Coast to coast in Costa Rica with beach stay

Departure from Montreal to San Jose. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free.

Overnight in San Jose

After breakfast, depart for Tortuguero. The journey will be divided into two parts, first by road and then by boat. The latter will be interrupted by a stop in Guapiles, where you will have lunch. This is an attractive place where untouched nature and aspects of developing cities (housing, restaurants and shopping centres) mingle. Guapiles is also known for its Botanico Las Cusingas Garden and its hundreds of plant species.

Resume the journey toward Tortuguero National Park, one of the wonders of Costa Rica which is not known for its monuments nor for its historical sites but for its verdant parks and for experiencing boating through its many rivers and small canals. This area is a true window open to the Caribbean Sea. You will also reach your hotel by boat.

In Costa Rica, locals eat fish dishes such as ceviche de pargo or dorado, or octopus or tilapia, all of which are not overly spicy. You will also find dishes with Creole and Afro-Caribbean influence such as rondon (a spicy okra from the sea), bean rice (red beans, coconut milk and curry), and pati, the Caribbean version of empanadas, with either sweet or salty stuffings, ideal for eating on the go, on the bus or on a picnic.

Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Overnight in the Tortuguero area

On the third day in Costa Rica, begin your exploration of Tortuguero, most of which will take place by boat. You will also have the chance to walk the trails of your lodge’s private reserve. A local English-speaking guide will accompany you. The park is home to 309 species of birds, 111 species of reptiles, 57 species of amphibians and 60 species of mammals. You will be able to see some of the most emblematic animals of the country such as sloths and agoutis.

You will also have a chance to learn about the different ways the locals honor nature by visiting the Turtle Conservation Center and its museum.

In season (between July and September),you can inquire about the possibility of participating in an accompanied night tour to observe turtle nesting sites.

Not to be missed: Tortuguero National Park, boat trip

Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Overnight in the Tortuguero area

In the morning after having your breakfast, depart for Arenal, the youngest volcano in Costa Rica, rising to 1720 meters. The journey will take you back to Guapiles where you will pick up your car. From here the route will take you to La Fortuna, the last city before the volcano.

When you arrive, you will find a breathtaking landscape. La Fortuna offers nature and adventure, as the city’s businesses organize various activities such as hiking, horseback riding, zip lining, kayaking, sports fishing and tours to the Volcan Arenal National Park. Some time in La Fortuna will allow you to see the city with new eyes!

Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Overnight in La Fortuna

This day will be your opportunity to take an optional half-day excursion (including entrance fees) to discover Arenal Volcano National Park with the help of a guide. You can also explore a tree plantation and organic vegetable gardens followed by a Tortilla making and a sugar cane juice pressing workshop.
At lunchtime, a buffet meal with various traditional dishes is planned, and in the afternoon you can continue to discover the surroundings on your own.

You will be able to use the rented car for a trip to Fortuna Falls. In fact, between La Fortuna and the volcano there are hot springs which feed the thermal river Tabacon, a magical place perfect for the best vacation photographs. In addition to the “classic” activities, why not check out the Aguas Termales de Tabacon Spa, the best known of the many thermal baths in the area.

Not to be missed: Visit of the Braulio Carillo National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Tabacon Thermal River, stay in a Spa

Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Overnight in La Fortuna

After breakfast, head to Monteverde, a few hours’ drive away on the steep roads around the volcano. Once there, you will undoubtedly admire the beautiful scenery. On the program? Free stay! In other words, after registering at Monteverde Cloudforest Lodge, you will be free to do as you please.

We recommend hiking around the bucolic Northern Cordilleras with its 9 well-marked hiking trails. During these walks you will undoubtedly come face to face with several local species of birds and monkeys. Try the Sendero Bosque Nuboso, a friendly and varied trail.

If you have the chance, be sure to try the local coffee. Costa Rican coffee is renowned for its aroma and its potency. Why not visit a coffee plantation such as the Saint Elena plantation, which is easy to access and offers a two hours tour. At the end of the tour, a coffee tasting will be a delight.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in the Monteverde area

During the first half of the day, we invite you to visit the private reserve of Selvatura, where you will find many suspension bridges. Walking around on these is an unusual activity which will allow you to take in the scenery from new heights. If you are hooked on exciting adventures, this might be a good solution! For other thrill seekers, there is the longest zip line in Central America, a 1.6- kilometer downhill ride!

Go further in your discovery of the area with an afternoon visit to the Monteverde Reserve or the plantation of Don Juan. Nature lovers might rather be tempted to visit the hummingbirds garden with its countless species. Costa Rica is known for its incredible biodiversity, so take advantage of your stay to discover species that you may never see elsewhere.

Not to be missed: hiking, walking, crossing suspension bridges, Don Juan plantation, discovering biodiversity

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in the Monteverde area

After breakfast, depart for Punta Leona, a 3-hour trip that promises to be magnificently scenic. You will have the opportunity to pass by the Tilaran Mountain Range in northwest Costa Rica as well as the Tarcoles Bridge, known as the “Crocodile Bridge”. You will feel privileged to be in this sumptuous part of the country, one of the few places in the world where you can admire crocodiles basking in the sun. The crocodiles here enjoy the waters of the Rio Grande de Tarcoles and benefit from the natural light and a variety of spaces to swim. It is estimated that a total of 200 crocodiles live here in total freedom and you might see individuals ranging from about one to more than seven meters long!

Then continue the drive towards Punta Leone, an important natural reserve and one of the largest on the Pacific coast. Punta Leone is actually one of the remaining forests that lie in the transitional zone between the tropical rainforests of the southwest and the dry forests of the northwest. This is also an opportunity for you to finally enjoy some of the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Our recommendation? Playa Blanca and Manta.

Not to be missed: Cordillera de Tilaran, Tarcoles bridge, crocodile watch, Punta Leone

Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Overnight in Playa Jaco

A day dedicated to the beach! This area has some of the most pleasant seaside destinations of Costa Rica. Playa Balance and Manta are two of the best beach sites, giving you the chance to enjoy the sun, the sea and some breathtaking views. Feel free to swim or to simply stroll on the sandy beaches.

You can also take time to discover some other important tourist spots such as the Carara National Park or the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Not to be missed: Relax on Playa Blanca or Manta beaches, visit Carara National Park or Manuel Antonio National Park

Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Overnight in Playa Jaco

Departure to San Jose airport. Drop off of the rental car. Return flight to Montreal.

Meals: Breakfast