DURATION: 9, 10, 12, 14, 16 or 18 nights

BEST FOR: Once in a lifetime

PACE: Moderate

Explore Costa Rica

Experience Costa Rica at your own pace on a thrilling journey through some of the country’s most striking natural landscapes. Travel from the Central Valley around San José to the slopes of the Arenal Volcano, with guided excursions included to explore the rich wildlife and rainforest of the Caribbean coast near Puerto Viejo. Choose from itineraries ranging from 9 to 18 nights, with the option to extend your stay by the sea for a slower finish to your tropical escape.

Choose the length of your stay:

9-night tour:

Day 1: Arrival in San José

Day 2: San José → Arenal

Day 3: Arenal 

Day 4: Arenal

Day 5: Arenal → Puerto Viejo 

Day 6: Puerto Viejo 

Day 7: Puerto Viejo

Day 8: Puerto Viejo

Day 9: Puerto Viejo → San José

Day 10: San José → Departure from San José 

10-18-night tour:

By opting for a longer tour, you’ll extend your stay with extra nights at Puerto Viejo to explore at your own pace.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSÉ

After arriving in San José, the cool mountain air and distant volcanic peaks offer a gentle introduction to Costa Rica. A local representative will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel, passing busy boulevards framed by jacaranda trees and tiled rooftops. The rest of the day is left deliberately unhurried, giving you time to settle into the slower rhythm of the country. As evening falls, the capital hums softly with cafés, birdsong, and the scent of fresh coffee drifting through the streets. Overnight in the San José region.

Included:

• Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
• Private transfer from the airport
• Night at D Sabana Hotel, Radisson Hotel or similar

DAY 2: SAN JOSÉ → ARENAL

This morning, leave the capital behind and travel north towards the dramatic landscapes of Arenal Volcano. The route winds through fertile valleys, roadside fruit stalls, and small farming towns where fields of sugar cane and coffee stretch into the hills. Gradually, dense rainforest begins to replace open countryside, until the unmistakable cone of Arenal rises above the treetops. Arriving in the Arenal region, you’ll find a place shaped equally by volcanic power and thick tropical wilderness, where toucans call from the canopy and steam drifts from hidden hot springs. Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the calm atmosphere and surrounding scenery.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Shared transfer San José → Arenal (≈3 hours 30 minutes)
• Night at Montaña de Fuego, Casa Luna Hotel, Tilajari Resort or similar

DAY 3: ARENAL

Today brings a closer look at Costa Rica’s extraordinary wildlife during a guided sloth-watching experience near La Fortuna. Moving quietly beneath towering cecropia trees, your naturalist guide will help spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths curled high in the branches, often almost perfectly camouflaged against the forest canopy. The rainforest reveals itself slowly here: hummingbirds flicker through heliconia flowers, poison dart frogs hide among damp leaves, and monkeys rustle overhead. The walk is gentle and unhurried, focused as much on listening and observing as on photography. Return to the hotel with the remainder of the day free to relax at your own pace.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• 1 x sloth tour in Arenal 
• Night at Montaña de Fuego, Casa Luna Hotel, Tilajari Resort or similar

DAY 4: ARENAL

A full day at leisure allows time to absorb the atmosphere of the Arenal region. You may choose simply to enjoy the hotel’s surroundings, where tropical gardens often attract colourful birds and butterflies from dawn onwards. For those wishing to explore further, optional activities such as hot springs visits, hanging bridges, waterfall hikes, or zip-lining excursions can be arranged locally at an additional cost. 

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Leisure day
• Night at Montaña de Fuego, Casa Luna Hotel, Tilajari Resort or similar

DAY 5: ARENAL → PUERTO VIEJO

An early departure this morning* begins the journey east towards Costa Rica’s Caribbean shoreline and the laid-back town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. As the landscape shifts once more, volcanic foothills give way to dense jungle, banana plantations, and humid lowland forests alive with birdsong. Arriving on the Caribbean coast, the atmosphere feels entirely different: reggae drifts from beach bars, brightly painted houses line the roads, and palms lean towards the sea. The region’s Afro-Caribbean heritage shapes everything from the music to the cuisine, giving this stretch of coastline a distinct identity within Costa Rica. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure beside the warm Caribbean waters.

*Please note that, due to operational logistics, this shuttle will depart at approximately 6:30am. For your convenience, a boxed breakfast will be arranged at the Arenal hotel prior to departure.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Shared transfer Arenal → Puerto Viejo (≈4 hours 48 minutes)
• Night at Almendros y Corales Hotel, Le Caméléon Hotel, Bungalow Punta Uva or similar

Today, explore the coastal rainforest trails of Cahuita National Park, one of the country’s most scenic protected areas. The path follows a narrow strip of jungle between white-sand beaches and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, creating a landscape rich in wildlife and colour. With your guide leading the way, look for sloths hanging low in almond trees, capuchin monkeys darting through the canopy, and raccoons wandering the shoreline. Alongside its remarkable biodiversity, the park also reflects the traditions and history of Costa Rica’s Afro-Caribbean communities. Depending on conditions, there may be time for a swim in the calm, clear waters before returning to your hotel.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• 1 x Cahuita National Park hike
• Night at Almendros y Corales Hotel, Le Caméléon Hotel, Bungalow Punta Uva or similar

