12 Day itinerary in Costa Rica, Central America & Caribbean
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Costa Rica’s pristine landscapes with this travel pass. Discover stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, and vibrant wildlife, while exploring iconic spots like Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Experience thrilling zip-lining, soothing hot sprin... Read More
By Bamba Travel Inc
Physical Difficulty
Recommended Age
Operated in
GUIDANCE
starting point
trip type
trip attributes
Adventure
Nature & Wildlife
Start/End
Night
Zipline through the treetops in Monteverde
Spend a night amongst wildlife in Tortuguero NP
Discover the best of San Jose's cuisine and coffee
Relax in volcanic thermal waters
Zipline through the treetops in Monteverde
Spend a night amongst wildlife in Tortuguero NP
Discover the best of San Jose's cuisine and coffee
Relax in volcanic thermal waters
Accommodation Categories
Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose Bites & Sights Experience
Departure Time: 9:00, 11:30
Duration: 4 hrs
On this San Jose tour you’ll get up close and personal with Costa Rican life, through architecture, history, food, and more! Nothing could get you closer to authentic San Jose than strolling through the streets with a local as they show you the ins and outs of daily life. Take a wander through the city with us on this tour that takes typical San Jose and turns it into a local experience you’ll never forget.
Your San Jose food tour starts with a morning pick-up point, where you can get to know your local guide and relax into your surroundings. From here you’ll take a stroll through the park, enjoying the views of the Yellow House, or Foreign Ministry, as you go, and learning more about the park itself, which is the oldest in the city and also known as Expression Park. You’ll visit a number of landmarks in this area, including the National Liquor Factory and the Metal Building, two 19th century buildings that play an important role in the history of San Jose. Your guide will give you all the local knowledge about what these landmarks mean to the city, and its citizens, giving you exclusive insights in what makes San Jose tick.
Your San Jose walking tour continues through Parque Nacional for yet another taste of San Jose’s rich history, before you head back into contemporary Costa Rican life and towards the Central Market. While seeing the sights and architectural gems of San Jose will help you get to know the city better, on this tour you’ll use another sense – taste – to get you even more in tune with San Jose.
There’s no better place in San Jose to experience the local cuisine than the Central Market, a 120-year old building full to the brim with typical Costa Rican food and drink. Here you can sample local delicacies, learn about the herbs used in local medicines, or simply sip on your second rich and smooth Costa Rican coffee of the day. The Central Market is an experience that no visitor the San Jose should miss, and with a local guide by your side you’ll unearth all the secrets behind this San Jose treasure.
The Central Market will be the last stop on this San Jose tour, and by the end you’ll be full of local knowledge (and perhaps even some local lingo!), giving you the full San Jose experience that is sure to be a highlight of your time in this vibrant city.
Meals: Snacks
Day 2: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
San Jose to Manuel Antonio
Type: Shuttle
Time: 07:00, 14:15
Duration: 4.5 Hours
Transfer from San Jose to Manuel Antonio
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Manuel Antonio, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 3: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip
Departure Time: 7:00, 12:00
Duration: 3 hrs
Manuel Antonio is perhaps the most popular national park in all of Costa Rica, attracting more than 160,000 visitors annually to visit its tranquil white sand beaches and turquoise waters tucked away in mangrove swamps in the rainforest. Walking along the main trails that lead you through this majestic forest, you can see over 100 different types of animals, including white-faced monkeys, squirrel monkeys known locally as "mono titi", sloths, coatimundis and howler monkeys along with lizards, iguanas, crabs, marine life and over 180 bird species.
The Main Trail (1.3 miles) is the most popular and most frequented trail, taking you through a short loop of the park to the beaches. The Punta Catedral Trail takes you a bit further off the beaten track and out to the Cathedral Point for beautiful look out points. Visit the Playa Gemelas and Punto Escondido Beaches by following a trail of the same name for 1 mile and lastly for the most spectacular views of the park, take the Mirador Trail (a slightly more difficult trail a little less than a mile) to a beautiful overlook point. Enjoy the day wandering down endless trails into a naturally pristine refuge and feel that you are thousands of miles away from civilization.
