San José, Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, Arenal & Tamarindo
On this exotic adventure, be dazzled by Costa Rica’s vibrant beauty and culture. Experience the traditional charm of a typical Costa Rican town and find rest and relaxation in San José. Enjoy local cuisine and embark on a captivating boat ride through the rainforest to reach Tortuguero National Park, where you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife. In Sarapiqui’s tropical forest, we’ll partake in an eco-farm experience. Admire breathtaking views and spectacular scenery at the Arenal Volcano while partaking in fun activities like traversing suspension bridges, soaking in hot springs, spotting colorful dart frogs, and other fun options. We’ll even get the chance to have an up-close animal experience with rescued Costa Rican wildlife at a Wildlife Rescue Center Sanctuary. Finally, enjoy the Pura Vida at Tamarindo’s beaches with their magnificent sunsets.
Looking for 2024 dates? Visit our 11-day Colorful Costa Rica with Tamarindo tour for earlier departures.
Itinerary at a Glance
2025 Tour Itinerary:
- 1 night in San José (Central Valley)
- 2 nights in Tortuguero
- 1 night in Sarapiqui
- 2 nights in Arenal
- 2 nights in Tamarindo
Tour Highlights
- Central Valley art experience (outskirts of San José)
- Guided Eco Boat trip exploring Tortuguero's wildlife in Tortuguero National Park
- Finca Eco Organica visit with farm-to-table lunch (family-operated organic farm in Sarapiqui)
- Arenal Volcano
- Hanging Bridges Experience (Arenal)
- Rainforest Night Hike
- Guided Puma Rescue Center Wildife Sanctuary Tour with lunch
Your Tour Includes
- Ground transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodations at first class hotels and eco-lodges
- 20 Meals: 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees as per itinerary
- Experienced, English-speaking Tour Director
Our unforgettable adventure to Costa Rica begins today as we arrive in San José and check into our hotel in the Central Valley, an exclusive area of Santa Ana in San José's outskirts that still maintains its traditional feel of a typical Costa Rican town. After we check-in, we'll have time to rest and relax and might consider enjoying the hotel's art collection - the largest art collection of Costa Rican artists after the national gallery. This evening, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner together.
Accommodations: Studio Hotel Boutique or similar
Meals: Dinner
We'll depart early this morning and drive towards Tortuguero, stopping en route for a traditional breakfast of rice, beans, eggs, and fresh tropical fruit. From the port, we'll board a motorboat and navigate the Tortuguero canals to our hotel on Costa Rica's northern Caribbean side. After lunch, we'll visit the colorful village of Tortuguero where we'll learn more about the lives of the residents and shop for Afro-Caribbean handicrafts. Tortuguero depends on eco-tourism and sea turtle conservation so our visit and any purchases help to sustain this community and the turtle protection project. We'll return to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Accommodations: Laguna Lodge or Mawamba Lodge Tortuguero or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we'll discover the area's wildlife spotting birds, monkeys, caiman, and river turtles as we travel through the creeks and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero is the primary nesting site for the Green Turtle (July–October). Arrive earlier in the season and we may be lucky enough to see the larger Leatherback Turtle come ashore to lay her eggs. Outside of nesting season, there is plenty of wildlife to keep us occupied. November through January we may miss the turtles nesting, but we might have the chance to see baby turtles make their first dash into the waves. This afternoon is free to relax or explore independently.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we'll depart Tortuguero, traveling by boat through the verdant waterways to the port where we'll board our bus. We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Guapiles before we continue to Sarapiqui. Located on the banks of the Sarapiqui River and next to the Braulio Carrillo National Park, this area is a nature lover's paradise and a gateway to many thrilling adventures and activities. Upon arrival, we can enjoy the rainforest around our lodge or consider visiting a pineapple farm.
Accommodations: Tirimbina Lodge Hotel or Ara Ambigua Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we'll visit a family-run organic farm where we'll learn more about organic and sustainable agriculture as well as the history of the area's traditional products and how they've influenced the local economy and community. During our visit, we'll also learn about some of the crops that transcend borders like sugar cane, papaya, pineapple, banana, cocoa tunnel (chocolate-making process), and more! After a delicious farm-to-table lunch we'll continue towards the northern lowlands, enjoying the beautiful views of the mountains, the famous Arenal Volcano, and one of the major sources of revenue in the area: the agriculture. Upon arrival at our hotel, we'll enjoy free time to enjoy the hotel's amenities and relax.
