Classic Costa Rica: Wildlife, Volcanoes & Coast

Begin in San Jose, unwinding in peaceful gardens on the edge of Costa Rica’s capital.
Glide through Tortuguero’s canals on a multi-day rainforest immersion rich with wildlife encounters.
Experience Sky Tram views, Sky Trek adventure, and a guided volcano and Tabacón hot-spring day in Arenal.
Wander Monteverde’s mist-filled Santa Elena Cloud Forest before travelling toward the Pacific coast.
Sail on a sunset catamaran in Guanacaste and enjoy relaxed days along Tamarindo’s shoreline.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,261 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,261 Reviews

Trip Features

Active Elements

Includes light adventure or movement for added discovery.

Near the Beach

Situated conveniently close to coastlines for sun and relaxation.

Unique Accommodation

Incorporates distinctive stays that add personality and memorable flair.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Private Guided Experiences

Explore in the company of expert private guides.

Active Elements

Includes light adventure or movement for added discovery.

Near the Beach

Situated conveniently close to coastlines for sun and relaxation.

Unique Accommodation

Incorporates distinctive stays that add personality and memorable flair.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Private Guided Experiences

Explore in the company of expert private guides.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Welcome to Costa Rica

DAY

From San Jose to Tortuguero

DAY

Exploring Tortuguero

DAY

From Tortuguero to Arenal

DAY

SkyTram & SkyTrek Experience

DAY

Arenal Volcano Hike & Tabacon Hot Springs

DAY

Private Lake Crossing from Arenal to Monteverde

DAY

Exploring the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

DAY

From Monteverde to Tamarindo

DAY

Sunset Catamaran Sailing

DAY

At Leisure in Guanacaste

DAY

Depart from Costa Rica

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Welcome to Costa Rica

Transfer

San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport to San Jose

Your Accommodation

Hotel Bougainvillea

One of the few independent hotels left in the Central Valley in Costa Rica, this well-located property overflows with personality. Ten acres of botanical gardens, art, rocks and minerals, a restaurant that is appreciated by locals and visitors alike, swimming pool, tennis courts, and most importantly, the incredible staff who work to make the hotel a destination rather than just a stop-over.

Duration

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Buffet Breakfast

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DAY

From San Jose to Tortuguero

Multi Day Tour

San Jose to Tortuguero National Park

Depart early this morning from San Jose. Drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park, where you have the opportunity to see beautiful views and abundant vegetation. On the way, stop for breakfast at El Ceibo in Guapiles. After breakfast, continue to Cano Blanco deck driving by a banana processing and packaging plant to learn more about one of Costa Rica's prime products (subject to availability). At Cano Blanco, you will board the boat to the lodge, passing the Tortuguero canals arriving at the lodge in the early afternoon. Once there, enjoy refreshing cocktails and a delicious lunch as the staff welcomes you to Pachira Lodge. After lunch, visit the museum, beach area and the picturesque town of Tortuguero. You will return to the lodge around in the evening for dinner.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Pachira Lodge

Located on a 34 acre property just five minutes from Tortuguero National Park is Pachira Lodge. The lodge is surrounded by a stunning network of canals which are home to a diverse mix of flora and fauna. The lodge has 88 comfortable guest rooms all equipped with private ensuite, hot water and ceiling fans.

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DAY

Exploring Tortuguero

Multi Day Tour

Tortuguero National Park

Begin today with an early morning journey through the canals to enjoy a real Caribbean sunrise. Return for breakfast. Following breakfast, take a guided walk at one of the trails of the lodge. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, there is an optional tour of the canals or you can stay at the lodge to explore the private trails of the lodge, visit the open butterfly garden or enjoy the botanical gardens. Dinner at the lodge and night at leisure.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Pachira Lodge

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DAY

From Tortuguero to Arenal

Transfer

Fortuna Airport to La Fortuna - Arenal

Your Accommodation

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa is a peaceful getaway in Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano region. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the resort offers beautiful views of the volcano, soothing hot springs, spacious rooms, and great amenities. It's the perfect spot for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature's beauty.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

Multi Day Tour

Depart Tortuguero National Park

After breakfast, you will depart for Cano Blanco to board your bus transfer back from the canals. Stop en route for lunch at Selva Tropical Restaurant in Guapiles, and then continue on to San Jose or connect with a transfer to your next destination.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Show on Map

