What could feel better than sitting back under blue skies and being surrounded by untouched nature whilst watching a hummingbird hover over a fragrant orchid? Not to mention kayaking across a serene lake with the thrilling sounds of howler monkeys as your soundtrack or spotting dolphins off the Pacific Ocean coast?

Costa Rica is a wildlife paradise and the South America Travel Specialist relaxed itinerary features three distinct regions of the country, travelling from the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific through mountains in between. It’s an ideal combination of discovery, action, and relaxation in this friendly country where 25% of the total land is protected national park. Costa Rica leads the way in environmental protection and the people of the country will pass on to you their passion for the diverse and beautiful nature found in this jewel of a country.

Your South America Travel Specialist will be able to show you a Costa Rican Wildlife Paradise tailored to you. Whether it’s more time in the mountains or possibly a few extra days by the Pacific or even seeking out animals and birds specific to your interests, Costa Rica has some of the world’s best naturalist guides as well.

Costa Rica’s Wildlife Paradise – Tour Highlights

• Revel in the untouched beauty of the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific Ocean

• See the wildlife of Tortuguero

• Go out dolphin and whale watching

• Soak in hot springs by Arenal Volcano

• Relax in the laid back luxury of Playa Cativo Lodge on the Pacific Ocean

Suggested Itinerary – We customise this for you!

Day 1 – To San Jose and Finca Rosa Blanca – Aromatic welcomes

Arriving in San Jose you’ll be welcomed by your private guide. San Jose is a pretty regular city so we suggest heading straight out to the stunning mountains and countryside. After all, that is what Costa Rica is all about! Finca Rosa Blanca is a charming place to stay for the night and relax and recharge after the flight. It is set in picturesque gardens and in the middle of an aromatic coffee plantation so is ideal for that instant Costa Rican feeling.

Meals: None

Hotel: Finca Rosa Blanca

Finca Rosa Blanca

Finca Rosa Blanca is a hotel set within a coffee plantation in the lush central valley of Costa Rica. It’s well located close to San Jose and as it’s a friendly small hotel in a beautiful area it’s an excellent alternative to staying in the city. It combines a bit of luxury with local character, there are flowers everywhere and large rooms are in a Spanish colonial style each with individual decor. It’s a working coffee plantation and they run coffee tours, and it has a big sustainability ethos and is great for families. We certainly recommend more than one night if possible.

Day 2 – To Tortuguero and the Caribbean Coast – All about local vibes

Enjoy a fresh, strong coffee to start the day, direct from field to your pot. Head north and east out of the rolling green mountains in central Costa Rica to the Caribbean Coast. The first part of the journey is by private car through the Braulio Carillo National Park so you will no doubt quickly notice the intense green of the scenery. Moreover, this area has many large pineapple and banana plantations, with names you’ll recognise.

The final part of the journey is by boat as there are no roads up to the true coastal retreat. The boat weaves through the mangroves of the Tortuguero canals towards Manatus Lodge which is your base for 2 nights. Manatus Lodge sits on a strip between canals and close to the Caribbean shore and is a laid back and unhurried place to stay which befits the whole vibe of Tortuguero. It’s not an area of fancy resorts but rather a place to get back to nature.

Arrive early enough for a spot of lunch washed down with a cocktail before heading out this afternoon with a lodge guide and expert. Visit the sea turtle centre in order to learn about the amazing conservation efforts in the region. Then wander into Tortuguero town where there’s a distinct Central American mixed with Caribbean atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Manatus Lodge

Manatus Lodge

Manatus Lodge is one of the best lodges in the Tortuguero area. With just 12 rooms guests receive personal service. Room combine fully equipped comfort and also allowing the rustic and laid back feeling of being close to nature and the unique environment of the Tortuguero waterways. Unlike other hotels in the area, what sets Manatus apart is the a la carte restaurant and the Afro-Caribbean menu which we love. There’s also a refreshing small pool and a showstopping location on the edge of the water, great for sunset drinks and lazy breakfasts.

The canals and coast of Tortuguero from the air, Costa Rica

Day 3 – Tortuguero and the Caribbean Coast – Discover Turtles and Exotic Birds

Today is a mixture of pure relaxation and getting out on guided trips to see the wildlife around Tortuguero.  Head out in shallow hull boats which allow better wildlife viewing up close. The birdlife here, in particular, is wonderful. Even non-birders will be under their spell with toucan, parrots, heron, kingfisher, hawks and over six hundred other species, the colours will astound you. Best to get your notepad and pen to make notes!