Accommodations: Montaña de Fuego Eco Resort & Spa or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we'll embark on a hike into the verdant forest of the Arenal Reserve. From the reserve's hanging bridges, we'll enjoy incredible views of the rainforest canopy, Arenal Volcano, Arenal Lake, and the surrounding mountain range. During this morning's excursion, we'll gain insight into the native flora and fauna of the area with plenty of opportunities to spot birds and howler monkeys in the surrounding canopy. This evening, we'll visit the home of Don Oscar and his family who owns an amazing property with beautiful gardens and rainforest. We'll explore the trails as the sun sets, spotting nocturnal wildlife at this magical time of night. We'll also enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared on a wood-burning stove before returning to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we'll make our way to Tamarindo, stopping en route to visit a Wildlife Rescue Center & Sanctuary for an up-close animal experience with rescued Costa Rican wildlife. We'll learn more about eco-responsibility and the challenges the country's conservations efforts face. We'll see how the staff work to rehabilitate injured animals like monkeys, deer, pigs, otters, birds, and wild cats. After lunch, we'll continue to Tamarindo where we'll check into our hotel. Tamarindo is home to some of the best beaches on Costa Rica's Pacific coastlline and the neighboring beach is a protected nesting ground for the endangered Leatherback Turtle during breeding season.
Accommodations: Wyndham Tamarindo or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is free to enjoy the natural beauty and beach, stroll through the beach town of Tamarindo, or join an optional catamaran and snorkeling tour. This evening, we'll come together for a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today.
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Last Minute Deals and our Book Early & Save offers below!
| From $2,699 $2,497 or from $/mo | Book Now |
| From $2,699 $2,497 or from $/mo | Book Now |
| From $2,599 $2,340 or from $/mo | Book Now |
| From $2,599 $2,340 or from $/mo | Book Now |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern) at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made online or by phone (1.800.337.7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $300 per person. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Featured Accommodations
50mts North Cruz Roja,Santa Ana, San José, Costa Rica.
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Tortuguero, Limón
Costa Rica
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Tortuguero Canals, Limón, Pococí, Costa Rica
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800 Metros al Norte Plaza de Deportes, La Virgen, 126, Heredia Province,
Sarapiqui, 41002, Costa Rica
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Puerto Viejo, Sarapiquí, Heredia, Costa Rica
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5 miles west from La Fortuna Central Park, 142 route, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 5510, Costa Rica
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G837+V9P Arenal Volcano, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
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10km west from the Catholic Church in la Fortuna, San Carlos, Costa Rica
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1 km Sur de la Iglesia Católica de La Fortuna, sobre la ruta 702 Alajuela La Fortuna, San Carlos, 21007, Costa Rica
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00m al E y 800m al N del Bco. Ncal. de Tamarindo Guanacaste CR Tamarindo Provincia de Guanacaste CR, Provincia de Guanacaste, Costa Rica
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Pre- & Post- Night Stays
Slow the pace of your tour with a pre- and/or post-night stay so you can arrive refreshed, acclimate to the time zone if needed, and depart leisurely, ensuring a seamless transition into and out of your journey.
- From $79 per person based on double occupancy
Start our tour off on the right foot! Arrive a day early and enjoy more time to recover from travel, adjust to any time differences, and feel well-rested and relaxed on our first day of touring.
- From $139 per person based on double occupancy
Extend your stay by one night at the end of our tour to make the most of additional free time for exploring our final city, shopping for last-minute souvenirs, or dining at that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Or, use this extra day to relax before beginning the journey home or to your next destination.
- From $79 per person based on double occupancy
Extend your stay by one night at the end of our tour to make the most of additional free time for exploring our final city, shopping for last-minute souvenirs, or dining at that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Or, use this extra day to relax before beginning the journey home or to your next destination.
Optional Tours
Enhance your trip with these optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.
Day 4 Afternoon Tour
Visit Finca Paraiso Orgánico an eco-friendly, family-owned farm that works to produce organic produce of the highest standards in a sustainable way that benefits the environment, the consumer, and the local community through their Organic Pineapple Sogo Foundation. We'll learn how some plantations can be sources of pollution and soil erosion, creating problems for the communities in the region, as well as the practices Finca Paraiso uses for their pineapples to combat these issues. We'll be accompanied by a local expert as we travel into the plantation on a specially designed coach pulled by a tractor. We'll also enjoy fresh slices of organic pineapple, drink some refreshing pineapple juice or even try one of the best Piña Coladas, as well as some other delicious homemade products.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 6 Afternoon Tour
Visit the relaxing Paradise Hot Springs! Warmed by water flowing through the heart of the Arenal Volcano, this natural hot spring is the perfect place to relax while enjoying views of the Arenal Volcano. There are seven different landscaped pools and Jacuzzis, hot mineral springs, and waterfalls - all with different temperatures so we can find the perfect temperature. Enjoy relaxing music and light therapy in the surrounding gardens creating the perfect ambiance to unwind. At the end of our visit we'll enjoy a delicious Costa Rican meal offered in the restaurant before returning to our hotel.