DAY

SkyTram & SkyTrek Experience

Day Tour

Shared Arenal Sky Tram & Sky Trek Tour

After a shared transfer to the Sky Tram & Sky Trek grounds, the tour begins with the Sky Tram, a delightful activity for people of all ages. Before leaving the main building to start the tour, you will be given the necessary equipment (harness, helmet, gloves), which the guides will be responsible for adjusting correctly. You will then participate in a brief safety talk regarding the proper way to fasten the cables and to use the braking system. From there, the gondolas of the Sky Tram rise delicately above the rainforest, offering beautiful landscapes during the journey. The walk starts at the reception and ends at the highest point of the reserve, on a lookout with an excellent view of the forest, the volcano, and the lake. The gondola ride lasts approximately 20 minutes during which a local guide will explain the vegetation and fauna of the forest canopy. Then, the Sky Trek will take you back to the starting point. From this area, you will begin to slide on a track of zip lines that extend through canyons in the middle of the treetops. So begins the exciting adventure in zip lines descending the mountains and returning to the starting point in the main building. You will be able to experience and observe the rainforest from a bird's eye view, admiring the wildlife from the heights. This adventure includes eight cables with a distance of almost 3 km (2 miles) in length, all while enjoying panoramic views of the forest, lake and Arenal Volcano.

DAY

Arenal Volcano Hike & Tabacon Hot Springs

Day Tour

Shared Arenal Volcano Expedition & Tabacon Hot Springs

Following hotel pick-up alongside fellow travelers, you'll be transferred to El Silencio Private Reserve, found near the base of the Arenal Volcano, where you'll set out on a guided hike. Walking for approximately two-thirds of a mile (1 kilometer) along a volcanic stone path that is considered moderately challenging to traverse, you'll reach a viewpoint which is also the closest point to the volcano that is permitted for public access. From this vantage point, your guide will provide you with information on the formation of the volcano, its periods of activity, as well as unpublished details of its violent eruption in 1968. You can also enjoy the excellent views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal here, and soon after, begin your return along the same trail. For a change of scenery, you will then enter a regenerating forest and then into the primary rainforest located along the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano. With a little luck, this one-mile (1.6-kilometer) trail will provide you with the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals that inhabit the rainforest, like toucans, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes, and monkeys. Later, a vehicle will be waiting for you and fellow travellers, outfitted with a delicious tropical fruit snack to enjoy on the drive to Tabacon Hot Springs. Upon arrival, change into your swimwear, then relax and enjoy the benefits of the simply spectacular mineral waters on your own; there are some 18 thermal pools to enjoy, gentle waterfalls to relax in and beside, and five thermal springs feeding the property. You will also enjoy a delicious meal (lunch or dinner) before the shared transfer back to your hotel after a day of relaxation and adventure.

DAY

Private Lake Crossing from Arenal to Monteverde

Day Tour

Arenal to Monteverde with Private Lake Crossing

Today you will be transferred from Arenal to Monteverde, making use of both vehicles and a boat to turn this point-to-point transfer into an enjoyable and scenic experience. The transfer begins at your hotel, where a minibus will pick you up and drive for approximately 30 minutes to Lake Arenal. Upon arrival you will board a comfortable and safe pontoon-type boat, and after a 45-minute journey you will arrive at Rio Chiquito, a small community on the other side of the lake. Lake Arenal is the largest and most important in Costa Rica. It is of artificial origin - built in 1974 in order to obtain hydroelectric power for the country - and is a place where you can spot a variety of resident and migratory birds, and often times mammals like monkeys and sloths. You will also take in excellent views of the Arenal Volcano when it is not cloudy. Once in Rio Chiquito, you will leave the boat and continue onward by land for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to your hotel in Monteverde (this portion of the transfer may take longer in the rainy season), making the occasional stop along the way as requested. It is recommended to wear long pants, a coat, comfortable shoes, and a waterproof jacket. Approximate travel time is 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Your Accommodation

Hotel Poco a Poco

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco has a total of 30 deluxe rooms, each featuring a comfortable private bath with a hot water shower, bathrobes, retractable chrome clothesline, lighted wall mounted mirror and hair dryer. All rooms are equipped with a telephone for international calls, alarm clock, coffee maker with coffee from Monteverde, iron, ironing board, cable, flat screen TV, safe deposit box and very comfortable orthopedic king and queen beds.

