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Highlights
Explore Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural landscapes in just under 2 weeks
Start and end your Costa Rican adventure in the vibrant capital of San José, nestled in the heart of the Central Valley.
Feel the breeze on the Caribbean coast as you dive into a world of adventure in Tortuguero National Park.
Revel in the views of the famous Arenal Volcano as you explore La Fortuna and bathe in the Ecotermales hot springs.
Explore the dreamy cloud-forests of Monteverde and the lowland rainforests of Manuel Antonio.
If you’re looking to live and experience the best natural and cultural highlights of Costa in just under 2 weeks time, the 13-Day Costa Rica Highlights Tour is calling! This incredible guided adventure invites guests eager to not only see the best of Costa Rica, but also experience it.
Accompanied by a professional local guide, your adventure kicks of in the metropolis of San Jose, before you weave your way through the top sights and best outdoor experiences of Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio. Hike around the Arenal Volcano, paddle the meandering canals of Tortuguero, soak in restorative hot springs, and delight in the regional gastronomy of several unique areas of Costa Rica.
Enjoy the ease of an adventure where every detail is taken care of for you, from guided activities to comfortable hotels, private transportation and most meals too! This adventure is perfect for an active couple looking to get off the beaten path in Costa Rica, or a family with kids looking for a fun and interactive vacation. Experience the Pura Vida on this tour that strikes the perfect balance of interactive adventures and leisure days too!
If you’re looking to live and experience the best natural and cultural highlights of Costa in just under 2 weeks time, the 13-Day Costa Rica Highlights Tour is calling! This incredible guided adventure invites guests eager to not only see the best of Costa Rica, but also experience it.
Accompanied by a professional local guide, your adventure kicks of in the metropolis of San Jose, before you weave your way through the top sights and best outdoor experiences of Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio. Hike around the Arenal Volcano, paddle the meandering canals of Tortuguero, soak in restorative hot springs, and delight in the regional gastronomy of several unique areas of Costa Rica.
Enjoy the ease of an adventure where every detail is taken care of for you, from guided activities to comfortable hotels, private transportation and most meals too! This adventure is perfect for an active couple looking to get off the beaten path in Costa Rica, or a family with kids looking for a fun and interactive vacation. Experience the Pura Vida on this tour that strikes the perfect balance of interactive adventures and leisure days too!
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13-Day Costa Rica Highlights Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in San José
Touch down in San José and transfer to the Park Inn Hotel where you’ll spend your first night of the tour. Check-in and set out to catch your first glimpses of this upbeat and colorful capital city.
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Jose
Meals: None
Day 2 Experience the Culture, Nature, and Wildlife of Tortuguero
Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind this morning, you’ll transer by vehicle to the La Pavona Dock where you’ll embark on a speedboat journey to your next stop in Tortuguero, the natural oasis of Mawamba Lodge, nestled between the sea and the village of Tortuguero.
Once here, you’ll visit the charming village of Tortuguero, known for its brightly coloured homes and shops and laid-back atmosphere.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Tortuguero National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Kayak the Tortuguero Canals
The protected wilderness area of Parque Nacional Tortuguero is yours to discover today, both on land and on water. Hop onboard a riverboat to explore the winding canals where monkeys chatter high up in the tree tops and spectacled caimans peak up out of the glass-like river water.
Later you’ll grab a paddle for a guided kayak tour through the canals before returning to the lodge for a restful overnight.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Tortuguero National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Speedboat to La Pavona Dock and on to La Fortuna
Up next on this thrilling highlight reel of Costa Rica is beautiful La Fortuna! Located in the northern lowlands of Costa Rica, La Fortuna is famous for its restorative hot springs and of course, the mighty Arenal Volcano.
You’ll travel again by speedboat today to return to the La Pavono Dock where your transfer to the Lomas del Volcan Hotel awaits. You’ll have the next 3 nights to soak up the views at this comfortable 4-star hotel featuring views of the Arenal Volcano and the surrounding lush tropical rainforests.
