- 4.9/5 403 Latest reviews
- Destination: Costa Rica
- Duration: 12 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Nature
About This Trip
Costa Rica packs volcanoes, cloud forest, rainforest and two coastlines into a small country. This 12-day private trip follows the nature route: Arenal Volcano and its hot springs, the misty highlands of Bajos del Toro, the wild Osa Peninsula on the south Pacific, and the beaches and rainforest of Manuel Antonio.
you'll cross hanging bridges, listen for toucans and howler monkeys, take a boat across the Golfo Dulce where dolphins sometimes swim alongside, and finish with a day in Manuel Antonio National Park. It's a tailor-made trip with a private driver, a domestic flight and several remote lodges, and suits travelers who care more about wildlife and quiet than nightlife.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
San José
Arrival, city orientation
2 - 3
La Fortuna
Arenal Volcano, hot springs, optional hanging bridges and Sky Tram
4 - 5
Bajos del Toro
Cloud forest, waterfalls, birdwatching
6 - 8
Puerto Jiménez
Domestic flight, Golfo Dulce boat transfer, rainforest lodge
9 - 11
Manuel Antonio
Pacific coast transfer, national park, beach days
12
San José
Transfer and departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in San José
Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Rest after the flight, and stroll the nearby area or have an early dinner. Your guide stops by to go over the route.
- San José
- Day 2: San José to La Fortuna
Drive about 3 hours north to La Fortuna, with views of Arenal Volcano as you approach. Check in to your lodge, then soak in the volcanic hot springs in the evening.
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- La Fortuna
- Day 3: La Fortuna – Optional Activities at Leisure
Today is at your leisure, giving you the opportunity to join a selection of optional excursions offered by the hotel (available at an additional cost).
If you’re looking for an adventurous way to experience Costa Rica’s landscapes, the Sky Tram & Sky Trek is an excellent option. Enjoy a gentle open-air gondola ride ascending through the forest canopy, followed by an exhilarating zipline adventure gliding across canyons, all while taking in sweeping panoramic views.
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This peaceful walk features 16 suspension bridges and well-maintained trails with spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, where you may spot a wide range of wildlife including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects.
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- La Fortuna
- Day 4: La Fortuna to Bajos del Toro
Drive about 2.5 hours to Bajos del Toro, a quiet cloud-forest valley with waterfalls and hummingbirds. The last stretch is rough road, so we use a suitable vehicle. Settle into your lodge and walk the nearby trails.
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- Bajos del Toro
- Day 5: Bajos del Toro – Immersed in Nature
Wake up to the gentle sounds of birdsong and flowing mountain streams. After breakfast, take time to explore the property’s walking trails, where you’ll encounter the beauty of ancient forests, home to numerous migratory bird species and unique groves of medicinal plants.
The afternoon is free for you to wander at your own pace or unwind at the forest spa, set beside a peaceful stream and offering a rejuvenating natural mud treatment. You may also choose from optional experiences such as a tree-planting ceremony or learning about organic vegetable cultivation. This tranquil setting makes it easy to disconnect and fully embrace the serenity around you.
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- Bajos del Toro
- Day 6: Fly to Puerto Jiménez and Cross the Gulf
Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Puerto Jiménez on the Osa Peninsula. From there, a boat takes you across the Golfo Dulce to your lodge, about an hour on the water. Look for dolphins on the way. Baggage limits on small planes are strict, so pack light.
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- Golfo Dulce
- Day 7: Rainforest by the Gulf
Spend the day around your lodge’s trails, gardens and beach. Look for monkeys, macaws and toucans, and join a guided walk if offered.
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- Golfo Dulce
- Day 8: Kayaking and Wildlife
Take a free day in the Osa’s wild rainforest. Kayak or snorkel in the gulf, or follow the lodge’s trails. Heavy rain is common in the wettest months, so plans may shift.
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- Golfo Dulce
- Day 9: Osa to Manuel Antonio
This is a long transfer, about 6 to 7 hours in total, by boat and private vehicle along the Pacific coast. Bring snacks and water. You arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon.
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- Manuel Antonio
- Day 10: Manuel Antonio National Park & Leisure Time
Today, explore Manuel Antonio National Park, ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the twelve most beautiful national parks in the world.
Despite being Costa Rica’s smallest national park, it boasts remarkable biodiversity, with wildlife such as sloths, iguanas, and playful squirrel monkeys, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The park uniquely combines dense rainforest, pristine beaches, and colorful coral reefs, offering both adventure and relaxation.
The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy your hotel’s amenities or continue discovering the surrounding area at your own pace.
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- Manuel Antonio
- Day 11: Manuel Antonio – Free Day & Optional Activities
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you choose to relax and make use of the hotel’s facilities or participate in a variety of optional excursions offered locally. Activities available include horseback riding, surfing lessons, canopy tours, kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling, allowing you to tailor the day to your interests.
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- Manuel Antonio
- Day 12: Manuel Antonio to San José – Departure Day
Bid farewell to Costa Rica as you travel back to San José for your return flight home. The drive takes approximately three hours, and for a smooth journey, we recommend scheduling a mid-afternoon or later departure.
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