10-Day Nature Expedition in Costa Rica

Day 1: City Exploration

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mercado Central

Start your day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast at Mercado Central, a bustling market in the heart of San Jose.
Mercado Central is located in the city center and easily accessible by foot or taxi.
CRC 5000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the National Museum of Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in Costa Rican history and culture at the National Museum, housed in a beautiful former military barracks.
The museum is a short walk from Mercado Central.
CRC 2500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Soda Tapia

Enjoy a typical 'casado' for lunch at Soda Tapia, a local favorite known for its delicious and affordable Costa Rican dishes.
Soda Tapia is located in Barrio Amon, a historic neighborhood in San Jose.
CRC 4000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore La Sabana Metropolitan Park

Take a leisurely stroll or rent a paddle boat at La Sabana Park, a green oasis in the city where locals and visitors relax and enjoy nature.
La Sabana Park is a short drive or taxi ride from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Silvestre Gusto Restaurant

Treat yourself to a farm-to-table dining experience at Silvestre Gusto, known for its sustainable and delicious dishes sourced from local ingredients.
Silvestre Gusto is located in Barrio Escalante, a trendy gastronomic hub in San Jose.
CRC 8000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Arenal

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Drive to Arenal Volcano

Embark on a scenic journey to Arenal Volcano, enjoying picturesque views of lush landscapes and rural Costa Rican towns along the way.
The drive from San Jose to Arenal takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Gas and tolls costs, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Fortuna

Savor a meal with a view in the charming town of La Fortuna, with Arenal Volcano as a stunning backdrop.
There are several restaurants in La Fortuna offering delicious local cuisine.
CRC 6000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall

Discover the beauty of La Fortuna Waterfall with a hike through the rainforest, leading to a breathtaking cascading waterfall where you can swim in the cool waters.
The entrance to La Fortuna Waterfall is a short drive from La Fortuna town.
CRC 15000 (includes entrance fee), 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at EcoTermales Hot Springs

Unwind and rejuvenate at EcoTermales Hot Springs, a natural thermal spa nestled in the rainforest, perfect for soaking in the mineral-rich waters.
EcoTermales Hot Springs is located near Arenal Volcano and requires a reservation.
CRC 25000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante La Parrilla de Maria

Indulge in a hearty meal at Restaurante La Parrilla de Maria, known for its grilled specialties and cozy ambiance, ideal for unwinding after a day of adventures.
The restaurant is located in La Fortuna town.
CRC 9000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Into the Cloud Forest

Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest

Embark on a scenic journey to Monteverde Cloud Forest, a biodiversity hotspot known for its lush foliage, diverse wildlife, and mystical cloud-covered canopy.
The drive from Arenal to Monteverde takes about 3.5 hours, including a scenic ferry crossing.
Transfer cost, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tree House Restaurant

Dine amidst the treetops at Tree House Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the cloud forest canopy and delicious fusion cuisine.
Tree House Restaurant is located within the Monteverde area.
CRC 8000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Embark on a guided nature hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including the elusive resplendent quetzal.
Entrance to the reserve requires a fee, and guided tours are available for a richer experience.
CRC 20000 (includes entrance fee and guide), 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Morpho's Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Morpho's Restaurant, known for its sustainable practices and innovative dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Morpho's Restaurant is located in Santa Elena town in Monteverde.
CRC 10000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Beach Bliss in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Drive to Manuel Antonio

Embark on a scenic drive to Manuel Antonio, a beautiful coastal town renowned for its stunning beaches and abundant wildlife within the national park.
The drive from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio takes about 4 hours.
Gas and tolls costs, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Avion

Dine in a unique setting at El Avion, a restaurant housed in a converted cargo plane with panoramic ocean views, serving delicious seafood and international cuisine.
El Avion is located near Manuel Antonio town.
CRC 12000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

Embark on a wildlife spotting adventure in Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its pristine beaches, dense rainforest, and diverse wildlife such as monkeys and sloths.
Entrance to the park requires a fee, and guided tours are available for a better understanding of the ecosystem.
CRC 16000 (includes entrance fee and guide), 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gabriella's Steakhouse