What to Bring: Bathing suit, slippers, dry clothing, money for personal expenses
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 8 Afternoon Tour
Our tour starts aboard a luxury catamaran at the Flaming Marina area. Our crew will set sail (depending on wind) and navigate for about five miles, giving us access to some of the most beautiful isolated beaches and snorkel locations of Costa Rica. A snorkeling guide will show us the marine wildlife like the pufferfish, starfish, sea turtle, dolphin, and whale. We might also experience kayaking and fishing. We'll stop in a tranquil bay, drop anchor, and snorkel or reach a deserted white beach while a chef prepares a delicious meal.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, bathing suit, towel, sunblock, camera, hat, money for personal expenses
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
What to Expect
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Level 2
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 4 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day). Included touring may feature light hiking, and/or stairs on some hilly and/or uneven terrain. Learn More
Pacing Level: Balanced
Expect either half-day or full-day tours most days with a free day or free half-day to explore independently in most cities. There may be a few early mornings or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 3+ nights. Learn More
No Additional Entry Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Currently, there are no additional entry requirements for U.S. passport holders, but this can change at any time. Before travel, both U.S. and non-U.S. passport holders should visit our Passports & Visas page to reconfirm entry requirements.
There are a few early mornings due to boat schedules. The hanging bridges in Arenal and the rainforest night walk are more advanced. Also important to note that two of the eco-lodges do not have air conditioning (none of the eco-lodges in this area do), although there are fans provided. Travelers may experience occasional bumpy rides.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit our Before You Depart section.
Reviews
Lyndia D
10 months ago
Juan Diego made this trip an informative, very well organized, educational and fun experience for all. Excellent guide.
Patti S
11 months ago
If you want a tour guide who is as excited to show you the natural history (esp. birds and wildlife) of his country as you are to experience them, this is the tour for you. If you want to make sure your eco-tourism supports small businesses in local communities so you know your trip benefits the host country and its people, this is the tour for you.
Wanda B
1 year ago
First this was an amazing vacation tour. Smart Tours gave everything that was outlined in their description of the trip. So worth the amount paid!
I want to give a shout out to everyone who was a part of this group. It was a blessing to meet and tour with people from different parts of USA. Kudos to Vinicio (Vinny) Viquez, our tour guide. He was apart of our group every step of the way. He was attentive and patience throughout the trip. Wilmar our main bus driver was great as well!
This trip isn't for the faint of hearts. I could be strenuous as well has taxing on the muscle but so much fun!
Costa Rica is a beautiful country where the people are true to their culture. The beautiful forests, plants and animal is so much apart of the environment. It's nothing to pick a lychee or banana straight from a tree. This trip allowed us to experience Costa Rica from their beaches, city life, rainforest, swamps, mountain views to their upscale resorts area. It pinpointed all of Costa Rica in seven days.
Smart Tour have us sold and we will definitely go back on vacation with them in the future.
Ann O
1 year ago
Excellent sampling of Northern Costa Rica from Tortuguero to Tamarindo with an expert tour guide.
Michelle
1 year ago
This tour was great!! I went during the rainy season. Every day that I was there on the tour, it rained after the tour was completed. I finally got to see a toucan for the first time in my life! Also, I saw the blue jeans frog up close and personal in the rain forest. That frog is a tiny little creature but is very beautiful in color. Also, the tour led my group throughout the majority of the country on both the Caribbean and the Pacific sides. This tour is well worth the price.
Diana J
1 year ago
Colorful Costa Rica was an adventurous way to see the real Costa Rica. Hanging bridges, river boat rides through the rainforests, animal sightings, delicious food, and wonderful locals made this a truly one of a kind trip. Our guide Vinicio Viquez was informative and very kind. It was a fabulous trip!!
Vauri H
1 year ago
Great tour!
Patty
1 year ago
I loved the all the different places we got to see and learn about on the trip. Our guide, Vinny, was excellent in explaining the history and geography of beautiful Costa Rica. The family organic farm near Sarapiqui was one highlight where our group got to participate in sugar cane production, coffee farming, pepper, and pineapples. Lots of sampling and a delicious lunch! The river ride to Tortuguero was so cool. We saw monkeys, alligators and lots of birds. The resort there was beautiful! The hanging bridges tour was fantastically beautiful. Our guide helped us arrange a zip-line tour over the treetops up the side of the volcano. So fun! The last 2 days in Tamarindo was a perfect end to a great trip. This was the first time my friend and I had been on a tour and weren’t sure if we would like it, but we met so many lifelong friends on this tour! I will be traveling this way more often!
Mary K
1 year ago
Smartours provide great value for the price. I like the way local entrepreneurs are showcased in addition to just sightseeing and enjoying the natural surroundings. I’ve gained a great appreciation for Costa Rica’s history, culture, and contributions to the world. The tour took us to places which show how Costa Rica has protected and respected its natural environment when it could have been exploited in the name of progress. The wealth is shared with all citizens.
Robert F
1 year ago
Travel to locations ate up a lot of time, but locations were interesting.