DAY 7: PUERTO VIEJO

The next few days are free to enjoy the rhythm of the Caribbean coast at your own pace. Spend your time wandering between quiet beaches fringed with palms, browsing small local cafés, or cycling along jungle-lined coastal roads where the scent of salt air and tropical flowers lingers in the heat. Optional activities such as snorkelling, surfing lessons, chocolate tours, or visits to nearby indigenous communities are available locally at an additional cost. Even with little planned, the region rewards slow exploration and long afternoons by the sea. 

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Leisure day
• Night at Almendros y Corales Hotel, Le Caméléon Hotel, Bungalow Punta Uva or similar

DAY 8: PUERTO VIEJO

Another full day invites you to continue discovering the character of Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast. Early mornings often bring the sound of waves and distant howler monkeys, while evenings settle into a mellow soundtrack of reggae and cicadas beneath the palms. You may prefer to simply relax on the beach, though optional excursions to nearby nature reserves and coastal villages can also be arranged locally at an extra cost. The region’s easygoing atmosphere makes it especially rewarding to experience without rushing. 

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Leisure day
• Night at Almendros y Corales Hotel, Le Caméléon Hotel, Bungalow Punta Uva or similar

DAY 9: PUERTO VIEJO → SAN JOSÉ

After breakfast, leave the Caribbean coast behind and return inland to San José. The drive retraces the route through rainforest-covered mountains and fertile valleys, offering one more look at Costa Rica’s remarkably varied landscapes. Arriving back in the capital, the afternoon is free for a final rest or perhaps a quiet evening meal in one of the city’s traditional neighbourhoods. 

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Shared transfer Puerto Viejo → San José (≈4 hours 30 minutes)
• Night at D Sabana Hotel, Radisson Hotel or similar

DAY 10: SAN JOSÉ → DEPARTURE FROM SAN JOSÉ

Enjoy a final Costa Rican breakfast before transferring to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your onward flight. As the road winds past coffee plantations and green hillsides one last time, the country’s landscapes leave a lasting impression of rainforest, volcanoes, and Caribbean shores.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Private transfer to the airport
• Departure from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

By opting for a longer tour, you’ll extend your stay with extra nights at Puerto Viejo to explore at your own pace.

At each of your stops, you will be staying in Standard Rooms in thoughtfully selected Superior hotels.  

Superior hotels:

• San José: D Sabana Hotel, Radisson Hotel or similar
• Arenal: Montaña de Fuego, Casa Luna Hotel, Tilajari Resort or similar
• Puerto Viejo*: Almendros y Corales Hotel, Le Caméléon Hotel, Bungalow Punta Uva or similar

*Important note: Accommodation in the Caribbean Region, Cahuitas Area, may vary between Cahuitas and Puerto Viejo depending on hotel occupancy (hotels of the same quality are only 15 minutes apart by shuttle). This does not affect the itinerary or the excursion to Cahuitas National Park.

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply 

Add an extra 20 GB of internet data to stay connected without exceeding your plan. Activate your eSIM and enjoy connectivity wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with your loved ones, find the best restaurants nearby, and use your GPS with peace of mind.

Please note: 20 GB of internet data represents approximately 250 hours of additional web browsing/audio streaming or 20 to 30 hours of additional video streaming/social media/video calls.

Settle into the Crowne Plaza Panama 4*, a stylish and contemporary haven perfectly located in the heart of Panama City’s financial district. Just moments from lively avenues, trendy restaurants and bustling shopping centres, it offers the ideal starting point to experience the capital’s rich culture, fascinating history and vibrant local life.

From the moment you walk through the doors in the marble-floored lobby with its grand columns, you’re greeted by a welcoming ambience, sunlit interiors and attentive service that create an immediate sense of ease. A comfortable and elegant escape, perfectly placed to let you fully embrace the rhythm and spirit of Panama.

Settle into an elegant and bright Standard Room, designed to combine comfort and convenience in the heart of Panama City.

This is a bed and breakfast stay.

Between your two included excursions, take time to unwind and enjoy the hotel’s relaxing facilities. Refresh with a swim in the outdoor pool or stay energised in the modern, fully equipped gym.

Perfectly located, the hotel offers easy access to some of Panama City’s most iconic sites, from the charming Casco Viejo and the lively fish market to the legendary Panama Canal.

Discover the best of Panama City on a half-day tour, exploring the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Visitor Centre and wandering the charming streets of Casco Antiguo, taking in colourful architecture, lively plazas, and the rich culture of the city.

Add an extra 10 GB of internet data to stay connected without exceeding your plan. Activate your eSIM and enjoy connectivity wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with your loved ones, find the best restaurants nearby, and use your GPS with peace of mind.

