    Manuel Antonio National Park 4h

    Choose to kayak the calm waters of the mangroves or paddle the waves of the Pacific. In the Damas Island estuary, the ocean meets fresh water rivers and creates a protected home for birds, snakes, crocodiles, and white face monkeys. For the more adventurous, opt for an open-seat ocean kayak and paddle along the shoreline and nearby islands, keeping an eye out for frigates, boobies, and jumping fish. Minimum age: 6-8 depending on tour type.

    Surfing

    Manuel Antonio National Park 1h - 5h

    Slather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard, and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio with their left, right, and well-shaped beach breaks. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 9 : Manuel Antonio National Park: Wildlife and Beach

    Manuel Antonio National Park is a bold representation of the natural diversity that Costa Rica has on full display. Walk through the lush coastal rainforest on the lookout for monkeys, birds and sloths and take in the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean as you stroll along the impossibly picturesque beach. Share stories and memories over a meal with your fellow travellers in the evening as the sun dips below the horizon.

    Set off with a local guide on a visit of Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before a farewell dinner in the evening.

    Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike

    Manuel Antonio 2h - 3h 3km

    Pack your sunscreen, camera, hiking shoes and bug repellent and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica’s smallest yet biodiverse national park. Manual Antonio offers four white sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Head to the shade of the nearby tropical forest in search of sloths, monkeys, armadillos and iguanas. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area’s off-shore islands. Learn how the wildlife has adapted to their environment and enjoy your exotic experience.

    Free time:

    Manuel Antonio Afternoon

    Spend some extra time exploring the park or head to the beach to relax and take a swim.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 10 : Quepos

    Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Costa Rica will live on. Transportation will be provided to the San José airport, where the tour ends upon arrival.

    Two shuttles will be provided, one early departure, arriving to the airport around midday and another arriving in the early afternoon. Outbound flights from San José (SJO) should depart no earlier than 3pm.

    Departure Day

    Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

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