Duration

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

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DAY

Exploring the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Day Tour

Shared Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel in Monteverde, then transfer to the reserve, and shortly after arrival, begin your hike through the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. This guided 4-hour tour is managed by the administrative board of the Santa Elena Public High School, and a percentage of the money raised is destined for the education of the youth in the community. This reserve holds a vast biological diversity, and it is of great importance to the Monteverde area. It is located on the Tilarán mountain range, and was founded in 1992. Within the 310 hectares in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest, you can find the water springs of Chiquito and Caño Negro rivers, which along the Aguas Gatas, constitute a great percentage of the water that feeds the Arenal hydroelectric power station. Equal parts informative and awe-inspiring, once the hike has been completed, you will be returned to your hotel.

DAY

From Monteverde to Tamarindo

Transfer

Monteverde to Tamarindo

Your Accommodation

Margaritaville Beach Resort

Change your latitude and escape to a tropical paradise where golden sands invite you to linger under shady palms and the warm, blue Pacific Ocean beckons you to dive in and explore. Where a relaxing and casual beach vibe and authentic hospitality truly inspire the spirit of Pura Vida - the pure life. Relax in beautiful rooms and suites, including specialty family suites, overlooking tropical gardens, oversized pool and the Pacific Ocean. Indulge your senses at OnZen Spa, lounge on the pristine beach or enjoy paddle boarding on Pacific waves. Relax by the sparkling outdoor pool and sip a cocktail at the swim-up pool bar at the Margaritaville Beach Resort. Take in a spectacular sunset over the ocean while enjoying international cuisine infused with Costa Rican flavors in one of three restaurants. At Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo, the possibilities for romance and adventure are endless.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

All Inclusive (with alcohol)

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DAY

Sunset Catamaran Sailing

Day Tour

Shared Sunset Catamaran Tour

This amazing activity begins with an introductory speech about the experience that you will enjoy, then the anchor is pulled and you will be sailing to one of the many pristine beaches in the area. On the way you will be able to admire marine wildlife specially turtles, dolphins, flying fish or whales. The crew will provide snorkel equipment, and you will have the chance to search the waters for one hour approximately, looking for exotic sea life. You will also enjoy a varied food offerings available on board as well as an open bar including sodas, juices, beers and some liquors. Soon after the snorkeling experience you will go back across the bay to finally arrive when the sun goes down. Important: It is recommended that you bring your own beach towel.

DAY

At Leisure in Guanacaste

Day Tour

At Leisure in Guanacaste

Spend your day at leisure soaking up coastal charm. Relax on powdery golden sands or poolside at your hotel, or consider participating in a catamaran cruise to nearby coves. Snorkeling and paddleboarding reveal colorful marine life, while charming towns offer aromatic taquerias and boutique shopping. For a more local touch, visit a resident art gallery, a coastal cafe, or explore trails at a nearby nature reserve. As evening arrives, a relaxing dinner by the water as the sky glows pink and gold is highly recommended.

DAY

Depart from Costa Rica

Transfer

Tamarindo to Liberia Airport

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Coastlines of Costa Rica

Tortuguero National Park

Zipline through the rainforest

The Arenal Volcano

Tabacon Hot Springs

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

MonteverdeLight Rain

28°C / 83°F

86mm / 3.4"

San JoseLight Rain

28°C / 83°F

86mm / 3.4"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,261 Reviews

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I worked with Maria S. from Goway Travel to build a tailored trip to the Azores and mainland Portugal. Maria provided excellent, responsive and patient service, never pressured me into making decisions, offered multiple options for managing pricing, answered my many questions clearly and fully, and always met the timelines she would set to get back to me. Once I was on my trip, Maria checked in several times even though there was an operator on the ground at my destination; she even resolved a minor mix-up with one of my hotels and arranged for a special surprise on my birthday. I cannot speak highly enough of Maria's professionalism, follow-through, positivity, attention to detail and responsiveness. I highly recommend Goway and Maria for your travel plans, and will definitely use this company again for my future travels. Thank you so much for making my trip to Portugal so memorable, Maria! Michele B.

