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Itineraries

Costa Rica Itinerary 7 Days | Arenal Volcano & Pacific Coast Guanacaste

Price: $1650

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Experience the Best of Costa Rica with a 10-Day Itinerary Discover the incredible diversity of Costa Rica: Tortuguero, La Fortuna (Arenal), Monteverde, and Guanacaste, each offering a different side of the country. This 10-day Costa Rica itinerary combines four exceptional regions, giving you ample time to explore tropical rainforests, volcanoes, cloud forests, and Pacific beaches. Want more time in one place? We can adjust the itinerary to fit your pace and interests. 1 Night in San José Your Costa Rica adventure begins when you arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel in San José, allowing you to settle in and rest after your journey. Offering a touch of Costa Rica’s metropolitan side, your first night in San José gives you time to arrive, relax, and get ready for everything that awaits you. While this trip is mainly about nature, culture, and wildlife, this brief city stay is the perfect starting point. 2 Nights in Tortuguero Welcome to Tortuguero National Park, a true sanctuary of nature and one of the places in Costa Rica that feels closest to the Amazon. We will explore its famous Tortuguero canals by boat with a naturalist guide, offering opportunities to spot monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, caimans, and other rainforest wildlife. Canoeing, kayaking, and boat tours are wonderful ways to experience this unique ecosystem. Tortuguero is also famous for its sea turtles and turtle nesting. If you visit during nesting season, you may have the opportunity to see turtles coming ashore with a local guide. Outside the nesting season, you can still learn about these incredible animals at the Turtle Museum, located at the John H. Phipps Biological Station. With no cars in the village, boats are the main way to get around, giving Tortuguero the feeling of an island surrounded by nature, even though you are on the mainland. Your stay includes the warm hospitality of Costa Rica, delicious local food, fresh tropical fruits and familiar options for different tastes. We know that traveling with children or accommodating special diets can sometimes be challenging, which is why this hotel is a great choice for all types of travelers. Here, life moves with the water. Boats replace cars, the rainforest surrounds you and every day brings a new encounter with nature and wildlife. The activities and tours included for this itinerary in Tortuguero are: Tortuguero canal boat tour Wildlife spotting with a naturalist guide Tortuguero village visit Full board in Tortuguero Optional Add-ons: Turtle Nesting Tour (if available), Canoeing, or Kayaking the Tortuguero Canals. 3 Nights in La Fortuna, Arenal La Fortuna is home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, which entered a phase of inactivity in 2010. Today, we simply enjoy the impressive presence of this perfectly shaped volcano, rising above the surrounding rainforest. Located in the heart of Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest, La Fortuna is a destination rich in nature and adventure. The area is surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, lush forests, hot springs, and abundant wildlife, making it one of the country’s favorite destinations for outdoor experiences. Adventure lovers can enjoy activities such as rafting, canyoning, and hiking. Furthermore, La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s best examples of how a destination can reinvent itself. After the Arenal Volcano ceased its active phase in 2010, the town continued to grow as a hub for sustainable and regenerative tourism, combining nature, adventure, culture, and local experiences. At Mindful Costa Rica, we believe tourism should give back to the communities we visit. As a local company, we work with families, entrepreneurs, naturalist guides, and biologists who share their knowledge, culture, and passion for this region. You may join a Costa Rican cooking class with a local family, explore the forest with a local guide who grew up on these trails, or discover the incredible wildlife and biodiversity of the area with a biologist. While agriculture and cattle farming remain part of local life, tourism has brought a wide variety of high-quality experiences to the region. Being local gives us the knowledge and experience to recommend the activities we truly believe you will enjoy. The region is also known for its natural hot springs, where warm volcanic waters offer more than just relaxation. It is a chance to let your body slow down while taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. For many travelers, it becomes an unforgettable moment they have never experienced before. Beyond its natural beauty, La Fortuna has grown into a vibrant community with local artisans, traditional flavors, and a welcoming culture that reflects the spirit of Costa Rica. Together with Monteverde, this region forms an Arenal and Monteverde itinerary that allows you to experience two remarkably different ecosystems: the tropical landscapes surrounding Arenal Volcano and the cool, misty cloud forests of Monteverde. The activities and tours included for this itinerary in La Fortuna are: Guided Ethical Sloth Tour Chocolate Tour and Tasting Cooking Class Guided Arenal Volcano Hike Canopy Ziplining or Night Walk Volcanic Hot Springs Optional Add-ons: La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges. 2 Nights in Monteverde This Monteverde 2 day itinerary takes you into the cool, misty environment of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, famous for its extraordinary biodiversity, lush vegetation, and unique atmosphere. After the warmer landscapes of La Fortuna, Monteverde offers a refreshing change of scenery and pace. Explore the cloud forest with a local naturalist guide as you walk across Monteverde hanging bridges, surrounded by the incredible canopy of the forest. Keep