Meals: Snacks
Day 4: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio to Monteverde
Type: Shuttle
Time: 13:30
Duration: 4.5 Hours
Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Monteverde, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 5: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde Canopy Zip-line
Departure Time: 8:00, 11:00, 14:00
Duration: 3 hrs
Monteverde is a paradise for adventure lovers. You will get your adrenaline running with one of the best Canopy tours (Zipline) of Costa Rica. Swing through the treetops on a zip line tour along 14 different cables. You will feel the excitement on the big Tarzan swing, the 30 meters rappel, the Superman Cable measuring 1 kilometre in length, and the Underground Superman Cable through a 175 meters long tunnel. During the tour, you will observe some beautiful views of the area from the 75-150 meters high cables. To reach the major heights, mix the extreme adventure together with the majestic forest and admire the rich natural beauty of the forest and its treasures. If you're lucky, catch an awesome view of the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua on a clear day. Observe over 100 species of mammals, over 400 species of birds (including 30 kinds of hummingbirds), tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants (including 420 kinds of orchids) in one of Latin America's most outstanding wildlife reserves. Keep your eyes open to catch a glimpse of diverse and beautiful wildlife including the jaguar, ocelot, Baird's tapir, three-wattled bellbird, bare necked umbrella bird and the famous quetzal.
Day 6: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Monteverde to La Fortuna
Type: Shuttle
Time: 09:00
Duration: 4 Hours
Transfer from Monteverde to La Fortuna
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to La Fortuna, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 7: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Arenal Lake Kayak Explorer
Departure Time: 8:00, 12:00
Duration: 4 hrs
Embark on a thrilling adventure through the lush wilderness, starting with an adrenaline-pumping zip-lining experience featuring seven cables spanning distances between 590 to 1315 feet. Immerse yourself further in nature with two leisurely walks along forest trails, where you'll discover the diverse flora and fauna of the area. For the daring souls, an optional 165-feet high rappel down a dry natural wall awaits, weather permitting. After a scenic 15-minute walk, arrive at the serene Arenal River for an hour of excitement on inflatable tubes, equipped with life vests and helmets for safety. Dive into the cultural richness of the region with a visit to the Malekus aboriginal community, offering opportunities to learn about their traditions and purchase unique souvenirs. Cap off your adventure with relaxation at the Montaña de Fuego Resort pools, accessible with the complimentary bracelet provided, allowing you to unwind in luxurious surroundings just steps away from our location.
NOTE: Please note outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).
Day 8: Tortuguero, Costa Rica
La Fortuna to Tortuguero
Type: Shuttle + Boat
Time: 05:45
Duration: 3 Hours
Transfer from La Fortuna to Tortuguero
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Tortuguero, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 9: Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Tortuguero National Park Adventure 2D/1N (from Tortuguero)
Start your activities in Tortuguero (B/L/D)
After breakfast we will continue driving on the shuttle and then transfer to a boat for the final leg of the journey into Tortuguero National Park, a pristine nature reserve and an important nesting site for green sea turtles. Along the way we will provide you with a brief introduction to the banana plantations.
This afternoon you may go on an optional walking tour of the Museum and the town to learn about the local culture (not included). Depending on the season, tonight you can also participate in an optional night tour (not included), which consists of a boat trip to Tortuguero National Park followed by walking on the beach to observe the nesting of the Giant Green Sea Turtle (available only from July to October).
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Tortuguero National Park Adventure, Costa Rica
Tortuguero National Park Adventure 2D/1N (from Tortuguero)
Tortuguero Boat Walking Tour - Boat and Shuttle to San Jose (B/L)
Rise early again this morning to go on a boat tour to visit some areas of the park and admire breathtaking nature. Return to your accommodation for breakfast and to pack up your belongings for check-out before taking your transfer back to San Jose at 9:00 hrs. Have lunch on the way (budget package does not include lunch) and arrive in San Jose around 15:30 hrs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo
Type: Shuttle + Boat
Time: 10:00
Duration: 4.5 Hours
Transfer from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Puerto Viejo, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 12: San Jose, Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo to San Jose
Type: Shuttle + Boat
Time: 06:00, 13:30
Duration: 5 Hours
Transfer from Puerto Viejo to San Jose
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to San Jose, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Meals
Transport
Activities
Not Included
Travel that Makes a Difference
By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.
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