Costa Rica Explorer - 12 days

Costa Rica Explorer - 12 days

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12 Days From

$4915

Costa Rica Explorer - 12 days

12 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica

Visiting: San Jose, Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, Bijagua, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Carara National Park, Carara

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 20

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

12-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $4915

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a 12-day adventure through the lush landscapes of Costa Rica with the Costa Rica Explorer tour. Begin your journey in San Jose, then venture into the heart of the Tortuguero Jungle Reserve, where you'll explore its waterways and witness the nesting grounds of the Green Sea Turtle. Experience the vibrant biodiversity of the Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve and the breathtaking views from the suspension bridges of Selvatura Park. Discover the emerging trails of Tenorio Volcano National Park and the unique Pacific tropical dry forest of Carara National Park. Enjoy guided hikes, thrilling zip lines, and a cooking class at a local finca. With comfortable accommodations, daily meals, and the expertise of an English-speaking naturalist guide, this small group tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Costa Rica's natural wonders.

Highlights

  • Monteverde National Park - Hike through the beautiful cloud forest, home to a diverse array of flora and fauna.

  • Tortuguero Jungle Reserve - Explore the waterways of this national park, known for its Green Sea Turtle nesting ground.

  • Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve - Enjoy a guided walk spotting a variety of mammals and insects.

  • Selvatura Park - Experience zip lining and walk over suspension bridges at treetop level.

  • Tenorio Volcano National Park - Hike through this destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

  • Carara National Park - Discover the Pacific tropical dry forest and spot scarlet macaws and giant crocodiles.

Itinerary

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Day 1: San Jose

Location: San Jose

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Upon arrival into San Jose airport you will be met and and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to start exploring the capital or just to relax in the hotel.

Day 2: Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

San Jose - Tortugero. Today we head off to discover the Caribbean coast with a few days of rewarding wildlife spotting. Unlike the Caribbean of resort hotels, sugary beaches and Pina Coladas, this is a true wilderness. Our journey takes us northeast through Braulio Camillo National Park, including a short bumpy ride through banana plantations to La Pavona dock.





We then take a boat along the shore, with its twisted mangrove swamps, stopping to observe plants and wildlife, until we reach the ramshackle and remote village of Tortuguero. Known for its proliferation of turtles (nesting Jul-Oct), Tortugero will serve as our home for the next two nights.

Day 3: Tortuguero

Location: Tortuguero

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we head out on a wildlife adventure boat trip through the mangrove forest of Toruguero National park. With 11 different varieties of natural habitats and a large range of endemic wildlife, this is one of the last protected areas of tropical rainforest in Central America. Here, we have ample of opportunities to spot the three species of monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced) swinging from branch to branch while lazier three-toed sloths doze in the shade and be sure to spot any river otters in the natural inland channels. The mangroves is also home to over 320 species of birds including three of toucan and eight of parrot.

Day 4: Sarapiqui

Location: Sarapiqui

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we start our day back on the water to explore more of these spidery channels. We continue our journey with a drive to the Sarapiqui region, a fertile plain with focus for conservation with a number of eco-tourism projects. Dispersed between the banana and pineapple plantation, there are forested national parks. Rio Sarapiquí is becoming popular for rafting on the fast-flowing waters, bird-watching and numerous other activities in the area including mountain-biking, boat trips and canopying.

Day 5: Sarapiqui

Location: Sarapiqui

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we take a morning walk to the Trimbina Reserve, catered to research and recreation of the rainforest environment. Founded to preserve one of the few remaining stands of intact tropical forest on mountainous slopes in Central America.

To make our journey more exhilarating, we take a walk on a suspension bridge, followed by a canopy walkway and an educational walk of the rainforest museum. We have many opportunities to spot variety of mammals and insects. If we are lucky! We can see a few nocturnal animals, fast asleep.

Day 6-7: Alajuela

Location: Bijagua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we make our way to the town of Bijagua, nestled between two volcanos (Tenorio and Miravalles) will be our home for the next two days. Bijagua is a perfect place for our exploration of Tenorio Volcano National Park, established in 1997 to protect tracts of primary and dry tropical forest. Many of the trails within the park is still under construction and considered one of the new up coming destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

If there is time after our exploration during these two days, explore the town of Bijagua at leisure either on foot or horseback/mountain bike.





Day 7 bring forth a moderately challenging 6km hike to the remarkably striking turquoise coloured Rio Celeste. During our walk keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, tropical birds and other wildlife. As we make our way along the banks of the rivers, taking in the vivid blue colour of the waters. we arrive at the breath-takingly beautiful waterfalls of Celeste.



