Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Costa Rica with this 9-day, 8-night Eco Essential Package. From the vibrant capital of San José to the remote canals of Tortuguero, the majestic Arenal Volcano, and the mystical cloud forests of Monteverde, this journey offers a perfect blend of adventure, biodiversity, and cultural discovery. Designed for eco-minded travelers and nature lovers, this itinerary takes you deep into the heart of Costa Rica’s most iconic ecosystems for an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most biodiverse destinations.
Upon arrival at San José (SJO) International Airport, our staff will meet and greet you after you collect your luggage and clear customs. You will then be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at San José Hotel
Services: ground transportation, airport meet and greet.
Meals: N/A
Hotel: Country Inn & Suites or similar
Early departure from your hotel in San José, passing through Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the largest national parks in Costa Rica. From there, we will continue to Tortuguero National Park, located on the northeastern Caribbean coast and famous for its canals that weave through the park. A stop for breakfast is included in the town of Guápiles. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the pier for a one-hour boat ride to the town of Tortuguero. During the boat ride, keep an eye out for a variety of birds and wildlife.
After checking in at your Tortuguero hotel, a delicious lunch will be served. In the afternoon, join the guide for a visit to the local town to experience the culture and traditions of the Tortuguero community.
Overnight at Tortuguero Hotel
Services: ground and boat transportation, tour guide.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hotel: Laguna Lodge or similar
Today, you will explore Tortuguero National Park by boat. This tropical sanctuary is home to over 300 species of birds and a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, and more. Discover the lush rainforest vegetation as you cruise through the park’s canals. You can also enjoy the hotel’s pool area, souvenir shop, hammocks, and walking trails during your free time. *National Park entrance ticket is not included*.
Overnight at Tortuguero Hotel
Services: boat tour and tour guide.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hotel: Laguna Lodge or similar
After breakfast, you will return to the canals for your transfer to Arenal. Along the way, we will stop in the town of Guápiles for a delicious lunch. Then, you will be transferred to the Arenal rainforest area, home to the impressive Arenal Volcano.
Overnight at Arenal Hotel
Services: boat and ground transportation.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch.
Hotel: Arenal Paraiso or similar
You will hike along a scenic trail at the base of the Arenal Volcano, leading you through lush rainforest. The eruption of the Arenal Volcano in 1968 completely devastated the surrounding area, which is now undergoing a remarkable process of natural regeneration. Before the 1968 eruption, a splendid canopy of vegetation covered the Arenal Volcano. On this 2-hour guided hike, you will learn about the history of the majestic Arenal Volcano and its impact on our local area and community throughout the years. Marvel at the breathtaking views before continuing to the second highlight of the day! Ecotermales Hot Springs offers a more intimate and tranquil hot spring experience, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. The naturally heated mineral waters flow through a series of beautifully designed pools with varying temperatures, creating the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while soaking in the therapeutic waters and immersing yourself in the beauty of Arenal’s natural surroundings.
Recommendations:comfortable clothing, tennis-hiking shoes, bathing suit, extra clothes, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, raincoat.
Overnight at Arenal Hotel
Services: ground transportation, entrance fee and tour guide for the activity.
Meals included: breakfast and dinner on tour.
Hotel: Arenal Paraiso or similar
This transfer from Arenal to Monteverde offers a unique and scenic route. Instead of the usual 4-hour drive around the lake, the journey takes approximately 3.5 hours, including a lake crossing. Upon reaching Lake Arenal, you will board a boat for a 30–40 minute ride across the lake.On the opposite shore, another van will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Monteverde.
Overnight at Monteverde Hotel
Services: ground and boat transportation.
Meals included: breakfast.
Hotel: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar
Visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve feels like walking through a grand, green cathedral. Along the exposed ridges, wind-sculpted elfin woodlands appear dramatically dwarfed, while in the sheltered coves, towering trees rise majestically, draped with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. The Reserve’s unique combination of varied microclimates and high elevation supports an astonishing biodiversity. It is home to iconic and rare species such as jaguars, ocelots, black guans, emerald toucanets, three-wattled bellbirds, bare-necked umbrella birds, blue-crowned motmots, resplendent quetzals, hummingbirds, and tens of thousands of fascinating insect species. You’ll have the chance to explore nine different trails that wind through the forest, eventually reaching one of the highest viewpoints in the reserve. This is more than just a nature walk—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the magic of the cloud forest and its incredible inhabitants.
Recommendations:comfortable clothing, tennis or hiking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars, camera and raincoat.
Overnight at Monteverde Hotel
Services: ground transportation and tour guide for the activity.
Meals included: breakfast.
Hotel: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar
After many adventures and unforgettable experiences, it is time to head back to San José. The drive will take approximately 3 hours.
Overnight at San José Hotel
Services: hotel accommodation.
Meals included: breakfast.
Hotel: Country Inn & Suites or similar
Our driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby and take you to SJO International Airport for your departure flight. Please ensure you have all your personal belongings with you before leaving.
Services: ground transportation.
Policies and Payments
ONE DAY TOURS CANCELATION POLICY: No refund on cancellations less than 48 hours prior to departure.
PACKAGES CANCELATION POLICIES: If your reservation is canceled 30 days before the arrival,100% will be refunded. No refunds after 29 days prior arrival.
INSURANCE: Our passengers, while transported in vehicles owned by CENTRAL AMERICAN TOURS, are covered by insurance from the Instituto Nacional de Seguros.
RESPONSIBILITY: CENTRAL AMERICAN TOURS as a recognized tour company, acts only as an agent for the passenger in regard to travel, whether by car, motor coach, railroad, boat or plane and assumes no liability during such travel for injury damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned whether by reason or defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts of default of any company or person engaged in covering the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. CENTRAL AMERICAN TOURS cannot be held responsible for losses or additional expenses due to delay, hotel or airline irregularities, sickness, weather or any other causes. CENTRAL AMERICAN TOURS assumes no liability for the loss of personal effects or baggage. The right is reserved to cancel or change any tours, schedules and rates and to cancel or substitute stops on any tour without notice, and to use the services of affiliated companies as deemed necessary.
NOTE: When other individuals or companies are used to provide services, their insurance payment and cancellations policies will apply.
1 night at San José - Country Inn & Suites or similar
2 nights at Tortuguero - Laguna Lodge or similar
2 nights at Arenal - Arenal Paraiso Hotel or similar
2 nights at Monteverde - Monteverde Country Lodge or similar
1 night at San José - Country Inn & Suites or similar
Arrival and departure transfers are included. All transfers between destinations are also included.
Gratuities for the guide and driver are not included.
Breakfast is included daily. Other meals are included as outlined in the itinerary.
A bilingual guide (Spanish/English) will be with you during the tours listed in the itinerary.
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