Costa Rica National Parks Tour
A 15-day adventure tour to enjoy culture, nature, and relaxation in Panama and Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes and historic sites.
Costa Rica Nature Parks Tour
Costa Rica National Parks Tour offers an unparalleled adventure through six of the country’s top national parks and four nature reserves. This 16-day journey from the Caribbean to the Pacific showcases Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, including Tortuguero National Park’s canals, Arenal Volcano’s wildlife, and the majestic cloud forests, culminating in the stunning Corcovado National Park.
Experience nature, birdwatching, hiking, and beach activities in some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
In just over two weeks, you will get to know Costa Rica’s top six national parks, plus four nature reserves, as we take you from the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific Coast and everywhere in between. Costa Rica is considered one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, with an estimated 5% of the planet’s biodiversity. Nearly one-quarter of Costa Rica’s territory is protected by national parks, nature reserves, and marine parks, which have helped the incredible flora and fauna survive and flourish.
With this package, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the best national parks and wildlife in the country, from the canals of Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean to the majestic cloud forests, ending with a few nights in the crown jewel of them all, the Corcovado National Park.
Duration: 16 Days, 15 Nights
Difficulty: Easy
Group Size: Minimum 2
Comfort Level: Standard to Luxury
Pick up / Drop off locations
Transportation
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Minibus | Airplane
Physical demand
Trips may include jungle walks, hiking, boat rides, and stairs.
Destination
- San Jose
- Tortuguero
- Arenal Volcano
- Monteverde Cloud Forests
- Manuel Antonio
- Osa Peninsula
Highlights
- Nature
- Birdwatching
- Hiking
- Zip Lining
- Wildlife
- Beach
Costa Rica National Parks Tour Image Gallery
Tour Plan
This itinerary idea can be customized to suit your and your family’s interests. Contact us; we are pleased to hear your comments, wishes, and expectations and are ready to design the trip to suit you.
Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica
Embark on your Costa Rica National Parks Tour as you land at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Our local representative will warmly greet you and assist you with an expedited immigration process and baggage claim. Your first night in San Jose includes a delightful dinner and a peaceful sleep, setting the stage for your upcoming adventure.
Day 2: Exploring Tortuguero National Park
An early start takes you from the Central Valley to the Caribbean lowlands. After breakfast, a covered boat ride through Tortuguero National Park’s freshwater canals awaits. This journey offers sightings of diverse wildlife. Arriving at our eco-lodge, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch and a guided tour of Tortuguero, immersing yourself in the local eco-tourism-driven community.
Day 3: Wildlife Wonders of Tortuguero
Post-breakfast, embark on a boat exploration of Tortuguero National Park’s extensive canal network. Your guide will help spot various wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. The afternoon offers leisure activities like kayaking or pool relaxation. Evening brings a guided beach visit to witness sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Day 4: Majestic Arenal Volcano
Journey back through the canals to Arenal Volcano, a renowned natural wonder. Arenal is a wildlife, adventure tours, and thermal hot springs hub. After settling in, unwind in the soothing hot springs, rejuvenating for the adventures ahead.
Day 5: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Adventure
Travel north to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a biodiverse wetland. A covered motorboat cruise lets you observe various birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. The refuge’s forests and marshes are a sanctuary for endangered species, offering a unique ecological experience.
Day 6: Arenal National Park Exploration
Discover Arenal National Park’s rainforest on a guided walk across hanging bridges, learning about the region’s flora and fauna. Then, hike to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall for a refreshing swim. Spend the afternoon relaxing in your hotel’s hot springs.
Day 7: Scenic Journey to Lake Arenal
Travel from Arenal to Monteverde’s cloud forests via a picturesque “van-boat-van” tour. Cross Lake Arenal by boat, enjoying the serene views, then continue to Monteverde for a stay in a charming boutique hotel.
Day 8: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Witness the cloud forest awakening at dawn. A guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve reveals the unique wildlife of this microclimate. After a day of relaxation, embark on a night hike to experience the nocturnal wonders of the cloud forest.
Day 9: Santa Elena Cloud Forest Adventure
Elevate your adventure with a canopy exploration of Santa Elena Cloud Forest. Traverse hanging bridges and zip-line through the forest canopy, experiencing the birthplace of modern canopy tours.
Day 10: Coastal Beauty of Manuel Antonio
Leave the mountains for the Central Pacific, stopping at Tarcoles River to observe crocodiles. Arrive in Manuel Antonio in time for a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific.
Day 11: Manuel Antonio National Park
An early visit to Manuel Antonio National Park offers prime wildlife viewing and beach relaxation. The park’s diverse ecosystems make it a globally recognized natural treasure.
Day 12: Leisure Day in Manuel Antonio
Enjoy a free day to relax, explore local tours, or engage in horseback riding, snorkeling, or kayaking.
Day 13: Osa Peninsula's Natural Splendor
Head to the Osa Peninsula, the gateway to Corcovado National Park. Your stay in an eco-luxury beach hotel offers comfort amidst pristine natural surroundings.
Day 14: Corcovado National Park Exploration
Experience Corcovado National Park’s rich biodiversity on guided hikes, observing an array of wildlife in this “biologically intense” environment.
Day 15: Caño Island Biological Reserve
Discover the marine life of Caño Island Biological Reserve through snorkeling or diving, encountering diverse marine species and coral reefs.
Day 16: Departure from Costa Rica
Conclude your Costa Rica National Parks Tour with a domestic flight to San Jose, connecting to your international departure.
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