Overnight Location: Hotel in La Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 Unwind in the Arenal Volcano National Park’s Ecotermales Hot Springs
Today you’ll set out to explore the areas surrounding the majestic volcano you’ve been enjoying views of over the past 24 hours. You’ll join a local guide and small group for a volcano hike before unwinding in the relaxing, mineral-rich waters of the Ecotermales Hot Springs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in La Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 Free Day in La Fortuna
La Fortuna is yours to discover today at your leisure! Head into town or simply kick back at your hotel and enjoy the views.
Overnight Location: Hotel in La Fortuna
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Welcome to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Following breakfast this morning, you’ll check out from Lomas del Volcan Hotel and transfer to the Lake Dam dock. Hop on a ferry to Embarcadero, then it’s one final transfer to reach your next stop, the Monteverde Country Lodge.
This evening you’ll enjoy a serene night walk in the Moteverde Cloud Forest Reserve accompanied by a guide and small group.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Cable Car Sky Tram to the Continental Divide
The sky is your destination today, as you set out to soar to incredible heights on the Cable Car Sky Tram, bound for the continental divide. Perched atop one of Monteverde’s tallest mountains, you’ll revel in the views from the observation platform here, with ample opportunities for memorable photos.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Free Day in Monteverde
Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure in beautiful Monteverde.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Discover a Tropical Paradise in Manuel Antonio
Picture-perfect sandy shoreline awaits in the tropical paradise of Manuel Antonio which is your next stop on this highlights tour. This morning you’ll transfer directly from Monteverde Country Lodge to Parador Resort & Spa in beautiful Manuel Antonio where you’ll be based for the next 3 nights. Check in, then head to the beach for some fun in the sun!
Overnight Location: Resort in Manuel Antonio
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Beach Day
No Costa Rican adventure is complete with out an entire day dedicated to enjoying the beach! Relax at your beautiful hotel today and enjoy some quality beach time in this beautiful setting.
Overnight Location: Resort in Manuel Antonio
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Final Day in Paradise
Enjoy your final day of this magical adventure doing exactly what you want! Perhaps that looks like more time at the beach, some souvenir shopping, a hike in Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, or lazing by the pool at your hotel.
Overnight Location: Resort in Manuel Antonio
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Transfer to Airport to Depart
This morning you’ll depart and transfer to the airport for your onward travels. Say goodbye to Manuel Antonio as you head for San José Airport having come to know the Pura Vida!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
13-Day Highlights of Costa Rica Tour and Dates
This guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.- Group of 2+: from USD3375*
Accommodation on 13-Day Highlights of Costa Rica Tour
This tour is based in charming hotels and a tropical lodge. Accommodations on this trip are a mix of 3 and 4 star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the 13-Day Highlights of Costa Rica Tour?
Meals
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 12 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in San Jose or not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, including several private transfers and some shared transfers.
Also included
- English-speaking guides for activities
- Airport transfers
- Visit to Tortuguero Village
- Guided cancels tour in Tortuguero National Park
- Shared Kayak tour in Tortuguero National Park
- Shared Arenal Volcano Hike Tour and Ecotermales Hot Springs visit
- Shared Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Night Walk)
- Shared Sky Tram & Sky Walk Tour (Aerial Tram & Hanging Bridges)
Not included
- Flights to and from San José
- Insurance
- Visas if required
- Any meals not noted as included
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Anything not noted under ‘included’
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- How hard is the 13-Day Highlights of Costa Rica Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
- Are meals included on the 13-Day Highlights of Costa Rica Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to San Jose to start this tour?
- Is the 13-Day Highlights of Costa Rica Tour in English?
- Where does the 13-Day Highlights of Costa Rica Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Costa Rica?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Costa Rica?
We rate this tour as a 2 out of 5. It is a family friendly tour with options to make it easier for those traveling with young children.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover the activities mentioned in this itinerary. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into San Jose Airport (SJO) where a private transfer will greet you and take you to the starting point hotel.
Yes, the tour guides are English-speaking.
This tour ends with a private transfer from your final hotel, back to San Jose Airport (SJO).
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Since 1984 Horizontes Nature Tours has delivered top-quality service in Costa Rica. They dedicate time to exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations and authentic activities that allow them to offer unique barefoot-luxury experiences. Sustainability, quality, health, safety, and innovation are key ingredients in Horizontes Nature Tours immersive journeys.