From July to October, you can take a guided walk to the nearby beach to see nesting sea turtles. The project here was one of the first places in the world dedicated to protecting these giants of the ocean. There’s a variety of species which come to the beach and amazingly they return to the same place year after year.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Manatus Lodge

Manatus Lodge

Manatus Lodge is one of the best lodges in the Tortuguero area. With just 12 rooms guests receive personal service. Room combine fully equipped comfort and also allowing the rustic and laid back feeling of being close to nature and the unique environment of the Tortuguero waterways. Unlike other hotels in the area, what sets Manatus apart is the a la carte restaurant and the Afro-Caribbean menu which we love. There’s also a refreshing small pool and a showstopping location on the edge of the water, great for sunset drinks and lazy breakfasts.

Rare resplendent quetzal Monteverde Costa Rica

Day 4 – To Arenal – Hot Springs and relaxing

Head back by boat to the mainland where your car and guide will be waiting for the journey across to the other side of Costa Rica. It’s not a long day of travelling as this is a small country and therefore it’s so easy to get around, which is indeed a big part of its charm. On the way stop at a plantation of palmito, otherwise known as the heart of palm. This food obtained from palms is a popular addition to salads across the American tropics and seen as a bit of a treat.

On arriving in the picturesque and mountainous Arenal region the skies will hopefully be clear and allow views of the imposing and perfectly conical Arenal volcano along with the glassy waters of Arenal lake. The area is home to the worlds largest concentration of tropical plants and animals which inhabit the forests, fertile farmland and sleepy villages of the valley.

Get into a slow place of life at Nayara Hot Springs, an adult-only lodge and among the most exclusive in the Costa Rican highlands. Relax in your private plunge pool which is fed by natural springs.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Nayara Springs Resort

Nayara Springs

Nayara Springs is one of the most exclusive hotels in the Arenal region, it’s an adult-only hideaway surrounded by jungle and with excellent views of the volcano. It’s well placed to explore the Arenal region and well set up for plenty of time to do nothing at all. The gardens are always full of birds and they run daily birdwatching our The large individual villa rooms come complete with four-poster beds and plunge pools. There’s one of the largest pools in the area and two excellent restaurants including Asia Luna which is one of the best in Costa Rica. What we particularly like about Nayara Springs is that it’s got all these features yet remains an independent Costa Rican hotel so they take care to look after the small touches.

Hot springs at Arenal Costa Rica

Day 5 – Arenal and a night jungle walk

Spend the day relaxing in the wildlife paradise of the hills.  Or if you like a venture into La Fortuna town for a bit of shopping and cafe time. There’s plenty of activities for a bit of adrenaline such as a zip wire on the slopes of Arenal volcano.

Your guide will pick you up late afternoon and drive you to some fantastic jungle trails for a guided night walk. The rainforest at night is a completely different atmosphere. The tails lead to a frog sanctuary which is home to some of Costa Rica’s unique and colourful species from the smallest dart frog to the largest bullfrog. The sounds at night are something to behold.

Round off the day with a hearty dinner from a wood-burning stove in the beautiful valley surrounded by nature.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Hotel: Nayara Springs Resort

Nayara Springs

Nayara Springs is one of the most exclusive hotels in the Arenal region, it’s an adult-only hideaway surrounded by jungle and with excellent views of the volcano. It’s well placed to explore the Arenal region and well set up for plenty of time to do nothing at all. The gardens are always full of birds and they run daily birdwatching our The large individual villa rooms come complete with four-poster beds and plunge pools. There’s one of the largest pools in the area and two excellent restaurants including Asia Luna which is one of the best in Costa Rica. What we particularly like about Nayara Springs is that it’s got all these features yet remains an independent Costa Rican hotel so they take care to look after the small touches.

Red eyed tree frog seen on night walk Costa Rica

Day 6 – Lake Arenal Kayak – Paddles and photos

Take to the waters of Lake Arenal by kayak. With a leisurely paddle,  appreciating the serenity of the lake and see some of the birdlife along the shores. Listen out for howler monkeys in the surrounding jungle. If they are in the vicinity you certainly won’t be able to miss the noise! The lake offers you magnificent views of Arenal volcano, the perfect photo opportunity. There’s also plenty of time today to enjoy the hot springs. Relax and watch hummingbirds, toucans and other birds in the lush gardens which surround your villa and the lodge, or simply make use of your plunge pool or the Nayara Springs oversized pools.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Hotel: Nayara Springs Resort

Nayara Springs

Nayara Springs is one of the most exclusive hotels in the Arenal region, it’s an adult-only hideaway surrounded by jungle and with excellent views of the volcano. It’s well placed to explore the Arenal region and well set up for plenty of time to do nothing at all. The gardens are always full of birds and they run daily birdwatching our The large individual villa rooms come complete with four-poster beds and plunge pools. There’s one of the largest pools in the area and two excellent restaurants including Asia Luna which is one of the best in Costa Rica. What we particularly like about Nayara Springs is that it’s got all these features yet remains an independent Costa Rican hotel so they take care to look after the small touches.

