Costa Rica Itinerary
9 days
Are you looking for a Costa Rica itinerary that gets you closer to nature? Costa Rica is known for its advanced ecological protection and many nature reserves, so it only makes sense to focus on that when you’re visiting this gorgeous country. From green cloud forests to lush jungles, you’ll get to experience some of the best Costa Rica has to offer. Our guides will ensure you have a truly amazing adventure as we visit several nature reserves, spend time on the beach, and enjoy spotting wildlife and birds.
Costa Rica is an amazing country and this is your chance to see why everyone finds it so stunning. You’ll see sloths in their natural habitat, walk among wild orchids, and float alongside 15-foot crocodiles on a peaceful river. This is the adventure you’ve been waiting for!
Monteverde
Santa Elena
Los Quetzales
Manuel Antonio
Highlights
This Costa Rica itinerary focuses on the natural beauty of this Central American country. You’ll visit a number of national parks, including the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Both areas provide a close look at nature in a beautiful tropical cloud forest. Later, you’ll experience a very different cloud forest on Cerro de la Muerte, where the climate is colder.
You will also have a chance to see crocodiles up close and personal on a river tour of the Tarcoles River, visit Los Quetzales National Park, and possibly glimpse the endangered quetzal bird. Your journey will take you to the Pacific Coast where you can sunbathe on pristine beaches after exploring the jungle of Manuel Antonio National Park. This is the trip of a lifetime and you won’t soon forget it.
Itinerary
Welcome to Costa Rica! You’ll land in San Jose where your guide will meet you and take you to the hotel.
- One night in San Jose.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before it’s time to head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This beautiful ecological sanctuary covers over 10,500 hectares and is best known for the unique cloud forest that grows there. The biodiversity is astounding and Monteverde has the highest concentration of orchids anywhere in the world, with more than 400 different types growing here. There are also 200 species of ferns in the cloud forest.
You’ll hike through the stunning cloud forest, crossing several bridges that span up over 550 feet and tower over ravines. It’s an amazing opportunity to get in touch with nature, which is loved here in Costa Rica. You’re likely to spot some of the prolific animals in the area, too, which include more than 400 bird species, 100 types of mammals, and 120 different reptiles and amphibians. Keep an eye out for the beautiful quetzal and the endangered three-wattled bellbird.
We’ll finish the tour with a buffet lunch at your hotel. Then you’re free to explore the area during the afternoon.
- Two nights in Monteverde.
Today, we’re visiting the pristine Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. It’s a peaceful place that uses its entrance fees to fund conservation efforts and educational initiatives in the immediate community.
Santa Elena tends to be far less crowded than Monteverde, so you can take your time as you explore. The reserve is smaller, too, just 310 hectares, but its 7.5 miles of trails are well-maintained. You’ll find a variety of animals and birds here, including howler monkeys, sloths, and the famous quetzal bird with its verdant plumage. You’ll enjoy a more intimate experience in this cloud forest, followed by a typical lunch at the reserve.
After lunch, you’ll return to the hotel where you can relax in the pool, enjoy some of the spa amenities, or take a stroll along nearby trails.
On our way to Manuel Antonio National Park, we’ll stop at the Tarcoles River for a boat tour. The river is known for its wildlife, including more than 50 species of migratory birds, assorted iguanas, caimans, and more. However, the river is best known for its crocodiles. There’s even a special stop on the main road, called Crocodile Bridge, where you can observe the creatures from a viewpoint.
The boat tour will get you up close and personal with a few of the 2,000 American crocodiles that live in the river. Some weigh over 1,500 lbs and are up to 15 feet long. You’ll have a chance to spot plenty of other creatures on the tour as well.
Once we’ve finished checking out the river, we’re off to the Pacific Coast, where the Manuel Antonio National Park is located.
- Two nights in Manuel Antonio
Get ready bright and early for a morning tour of one of the smallest parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park. Covering just 1,624 hectares of land, plus a sizable marine area, this park is a valuable space for both flora and fauna. It’s one of the two places in the country where the endangered Central American squirrel monkey can be found.
As you walk through the lush rainforest, you may spot some of the animals living here, such as the Panamanian white-faced capuchin monkey, sloths, toucans, iguanas, and howler monkeys. You’ll notice a decided difference from the cloud forests we’ve seen, as the temperature and climate are quite different.
In the afternoon, you can do more hiking in the rainforest or head to one of the stunning white sand beaches that make up part of Manuel Antonio’s park.
Today, we’re traveling toward San Gerardo de Dota Valley. To get there, we’ll be heading to a higher altitude as we cross Cerro de la Muerte (Mountain of Death). The peak is part of Costa Rica’s Talamanca mountain range and is the highest point of the Pan-American Highway at 10,942 feet.
Don’t worry, the name may be intimidating, but it comes from the dangers faced by the original travelers in the area. They walked or rode horses and were often overcome by the harsh weather and cold. Today, it’s much safer, but you’ll want a sweater, as it usually doesn’t rise above 54°F (12°C).
Cerro de la Muerte has a very unique ecosystem due to its climate. Here, you’ll see stunted bushes and dwarf bamboo, home to many species of birds that live only in this particular area. You’ll want to keep your camera ready in case you spot a quetzal or another unique bird on the journey.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll have some time to explore the quaint village where you’ll spend the next two nights. San Gerardo de Dota is off the beaten path and provides a fun tranquil experience.
- Two nights in San Gerardo de Dota.
Today is the perfect day to walk through Los Quetzales National Park. You’re still in the mountains, so expect it to be cool, particularly first thing in the morning. We’ll head out early for the best chance of seeing a quetzal. These beautiful green birds with distinctive red breasts are absolutely stunning but are often elusive.
The park is home to around 200 species of birds, including trogons and hummingbirds. Around 50% of the plants here are endemic to the region, where they thrive in the unique climate. You can take them in on some of the trails here, including the Circular Trail which is easy enough for anyone to walk and only a quarter mile long, and the longer Oro de Agua Trail which takes you deep into the cloud forest.
Enjoy your explorations!
We’ll depart from San Gerardo de Dota mid-morning and drive to Alajuela, where you can explore some of the cultural attractions in the area. If you prefer to have some downtime before heading home, the hotel’s spa offers a variety of services. However, it would be a shame to miss out on this beautiful part of the country.
Known as the City of Mangos, Alajuela is the capital of Alajuela province. It’s also the second-largest city in Costa Rica and offers a number of popular museums and plazas that you may want to check out. Don’t miss the unique Our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral and the Juan Santamaria Historical Museum.
- One night in Alajuela.
Your Costa Rican adventure has come to an end, so you’ll be dropped off at the airport in San Jose today for your flight home. If you want to extend your trip, just let us know!
map, expenses & price
Costa Rica Itinerary
Expenses included:
-Door-to-door transportation.
-Eight nights of hotel accommodations.
-Professional certified guides.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-All Park entrance fees.
-Daily breakfast.