Savor a flavorful dinner at Gabriella's Steakhouse, a cozy restaurant specializing in grilled meats and seafood dishes, perfect for a relaxing evening by the beach.
Gabriella's Steakhouse is located in Manuel Antonio town.
CRC 14000, 2 hours
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Day 5: Untouched Wilderness of Corcovado

Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Fly to Drake Bay

Take a scenic flight to Drake Bay, the gateway to Corcovado National Park, offering aerial views of Costa Rica's rugged coastline and dense rainforests.
Flights are available from the local airstrips near Manuel Antonio.
Flight cost, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Arrive in Drake Bay

Upon arrival in Drake Bay, settle into your lodge or eco-lodge nestled within the pristine wilderness, preparing for an immersive experience in Corcovado National Park.
Lodges in Drake Bay offer transportation services from the airstrip.
Accommodation cost, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Lodge

Enjoy a fresh and locally sourced lunch at the lodge's restaurant, savoring the flavors of Costa Rican cuisine in the heart of the rainforest.
Most lodges in Drake Bay offer full-board dining options.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hike in Corcovado National Park

Embark on a guided trek through Corcovado National Park, an untouched wilderness teeming with biodiversity, from scarlet macaws to jaguars, offering a true immersion in nature.
Guided tours are available from lodges in Drake Bay for an insightful exploration of the park.
CRC 25000 (guide fee), 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Relish a delectable dinner at the lodge, under the canopy of stars and surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Enjoy a chef-prepared meal at the lodge's dining area.
Included in accommodation, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Wildlife Wonderland in Tortuguero

Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Boat Transfer to Tortuguero

Embark on a scenic boat transfer to Tortuguero, traversing through lush waterways and mangrove forests, showcasing the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica.
Boat transfers depart from designated points near Drake Bay lodges and provide a unique perspective of the landscape.
Included in lodge package, 3 hours

11:00AM

Arrive in Tortuguero

Upon arrival in Tortuguero, settle into your eco-lodge nestled amidst the jungle, where the soundtrack of howler monkeys welcomes you to this wildlife wonderland.
Lodges in Tortuguero offer transportation services from the boat docks.
Accommodation cost, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at the Lodge

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge's open-air restaurant, offering fresh farm-to-table cuisine with a view of the jungle canopy.
Most lodges in Tortuguero include meals as part of the stay, highlighting local flavors.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

3:00PM

Canoe Exploration

Embark on a guided canoe expedition through the narrow waterways of Tortuguero National Park, keeping an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and colorful bird species in their natural habitat.
Canoe tours are organized by lodges in Tortuguero and offer a serene way to explore the surroundings.
Included in lodge package, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Savor a delightful dinner at the lodge, immersed in the sounds of the jungle at night, creating a magical ambiance for a relaxing evening in Tortuguero.
Enjoy a culinary experience highlighting local ingredients and flavors at the lodge's restaurant.
Included in accommodation, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Caribbean Vibes in Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Drive to Puerto Viejo

Embark on a scenic drive to Puerto Viejo, a vibrant beach town on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, known for its laid-back atmosphere, reggae vibes, and surf culture.
The drive from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo takes about 5 hours, passing through picturesque landscapes.
Gas and tolls costs, 6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Rico

Savor a flavorful lunch at Cafe Rico, a cozy cafe in Puerto Viejo serving up delicious dishes blending local and international flavors.
Cafe Rico is located in the heart of Puerto Viejo town.
CRC 7000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Punta Uva Beach

Unwind on the white sandy shores of Punta Uva Beach, a pristine coastal paradise with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking in the Caribbean vibes.
Punta Uva Beach is a short drive or bike ride from Puerto Viejo town.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Stashu's Con Fusion

Indulge in a fusion feast at Stashu's Con Fusion, a renowned restaurant in Puerto Viejo blending Caribbean, Asian, and Latin American flavors in creative and delicious dishes.
Stashu's Con Fusion is a popular dining spot in Puerto Viejo, known for its unique culinary offerings.
CRC 12000, 2 hours
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