Lone lady enjoying the scenery beneath La Fortuna waterfall near Arenal Costa Rica

Day 7 – To The Pacific and the Osa Peninsula – Eco-Luxury

Travel back to San Jose and a short flight down to the south Pacific coast.

Playa Cativo Lodge is accessible only by boat, on the Golfo Dulce – or Sweet Gulf. A lot of places in the world claim they are untouched and eco-friendly but this part of Costa Rica truly is. Recline into pure escapism, an emerald coastline lapped by the azure seas of a huge bay leading into the Pacific Ocean. Explore the bay on a sea kayak or paddleboard or head out snorkelling in the clear nutrient-rich waters which attract dolphins. In the evening enjoy sundowner drinks as the sun sinks under the Pacific Ocean horizon and a la carte dining under the stars. This really is relaxing in eco-luxury.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Playa Cativo Lodge

Playa Cativo Lodge

Playa Cativo Lodge is one of Costa Rica’s best coastal luxury eco-lodges, and in a country, with plenty of them, it’s quite an accolade. The location is almost everything, on the Dulce gulf completely on its own on the edge of the huge Corcovado National Park. It’s an adventure just to get there, reached by boat along the gulf where there are often dolphins and whales. All rooms are large and open with jungle and sea views. We particularly recommend Premium Plus Casitas with private terrace and plunge pool and the best views, making sunset quite an occasion. It’s a natural paradise at Playa Cativo Lodge, well worth a few extra nights.

Sunset on a beach in the Golfo Dulce Costa Rica

Day 8 – Playa Cativo and the Pedras Blancas National Park – At one with nature

Why not head out on a guided trek into the Pedras Blancas National Park. This is an extension of the Corcovado National Park. The wildlife list here is long; four types of monkey inhabit the forest, as well as scarlet macaws and it’s home to some of the most diverse flora in the world. It was as a result described by National Geographic magazine as ‘the most ecologically intense place on Earth’.

Wash off the humid forest with a refreshing dip in the pool and also the blue Pacific Ocean waters. And spend the day relaxing, letting the wildlife come to you.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Playa Cativo Lodge

Playa Cativo Lodge

Playa Cativo Lodge is one of Costa Rica’s best coastal luxury eco-lodges, and in a country, with plenty of them, it’s quite an accolade. The location is almost everything, on the Dulce gulf completely on its own on the edge of the huge Corcovado National Park. It’s an adventure just to get there, reached by boat along the gulf where there are often dolphins and whales. All rooms are large and open with jungle and sea views. We particularly recommend Premium Plus Casitas with private terrace and plunge pool and the best views, making sunset quite an occasion. It’s a natural paradise at Playa Cativo Lodge, well worth a few extra nights.

Day 9 – Playa Cativo  Whale and dolphin spotting

They say save the best till last, doesn’t everyone love a dolphin? The waters in the Golfo Dulce are rich in nutrients and attract four species of dolphin, migrating whales from August to November, as well as whale sharks and sea turtles. Go on a boat trip to spot these as well as the chance to do some snorkelling and see what you can find.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Playa Cativo Lodge

Playa Cativo Lodge

Playa Cativo Lodge is one of Costa Rica’s best coastal luxury eco-lodges, and in a country, with plenty of them, it’s quite an accolade. The location is almost everything, on the Dulce gulf completely on its own on the edge of the huge Corcovado National Park. It’s an adventure just to get there, reached by boat along the gulf where there are often dolphins and whales. All rooms are large and open with jungle and sea views. We particularly recommend Premium Plus Casitas with private terrace and plunge pool and the best views, making sunset quite an occasion. It’s a natural paradise at Playa Cativo Lodge, well worth a few extra nights.

Two dolphins jumping out of the ocean in Costa Rica

Day 10 – Playa Cativo – relaxing and reflecting

Take in the beautiful surroundings of Playa Cativo while unwinding among the natural wonders. Grab a kayak and head up the mangroves or along the coast and enjoy the beach. Or on the other hand, simply do nothing at all but reflect on your recent exciting adventures.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Playa Cativo Lodge

Playa Cativo Lodge

Playa Cativo Lodge is one of Costa Rica’s best coastal luxury eco-lodges, and in a country, with plenty of them, it’s quite an accolade. The location is almost everything, on the Dulce gulf completely on its own on the edge of the huge Corcovado National Park. It’s an adventure just to get there, reached by boat along the gulf where there are often dolphins and whales. All rooms are large and open with jungle and sea views. We particularly recommend Premium Plus Casitas with private terrace and plunge pool and the best views, making sunset quite an occasion. It’s a natural paradise at Playa Cativo Lodge, well worth a few extra nights.

Day 11 – To San Jose and away

Take the boat back to the mainland and unfortunately back to reality. Fly to San Jose and connect with your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: None

Day 12 – Return home

Land back, with new ideas of how nature can be protected, and with some fresh Costa Rican coffee over which to share your stories with friends.