8-Day Tortuguero, Arenal, Manuel Antonio Tour
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Location: Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (various activities)
Age/Experience : Suitable for all ages; basic mobility needed for hiking
Seasonal Considerations: : Year-round, but turtle nesting in Tortuguero best July-October
Included Services: 7 nights accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners, kickoff and farewell dinners, all activities and guided tours
Experience Costa Rica's spectacular biodiversity across three iconic destinations on this comprehensive 8-day adventure. Your journey begins in the magical waterways of Tortuguero National Park, known as the "Amazon of Costa Rica," where you'll glide through narrow canals spotting wildlife at every turn. Next, you'll explore the active Arenal Volcano region, combining adrenaline-pumping zipline adventures with relaxing hot springs visits. Your tour concludes in Manuel Antonio, where pristine beaches meet wildlife-rich forests, creating the perfect finale to your Costa Rican adventure. Throughout your journey, expert naturalist guides will enhance your experience with their knowledge of local ecosystems, wildlife, and culture, making this the perfect introduction to Costa Rica's extraordinary natural wonders.
What You'll See @ 8-Day Tortuguero, Arenal, Manuel Antonio Tour
In Tortuguero, you'll navigate a maze of waterways where you'll likely encounter caimans, river turtles, monkeys, sloths, and countless bird species including toucans and the great green macaw. During nesting season, witness the unforgettable sight of sea turtles laying eggs on black sand beaches. At Arenal, you'll have spectacular views of the perfectly conical volcano while spotting wildlife like coatis, agoutis, and the colorful pit vipers unique to this region. The zipline canopy tour provides both thrills and a bird's-eye view of the rainforest ecosystem. In Manuel Antonio, you'll encounter one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Costa Rica, including three monkey species (squirrel, howler, and capuchin), two- and three-toed sloths, basilisk lizards, and if you're lucky, the endangered squirrel monkey found only in this region. The combination of these three distinct ecosystems offers an unparalleled overview of Costa Rica's biodiversity.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in San José with hotel transfer and welcome dinner
Day 2: Early departure for Tortuguero with scenic drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Switch to boat transport to reach your jungle lodge. Afternoon guided visit to Tortuguero village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Welcome dinner at the lodge.
Day 3: Early morning canal tour for wildlife viewing when animals are most active. After lunch, explore different waterways and hiking trails within Tortuguero National Park. Optional night tour during turtle nesting season (additional cost).
Day 4: Transfer to the Arenal region via boat and private bus. Afternoon visit to hot springs with dinner overlooking the volcano.
Day 5: Morning zipline canopy tour through primary rainforest. Afternoon guided hike on Arenal Volcano's lava trails with wildlife spotting opportunities. Free evening to explore La Fortuna town.
Day 6: Transfer to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy hotel facilities or nearby beaches. Sunset dinner with ocean views.
Day 7: Morning guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, focusing on wildlife spotting and the park's pristine beaches. Afternoon free for optional activities or beach relaxation. Farewell dinner celebration.
Day 8: Morning at leisure before departure transfer to San José airport or extended stay arrangements.
Day 2: Early departure for Tortuguero with scenic drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Switch to boat transport to reach your jungle lodge. Afternoon guided visit to Tortuguero village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Welcome dinner at the lodge.
Day 3: Early morning canal tour for wildlife viewing when animals are most active. After lunch, explore different waterways and hiking trails within Tortuguero National Park. Optional night tour during turtle nesting season (additional cost).
Day 4: Transfer to the Arenal region via boat and private bus. Afternoon visit to hot springs with dinner overlooking the volcano.
Day 5: Morning zipline canopy tour through primary rainforest. Afternoon guided hike on Arenal Volcano's lava trails with wildlife spotting opportunities. Free evening to explore La Fortuna town.
Day 6: Transfer to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy hotel facilities or nearby beaches. Sunset dinner with ocean views.
Day 7: Morning guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, focusing on wildlife spotting and the park's pristine beaches. Afternoon free for optional activities or beach relaxation. Farewell dinner celebration.
Day 8: Morning at leisure before departure transfer to San José airport or extended stay arrangements.
Highlights of8-Day Tortuguero, Arenal, Manuel Antonio Tour
In Tortuguero, you'll navigate a maze of waterways where you'll likely encounter caimans, river turtles, monkeys, sloths, and countless bird species including toucans and the great green macaw. During nesting season, witness the unforgettable sight of sea turtles laying eggs on black sand beaches. At Arenal, you'll have spectacular views of the perfectly conical volcano while spotting wildlife like coatis, agoutis, and the colorful pit vipers unique to this region. The zipline canopy tour provides both thrills and a bird's-eye view of the rainforest ecosystem. In Manuel Antonio, you'll encounter one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Costa Rica, including three monkey species (squirrel, howler, and capuchin), two- and three-toed sloths, basilisk lizards, and if you're lucky, the endangered squirrel monkey found only in this region. The combination of these three distinct ecosystems offers an unparalleled overview of Costa Rica's biodiversity.
Meeting point:San José International Airport or designated hotel
Tour Guide Expertise
Our multi-destination tours are led by Costa Rica's top professional naturalist guides, many with biology or ecology degrees and 10+ years of field experience. Each guide specializes in specific ecosystems, so you'll benefit from local experts at each destination rather than having a single guide throughout. In Tortuguero, your guides include trained turtle researchers during nesting season. At Arenal, volcanology specialists enhance your understanding of this active geological wonder. In Manuel Antonio, primatology experts help track the region's diverse monkey populations. All guides are certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) with advanced training in sustainable tourism practices and interpretation techniques. Their connections with local researchers often provide access to special sightings and up-to-date information on wildlife movements, dramatically enhancing your viewing opportunities.
"Our 8-day tour through Tortuguero, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio exceeded every expectation. The wildlife encounters were incredible—we saw sloths, toucans, and even a family of howler monkeys! Our guide Miguel's knowledge transformed what would have been a good vacation into an unforgettable experience."
Sarah Thompson
Chicago
The Pacuare River overnight expedition was the highlight of our Costa Rica trip. Professional guides, breathtaking scenery, and the perfect balance of thrilling rapids and peaceful floats. Staying at the riverside lodge was magical—falling asleep to jungle sounds is something we'll never forget.
Mark Davidson
ancouver
Volunteering at the Pacuare Reserve for sea turtle conservation changed my perspective on eco-tourism. Two weeks of meaningful work alongside dedicated conservationists was both humbling and inspiring. Explore Costa Rica handled all the logistics flawlessly.
Emma Chen
Sydney
After years of dreaming about moving to Costa Rica, Explore Costa Rica made it happen seamlessly. From finding our perfect home in Perez Zeledon to navigating residency paperwork, their team supported us every step of the way. Six months in, and we're living the life we imagined!
Robert and Linda Gonzalez
Former Arizona Residents
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