Day 8: Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our adventure for the day begins as we board our vehicle heading towards Monteverde, following a bumpy road with volcanic rocks, winding up through the hills to the cloud forest at 1,400m above sea level. During our journey, we will be diverted by wildlife we spot along the way- have your binoculars handy.

Our lodge for the night is close to the village of Santa Elena, which will serve as the hub to visit Monteverde National Park.

Day 9: Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we take a walk to the Selvatura Park, a conservation area offering many activities including zip lines. Our walk on a trail system includes seven

suspension bridges crossing the deep canyons at treetop level.

This afternoon we have a guided walk in the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, home to more than 100 species of mammals, 400 of birds and 1,500 of plants. During our walk we may encounter the brilliantly feathered quetzal (Jan – Jul). The reserve is home to six different life zones, here we can enjoy a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Day 10: Carara

Location: Carara National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we head to Carara National Park, taking the journey towards the pacific coast we enter a completely different vegetation zone of Pacific tropical dry forest. Carara is famous for its bright scarlet macaws and giant crocodiles, which sprawl on the beaches of the Tarcoles river – we’ll view them safely from a bridge!

Late afternoon we will arrive at Finca Ecologica La Trinidad, here we have a cookery lesson on the premises. There is also free time to take optional horseback ride (book and pay locally).



Day 11: Carara

Location: Carara

Accommodation Name: lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is free to spend at leisure. Relax in the lodge taking in the forest, river and the ocean or take advantage of the less dense forest and take a walking trail to spot Carara's wildlife.

Day 12: San Jose

Location: San Jose

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today our Costa Rican adventure comes to an end with an included transfer to the airport in San Jose. If you decide to stay on for a few more days in this beguiling country, perhaps for some beach time at Manuel Antonio where there’s a range of good accommodation, a monkey-filled national park and sweeping golden Pacific sands.



What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3-4 star accommodation

  • 11 nights 3-4 star hotels/guesthouses

    Accommodation for 11 nights in 3-4 star hotels or guesthouses is included.

  • Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 10 dinners

    Daily breakfast, 5 lunches, and 10 dinners are included in the tour.

  • Arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and day 12

    Transfers from and to the airport on the first and last day are included.

  • Transfers and transportation in private vehicles and boats

    All transfers and transportation during the tour are provided in private vehicles and boats.

  • Escorted by an English speaking local naturalist guide

    The tour is escorted by an English-speaking local naturalist guide.

  • Boat trip down the canals of Tortuguero

    A boat trip through the canals of Tortuguero is included.

  • Nature walk in Tirimbina Rainforest reserve

    A guided nature walk in the Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve is included.

  • Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste hike

    A hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park and to Rio Celeste is included.

  • Excursions to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Selvatura hanging bridges

    Excursions to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Selvatura hanging bridges are included.

  • Cooking class at local finca

    A cooking class at a local finca is included.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Departure taxes or border taxes

    Any departure or border taxes are not included.

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

    Tipping is not included and is considered a personal gesture.

  • Tortuguero local entry fee - USD $15

    The local entry fee for Tortuguero, which is USD $15, is not included.

Age Policy

Minimum age 12. If booking a family please contact GH to check room requirements.There is no maximum age. Those 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability tour.  

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with private vehicles and boats, ensuring a seamless journey through Costa Rica's diverse terrains, from lush jungles to volcanic landscapes.

Accommodation

Enjoy 11 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels and guesthouses, providing a cozy retreat after each day's adventure in Costa Rica's stunning landscapes.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero National Park?

    In Tortuguero National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including three species of monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced), three-toed sloths, river otters, and over 320 species of birds, including toucans and parrots.

  • What activities are available in the Sarapiqui region?

    In the Sarapiqui region, you can enjoy activities such as rafting on the Rio Sarapiquí, bird-watching, mountain-biking, boat trips, and canopying.

  • What is special about the Rio Celeste hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park?

    The Rio Celeste hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park is a moderately challenging 6km hike that leads to the striking turquoise-colored Rio Celeste and its breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls. Along the way, you can spot monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and other wildlife.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve?

    During the visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, you can expect to encounter a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,500 species of plants. You may also see the brilliantly feathered quetzal if visiting between January and July.

  • What is included in the cooking class at Finca Ecologica La Trinidad?

    The cooking class at Finca Ecologica La Trinidad includes a lesson on local cuisine, and there is also free time to take an optional horseback ride, which can be booked and paid for locally.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
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Nov 18, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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