Please note: 10 GB of internet data represents approximately 125 hours of additional web browsing/audio streaming or 10 to 15 hours of additional video streaming/social media/video calls.

Set out for an exciting sport fishing adventure on Gatún Lake, casting your line amid stunning tropical scenery and abundant wildlife, and enjoy the thrill of reeling in exotic freshwater fish while surrounded by the lush landscapes of Panama’s rainforest.

Soar above Panama City on a breathtaking helicopter tour, taking in panoramic views of the skyline, the historic Casco Antiguo, and the shimmering waters of the Panama Canal for a truly unforgettable perspective of the city.

Step into the vibrant world of the Emberá on the Quera River, experiencing traditional customs, music, and crafts while learning about their rich culture and way of life in the heart of Panama’s rainforest.

Escape to the pristine islands of San Blas, where turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs invite you to relax, snorkel, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the indigenous Guna people.

Where modern skyscrapers rise beside colonial streets and tropical forests meet the Pacific Ocean, Panama City is one of Central America’s most dynamic capitals. Located at the entrance of the legendary Panama Canal, the city blends historic heritage, vibrant culture and cutting-edge urban energy. Glass towers overlook lush hillsides and palm-fringed waterfronts, while lively neighbourhoods reveal the country’s rich blend of Spanish, Afro-Caribbean and indigenous influences.

Must-sees:

• Panama Canal: One of the world’s greatest engineering feats, best observed at the Miraflores Locks.
• Casco Viejo: A UNESCO-listed historic quarter filled with colourful colonial buildings and lively plazas.
• Amador Causeway: A scenic waterfront promenade offering views of the skyline and the canal entrance.
• Biomuseo: A striking museum designed by architect Frank Gehry, celebrating Panama’s biodiversity.
• Metropolitan Natural Park: A rare tropical rainforest reserve located within the city itself.

Culinary culture:

Panama City’s gastronomy reflects its multicultural identity. Expect a blend of Latin American, Caribbean and international influences, with dishes featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits and local spices. From vibrant street markets serving ceviche to contemporary restaurants showcasing modern Panamanian cuisine, the city offers a diverse and evolving culinary scene.

Dive deeper:

Beyond its skyline, Panama City offers easy access to nature and history. Wander through art galleries and cafés in Casco Viejo, take a boat trip along the canal to witness its monumental locks in action, or venture just outside the city into dense rainforest where monkeys, toucans and sloths inhabit the canopy. The proximity of beaches, jungles and islands makes Panama City an ideal gateway to the country’s extraordinary landscapes.

Good to know:

Panama City is served by Tocumen International Airport, located about 25 minutes from the city centre by car. The best time to visit is from December to April, during the dry season. The local currency is the Panamanian balboa (PAB) and the US dollar (USD), both widely used.

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is much more than just a gateway to the country’s famous jungles and coastlines; it’s a vibrant urban hub teeming with culture, colour, and charm. Nestled in the Central Valley and surrounded by majestic mountains, this city offers a perfect blend of history, art, and authentic Costa Rican lifestyle.

Must-sees:

• National Theatre of Costa Rica: An architectural gem in the heart of the city, the National Theatre showcases stunning neoclassical design and is a symbol of San José’s rich cultural scene. Catch a performance or simply admire the lavish interior and opulent frescoes.
• Museo del Oro Precolombino: Beneath the Plaza de la Cultura lies this treasure trove of pre-Columbian gold artefacts. It offers a fascinating insight into the country’s indigenous past and craftsmanship dating back centuries.
• Barrio Amón: One of San José’s most characterful neighbourhoods, Barrio Amón is a bohemian quarter dotted with colonial mansions, art galleries, and stylish cafés — perfect for a relaxed afternoon of exploring.
• Mercado Central: For a dose of local life, head to this bustling indoor market. Sample traditional dishes like casado or gallo pinto, pick up handmade souvenirs, or just soak in the lively atmosphere.

Culinary Culture:

San José’s food scene celebrates bold flavours and local ingredients. Expect hearty dishes like olla de carne (a traditional beef stew), and tamales wrapped in banana leaves. Don’t miss fresh tropical fruits like mango, guava, and papaya sold on street corners. Pair your meal with locally grown coffee, some of the best in the world. A growing number of modern restaurants also offer farm-to-table menus, showcasing Costa Rica’s impressive biodiversity on the plate.

Dive Deeper:

San José is the perfect base to explore nearby natural wonders, think day trips to Poás Volcano, coffee plantation tours in the highlands, or visits to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Nature is never far away.

Back in town, dive into Costa Rica’s creative side by exploring the street art scattered throughout the city, or attending a live music event celebrating everything from marimba rhythms to contemporary folk.

Good to Know:

San José’s highland location gives it a pleasant, spring-like climate year-round. The city is safe and walkable, especially in the central districts. While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Taxis are inexpensive, and Uber operates in the city, making it easy to get around. As the capital continues to grow in popularity, now is the time to experience its authentic charm before the crowds follow.