your eyes open for some of Monteverde’s most special birds, including the Resplendent Quetzal and the famous Bellbird, along with many other species that call this forest home. At night, experience the forest in a completely different way with a guided night walk. This safe and fascinating experience gives you the opportunity to discover the wildlife that becomes active after sunset. For more details, you can read our blog: https://mindfulcostarica.com/blog/ Take some time to explore Monteverde town and its surroundings at your own pace. Visit a butterfly garden, discover local trails, try some Costa Rican food or simply enjoy the charm of this mountain community. We will be happy to share our local recommendations so you can choose what interests you most. Monteverde adds a completely different landscape to your journey, giving you the chance to slow down and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Many visitors enjoy exploring the work of local artists, learning about their creative process, and sharing meaningful moments with the people who call Monteverde home. The activities and tours included for this itinerary in Monteverde are: Guided Hanging Bridges Guided Night Walk Explore the town Optional Add-ons: Guided Birdwatching, Art Galleries Tour. 2 Nights in Guanacaste, North Pacific Guanacaste is where we go for the sun, warm Pacific waters, and some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. This hot and sunny region is home to the unique tropical dry forest, a very different ecosystem from the rainforests you will experience earlier in your journey. During these two nights, slow down and enjoy the crystal-clear waters, soft beaches, and laid-back spirit of Pura Vida. Depending on your preferences, your stay can be based in the vibrant and charming area of Tamarindo or the more relaxed setting of Playa Hermosa. Both offer beautiful beaches, picturesque local towns, excellent restaurants, and opportunities to experience the authentic character of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. For those looking for adventure, some activities to do in Guanacaste include surfing, snorkelling, sailing along the coast on a catamaran, and visiting the Llanos del Cortez Waterfalls. It is also a wonderful place to simply enjoy the Pura Vida lifestyle, sip a delicious cocktail, and take plenty of pictures! The activities and tours included for this itinerary in Guanacaste are: Catamaran cruise Pacific beaches Optional Add-ons: Llanos del Cortez Waterfall, Surfing Lessons, or Snorkeling. Your Private Costa Rica Experience This itinerary is designed for a minimum of 4 guests and operates mostly as a private experience. Some activities and transportation may be shared on a semi-private basis due to local logistics, but we always work with very small groups. All nature and wildlife experiences include a private naturalist guide, giving you personalized attention and the opportunity to learn about Costa Rica’s ecosystems, wildlife, and culture at your own pace. All activities included in your itinerary will be arranged according to your interests and preferences. We can add, remove, or adjust activities to create the right balance between exploration and relaxation, always following the pace you wish to set during your vacation. For travelers who prefer to leave the planning to a local expert, this Costa Rica itinerary planned for you offers the convenience of having the essential details organized before you arrive, while still giving you the flexibility to personalize your experience. How Many Days Do You Need in Costa Rica? For a first visit, 10 days in Costa Rica is a great amount of time to experience many of the country’s highlights without feeling rushed. This itinerary gives you the opportunity to explore different types of forests and landscapes, experience Costa Rica’s incredible nature, biodiversity, and culture, enjoy meaningful local experiences, and still have time to relax and embrace the Pura Vida way of life. Designed for four travelers or more, this itinerary is ideal for friends, families, or small groups looking to experience the best of Costa Rica while enjoying the freedom and comfort of private travel. Accommodation 3-Star Hotels: Stay in comfortable, carefully selected 3-star accommodations offering quality service, convenient locations, and excellent value. Upgrades Available: Hotel upgrades to 4- or 5-star properties are available upon request. Daily Breakfast Included: Enjoy breakfast each morning before heading out to explore. Transportation Private and Semi-Private Transportation Included: Your trip begins with a private transfer from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to your hotel in San José. The logistics of getting to and from Tortuguero require semi-private transportation. However, from the moment you conclude your Tortuguero experience, all subsequent transfers - from the meeting point to La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Guanacaste - will be strictly private. Recommended Arrival Airport: We recommend arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), where your private transfer to San José will begin. Recommended Departure Airport: For the most convenient departure route, we recommend flying out of Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Rental Car Option: Prefer to drive yourself? This itinerary can also be arranged with a rental car, allowing you to enjoy greater flexibility while exploring Costa Rica. The itinerary and price can be adjusted accordingly. Price from: $2.700 + tax 4 People minimum. Travel Insurance: Although all transportation providers, tour operators, and trails included in the itinerary carry the required insurance and safety coverage under Costa Rican regulations, we strongly recommend purchasing your own comprehensive travel insurance for additional protection throughout your trip.

Costa Rica Itinerary 10 Days | Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde & Guanacaste

Price: $2700

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