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Extremely delighted we took this trip to Bali with Goway. Ameet was fantastic. He helped me save on my flights and also guided me on the right hotel decisions. Extremely Charming and always a pleasure to chat to. We enjoyed the Komodo islands a lot thanks to our specialist who made the recommendation. Hid guidance on the places and restaurants was spot on and we and my gf enjoyed the trip so much. We will consider using Goway and Ameet for our Honeymoon as well.Garth Cutos

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Prompt, professional service when booking our trip. Excellent suggestions to add to our experience. Shalini was very accommodating and went beyond our expectations to meet all of our requests. Loved the small group tour.Oscar

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Touching base after our trip. As usual you did a great job helping plan and execute an amazing travel experience!! Everything was fantastic. Especially our hotel location. Since it's connected to the Victoria station it made getting around very easy. Thanks again for your help I'm sure we'll be booking our next trip soon...Leigh Ferris

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The trip was planned perfectly, with the support of knowledgeable and dedicated local staff during any critical point of the trip. The accommodations, transfers, transportation, guides' input and visits' setup met the highest standards and expectations.Nadia & Cristian

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We recently completed a trip to Crete, Greece - our third trip with GoWay - and I have run out of superlatives to laud their efforts. This was a self drive trip, and as has been our experience with GoWay, we were permitted to customize the standard offered itinerary to suit our personal preferences. Brooke, our agent on this trip, went the extra mile to make all the adjustments we requested, including providing for an English-speaking guide at the Phaistos archeological site. The hotels which Brooke booked on our behalf were truly excellent, and - again, per our wish - just outside of the urban chaos of Heraklion, Rethymno and Chania, but close enough to readily access the cities' benefits. Each hotel was a beachside sanctuary, and we spent several serene, idyllic days never leaving the hotel, and yet there was plenty of time for more distant and adventurous sight seeing. I cannot overstate how happy we have been with our GoWay experiences - most notably in their willingness to listen to our preferences and make those manifest in the itinerary - and this most recent trip just confirms our already positive opinion of GoWay, and we will be certain to consider them again for our next travel adventure.Frank Venuti

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Venessa Lloyd at GoWay organized a trip to Africa for us- We just returned last week. It was very well organized and included everything we requested, and more. We did two safaris - one in Tanzania and one in South Africa. They were both excellent, with first class accommodations and guides. We absolutely would recommend GoWay and Vanessa to anyone. Sandra

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Overall, the hotel and tours were amazing. We had issues with communicating with the driver. At times I was asked where, I was gone. The local company handled the situation and there were minor issues after. I would recommend a local English-speaking guide every day. My clients loved the trip. The area we stayed in had many restaurants and local markets nearby. I recommend the cooking class, flamenco dance show, wine tasting and taps tour, and the city tour. Jolynn Tizeno

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Ani M was absolutely amazing to work with! I actually chose Goway for our group trip because of her recommendations. She was the only agent who took the time to explain that we really needed to split our travels into two separate trips if we wanted to experience everything on our wish list, and I really appreciated her honesty and guidance. Throughout the planning process, Ani was incredibly helpful and answered ALL of my questions, even when I asked the same ones more than once! She was patient, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. I enjoyed working with her and her team so much that I already have another group trip planned with her, and I expect we'll be planning another one soon! The guides during our Scotland trip were wonderful as well. Ian Short was the BEST! He was professional, knowledgeable, and made sure everything ran smoothly so we could simply enjoy the experience. He even worked in sightseeing stops we didn't know we needed to see, and those little extras made the trip even better. The entire experience was absolutely wonderful from beginning to end. I'm already looking forward to our next adventure to Ireland with Goway and working with Ani and their team again!Angela Butler

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Michael was informative and answered all my questions. Flexible with package details and accommodated changes we preferred with activities. He put together a superb tour with transportation and guides that were very knowledgeable. Would book with them again on next trip to Europe.Christopher Carey

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What do the experts say?

Virginia Dameno

Destination Specialist

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Costa Rica is not just all about the beaches. There is so much more to discover, including volcanoes, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife.

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Virginia Dameno

Destination Specialist

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Costa Rica is also globally admired for its environmental values. The country’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices is deeply ingrained in its DNA.

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Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

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If your main interest is beach time, December to April offers the best weather. However do not discount visiting during the Green Season in September, which reveals a different side of the country, full of wildlife and vibrant scenery.

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